Sullivan Express Christmas Train Ride to Meet Santa

Sullivan Express Holiday Train Ride

Holiday train rides have become a huge hit with Indianapolis families. With so many Indy area Christmas train rides and Polar Express-type opportunities, you can find the perfect ride for your family. We’ve become big fans of the Sullivan Express Santa Train Ride because of the quality of the time we get to spend with Santa and the affordability for a large family. Tickets for the 2026 season go on sale Sunday, November 1 at 4 pm, so don’t miss out! Rides kick off Friday, November 20, with Santa’s Outpost rides scheduled through December 23.

Sullivan Express Santa Train Ride

The Sullivan Santa Express is a small train, a little larger than what you remember from the mall, and every ticket is a ticket for a whole train car. Sullivan’s says each car holds about 4 adults and 2 small children, and babies and toddlers can ride on laps. We generally fit 3 adults and 4 young kids just fine for the ride. If you have 1 or 2 extra adults who don’t fit in your car (grandparents, etc.), the Sullivan’s team can escort them to the North Pole to meet you there. For bigger groups, Sullivan’s asks that you buy enough cars for your whole party, since space at the North Pole is limited.

The train takes you and your family on a memorable trip to see Santa at the North Pole. You’ll pass by elaborately decorated and themed holiday displays with some fun characters, including reindeer training for the big day, elves busy at work, and a 16-bear orchestra. The train ride is narrated, and my kids love looking out the windows to see all of the things along the way.

• Every family has a non-rushed, semi-private time with Santa
• Enjoy beautiful displays and vignettes on your journey.
• Kids will love the activity centers and exploring the holiday decor.

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What to Expect at the Sullivan Santa Express Train Ride

Your magical journey begins at Central Station, located in Sullivan’s greenhouse at the 71st & N. Keystone location, where your family will check in. When the Sullivan Express Train arrives, your family will be seated together in one train car. You and your family will travel along your holiday adventure to the North Pole, where Santa awaits your visit. The ride is open-air, so dress for the weather!

The Sullivan’s Santa experience is sure to become one of your favorite family traditions, just like it is ours. The narrated train ride travels through bear country, where you’ll encounter some friendly bears doing some rather unusual things. Then you’ll come across the Candy Cane Factory scene. As the Sullivan Express leaves the woods, you’ll enjoy the smell of fresh greens as the North Pole-bound train moves through the Sullivan Christmas tree lot.

As the train gets closer to the North Pole, there is a small problem that leads the train on a new course and some unexpected surprises… that you’ll have to see for yourself!

Santa at Sullivan Hardware

Your magical journey begins at Central Station inside Sullivan Hardware & Garden at the 71st & N. Keystone location (6955 N. Keystone Ave.). Head through the front doors and follow the signs to check in. You’ll get a numbered train ticket, and trains are called by number, so keep your ears open! When the Sullivan Express Train arrives, your family will be seated together in one train car. You and your family will travel along your holiday adventure to the North Pole, where Santa awaits your visit. The ride is open-air, so dress for the weather! The train runs rain or shine, and there are window coverings to keep you dry.

The Sullivan’s Santa experience is sure to become one of your favorite family traditions, just like it is ours. The narrated train ride travels through bear country, where you’ll encounter some friendly bears doing some rather unusual things. Then you’ll come across the Candy Cane Factory scene. As the Sullivan Express leaves the woods, you’ll enjoy the smell of fresh greens as the North Pole-bound train moves through the Sullivan Christmas tree lot.

As the train gets closer to the North Pole, there is a small problem that leads the train on a new course and some unexpected surprises… that you’ll have to see for yourself!

Santa At The North Pole

Upon your arrival at the North Pole, which is inside a heated building, the kids color and start a craft in Santa’s workshop as your family takes turns with 2-3 other families visiting with Kris Kringle himself. Afterward, you will catch the same train back to Central Station. There’s a restroom at the North Pole, and each one has a baby changing station.

My kids love playing with the train tables and coloring, but our very favorite time is when we see Santa and share our wishes. We’ve never felt rushed or hurried during our time with Santa, and this is PERFECT for any kiddos who have some anxiety about meeting with him. Kids who are unsure about the big guy can play and keep their distance, and Santa is happy to be in your picture from across the room if that works best for your family.

You’ll take your own photos on your own cameras or ask one of the elves to help you out. No photo purchases are available or required.

Santa’s Outpost Experience

SSullivan’s also offers a non-stop trip to Santa’s Outpost. In this express train ride, passengers experience the same action-packed ride, but instead go to Santa’s Outpost, where everyone remains in the train car while Santa greets you for a quick hello and selfie. The stop lasts about 2 minutes, and this ride does not stop at the North Pole. Passengers will also get a cookie for the trip back from the Outpost to Central Station. The total time is about 17 minutes and costs $65 per train car.

Adults-Only Sullivan Express

Grown-ups love the Sullivan Express almost as much as the kids, so Sullivan’s has created some special opportunities just for adults! Check the calendar to book train rides and experiences like Santa’s Beer and Wine Flight, the Lunch Express, the North Pole Comedy Club, and more. The Beer and Wine Flight holds up to 4 adults per car and includes drink samples along the way plus one adult beverage per rider at Santa’s Outpost (21 and over only). These could be the perfect holiday date night or girls’ night out.

Food, Drinks and Parking

Sully’s Grill transforms into Central Station for the season, with a menu of warm-you-up bites, a pop-up hot chocolate bar, snacks, and holiday cookies. Beer and wine are available too, and you’re welcome to take your drink (hot chocolate included) on the train to the North Pole. Sullivan’s has added more than 60 parking spaces, but the lot still fills up, so give yourself plenty of time to park and check in.

Sullivan Santa Train Tickets

Make your reservation for the Sullivan Santa Express at SullivanExpress.com. Seating is limited. The cost is $80-98 per train car, with weekdays providing the most affordable tickets. That’s right, the cost is for the whole family, including parents, kids, and grandparents.

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Know Before You Go

• •  A purchase quantity of 1 includes your entire family… parents, kids, and grandparents. Don’t purchase by the number of people in your family…that will cost a lot more!
  • You are the photographer. You take all the photos you want with your camera or phone.
  • Once you leave the station, your total time, including travel time, is approximately 30 minutes, which includes 15 minutes at the North Pole.
  • Need to cancel or reschedule? Refunds and exchanges are available up to 24 hours before your ticket time by emailing events@sullivanhardware.com or calling 317-255-9230, ext. 7. Nothing can be changed after your ticket time passes.
  • Running late? Call 317-255-9230. The trains run on a tight schedule and most days sell out, so they’ll do their best to fit you in.

Book your tickets for Breakfast with Santa today!