Nickel Plate Express Reindeer Express
Passengers take a round-trip train ride aboard the historic Nickel Plate Express through northern Hamilton County toward Arcadia. Guests enjoy seasonal music, holiday cookies, and either hot chocolate or chocolate milk depending on their seating class. Children can write a letter to Santa for delivery to the North Pole post office and meet Santa on board.
All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
November: Standard Class Group of 2 $95; Standard Class Group of 4 $180; Platinum Class Private Table for 4 $210; Diamond Class Private Table for 4 $284; Diamond Class Private Table for 2 $142; Private Caboose $800. December: Standard Class Group of 2 $115; Standard Class Group of 4 $230; Platinum Class Private Table for 4 $250; Diamond Class Private Table for 4 $328; Diamond Class Private Table for 2 $164; Private Caboose $900. Diamond tickets include a private table, priority boarding, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, and a holiday cookie; Platinum tickets include a private table, hot chocolate, and a holiday cookie; Standard tickets include seating, chocolate milk, and a holiday cookie. The private caboose includes a private car for up to 20, a holiday treat tower, hot chocolate, and a Santa visit prior to departure. Standard infant tickets are available for ages 2 and under and do not include a seat; children 2 and under may ride free as a lap child in Standard seating only. Peak and off-peak prices vary.
Neighborhood
Forest Park
Food & Drink
Standard, Platinum, and Diamond tickets include a holiday cookie; Standard guests get chocolate milk, while Platinum, Diamond, and Private Caboose guests get hot chocolate, which must be pre-purchased at checkout; the caboose also includes a holiday treat tower.
Parking
Free parking is available within Forest Park, near Hobbs Depot or along the main road.
Accessibility
All seating is located upstairs, and passenger cars are not accessible.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 30 minutes before your ticketed departure; doors close five minutes before departure, and late arrivals are not rebooked or refunded.
- Purchase beverages at checkout, since drinks must be pre-purchased and outside food or beverages require prior approval.
- Dress warmly if riding in the Private Caboose; it can be chilly despite its space heater.
- Choose Standard seating if you plan to bring a lap child, since lap children are allowed only in that class.
- For the Private Caboose Santa visit, arrive early because Santa visits briefly before departure.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children age 2 and under ride free as lap children in Standard seating only.
- November rides have the lowest ticket prices.
- Premium Diamond and Platinum private-table tickets are sold separately; Diamond includes priority boarding.
- A private caboose for up to 20 people is sold separately; Santa visits it before departure.
- Evening departures are listed on November 14, 21, and 27–29, 2026.
Links & Contact
Run by Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the ride?
The round trip lasts 75 minutes and includes seasonal music, a holiday cookie, a letter-to-Santa activity, and a Santa visit. The train travels toward Arcadia and returns to Noblesville; passengers do not get off in Arcadia.
What refreshments are included, and can I bring my own?
Standard Class includes chocolate milk, while Platinum, Diamond, and Private Caboose tickets include hot chocolate; cookies are included. Beverages must be pre-purchased, and outside food or drinks need prior approval. Gluten- and dairy-allergy substitutions are available.
How should I choose seating for children or an odd-numbered group?
Standard seats are sold in groups of two or four, and children two and under may ride as lap children only in Standard. Table-seat children that age need a ticket and must sit safely on their own. Different ticket classes ride in separate cars.
Where can I park, and where do I check in?
Free parking is available in Forest Park near Hobbs Depot or along the main road. Check in and warm up at Hobbs Station at Forest Park Depot.
Is the train accessible, and what should Private Caboose passengers bring?
All seating is upstairs, and passenger cars are not accessible. The Private Caboose has no restroom and can be chilly despite its space heater, so dress warmly.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.