Get in the holiday spirit with a festive train ride. Experience the sights and sounds of riding on a historic train car while enjoying a holiday cookie, festive music and even a visit from Santa. Cash bar available on board for this holiday date night. Enjoy a holiday drink in the 21+ Duke Dining Car while riding on a 1950s train through Northern Hamilton County.
2023 Reindeer Ride Express FAQs
All aboard the 2023 Reindeer Ride Express. Join Nickel Plate Express for a magical holiday adventure aboard the historic 1950s train. Wear your festive holiday outfits as you board the train to enjoy Northern Hamilton County’s scenic countryside. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, listen to holiday music, and take pictures as the train chugs along its route to a magical holiday experience! Included in each ticket is a festive cookie, a 75-minute train ride, and a chance to write a letter to Santa.
The journey will be even more memorable with a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Enjoy the wonders of the season as you travel through the Hamilton County countryside, and make sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the memories.
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Added this year, is the holiday caboose. The historic Monon caboose can be rented out for a private group of up to 25 people. This special car is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit. The caboose is decorated with a festive atmosphere and provides excellent views of the surrounding area. It also includes a special holiday menu and a selection of beverages. All of this creates an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Seating has changed this year, so please review the information. Tickets will go on sale July 1st to the public.
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Fridays:
November 24 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
December 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays:
November 11, 18 and 25
December 2, 9, 16 and 23
2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day
Sundays:
November 12, 19 and 26
December 3, 10 and 17
2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day
and a special bonus day on Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
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Standard Class Seating– Our reserved coach offers roomy and spacious economical seating. Seats are in groups of two or 4. You must purchase these seats as a group. Seating for the groups of 4 will face each other. This seating is the best option for younger children. Lap children under the age of 2 are welcome in this car. Please reserve a ticket for each lap child. -
Standard Class- sold in either groups of 2 or 4
$105- includes 2 admission tickets and a holiday cookie for each passenger.
$214- includes 4 admission tickets and a holiday cookie for each passenger.
Diamond Class- sold by the table
$275 for a 4-top table- includes a private 4-top table, priority boarding, holiday treats for each guest including hot chocolate in a holiday souvenir mug and a holiday cookie.
$132 for a 2-top table- includes items above for a group of 2 passengers.
Platinum Class- sold by the table
$225- includes a private 4-top table, admission for up to 4 people and a holiday cookie for each guest.
Private Caboose
$750- includes admission for up to 20 guests, hot chocolate and cookies.
For groups of 20 or more, please contact us for pricing and seating options at info@nickelplateexpress.net.
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What should I wear?
Wear whatever you are comfortable in! We see passengers dressed in their finest holiday attire and others dressed in matching pajamas. Whatever your style is, we recommend good shoes and layers in case of cold weather.
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes! There are utilitarian style restrooms on board. These small bathrooms are located on the lower level of the Platinum and Standard cars. There is also a restroom located at the depot.
Are your cars handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, currently our cars are not accessible. Passengers are seated upstairs on the train cars and will need to navigate 8 steep steps to get to the seating areas.
Does the train have heat?
The train cars do have heat, but we still recommend bringing layers to keep comfortable. The system is old and on a cold day it is still drafty in the train.
Can I buy alcohol in all train cars?
Yes. We will have a small bar set up in each train car. Car attendants will come to your seats to take your order and deliver drinks. In the Standard seating we offer beer, wine and a holiday cocktail on the menu. In the Diamond and Platinum seating we offer beer, wine, and a variety of cocktails.
Will we sit together?
If your group desires to sit together, you MUST purchase all the tickets in one order. If you need assistance purchasing them, please email us at info@nickelplateexpress.org.
Is there plenty of parking available?
Yes, there is ample parking inside Forest Park. Please allow plenty of time to park and check in.
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Boarding Location
All trains will depart from Hobbs Station at Forest Park Depot in Noblesville, Indiana. The address is 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060. The ride will go north to Arcadia and then return south to Hobbs Station. Passengers will remain on the train the entire ride.