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A Christmas Train Ride In Indiana Aboard The "Santa Train"!

Published: October 25, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the quiet countryside of North Judson, Indiana, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is a living tribute to Midwestern railroading and the communities that grew up alongside the tracks. For families, history buffs, and anyone who loves the romance of the rails, it’s an engaging blend of hands-on exhibits, historic equipment, and scenic excursion trains. And when the holidays roll around, the museum’s popular Santa Trains transform the experience into a festive tradition that draws visitors from across the region.

A crossroads of rail history

North Judson was once one of Indiana’s busiest rail hubs. Four major railroads converged here—lines associated with the New York Central, Pennsylvania Railroad, Chesapeake & Ohio, and the Erie/Lackawanna—creating a crisscross of mainlines that brought commerce and connection to rural Starke County.

As passenger service faded and freight routes consolidated in the late 20th century, local rail activity declined. A group of dedicated volunteers stepped forward to preserve what they could, and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum was born. Today, the museum safeguards the area’s rail heritage through restoration, education, and public excursions along a stretch of historic track.

What you’ll find at the museum
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum blends a traditional museum experience with the sensory appeal of a working rail yard. Visitors can stroll among vintage freight cars and cabooses, examine historical artifacts, and explore the grounds where equipment is actively maintained. One standout piece draws enthusiasts from far and wide: a massive Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 steam locomotive, a “Kanawha,” preserved as a static display and a striking backdrop for photos. The museum also maintains a roster of vintage diesel locomotives that power most excursion trains, plus cabooses and coaches restored by volunteers.

Inside the depot and displays, you’ll find interpretive panels and exhibits that explain how railroads shaped North Judson’s economy and daily life. Signals, signage, and tools of the trade offer a tactile sense of railroading before the digital age. On operating days, the property hums with activity as crews switch cars, prepare locomotives, and welcome passengers aboard for journeys through the countryside.

A ride through Indiana farmland
Excursions run on a portion of former Chesapeake & Ohio track, offering a gentle glide past fields, woodlots, and small-town scenes that change with the seasons. The pace is unhurried, the views expansive, and the sounds—steel on steel, the low rumble of a vintage diesel—evoke a time when railroads were the backbone of American transportation. Rides vary by event and schedule, with special themes throughout the year that appeal to families and photo-hungry railfans alike.

Enter the Santa Trains: a holiday favorite
Every winter, the museum’s Santa Trains become a centerpiece of regional holiday celebrations. These festive excursions capture the magic of the season by combining a scenic winter ride with a visit from Santa Claus himself. Cars are decked with holiday accents, volunteers don their seasonal best, and a joyful buzz fills the depot as families gather for their journey.

What to expect on board
- A relaxed, family-friendly ride: The Santa Trains are designed for comfort and fun, making them ideal for children and grandparents alike. Rides typically last under an hour, giving kids time to enjoy the experience without getting restless.
- A personal visit with Santa: Santa makes his way through the train, greeting children, posing for photos, and listening to wish lists. Many rides include a small treat or keepsake for kids, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the moment.
- Festive atmosphere: Holiday music, cheerful volunteers, and the cozy vibe of a heated car set the tone. The museum’s historic setting adds an authentic, nostalgic backdrop you won’t find in a mall or storefront photo op.
- Scenic winter views: Whether there’s a dusting of snow or a crisp December sun, the landscape around North Judson feels made for a holiday train. Bare trees reveal long views, and the quiet fields outside contrast with the laughter and warmth onboard.

Why the Santa Trains are so popular
- Tradition: Families return year after year, bringing new generations along. Kids who once waved to Santa from a coach seat often come back as teens, then as parents with their own children.
- Authenticity: Nothing beats the character of historic equipment and a real railroad line. The creak of the coaches, the smell of the rails, and the presence of a preserved steam locomotive on the grounds lend a sense of time and place that pre-packaged attractions can’t replicate.
- Community spirit: The Santa Trains are a volunteer-powered labor of love. Local rail enthusiasts, craftspeople, and supporters pitch in to decorate, operate, and staff the event, and proceeds help fund the museum’s preservation efforts.
- Value: Compared to big-city productions, the Santa Trains offer an accessible, down-to-earth experience that feels special without breaking the holiday budget.

Planning your visit
- Book early: Santa Trains are among the museum’s most in-demand events and often sell out. Secure your preferred date and time as soon as tickets are released.
- Arrive with time to spare: Plan to check in early, explore the grounds, and take photos by the equipment. The preserved steam locomotive and vintage cabooses are great backdrops for family portraits.
- Dress for the weather: While passenger cars are typically heated, you’ll likely spend time outdoors while boarding and exploring. Bundle up, especially for evening rides.
- Consider accessibility needs: If someone in your party uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the museum in advance to discuss boarding options and car configurations for your chosen date.
- Bring the essentials: Cameras or smartphones for Santa photos, gloves and hats, and a small bag for snacks if allowed. Some events may have concessions or a gift shop open for souvenirs.

Beyond the holidays: year-round experiences
The Santa Trains are a highlight, but the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum offers compelling reasons to return in other seasons. Spring and fall excursions showcase Indiana’s changing colors. Themed events like pumpkin trains or special photo charters appeal to families and photographers. Meanwhile, the museum’s restoration work continues behind the scenes, breathing new life into rail history one project at a time. Guided tours, hands-on displays, and a friendly volunteer crew make it easy to learn as you go.

A mission with lasting impact
Every ticket purchased for a Santa Train helps sustain the museum’s core mission: preserving rail history and sharing it with the public. Funds support track maintenance, equipment restoration, and educational programming. The museum also serves as a platform for skills that are increasingly rare—carpentry, metalwork, signaling, and railroad operations—handed down from seasoned volunteers to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Tips for making the most of your day
- Pair your visit with local dining: North Judson and surrounding towns offer classic diners and family-friendly restaurants. A warm meal before or after your ride rounds out the experience.
- Explore the exhibits first: Build anticipation by checking out switches, signals, and the big steam locomotive before boarding.
- Ask questions: Volunteers are a treasure trove of stories and knowledge. A quick conversation can turn a pleasant visit into a memorable one.

How to get tickets and updates
The museum typically announces Santa Train dates and tickets on its website and social media channels. Because schedules, equipment, and operations can change due to weather or maintenance needs, always confirm the details for your specific date. If you’re planning a group outing, reach out early—larger parties may need extra coordination to sit together.

A holiday tradition rooted in heritage
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s Santa Trains succeed because they’re more than a ride—they’re an immersion into a living piece of American heritage. The sounds, sights, and stories of the rails mingle with the warmth of the season, creating memories that outlast the holidays themselves. Whether you’re introducing a child to their first train ride, revisiting your own love of railroading, or simply searching for a heartfelt way to celebrate, the Santa Trains at North Judson deliver something rare: an experience that feels both timeless and uniquely personal.

In a world of fast-paced attractions, this small-town museum invites you to slow down, step aboard, and let the rhythm of the rails carry you into the heart of the holidays—one whistle and one smiling child at a time.