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An Indiana Christmas Train Ride In Noblesville

Published: November 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Nickel Plate Express - officially the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad - blends small-town charm, Midwestern scenery, and living railroad history into one of Indiana’s most beloved excursion experiences. Operating on a historic rail corridor in northern Hamilton County, it offers themed rides that turn a day out into a memory—especially during the holidays, when its Reindeer Express becomes a family tradition for thousands of riders.

At its heart, the Nickel Plate Express is about preservation and connection. The route follows a former Nickel Plate Road line, part of the once-sprawling New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, known for fast freight and dependable passenger service across the Midwest. Today’s excursions keep that story alive in a hands-on way. Instead of reading about railroading in a book, you hear the diesel engine notch up, step into vintage coaches, and feel the gentle sway of the rails beneath you. The organization behind the rides is mission-driven and community-oriented, working with local partners and volunteers to preserve equipment, restore depots, and bring visitors to the area’s small towns.

Throughout the year, the Nickel Plate Express runs a calendar of themed excursions designed for different interests and ages. You’ll find leisurely seasonal rides that showcase rural landscapes, special events that pair food and drink with live narration, and family-friendly outings that lean into storytelling and hands-on fun. The variety is part of the appeal: a couple might book a date-night excursion in the spring, then bring the kids for a themed ride in the summer or fall. Yet among all those options, one experience consistently stands out for popularity and pure joy: the Reindeer Express.

The Reindeer Express is the Nickel Plate Express’s signature holiday excursion, an immersive celebration of the season that turns a simple train ride into a moving winter postcard. Typically scheduled throughout late November and December, this ride sells out quickly because it checks all the boxes families are looking for: it’s festive, cozy, easy to plan, and packed with moments that children remember long after the holidays are over. From the moment you arrive at the depot, you’re greeted by twinkling lights, holiday music, and a bustle of cheerful hosts ready to welcome you aboard.

Expect the rolling stock to be transformed for the occasion. The coaches are decked out in seasonal décor, with garlands and ornaments, warm lighting, and little touches that make the ride feel special without being over the top. Seating is comfortable and, importantly for Midwest winters, the cars are climate-controlled so everyone stays toasty even when the temperature dips outside. Onboard hosts set the tone with friendly banter and lead sing-alongs and games that keep kids entertained without overwhelming adults.

Santa is the undisputed star of the Reindeer Express. He appears aboard the train to meet every child, listen to holiday wishes, and pose for photos. The team keeps these interactions relaxed and personal; instead of a rushed line, families usually get a few moments to chat and snap a picture. Elves or holiday helpers move through the cars to pass out treats and help coordinate visits. Hot cocoa and cookies are part of the tradition, adding that extra sense of comfort you expect from a winter outing. While activities can vary by year, you’ll often find opportunities for kids to write letters, hear holiday stories, or take part in simple crafts either onboard or at the depot before departure.

The ride itself is part time travel, part small-town sightseeing. As the train rolls through northern Hamilton County, you see a slice of Indiana that’s easy to miss from the highway: quiet fields, clusters of historic homes, tree lines dusted with snow when the weather cooperates. Daylight departures highlight the landscape; evening departures turn the windows into frames for twinkling lights and festive storefronts as the train passes through towns along the route. The pace is unhurried by design, giving families time to savor the experience and soak in the atmosphere. Most Reindeer Express trips are designed to fit comfortably within a morning or evening, making it simple to bundle the ride with dinner at a local restaurant or other holiday plans.

If you’re planning your first Reindeer Express, a little preparation goes a long way. Tickets tend to go on sale well before the season, and prime weekends fill quickly—set a reminder to book early, especially if you’re coordinating a larger group. Boarding locations and schedules can vary, so check your ticket carefully for the correct depot and recommended arrival time. Aim to be at the station at least 30 minutes ahead of departure to pick up tickets if needed, visit the gift shop, take photos by the decorations, and get settled without rushing. Many families make a ritual of wearing pajamas or festive sweaters; it’s not required, of course, but it adds to the fun and makes for memorable pictures with Santa.

For families with young children, bring any must-have comforts—favorite mittens, a small blanket, or a backup snack—so you can focus on the fun. Strollers are typically fine at the depot but may be easiest to leave in your vehicle during the ride; a small diaper bag is more convenient in the aisle. Check the Nickel Plate Express website or your ticket confirmation for details on amenities. Restrooms are available at the boarding site, and some cars may have onboard facilities depending on equipment for your specific train. If accessibility is a concern, reach out in advance—staff can advise on boarding assistance and appropriate accommodations for your date.

Beyond the family memories, the Reindeer Express has a broader impact. Seasonal trains bring visitors to nearby towns during a time of year when foot traffic matters for local shops and eateries. The attraction also provides hands-on educational value: kids who might only see trains in picture books get to hear a locomotive up close and learn a little about how railroads shaped their region. The revenue and attention support continued restoration and preservation work, keeping vintage equipment operable and history tangible for the next generation.

While the Reindeer Express takes the spotlight in winter, consider the Nickel Plate Express a year-round invitation to unplug and connect. Spring and summer rides are relaxed, with open countryside views; autumn rides show off harvest colors and crisp air. The organization often pairs excursions with special themes, partnerships, and community events, so there’s always a reason to come back. Each visit complements the holiday ride in a different way, and together they offer a gentle antidote to overscheduled calendars: slow down, look out the window, and share a new experience with people you care about.

Practicalities are straightforward. Dress for the weather outside, but expect the coaches to be warm. Bring a charged phone or camera; the light inside the cars is soft and pleasant, but an extra photo taken at the depot or just after sunset can capture the glow. If gifts are part of your plan, a small surprise tucked into a coat pocket can add to the magic after Santa’s visit. And remember that the best moments are often the simplest ones: a child’s quiet concentration writing a letter, the sound of carols rolling down the aisle, the way a landscape looks from the height of a train window.

The Nickel Plate Express is more than a train ride. It’s a bridge between past and present, a reason to gather, and a reminder that the most enduring traditions are the ones we share. The Reindeer Express exemplifies that spirit—festive, friendly, and full of warmth. If you’re ready to make a new holiday memory, book early, bundle up, and let the rails do the rest.