Ohio’s Christmas Train Tradition
Celebrate 40 years of family joy aboard the historic Hocking Valley Santa Train — a beloved Christmas ride through snow-covered Ohio hills.
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$24 USD
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All Ages
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2 Hours
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Ohio, United States
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Nelsonville
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- Festive Highlights
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- Two-hour scenic holiday train ride with Santa visits, decorated heated coaches, and candy cane treat for kids.
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- Warm clothing, camera, and printed paper tickets required for boarding.
Hocking Valley Santa Train Experience Features
Meet Santa On Board
Santa visits every child as the train rolls through the scenic Hocking River Valley.
Heated Holiday Coaches
Stay warm in decorated cars filled with festive lights and cheerful Christmas music.
Sweet Treat For Kids
Every child receives a candy cane from Santa before the journey’s end.
Hocking Valley Santa Train Experience Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Christmas Train Ride
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Meet Santa & Elves
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Heated Vintage Coaches
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Family Holiday Fun
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Hocking River Views
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Festive Music & Décor
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Candy Cane Treat
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Ohio Holiday Tradition
Description
For over 40 years, families have been celebrating the holidays aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train. Departing from the historic Nelsonville Depot, this two-hour round-trip journey through the Hocking River Valley brings Christmas magic to life. Each coach is fully decorated and heated, filling the air with festive music and anticipation. As the train winds through winter landscapes, Santa and his helpers make their way car to car, greeting children, collecting wish lists, and handing out candy canes. Parents can relax and enjoy the nostalgic sound of the rails while little ones watch snowflakes fall outside the window. Perfect for families, grandparents, and first-time riders, the Santa Train captures the charm of small-town Ohio traditions and creates memories that last a lifetime. Trains operate on select weekends from late November through December, and tickets sell out fast — so be sure to reserve your seats early for this treasured holiday experience.
Itinerary
10:15 AM Check-In → Arrive at Nelsonville Depot 30–45 minutes before departure. 11:00 AM Departure → Board the festive train and find your seats. 11:15 AM Santa Visit → Santa makes his rounds through each coach. 12:15 PM Candy Canes → Each child receives a special treat from Santa. 1:00 PM Return → Arrive back at the depot full of holiday spirit.
Price & Availability
Adults $24 | Seniors $20 | Children $19 | Under 3 free (lap). Non-refundable; reschedules not available.
Food & Drink
Concessions and soft drinks permitted on board.
Instructions
Arrive 30–45 minutes early; wheelchair access limited; board at Nelsonville Depot.
Restrictions
Heated but not fully accessible; wheelchair seating limited; arrive early for assistance.
Transportation
Free parking at Nelsonville Depot.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact Us
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Christmas Holiday Tours
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
