THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — French Lick Scenic Railway

The French Lick Scenic Railway in southern Indiana presents THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride after its autumn scenic excursions, running through November and December according to the railway. Families relive the holiday story on a journey to the North Pole with festive treats, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

The railway says the onboard experience is roughly 75 minutes. Seating is sold as Lower Level Coach, Upper Level Coach, First Class and Dome Class, with pricing that varies by date. Every guest is served hot chocolate and a cookie and receives the first gift of Christmas from Santa, a silver sleigh bell. First Class guests take home a souvenir ceramic hot chocolate mug, and Dome Class guests take home the annual mug and an exclusive special gift.

Before boarding, the depot has a gift shop with Polar Express merchandise and an activities tent where children can color on a giant dry-erase board and play with wooden train sets. The railway's About page says the Indiana Railway Museum, which runs it, relocated to French Lick in 1978.

About 75 minutes on board with hot chocolate and a cookie, festive entertainment and a visit from Santa, who gives every guest a silver sleigh bell. First Class guests take home a souvenir ceramic hot chocolate mug; Dome Class guests also receive the annual mug and an exclusive special gift. The depot offers a gift shop and an activities tent before boarding.

French Lick Scenic Railway, 8594 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432; phone 1.800.74.TRAIN. The railway asks passengers to arrive about one hour before departure to pick up tickets at Will Call. Trains depart promptly at the scheduled time and all times are Eastern. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure and doors close 5 minutes before departure. Classes: Lower Level Coach, Upper Level Coach, First Class and Dome Class, priced by value, moderate or peak dates. The railway says many dates sell out early.