Holiday Train — Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum

The Mad River & Nickel Plate Railroad Museum, in Bellevue, Ohio, runs its annual Holiday Train from its Coach Yard, the former site of Bellevue's New York Central passenger station. The operator describes a short ride aboard one of its three restored railroad cabooses, which it says are heated, comfortable and fully operational, giving riders the experience of railroaders of a bygone era.

After the ride of about ten minutes, passengers enjoy hot cocoa and cookies in the restored Nickel Plate Road dining car No. 127, then head to the museum's Monument Station and Trackside Gifts to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. The train is pulled by diesel locomotive No. 353, a GE 45-tonner built for the US Navy.

The operator says the event suits young children, families and railfans, and that all proceeds support the volunteer-run, non-profit museum.

A ride of about ten minutes in a heated railroad caboose, then hot cocoa and cookies in the Nickel Plate Road dining car, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the museum's Monument Station, where the Trackside Gifts shop sells railroad gifts. Riders stay seated while the train is moving.

Trains board at the Coach Yard of the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum, 253 Southwest Street, Bellevue, Ohio. All tickets are pre-sold online and none are sold during the event; riders choose a departure time when they buy and should arrive at least 15 minutes before it. Every rider, including infants, needs a ticket, and tickets are valid only for the day purchased. A convenience fee may apply. Refunds are considered up to 15 days before the event; after that all sales are final. The cabooses and dining car are not handicap accessible. Public restrooms are inside Monument Station. If a train blocks the Southwest Street crossing, the operator advises using the Veterans Memorial overpass (OH-269).