Reindeer Express — Nickel Plate Express

The Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad runs the Reindeer Express as a 75-minute holiday ride on the historic Nickel Plate Express, boarding at Forest Park in Noblesville, Indiana. The operator describes a round trip that travels north through Cicero and Arcadia and returns the same way; passengers do not get off at the turnaround in Arcadia.

The ride includes seasonal music, a holiday cookie for each guest, a letter-to-Santa activity and a visit from Santa. Families can write a letter to Santa and see it delivered to the North Pole post office. Standard Class guests receive chocolate milk; Platinum Class, Diamond Class and Private Caboose guests receive hot chocolate. Diamond Class adds priority boarding and a souvenir mug.

Standard seating is sold in groups of two or four, while Platinum and Diamond classes are sold as private tables, and a private Monon caboose seats up to 20 people. All seating is upstairs and the passenger cars are not accessible. The operator notes that visibility outside the train is limited on evening rides.

A 75-minute round trip from Noblesville toward Arcadia with seasonal music, a holiday cookie, a letter-to-Santa activity (letters are delivered to the North Pole post office) and a visit from Santa. Chocolate milk in Standard Class, hot chocolate in the higher classes. Outside views are limited on evening rides.

Boards at Forest Park, 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville, Indiana; check in and warm up at Hobbs Station at the Forest Park Depot. Free parking in Forest Park. Arrive 30 minutes before departure; doors close 5 minutes before departure and late arrivals are not rebooked or refunded. Beverages must be pre-purchased at checkout and no outside food or drink is permitted without prior approval; gluten- and dairy-free substitutions are available. Small restrooms are on the train for emergencies, with others at Hobbs Station. Standard seating is sold in groups of 2 or 4 and children 2 and under may ride free on a lap in Standard Class only. All seating is upstairs and the cars are not accessible. Trains run on Eastern Time.