Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Peninsula Station is shown above. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Ohio has a selection of holiday-themed train rides that may take you back to your childhood, and bring great memories to your children or grandchildren. Here’s where to find them.

Akron area — Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers train rides through scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park. From Nov. 8 – Dec. 21, CVSR offers the North Pole Adventure™, an enchanting 26-mile ride departing from the Akron Rockside Station (5 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.). The ride features cheerful elves, hot chocolate, cookies, carols and a visit from Santa himself. New this year is a Candy Cane Farm and Christmas Tree Forest.

Dennison — Dennison Railroad Depot Museum 

A National Historic Landmark, the Dennison Railroad Depot is home to a museum, cafe, theatre, model railroad and gift shop. Put on your favorite pair of pajamas and enjoy The Polar Express Train Ride during the holiday season. Ride dates are Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Board a decorated vintage coach while storytellers read “The Polar Express” book aloud. And as the train gets closer to the North Pole, you’ll be entertained with elves, activities, cookies, and of course, a visit from Santa.

Findlay — Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

Findlay’s Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation features model-sized and quarter-scale trains to full scale-sized trains. For the holidays, from late November through the end of December you can board the North Pole Express, quarter-scale trains for a journey through a winter wonderland of lights and festive decorations.

Lebanon — Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad

Warren County and southwest Ohio is the itinerary of the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad. LM&M Railroad’s most popular event is the North Pole Express. This 1 hour and 15 minute ride allows passengers to spend time with Santa and his elves as the holiday-decorated train runs down the tracks. All children receive a souvenir bell and holiday cookie. Rides start on weekends Nov. 15 and run every day from Dec. 11 to Dec. 23. 

Mt. Perry — Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

Join the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad for an entertaining and festive Santa Train Event. This train takes visitors on a 40-minute ride through Perry County in southeast Ohio. Children get treats and gifts from Santa; bring a new toy or food donation for ticket discount. Choose from open air or indoor seating. Santa Train dates are Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. 

Nelsonville — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville 

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway features its popular Santa Train, traveling along the picturesque Hocking River Valley. From Nov. 30 – Dec. 22, join Santa for a 2-hour train ride with Christmas music, holiday decorations and a special candy cane treat.  

Read about more railroad-related attractions in Ohio at Dustytires.com.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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