Illustration of a santa visit scene (The Polar Express Train Ride at Dennison Depot)
Other Christmas Activities

The Polar Express Train Ride at Dennison Depot

All aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Dennison Depot! Don your favorite pajamas for an enchanting reenactment of the classic story. Enjoy carols, games, hot chocolate, and cookies as festive elves entertain you. Santa Claus himself will visit each child onboard, presenting a special jingle bell. This cherished family adventure promises to create lasting memories.

What to Expect

Authentic Polar Express™ train ride with Santa visit.

Event Details

Duration

Approximately 2 hours per excursion (including boarding)

Ages

All ages (tickets required for 1 year and up)

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and cookies served on board; local restaurants suggested for meals.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Magical, festive, nostalgic

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (event proceeds rain or shine, but guests should dress appropriately)

Location

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
400 Center St
Dennison, OH
44621

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is available, but passengers are advised to allow extra travel time to find parking.
  • Accessibility: The vintage train cars are not ADA compliant and have limited wheelchair accessibility. Passengers with walking difficulty or in wheelchairs should call 740-922-6776 prior to booking to confirm accommodation.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for parking and boarding, as gates close strictly five minutes before departure.
  • Purchase tickets as early as possible, especially for preferred seating or times, as they sell out quickly. Museum members get early access.
  • Dress warmly and comfortably, and avoid open-toed shoes, high heels, or long scarves, as these can be hazardous when boarding and unboarding the vintage train cars.
  • For groups wishing to sit together, all tickets must be purchased at the same time with a single payment to ensure seating arrangements.
  • Consider booking a First Class or Deluxe ticket for a more comfortable experience, which includes additional amenities and a warmer waiting area.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Elf Parade before select departures
  • First Class seating includes waiting room access and special treats for children
  • Whole car rentals available for private group experiences

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended arrival time?

It is strongly suggested to arrive one hour prior to departure to allow ample time for parking and ticket pickup. Passengers board one-half hour before departure.

Are strollers allowed on the train?

Strollers can be left for safekeeping in designated Stroller Parking at the Depot. They are not permitted inside the Depot or onboard the train.

What is the refund policy?

All ticket sales are final unless the event is officially canceled by the Dennison Depot or the Railroad, in which case refunds will be issued. No refunds for missed departures.

Can I bring a baby carrier?

Baby carriers are permitted, but you must purchase an additional ticket to place the carrier on a seat, as there is no way to anchor them.

What are the seating options?

Seating options include Coach, Deluxe, and First Class, with varying amenities. Private compartments and entire car rentals are also available for larger groups. Seating is assigned based on ticket class and order time.

Tags

train ridesSanta visitsfamily friendlyholiday traditionchildrens activitiesseasonal activitiesfestive foodholiday seasoninteractive displays

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team