My family and I recently had the opportunity to hop aboard the caboose of the Nickel Plate Express and ride the rails! In fact, we went on Sunday evening and it was the perfect kick-off to our Christmas! Our two children have been chomping at the bit with anticipation of our voyage and were eagerly awaiting to embark on this festive holiday adventure.
After just hosting Thanksgiving, this event was the perfect first splash of the Christmas season. If you’ve never had the chance to ride in the caboose of a train, it is truly an exciting experience, especially for little ones! We’ve been fortunate enough to ride on the Nickel Plate Express before, but this experience was truly unique and memorable for the young and young-at-heart.
Our 75-minute adventure was nothing short of pure holiday charm. Once we climbed aboard, we were able to enjoy the cozy adventure from Noblesville to Arcadia. We were also delighted to see lights on the way as we embarked in the evening.
Saint Nick himself was there, too, which was a treat for all, especially the kiddos in our caboose. He spent time with the children, and we were all able to enjoy hot cocoa and delicious cookies.
The Rathz kids were thrilled to meet with Santa during their ride on the Reindeer Express! (Photo by Megan Rathz)
The icing on the cake, or rather cookie, was our children being able to deliver their letters to Santa at the North Pole post office. A postman made his rounds throughout the train to pick up the letters written by the children and made sure to get them to Santa himself. Our family was also able to experience and enjoy Christmas music along the way. If you were not in the mood prior to the festive ride aboard the Reindeer Express, I can promise you after a spirited ride north with Santa, your loved ones, and warm cup of cocoa, you will be a jolly old elf by the time you depart the Nickel Plate Express.
Speaking of jolly elves, I have to give a huge shoutout to Jovie, our personal elf, who was wonderful!
The hospitality of the folks (or elves) at Nickel Plate Express is truly unmatched. This train ride was a cherished experience for my family and a beloved new tradition for years to come. If you have not had a chance to ride the NPX rails, do it! The only regret you will have is that you did not do it sooner!
Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.