(Source: Indiana Rail Road press release, October 5, 2021)
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Returning from the pandemic hiatus, Santa Claus will once again be coming to town by train. Children living in communities in southern Indiana and eastern Illinois served by The Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) will get a chance to see Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 3, 4, and 5. The Santa Train will make 12 stops over three busy days, and INRD invites families to the festively decorated train to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Because safety is of the utmost importance, the Santa Train schedule and format will be modified for 2021. Santa’s elves will arrive ahead of the train to prepare for Santa’s arrival. Families are invited to come and watch Santa and Mrs. Claus come to town in style on the newly restored INRD caboose car and mail letters directly to Santa via the INRD Northpole Express Mailbox. The opportunity to come aboard the train and visit with Santa will not be available this year as the health, security, and safety of our employees and community must be our first priority. The event is free and open to children and grownups of all ages.
The Santa Train originated in 1989 as a volunteer project of Indiana Rail Road Company employees. In 2020, the employees, families, and volunteers who bring this cherished tradition to more than 7,000 people during its three-day tour were heartbroken over the cancellation of the festivities. Much hard work and dedication has been poured into reviving the Santa Train for 2021 in its modified form.
Full story: Indiana Rail Road (PDF)