Polar Express 2021: Plan Ahead Now to Catch the Train

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Let’s talk about Christmas. Yes, maybe it seems like a faraway target considering the soul-sucking summer heat we are enduring this week. But when it comes to the renowned Polar Express ride in French Lick during the holidays, you can never plan too far ahead.

Tickets are going past for the Polar Express excursion offered through the French Lick Scenic Railway — especially with pent-up demand after the train was parked in 2020 due to the pandemic. Here’s the ticket situation and a few different ways you can get your hands on some:

Through the French Lick Scenic Railway

Did we mention how popular the Polar Express ride is? All weekend dates in December are already sold out, along with Saturdays in November. However, tickets are still available most Fridays and Sundays in November, plus select dates around Christmas Day for this magical 80-minute ride to the North Pole and back.

There are still openings for December 21, 22 and 23. The Railway added a couple post-Christmas dates this year as well to give more families the opportunity to ride, and tickets are still available for the December 27, 28 and 29 rides as well.

Jumping on tickets now would be a good idea. Joanie Dingman of the French Lick Scenic Railway estimates that all dates will be sold out by October.

“The demand has blown us out of the water this year. Beyond what we expected. The only dates that are slow-moving right now are the three dates after Christmas. Everything else is gradually selling out,” she said. “We are very excited to be back up and running. And we’re very excited to have all these guests coming back to the area.”

The Railway does anticipate masks will be required on the train for all guests (except for those under 2) and all staff as well — Santa included. New this year is a Dome Class ticket, which is a bump up from first class. Dome Class riders get a 360-degree view from the train and receive an extra keepsake mug and saucer. Plus an extra plate of those tempting homemade cookies for the whole table.

Through French Lick Resort

If you had your heart set on those coveted weekend dates in December, you’ve still got options. French Lick Resort offers a Polar Express Package that includes a one-night stay at either French Lick or West Baden Springs Hotel, along with up to four Polar Express coach-class tickets per room.

Several weekend dates in December have availability, including the 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th. If you’ve never been to French Lick during the holidays — with our famous gingerbread house, the hotels decorated to the hilt and Polar Express families in their matching pajamas — it’s truly a bucket-list experience. Plan ahead, snag a Polar Express ticket and make a weekend of it.

Through the Senior LPGA Auction

Another option? Bid on one of the two Polar Express Overnight Packages in the Senior LPGA Championship Auction, which runs through August 25.

A winning bid would get you an overnight stay at French Lick Springs Hotel, and four coach-class Polar Express tickets on one of the primetime dates: Friday, December 10 or Friday, December 17. The opening bid of $200 is half of the prize package value. And with all auction proceeds benefitting Riley Children’s Foundation, it’s a win all around.