From now until Dec. 28, Lebanon’s North Pole Express will be transporting visitors to holidays of years past with a ride aboard early 20th century restored train cars. While on board the North Pole Express, guests can look forward to a visit with Santa and his elves, on-board entertainment, holiday music and hot chocolate and cookies. Each train ride lasts for approximately an hour and 20 minutes.
“The North Pole Express is a special experience, as it is the only holiday themed train ride in Southwest Ohio,” said Leigh Thomas, Marketing and Grant Writing Manager for the LM&M Railroad. “Passengers ride on lovingly restored rail cars that are decorated for the holiday while meeting Santa. Every passenger, young and old, spends quality time with Santa and his elves. It's the perfect holiday event for all ages.”
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Perhaps, as a nod to the popular holiday movie “The Polar Express,” each child who rides the North Pole Express will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh and a souvenir train ticket.
“We encourage you to bring your own camera as pictures with Santa are allowed and encouraged,” said Thomas. “Balloon artists will also be on board the train. Each child will receive a special ‘North Pole Express’ souvenir train ticket. Elves will lead singalongs of Christmas carols.”
Guests can either ride Deluxe Coach Class or Coach Class, with the first offering a LM&M Railroad exclusive Christmas tree ornament per family. Coach passengers will be seated in the 1930’s restored Lackawanna coach cars with traditional railroad “walk-over” style seating.
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“Try to arrive 30 minutes before departure so you can explore the holiday lights and Christmas scenes and pick up your complimentary hot cocoa and Christmas cookie,” said Thomas. “Hot cocoa is given in LM&M Railroad souvenir mugs, along with decorated cookies, to every passenger.”
Before or after riding the North Pole Express, explore the other local institutions that make Lebanon an idyllic city for daytime adventure, from the area-famous Golden Lamb restaurant to the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory. And, on Dec. 7, guests aboard the North Pole Express will also be able to wander through Lebanon’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Carriage Parade and Festival.
The LM&M Railroad also offers other themed railroad rides throughout the month of December. The Holiday Express is a festive train ride sans Santa and his elves that rumbles through the wintry landscape of Warren County. It departs on Dec. 11 and 18 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. If you prefer munching on snacks while on board the historic train, the LM&M Railroad offers a holiday version of the Wine & Cheese Train, also departing on Dec. 11 and 18 at 7 p.m.
WANT TO GO?
What: LM&M Railroad's North Pole Express
When: Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28. Weekday rides: 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday rides: noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., Sunday rides: noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. Dec. 24 rides: 4 and 6 p.m. No rides at noon on Dec. 28.
Where: LM&M Railway Ticket Office is located at 16 E. South St. in Lebanon
Cost: Purchase tickets at lebanonrr.com/northpole. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to purchase as soon as possible.
Coach class:
Adults: $26
Children (2-16) & Seniors (62+): $22
Deluxe class:
Adults: $39
Children (2-16) & Seniors (62+): $35
All departures:
Infants (1 yr. & under): $5
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