Santa's Candy Cane Express
Visitors can board Santa's Candy Cane Express featuring open and enclosed passenger coaches, with the museum operating up to three railroads depending on the weather. Guests can meet Santa inside a real railroad caboose and stop by Doc's Soda Fountain for hot cocoa, ice cream, or lunch. The Depot Store gift shop is also open for browsing train-themed gifts.
What to Expect
Ride festive trains and visit Santa in a railroad caboose.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
South Shore Conventions & Visitors Authority
Food & Drink
Doc’s Soda Fountain serves hot cocoa, ice cream, and lunch.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children and train enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $5–9; no admission charge. Bring a new toy worth at least $9 to receive a ticket for a train ride for the 2026 season. – Get tickets
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM; trains depart at frequent intervals, Noon - 4:00 Central.
- Parking: There is no parking charge.
Tips & Advice
- Bring a new toy that meets the minimum value to get a train ride ticket you can use any time during the 2026 season.
- If you plan to ride in an open coach, dress warmly, because the train runs both open and enclosed passenger coaches.
- Get a hot cocoa at Doc's Soda Fountain before you board, or have lunch there, since it also serves ice cream and meals.
- Keep your tickets if heavy snow falls, because they are refunded when the small trains can't run.
- Leave time to browse the Depot Store gift shop if you have train fans on your holiday shopping list.
Special Events & Promotions
- Bring a new toy that meets the minimum value and get a train ride ticket good for the 2026 season.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do besides riding the train?
You can visit Santa inside a real railroad caboose, stop at Doc's Soda Fountain, and browse the Depot Store, the museum's gift shop, for train-themed gifts.
Are the train cars open or enclosed?
Santa's Candy Cane Express has both open and enclosed passenger coaches.
Where can we get something to eat or drink?
Doc's Soda Fountain serves hot cocoa, ice cream and lunch.
What happens if it snows?
Depending on the weather, the museum runs all three of its railroads. If heavy snow stops the small trains from running, your tickets are refunded.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No. Parking at the museum is always free.
More Christmas Events Near Hammond
More Christmas Events near Hammond
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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.