CAMERON HEALTH WELCOMES SANTA TO THE REGION ABOARD THE THIRD ANNUAL CAMERON CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Santa Claus will once again visit Northeast Indiana, Southeastern Michigan, and Western Ohio this holiday season aboard the Cameron Christmas Train, returning November 19–21, 2026, to spread holiday cheer and deliver gifts to families in communities along the railroad.
Now celebrating its third year, the Cameron Christmas Train has become a notable regional holiday tradition, combining the nostalgia of railroading with the spirit of generosity. Over three evenings, Santa and his helpers will travel aboard a festively decorated train, greeting families, distributing gifts, and creating unforgettable holiday memories in towns across three states.
Powered by Cameron Health, with additional support from regional businesses and community partners, the train will be operated by the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and Little River Railroad. Saturday’s train is also expected to feature historic steam locomotive power, adding another touch of old-fashioned Christmas magic to the celebration.
CAMERON CHRISTMAS TRAIN SCHEDULE
- Thursday, November 19 – Edon, Ohio to South Milford, Indiana
- Friday, November 20 – Pleasant Lake, Indiana to Reading, Michigan
- Saturday, November 21 – Hillsdale to Coldwater, Michigan
Since its inaugural journey in 2024, the Cameron Christmas Train has helped revive the longstanding railroad tradition of delivering holiday cheer directly to communities along its route. During its first year alone, the event served more than 8,000 residents and reached over 250,000 spectators in person and online.
Unlike traditional passenger excursions, the Cameron Christmas Train is a community celebration, with Santa and his helpers greeting visitors at designated stops rather than offering rides aboard the train. Families are encouraged to gather safely at announced locations, enjoy the decorated train, and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season together.
This year, families inspired by Santa’s arrival can continue the tradition with even more opportunities to climb aboard. The Indiana Rail Experience will introduce the Reindeer Run over Thanksgiving weekend, followed by the return of the popular Indiana Christmas Train throughout December.
NEW FOR 2026: RIDE THE REINDEER RUN THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
The magic of the Cameron Christmas Train continues over Thanksgiving weekend with the debut of the Reindeer Run, a new series of family-friendly passenger excursions bringing Santa and his train directly to three communities along the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
These special holiday train rides offer families an opportunity to enjoy a festive journey aboard historic passenger equipment, with Christmas decorations, holiday music, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
2026 Reindeer Run Schedule
- Friday, November 27 – Edon, Ohio
- Saturday, November 28 – Ashley/Hudson, Indiana
- Sunday, November 29 – South Milford, Indiana
Unlike the Cameron Christmas Train, the Reindeer Run offers ticketed passenger rides, with accommodations in Deluxe Coach and First Class. Families can enjoy individual seating or reserve a First Class table for four, offering a comfortable and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season together.
The Reindeer Run expands the Indiana Rail Experience’s holiday offerings into smaller communities, providing an affordable and accessible opportunity to experience historic train travel while supporting railroad preservation.
RIDE THE INDIANA CHRISTMAS TRAIN IN DECEMBER
The holiday festivities continue throughout December with the return of the Indiana Christmas Train, departing from Pleasant Lake, Indiana, on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, and 22.
BOOK THE INDIANA CHRISTMAS TRAINThese 90-minute Christmas excursions transport passengers through the winter countryside aboard beautifully decorated historic passenger cars, featuring festive music, holiday lights, and a personal visit from Santa Claus aboard every departure.
Available accommodations include Deluxe Coach, First Class, Family Packages, and premium seating experiences, including exclusive Pullman and private table accommodations aboard the Christmas Kitchen Car and Cocktail Class for guests 21 and over.
With a variety of departure times and accommodations for families, couples, and groups, the Indiana Christmas Train offers a nostalgic and memorable way to celebrate the season while supporting the preservation and operation of historic railroad equipment.
ABOUT CAMERON HEALTH
Cameron Health is an independent, non-profit hospital system serving northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan.
Cameron focuses on whole-person wellness through community partnerships, innovation, and compassionate relationships, with values rooted in inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Discover more about its mission at cameronhealth.com.
ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD
For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences celebrating the Golden Age of Railroading — a transformative era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity spanning the 1930s to the 1950s.
In 2023, its rail tourism partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company, the Indiana Rail Experience, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana. Since 2022, its events have generated an economic impact of over $5 million in Northeast Indiana.
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s operations are made possible entirely by volunteers and funded through ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.
The Indiana Rail Experience is a celebration of our region’s remarkable railroad history and made possible through a special partnership with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
