LM&M Railroad North Pole Express
A magical train ride with Santa, singing elves, cookies, balloon animals, and the authentic Polar Express experience.
We love the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. The rail cars are historical and genuinely cool, and we keep coming back year after year. We usually do a couple of train rides each year—Easter, Christmas, and maybe another one thrown in—but the North Pole Express is always special.
The Experience
Every year they improve the Polar Express experience, and this year was no different. From the moment you board, you’re immersed in the magic.
The beautifully decorated rail cars
The elves came through singing carols and bringing cookies to the kids. There’s always an elf making balloon animals—or hats, or candy canes—for the kids throughout the ride. Christmas music plays the whole time, setting the perfect atmosphere.
Santa and the Conductor
Santa was fantastic. I really don’t have anything bad to say. The visit with him felt personal and unhurried.
The conductor was phenomenal too. He came by and punched out the kids’ names in their special cards, just like Polar Express tickets. It’s those authentic touches that make the experience feel magical rather than manufactured.
The festive atmosphere aboard the North Pole Express
The Timing
The ride is about an hour and fifteen minutes, which is just right. Long enough to feel like a real experience, but not so long that kids get restless. You journey down the train tracks of Warren County, and the time passes quickly with all the entertainment.
The One Downside
The only downside is that it’s pretty expensive. Starting at $30 per person for Coach Class (and $40 for Deluxe), it adds up quickly for a family. But honestly, you get what you pay for—the quality of the experience justifies the price.
Practical Details
- Dates: Select days from late November through just before Christmas
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Location: 127 S Mechanic St, Lebanon, OH
- Tickets: Pre-purchase required at lebanonrr.com (sells out quickly)
- Tip: Book early—popular dates and times sell out fast, and prices may increase on peak dates
Final Thoughts
The LM&M Railroad North Pole Express is a phenomenal experience. The historical rail cars, the singing elves, the balloon animals, the cookies, Santa, the conductor punching tickets—it all comes together beautifully. We keep coming back because they keep delivering. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s worth it for the memories.