LEBANON TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Murder on the Holiday Express: LM&M Railroad’s The Most Wonderful Crime
A 3-hour interactive holiday murder-mystery aboard the LM&M Railroad in Lebanon, Ohio that pairs a live whodunnit with a buffet dinner and festive characters.
Murder on the Holiday Express: LM&M Railroad’s The Most Wonderful Crime.
Board the LM&M Railroad in Lebanon, Ohio for The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, a seasonal, three-hour holiday comedy whodunnit in which a standup performance is upstaged by a murder; audience members don ugly holiday sweaters, gather clues and bribe characters to solve the case while enjoying a meal included in the event.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Interactive Holiday Comedy on Rails
A staged seasonal standup act turns into a murder mystery; the audience becomes investigators who collect evidence, trade or bribe for clues, and work to crack the case before the night turns tragic. Guests are encouraged to dress in their ugliest holiday sweaters.
Buffet Dinners Hosted Nearby
Each date concludes with a buffet-style dinner hosted either by Watkins Catering or Villaggio's Italian Eatery; menus change by date and include salads, mains and desserts, with beverage options provided as noted by the caterer.
Short Ride, Big Mystery
The experience runs three hours total and pairs an onboard interactive performance with a short walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner; guests should arrive early to check in and mingle with the troupe.
What the day feels like
What the Night Feels Like
The evening unfolds over three hours: arrive and check in to the Queen City Tavern concession car to grab a drink and meet the troupe, settle in for a festive standup that descends into a murder mystery, then collect clues and debate suspects with fellow passengers before stepping off the train for a buffet-style dinner hosted a short walk away by Watkins Catering or Villaggio's.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests should check in by 5:30pm; the full experience lasts about three hours and includes the train ride and the hosted meal.
Wear your ugliest holiday sweater; bring cash or card for concessions in the Queen City Tavern car and for any purchases at Villaggio's' full cash bar (separate check).
The listed rate is $105 per person for the Murder Mystery event.
Dinner is served buffet-style by either Watkins Catering or Villaggio's with rotating menus by date; beverage options included depend on the host (Watkins: water, lemonade or tea; Villaggio's: water, tea or a soft drink) and Villaggio's also offers a full cash bar (paid separately).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Murder Mystery event?
The experience runs approximately three hours and includes both the train ride and the meal.
What time should I arrive to check in?
Guests should arrive to check in by 5:30pm to allow time to grab a drink, a snack, and visit with the troupe before the show begins.
Is dinner included with the ticket?
Yes. Dinner is hosted after the show by either Watkins Catering or Villaggio's Italian Eatery and each date features the selected menu served buffet-style.
What beverages are provided and is alcohol available?
Watkins provides water, lemonade or tea as beverage options; Villaggio's provides water, tea or a soft drink and also operates a full cash bar for spirits and cocktails (paid separately).
How much does the event cost?
The listed rate for the Murder Mystery event is $105 per person.
Is there a dress code?
Guests are encouraged to dress in their ugliest holiday or Christmas sweater for the festive theme.