Santa’s Candy Cane Express: A short, festive steam ride through La Porte’s holiday hub

LA PORTE TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Santa’s Candy Cane Express: A short, festive steam ride through La Porte’s holiday hub

Board open or enclosed passenger coaches for a seasonal train ride with hot cocoa, ice cream and a museum gift shop; bring a new toy (minimum $9) to earn a ticket for the 2026 season.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Santa’s Candy Cane Express: A short, festive steam ride through La Porte’s holiday hub.

Duration
Trains leave the frequent intervals, Noon - 4:00 Central Time.
Location
La Porte
Operator
LaPorte County Historical Steam Society DBA: Hesston Steam Museum
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Climb aboard Santa’s Candy Cane Express in La Porte for a seasonal steam-rail experience: short, frequent departures through the afternoon, onboard treats and a museum-side depot store that rounds out a holiday outing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIDE

Short, festive departures aboard open or enclosed coaches

All aboard Santa’s Candy Cane Express on open or enclosed passenger coaches; trains run at frequent intervals in the afternoon for a compact holiday experience.

THE TASTES

Hot cocoa, ice cream and a soda-fountain lunch

Refreshments include hot cocoa and ice cream aboard or a lunch option at Doc’s Soda Fountain on site, offering simple holiday treats during the visit.

THE GIFTING

Bring a toy and get a future ride

Bring a new toy (valued at least $9) during the event and receive a ticket for a train ride in the 2026 season; the depot store and museum gift shop also make it easy to find gifts for train enthusiasts.

What the day feels like

What it feels like

The outing is compact and festive: guests board an open or enclosed passenger coach, enjoy hot cocoa, ice cream or a soda-fountain lunch, then browse the Depot Store—the flow is designed for quick, family-friendly holiday stops over an afternoon of frequent departures.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and why.

1
Families with childrenThe event is marketed as fun for all ages and offers short, frequent departures that fit family attention spans and holiday schedules.
2
Young children and first-time ridersShort, festive train rides with onboard treats make this accessible for young riders and those new to excursion trains.
3
Train enthusiasts and gift shoppersThe museum’s Depot Store and gift shop provide focused appeal for collectors and railfans looking for unique items.
4
Casual holiday visitorsAfternoon departures and onsite food options make this a convenient seasonal stop for visitors seeking a short festive activity.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a new toy valued at least $9 to receive a ticket for a 2026 season train ride; otherwise, plan to purchase refreshments or gifts at the depot store or Doc’s Soda Fountain.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When do the trains run?

Trains depart at frequent intervals between Noon and 4:00 p.m. Central Time.

What kind of coaches are used?

All aboard on open or enclosed passenger coaches.

Are refreshments available?

Yes—hot cocoa and ice cream are available, and Doc’s Soda Fountain offers lunch on site.

How do I earn a free ticket for 2026?

Bring a new toy with a minimum value of $9 and you will receive a ticket for a train ride in the 2026 season.

Where is Santa’s Candy Cane Express located and who operates it?

The event takes place in La Porte, Indiana, and is operated by LaPorte County Historical Steam Society DBA Hesston Steam Museum.

Is there a gift shop on site?

Yes—the Depot Store serves as the museum’s gift shop with items for train enthusiasts.