Christmas at French Lick: Grand hotels, the Polar Express and a Winter Light spectacle

MOUNT PLEASANT WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Christmas at French Lick: Grand hotels, the Polar Express and a Winter Light spectacle

A three-day, two‑night holiday weekend (Dec 10–12, 2027) that pairs guided tours of iconic resort hotels with a winery tasting, the French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express, and a Wilstem Wildlife Park Winter Light Show—this guide explains the trip flow and what’s included.

Christmas at French Lick: Grand hotels, the Polar Express and a Winter Light spectacle.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Mount Pleasant
Operator
Beyond Horizons Tour & Travel, LLC
Category
Winter Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Celebrate the season amid historic elegance in French Lick, Indiana: guided walking tours of the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel’s famed domed atrium, a winery tasting, a festive Polar Express scenic railway ride, and a dazzling Winter Light Show at Wilstem Wildlife Park are folded into a long weekend of two nights’ lodging, two breakfasts and two dinners.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Grand hotel walking tours
THE HISTORY

Grand hotel walking tours

Guided walking tours take you through the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel, the latter celebrated for its domed atrium once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Polar Express Scenic Railway Ride
THE MAGIC

Polar Express Scenic Railway Ride

Relive the holidays aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express—a festive train ride that recreates seasonal storytelling and pageantry.

Winery tasting and Winter Light Show
THE FESTIVE NIGHTS

Winery tasting and Winter Light Show

An afternoon winery tour and tasting complements the evening Winter Light Show at Wilstem Wildlife Park, combining local flavors with illuminated displays.

What the day feels like

What the long weekend feels like

Over three days you travel from Mount Pleasant to the French Lick resort area, move between guided hotel tours and a winery visit, settle into two evenings of lodging with included meals, and finish with seasonal events—the Polar Express scenic railway and a Winter Light Show—allowing time to relax and soak in holiday decorations and historic architecture.

Grand hotel walking tours

THE HISTORY

Grand hotel walking tours

Guided walking tours take you through the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel, the latter celebrated for its domed atrium once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Polar Express Scenic Railway Ride

THE MAGIC

Polar Express Scenic Railway Ride

Relive the holidays aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express—a festive train ride that recreates seasonal storytelling and pageantry.

Winery tasting and Winter Light Show

THE FESTIVE NIGHTS

Winery tasting and Winter Light Show

An afternoon winery tour and tasting complements the evening Winter Light Show at Wilstem Wildlife Park, combining local flavors with illuminated displays.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this weekend suits and why.

1
Active couplesA compact long weekend of hotel tours, a winery tasting and seasonal evening events suits couples who want a mix of history, food and festive experiences.
2
Families with childrenFamilies seeking a holiday-themed outing will find the Polar Express scenic railway and light displays especially appealing.
3
History buffsThose drawn to architecture and hotel history will appreciate guided tours of the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel’s domed atrium.
4
Travelers wanting a relaxed holiday escapeWith two nights’ lodging and included meals, the itinerary offers time to relax between scheduled tours and seasonal events.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

December 10–12, 2027; a three‑day experience with two nights’ lodging (3D/2N) and four included meals (2 breakfasts and 2 dinners).

What to expect

The program includes guided walking tours of two historic hotels, a winery tour and tasting, a Polar Express scenic railway ride, and an evening Winter Light Show.

Operator & meeting point

Operated by Beyond Horizons Tour & Travel, LLC; the departure is from Mount Pleasant, Michigan with travel to the French Lick resort area.

Inclusions

Two nights lodging in French Lick, two breakfasts and two dinners, guided hotel tours, winery tasting, Polar Express scenic railway ride, and admission to the Winter Light Show.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When does this French Lick Christmas Getaway take place?

The trip runs December 10–12, 2027.

How long is the trip and what does 3D/2N/4M mean?

It is a three‑day, two‑night trip that includes four meals (two breakfasts and two dinners).

Which hotels are included in the walking tours?

Guided walking tours visit the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel.

Is the Polar Express scenic railway ride part of the itinerary?

Yes—the French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express ride is included as a festive component of the weekend.

Are meals and lodging included?

Yes—two nights of lodging plus two breakfasts and two dinners are included in the itinerary.

Who operates the tour?

The trip is operated by Beyond Horizons Tour & Travel, LLC.