Take a Magical Train Ride to the North Pole.
North Pole Adventure™
Did you ever dream about visiting the North Pole when you were a child? This year the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, along with an army of “elves”, are helping make that dream become a reality for children and adults as it transports riders to the magical land of Santa.
From the minute you arrive at the train station, you begin to feel the magic as you are welcomed by the North Pole Train Conductor. At check-in you are given your special North Pole Adventure™ ticket allowing you to board the special North Pole train. Make sure to take a family picture in front of the North Pole Adventure™ sign!
Once you have climbed aboard your train car, one of Santa’s elves will greet you and help you find your seat. If you would like a little refreshment before the train starts, you will find snacks, freshly popped popcorn and refreshments available for purchase in car #5. Don’t forget to round-up your purchase as a train donation.
Letter writing to Santa!
As the train makes its way northward towards the North Pole everyone is invited to write their special letter to Santa using a special pre-addressed envelope. Once all the letters have been written, the North Pole’s own postmaster visits each train car and collects all the letters to hand-deliver to Santa at the North Pole.
Hot Chocolate and Cookies
It just wouldn’t be a trip to the North Pole without a delicious cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. What a delightful treat to enjoy as you make your way to northward. Riders who purchased an upgraded ticket will also receive a special commemorative mug. (Pictured above.)
The North Pole
The magic continues as the conductor sounds the alarm throughout all the train cars that the train is nearing its destination. At which time, the inside train lights dim to view the colorful holiday lights coming from the North Pole. Through the train windows children can see Santa’s elves hustling about and waving to everyone on the train; Santa’s reindeer can be seen prancing in their stall; the North Pole Postmaster can be seen dropping everyone’s letters into Santa’s special mailbox; and Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen enjoying a ride in their very own North Pole Train. What a wonderful experience for any child.
Christmas Carols
As the train starts-up again to begin its return trip to the station, the festivities continue inside with the singing of Christmas carols, dancing, and …
A very special visit from Santa himself!
A magical time with Santa and his elves makes this year’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure™ such a wonderful family treat.
Limited tickets are available, so book early.
- Please remember the North Pole Adventure™ has a COVID-19 Vaccine & Test Policy. You do not want to forget your paperwork or you will not be allowed on the train.
- Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
- You can pick-up the train at either the Akron Station or the Rockside Station. Departures from Rockside Station at 7:30 p.m. and Akron Station at 7 p.m.
- Arrive at least a 30-45 minutes early to secure parking and to get checked-in.
- Parking is FREE.
- Photos are permitted.
- “Your ticket includes a ninety-minute train ride, hot chocolate, one (1) cookie, letter writing activity to Santa, program and a brief visit with Santa.”
- For those who would like a commemorative mug (pictured in our photos), you will need to purchase any of the upgraded tickets available, ie Deluxe or more.
- The train is always looking for volunteers. Please reach out if you want to help support this wonderful National Park treasure
To purchase tickets:
Visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
330-439-5708
Disclosure: I was given complimentary tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure™ . All opinions are my own.
Article and photos, unless noted by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com, NorthernOhioTourism.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Part of this story ran in 2020. The dates and additional events have been updated for the 2021 season. Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
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