WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS!
As we say goodbye to 2024, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We are looking forward to 2025 and what it has in store for Lehner Designs, as well as our families and friends.
We appreciate your support of Lehner Designs over the last 20 plus years and wish you peace, joy, health & prosperity as we welcome in the new year!
~Gerard and Andi
Holiday Train Rides Around Indiana
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Connersville, Indiana
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the first gift of Christmas (a silver sleigh bell) after Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole. During the trip, the conductor will punch everyone’s golden ticket and Santa will briefly visit with each family.
Dates for this years event are November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29 & 30 and December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20 & 21.
Indiana Christmas Train
Pleasant Lake, Indiana
A new holiday tradition has arrived in Northeast Indiana! The Indiana Christmas Train departs Pleasant Lake, Indiana for a magical 90-minute roundtrip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard!
Deluxe Coach, First Class, Family Packages, Private Suites, and Private Cars for families and groups are available. This year, we’re introducing the Christmas Cocktail Class reserved just for adults, a Private Lounge for groups of up to 15, and the Pullman Lounge and Pullman Tables on exclusive dates, and an Ornament Class, where guests can create their custom ornament during the trip.
Upon your arrival at Santa’s Station, enjoy carols with musicians, savor a warm drink from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, and climb aboard with our elves from Gia’s Balloon Buddies for holiday cheer. Santa will be on board every train and visit en route! All ticket sales support our non-profit historic preservation efforts in Indiana.
The Indiana Christmas Train departs on Fridays at 6:30 PM, Saturdays at
12:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 4:15 PM and 6:15 PM, and Sundays at 12:00 PM,
2:15 PM, and 4:15 PM from December 6th – 22nd.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23rd the Train departs at 6:30 PM.
French Lick Polar Express Train Ride
Passengers will experience the sights and sounds of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ as they are whisked away on a magical 80-minute trip through a rail yard, neighborhoods, and a tunnel to The North Pole. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and give each guest the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.
Once you’re on board, your conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket. Then, hot chocolate and a delicious cookie will be served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Each coach features festive holiday décor and color-changing lighting synched with the activities on board.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers, and every passenger is given the first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves provide onboard entertainment and lead passengers in caroling. Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
The French Lick Scenic Railroad Polar Express Train Ride runs every Friday-Sunday from November 1st through December 22nd plus Monday, December 23.
More Festive Events Around Indiana
Festival of Gingerbread
Fort Wayne, Indiana
The magic of the holidays takes shape in the form of over 100 handmade gingerbread houses and designs, made by artists of all ages every year. Since 1986, the Festival of Gingerbread has become one of Fort Wayne’s most cherished holiday traditions, and one of downtown’s most popular events. Each year, gingerbread creations by local artists are set up in the historic Shields Room in celebration of the holidays. Gingerbread artists range from Pre-K students to professionals.
Festival of Gingerbread 2024 will be held from November 29 through December 22, at the History Center.
Lights with the Alpacas
Lizton, Indiana
We are excited to be hosting our annual Lights with the Alpaca event! Our family loves to share the joy of lights and holiday cheer to those of all ages.
Come walk the lighted paths on the farm and see the more than 70,000 twinkling lights on display.
Enjoy a photo opportunity with the alpacas in their festive barn. They are ready to spread some cheer in December, come join them.
The farm store will also be open to purchase alpaca products. Great for Christmas gifts. There will even yarn from the very alpacas you meet on the farm.
Lights with the Alphas 2024 will be held from December 7th through December 28th.
Dec-A-Trees At the Museum
Franklin, Indiana
Come to Johnson County Museum to see all the decorated Christmas trees. This is an annual favorite. Cast your vote for the tree you like the most. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Dec-A-Trees At the Museum 2024 will be held from December 3rd through December 31st.
