New Holiday Railbike Ride Lets You Pedal Through a 60-Foot Light Tunnel

If driving around looking at Christmas lights isn’t exciting enough, this year you can pedal through them instead. Nickel Plate Express in Indiana is adding a new Holiday Lights Railbike Adventure for the 2026 holiday season.

The one-hour experience takes place on the historic Nickel Plate rails in Noblesville. Instead of sitting on a train, guests ride pedal-powered railbikes decorated for the holidays and travel toward downtown Noblesville.

Along the way, riders will see several holiday light displays, including a 60-foot light tunnel. The trip is open to all ages, and each railbike can hold up to four people.

The ride begins in Forest Park, where guests check in at Santa’s House. You can arrive early to check out the lights and warm up around the fire pits before getting on your railbike.

There’s Hot Chocolate Along the Way

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Riders pedal for about 10 to 15 minutes before reaching the turnaround point. Everyone then gets off the railbikes for a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie while the Nickel Plate Express team turns the seats around for the trip back.

One hot chocolate and cookie are included for each ticketed guest. Nickel Plate Express also offers gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free cookie options for guests with allergies.

You Will Want to Bundle Up

Unlike a holiday train ride, the railbikes are completely outdoors. Nickel Plate Express recommends bringing a coat, scarf, thick socks and closed-toe shoes. Small blankets are also encouraged.

The rides operate in cold weather, although they can be delayed or canceled if severe weather makes conditions unsafe. Children are welcome too. Kids must stay seated and supervised during the ride, while children under 3 can ride for free when securely fastened to an adult in an infant carrier brought by the family.

Tickets Start at $24.95

A single seat on a four-person railbike costs $24.95. You can also book the entire railbike for up to four people for $89.95.

Nickel Plate Express recommends booking ahead since space is limited and walk-up tickets aren’t guaranteed. The entire experience, including the ride, hot chocolate stop, and return to Forest Park, takes about an hour.