ON BOARD THE SANTA TRAIN — For 82 years, residents of the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa, not by sleigh but aboard a train. This cherished tradition, known as the Santa Train, has become a hallmark event, delivering gifts and spreading joy to small communities nestled along a 110-mile stretch of the CSX rail line that winds through remote river valleys rich in coal history. Many children who gather along the tracks in anticipation of Santa’s visit are part of families that have been celebrating this event for generations.
“I look forward to it every year. I can’t help but count down the days,” shared Sandra Owens from Haysi, Virginia, while clutching a pink pillowcase that read, “Thank you CSX and volunteers for the Santa Train. 82.” Owens moved from Delaware to Kentucky over five decades ago and experienced her first Santa Train shortly after, when her son was just three. Now, at 46, her son is no longer a child, but Owens continues to bring her grandchildren along and hopes to introduce the tradition to her future great-grandchildren.
“The joy on the children’s faces is what fills my heart with happiness,” she remarked. “It’s an experience you simply cannot beat.”
The Santa Train embarks from Shelbiana, Kentucky, where families begin gathering before dawn. At each stop, crowds of people eagerly await, particularly around the rear of the train where Santa and his helpers generously toss stuffed animals into the throngs below. Meanwhile, volunteer “elves,” armed with bags overflowing with gifts, disperse into the crowd to ensure that every child departs with a present. Each year, the train distributes an astonishing 15 tons of items, which range from winter accessories such as hats and mittens to toys including skateboards, games, and cherished teddy bears.
“For us kids back in the day, this was a big deal because we didn’t get much,” reflected Donna Dougherty from Snowflake, Virginia, recalling her experiences as a child in nearby Fort Blackmore. “The Santa Train gifts were a source of pride and meant everything to us.” Over the years, her children have received handmade items from the train, like crocheted hats, which they still treasure.
Although shopping for Christmas presents has become more accessible for families in these rural areas, Dougherty made the trip to Fort Blackmore with her niece, honoring the cherished family tradition she is proud to continue. “It’s heartwarming that they put this event together; it truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.”
Employees of CSX view it as a privilege to take part in the Santa Train as volunteers. Jesse Hensley has spent 35 years hoping to join, especially after marrying his wife Angie, who grew up with the Santa Train tradition in St. Paul, Virginia. “Hearing that whistle was magic,” Angie recalled, “as a little girl, my dream was to ride that train, and I never thought this day would come.”
This year, the Hensleys were able to join the Santa Train after dedicating countless hours to assist their community recovering from the devastating effects of flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Erwin, Tennessee, where Jesse works as a machinist mechanic for CSX. While the train doesn’t travel to Erwin, CSX organized a special holiday event for local residents that included food, music, and gifts at the rail yard. Santa arrived on a festively decorated train, complete with lights and ornaments, to spread cheer amongst the community.
Just two days later, Angie beamed with joy aboard the Santa Train, almost as animated as the children receiving toys. The delight of contributing to this magical experience greatly surpassed her expectations. Among her fellow volunteers was CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs, who took time to visit each stop, distributing toys and engaging with the attendees. One of Hinrichs’ most memorable experiences occurred a couple of years prior when a family with a disabled child hesitated to join the crowd. Helpers cleared a way to bring the boy forward to gift him a special giant teddy bear, creating an emotional moment that resonated with everyone present. “We brought it to him and witnessed the love from everyone around. It was truly magical,” Hinrichs recalled.
