ON BOARD THE SANTA TRAIN — Since 1943, communities across Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have eagerly anticipated the arrival of Santa, not via a sleigh, but aboard a train.
This year marks the 82nd journey of the Santa Train, which spreads holiday cheer and distributes gifts along a 110-mile stretch of the CSX railway, winding through the secluded valleys of coal country. Many children lining the tracks are part of families that have cherished this tradition for generations.
Sandra Owens from Haysi, Virginia, expressed her excitement, stating, “I look for it every year. I count the days down.” Holding a pink pillowcase inscribed with gratitude towards CSX and the Santa Train volunteers, Owens reminisced about her first encounter with the event when her son was just three; he is now 46. Today, she enjoys bringing her grandchildren, with hopes of eventually including her great-grandchildren as well.
“Seeing the kids’ faces— that’s what brings me joy,” Owens reflected. “You can’t find anything better.”
The Santa Train departs from Shelbiana, Kentucky, where families gather before dawn. At each stop, crowds ranging from dozens to hundreds of people form, especially at the rear of the train where Santa and his helpers toss stuffed animals. Volunteer “elves” with bags full of gifts ensure that every child receives something special, giving away over 15 tons of presents each year, which include cozy hats, mittens, blankets, board games, skateboards, and teddy bears.
Donna Dougherty from Snowflake, Virginia, shared her memories of attending the Santa Train as a child in nearby Fort Blackmore. “Years ago, we didn’t have much,” she recalled. “So this was really significant for us, and we took pride in it.”
Her children have received unique handmade gifts, such as crocheted hats, which they continue to treasure. Although shopping for Christmas presents has become easier for families in these rural areas, Dougherty made the short journey to Fort Blackmore with her niece, celebrating their family tradition. “It’s wonderful that they do this,” she remarked. “It truly embodies the Christmas spirit.”
CSX employees take pride in volunteering for the Santa Train. Jesse Hensley, who worked for 35 years to secure a spot, shared how his wife Angie grew up embracing the tradition in St. Paul, Virginia. “Hearing that whistle blow as a child was exhilarating,” she recalled. “I dreamed of riding that train, and never believed it would happen.”
The couple was invited to participate this year after contributing countless hours of volunteer work following the devastation caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene in their community of Erwin, Tennessee. Although the Santa Train doesn’t operate in Erwin, CSX organized a special event for the community, complete with a holiday party featuring food, music, and gifts. Santa made a surprise visit aboard a train adorned with twinkling lights shaped like festive ornaments, jingle bells, and brightly lit toy soldiers, along with the phrase “Holiday Express” in big red letters.
Just two days later, Angie Hensley beamed with happiness as she participated in the Santa Train, distributing toys to excited children, including her grandnieces and grandnephews in St. Paul. The joy she felt while helping during the Santa Train exceeded her expectations.
Among her co-volunteers was CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs, who personally stopped at each station, handing out toys and engaging with attendees. Hinrichs fondly recalled a moment from a previous year when a family with a disabled child hesitated at the back of the crowd. Helpers cleared a path, allowing the boy to come forward to receive a special giant teddy bear. “There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere,” Hinrichs reflected on that magical moment.
