THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS RETURNS TO PORTLAND ABOARD THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS! (Photo) - 10/30/26

Portland's Beloved Steam-Powered Holiday Tradition Returns November 27 – December 27, 2026

PORTLAND, Ore. – October 30, 2026 – The whistle blows, steam fills the air, and the magic of the holidays comes to life! One of Portland's most beloved holiday traditions is returning as the Oregon Rail Heritage Center welcomes families aboard the 2026 Holiday Express, running on select dates November 27 through December 27.

For more than 20 years, Holiday Express has brought generations of families together for a truly unique Portland experience—a festive journey aboard vintage railcars pulled by a real, operating steam locomotive. With beautifully decorated railcars, visits from Santa and his helpers, and the unforgettable sights and sounds of steam railroading, Holiday Express offers a little holiday magic that simply can't be found anywhere else.

Whether it's a child's first encounter with a steam locomotive or a family returning for their annual holiday tradition, Holiday Express is about creating memories that last long after the decorations come down.

A Little Steam, a Little Santa, and a Whole Lot of Holiday Magic!

This year's Holiday Express will be powered by Polson Logging Company No. 2, a historic steam locomotive built in 1912 that returned to service in 2024 following an extensive restoration.

Passengers will climb aboard festively decorated vintage railcars for a journey along the historic East Portland Branch railroad, enjoying the sights and sounds of an authentic steam-powered train. Santa and his helpers will be aboard to visit with passengers, adding a little extra holiday cheer for children and adults alike.

"There's something truly magical about seeing a steam locomotive come to life, especially during the holidays," said Renee Devereux, Executive Director of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. "You see it in the faces of the kids, but you also see it in the parents and grandparents. For some families, Holiday Express has been a tradition for generations. We love being part of those memories and sharing something so special with our community."

Before or after their train ride, guests can visit the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, explore the historic locomotives on display, and enjoy holiday treats, including cookies and hot cocoa available for purchase.

More Than a Train Ride – Keeping History Alive

While Holiday Express is filled with holiday fun, it also supports an important mission.

As the Oregon Rail Heritage Center's largest annual fundraising event, Holiday Express helps preserve, restore, and operate historic railroad equipment and supports the educational programs of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

The Center is home to three historic steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland: the world-famous Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railway & Navigation 197, now known as Union Pacific 3203.

Through restoration projects, educational programs, museum exhibits, and operating train excursions, the Center works to keep Portland's rich railroad history alive and accessible to future generations.

Every Holiday Express ticket helps support that work.

The Volunteers Behind the Magic

Holiday Express is made possible by an extraordinary team of volunteers and staff who spend countless hours preparing locomotives, decorating railcars, operating trains, welcoming passengers, and creating a memorable experience for thousands of guests.

"One of the things I love most about Holiday Express is the incredible community of people who make it happen," said Devereux. "Our volunteers put their hearts into this event. From the crews operating the locomotive to the people greeting families and helping Santa, everyone plays a part in creating the magic. We couldn't do it without them!"

All Aboard! Plan Your Holiday Express Adventure

Holiday Express operates on select dates from November 27 through December 27, 2026, with multiple departures throughout the season.

Popular dates and departure times often sell out, so families are encouraged to reserve their seats early.

Event Details

• What: Holiday Express 2026 – Historic Steam Train Rides
• When: November 27 – December 27, 2026 (select dates)
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, Southeast Portland
• Featuring: Historic steam locomotive Polson Logging Company No. 2, festively decorated vintage railcars, visits with Santa, and holiday fun
• Tickets and schedules: www.orhf.org

Media Invitation – Come Experience the Magic!

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center invites members of the media to experience Holiday Express firsthand!

Holiday Express offers wonderful opportunities for holiday news coverage, including dramatic footage of a working steam locomotive, beautifully decorated vintage railcars, Santa visiting with passengers, and the excitement of families enjoying this beloved Portland tradition.

Media opportunities include:

• Photography and video of the steam locomotive in operation, including steam, whistles, and train departures.
• Interviews with Oregon Rail Heritage Center staff, volunteers, and locomotive crew members.
• Behind-the-scenes stories about the volunteers and historic equipment that make Holiday Express possible.
• Opportunities to experience the train and capture the excitement of the holiday season.

Media representatives are encouraged to contact the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in advance to arrange interviews, filming opportunities, or a visit aboard Holiday Express.

About the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and operating historic railroad equipment and sharing the important role railroads have played in the development of Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

The Center operates the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, a working railroad museum in Southeast Portland, where visitors can experience historic locomotives up close, watch restoration work in progress, and ride behind operating steam locomotives throughout the year.

Media Contact:

Renee Devereux
Executive Director
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
503-233-1156
www.orhf.org

###