Vintage steam train experiences with Santa aboard kick off the holiday season in SE Portland, and they’re more than just a ride—they’re a community tradition that brings out wonder in both young and old. But here’s where it gets controversial: does a nostalgic, staged Santa experience risk turning a historical setting into a pure spectacle? The Holiday Express, a 1912 locomotive that traverses the Springwater Corridor on a roughly 45-minute round trip, returns every Friday through Sunday until year’s end. Passengers ride in vintage cars decked with colorful lights, while Santa and his elf helpers wander the aisles handing out candy canes and leading the crowd in a cheerful chorus of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." The open-air front car on some days offers an especially intimate view of the river and wildlife along the route, including sightings like a buck spotted near the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Families like Megan and Jason Black, along with their three-year-old and nine-month-old, describe the trip as magical—made even more special by the volunteers who staff and operate the event. The volunteers aren’t just helpers; they are the backbone of the experience, working long hours to ensure the train runs smoothly and the atmosphere stays joyful. One 18-year-old volunteer, Zack Black, notes that long days in the lead-up to the rides are worth it when the result is pure happiness on riders’ faces.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center houses three vintage steam locomotives, two of which are currently operational. The oldest engine, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works, has a storied history that ties Portland’s early 20th-century growth to broader milestones in American history. The train used for Holiday Express—the Polson Logging Co. 2—has been lent by Albany Eastern Railroad to the museum for the past three years.
Beyond Holiday Express, the museum offers Easter and other occasional train rides, but this annual Christmas event remains the season’s centerpiece, drawing audiences that often exceed 20,000 visitors each winter. Executive Director Renee Devereux emphasizes that the volunteers are essential to the operation and continuity of the experience, with many returning year after year to keep the tradition alive.
For first-time riders like Jason Black and his son Manny, the day’s weather and the novelty of an open-air car add extra sparkle to the adventure, and the family’s enthusiasm captures the broader appeal: a blend of history, community, and holiday cheer that turns a simple train ride into a memorable celebration. As this tradition continues, it invites reflection on the balance between preserving history and crafting an entertaining spectacle, and it encourages readers to weigh in: should such celebrations emphasize authenticity of the era, or embrace modern-day joy and accessibility to share with a wider audience?
