Christmas Train Rides in Oregon (2026)
Oregon has five holiday trains in 2026, and they cover the whole state. The licensed Polar Express runs out of Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge. Portland’s Holiday Express puts Santa and his elves behind a steam engine along the Willamette, a tradition since 2005. On the coast, the Candy Cane Express runs from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach, and there are Santa trains in Lebanon and, for one weekend, in the Blue Mountains near Baker City. Every other state is on our Polar Express and Christmas train guide.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Hood River: Nov 20 to Jan 2, from $49
- Holiday Express, Portland: Nov 27 to Dec 27, from $25
- Candy Cane Express, Garibaldi: Nov 27 to Dec 23, from $23
- Candy Cane Express, Lebanon: Weekends from Nov 21, from $24
- Christmas Trains, Baker City: Dec 11 to 13, from about $21
Oregon holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Hood River
- Season
- November 20 to January 2, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From about $21 (Sumpter Valley Railroad)
- After Christmas
- Mount Hood Railroad (to January 2), Oregon Rail Heritage Center (to December 27), Santiam Excursion Trains (to December 31)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Oregon Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Hood River has the longest season, November 20 to January 2. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideHood River · Nov 20 to Jan 2
- Candy Cane ExpressLebanon · Weekends from Nov 21
- Candy Cane ExpressGaribaldi · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Holiday ExpressPortland · Nov 27 to Dec 27
- Christmas TrainsBaker City · Dec 11 to 13
Look inside the book
Riding a Oregon Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Oregon's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Oregon’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Hood River: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 2Garibaldi: Candy Cane Express
- 3Portland: Holiday Express
- 4Baker City: Christmas Trains
- 5Lebanon: Candy Cane Express
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Oregon towns, for shape.
One licensed Polar Express and four Santa and Christmas trains, from the coast to the Blue Mountains.
Oregon's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hood Railroad | Hood River | Nov 20 to Jan 2 | From $49 | On sale now |
| Oregon Rail Heritage Center | Portland | Nov 27 to Dec 27 | From $25 | On sale now |
| Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad | Garibaldi | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | From $23 | On sale now |
| Santiam Excursion Trains | Lebanon | Weekends from Nov 21 | From $24 | On sale now |
| Sumpter Valley Railroad | Baker City | Dec 11 to 13 | From about $21 | On sale now |
Hood River: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Mount Hood Railroad
Licensed Polar ExpressMount Hood Railroad · Hood River
- Operator
- Mount Hood Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Mount Hood Railroad Depot, Hood River
- Season
- Select dates from November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes round trip, plus a welcome in the depot
- What's included
- Hot cocoa and a cookie, the story told by the cast, and Santa greeting each child with a sleigh bell on the way back; VIP and Premium add a souvenir
- Price
- Standard booths $59 to $79 for adults and $49 to $69 for kids 2 to 12, depending on the day; Parlor, Premium and VIP seats cost more, up to $109; lap infants $10
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; infants 2 and under ride on a lap for $10
The Mount Hood Railroad is a century-old short line climbing out of Hood River, and in the holiday season it runs Oregon’s only licensed Polar Express. The evening starts with a welcome inside the depot. On board, the cast serves hot cocoa and a cookie while the story unfolds, and on the return trip Santa and his elves come through to give every child the first gift of Christmas, a bell from Santa’s sleigh. The whole round trip takes about 90 minutes.
Seats are sold individually in four classes. Standard is a booth with no table; Parlor and VIP have a table for up to four, so book in fours if you want your own. Prices change by day. Everyone parks at the overflow lot on Portway Avenue and takes a shuttle, so pay for parking when you book and arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Parlor is the only class that takes wheelchairs (27 inches wide at most, with a lift), and there are no refunds unless you add the Cancellation+ option.
Check dates and tickets with Mount Hood Railroad(opens in a new tab)Portland: the Holiday Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Santa steam trainOregon Rail Heritage Foundation · Portland
- Operator
- Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center, Portland
- Season
- Fridays to Sundays, November 27 to December 20, plus December 21 to 23 and December 26 and 27, 2026; departures from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, evenings only on weekdays
- Ride length
- About 45 minutes
- What's included
- A steam train ride along the Willamette River with Santa and his elves, plus admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
- Price
- $35 adults, $25 children 3 to 13, under 3 free on a lap, $32 seniors and military; Family Pass $105 for two adults and two kids
- Tickets
- On sale now; some departures 10% off
- Best ages
- All ages; under 3 free on a lap
Portland families have ridden the Holiday Express since 2005. A historic steam locomotive pulls heated, decorated vintage cars along the Willamette River for about 45 minutes, and Santa and his elves walk through every car to say hello and pose for photos. Daytime trains are best for river views and wildlife. The dusk departures show off the lights.
Your ticket includes admission to the heritage center, so come early to see the big engines and the gift shop. Cocoa, coffee and cookies are sold inside and can come on the train, which has no restrooms. Check in at will call 20 minutes before departure. Freight trains crossing the Central Eastside can cause long delays, so leave extra time, and park free under the Highway 99 viaduct. Boarding means seven steps and about 85 feet to your seat.
Check dates and tickets with Oregon Rail Heritage Center(opens in a new tab)Garibaldi: the Candy Cane Express on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Santa steam trainOregon Coast Scenic Railroad · Garibaldi
- Operator
- Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad depot, Garibaldi
- Season
- Select days from November 27 to December 23, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour, Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back
- What's included
- Hot cocoa and locally baked cookies at your seat, letters to Santa, a visit and a candy cane from Santa, and a live musician playing carols
- Price
- Covered outdoor cars $33 adults and $23 kids; indoor cars $42 and $32; peak days a few dollars more; whole caboose $600 for up to 10
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap
The Candy Cane Express rolls along Tillamook Bay and the ocean from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back in about an hour, on a train decorated inside and out. Hot cocoa and cookies from a local bakery are brought to your seat, kids can write letters to Santa before he walks through with candy canes, and a live musician leads the carols.
Indoor cars cost a little more than the covered outdoor cars, which are open to the coast air and also the only place your dog can ride. A family of up to ten can rent the whole caboose. The cars have a portable wheelchair lift; call ahead and arrive 30 minutes early. Onboard restrooms are not wheelchair accessible.
Check dates and tickets with Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)Lebanon: the Candy Cane Express on Santiam Excursion Trains
Santa trainSantiam Excursion Trains · Lebanon
- Operator
- Santiam Excursion Trains(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Santiam Excursion Trains depot, Lebanon
- Season
- Saturdays and Sundays from November 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; the railroad says holiday rides run through the end of the year
- Ride length
- Departures every two hours
- What's included
- A holiday family ride; the railroad's site quotes riders describing Santa and Mrs. Claus on board with popcorn and hot cocoa
- Price
- $29 adults, $24 children, $22 seniors, $7 military, toddlers free
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; toddlers free
Santiam Excursion Trains runs dinner trains, steam rides and railbikes out of Lebanon, in the Willamette Valley east of Albany, and at the holidays it switches to the Candy Cane Express on weekends. Trains leave at 11, 1 and 3 on Saturdays and Sundays starting November 21, and the line heads west toward Sweet Home. The railroad also lists a Christmas Eve Pajama Train among its family rides.
The depot doors open 30 minutes before each trip and trains leave on time. You do not need printed tickets; bring ID or show your confirmation on your phone. Refunds are generally not offered, but tickets can usually be moved to another date for a small fee, though not on the day of the ride.
Check dates and tickets with Santiam Excursion Trains(opens in a new tab)McEwen: Sumpter Valley Railroad's Christmas Trains
Christmas trainSumpter Valley Railroad · Baker City
- Operator
- Sumpter Valley Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- McEwen Depot, Baker City
- Season
- Friday, December 11 at 4:00 pm; Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 am, 1:30 and 4:00 pm; Sunday, December 13 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, 2026
- Ride length
- About 2 hours 30 minutes, 12 miles round trip
- What's included
- The railroad's Long Run through the Sumpter Valley in winter, timed with Sumpter's Christmas Bazaar, Twilight Parade and tree lighting
- Price
- Fares from about $21 on the railroad's booking page; 2 and under free
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free
Sumpter Valley Railroad’s Christmas Trains are a long, quiet winter ride rather than a Santa show: the 12-mile Long Run from the McEwen Depot, about 24 miles west of Baker City, takes about two and a half hours through the valley in winter. The Friday train leaves at 4 pm, so you ride home under the evening sky. The same weekend, the town of Sumpter holds its Christmas Bazaar, a Twilight Parade and a tree lighting.
There is no bathroom on the train and nothing sold on board, so bring snacks and drinks and use the depot first. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in. With six departures in one weekend, this is the hardest Oregon holiday train to fit in.
Check dates and tickets with Sumpter Valley Railroad(opens in a new tab)Which Oregon Holiday Train Fits Your Family
Your kids love the book
The Polar Express in Hood River, the only one with the story, the cast and the bell.
Portland families on a budget
The Holiday Express. The Family Pass covers two adults and two kids for $105, and the heritage center comes free.
Toddlers
The 45-minute Holiday Express or the hour-long Candy Cane Express on the coast.
Bringing the dog
The Candy Cane Express from Garibaldi, in the covered outdoor car.
After Christmas
The Polar Express runs until January 2, and Portland’s Holiday Express runs December 26 and 27.
How Far Oregon's Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical winter drive times on clear roads.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Hood River | About 1 hour |
| Portland | Garibaldi | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Salem | Lebanon | About 40 minutes |
| Eugene | Lebanon | About 50 minutes |
| Boise, ID | McEwen Depot | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Bend | Hood River | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
Portland and Vancouver families are also close to the Santa trains on our Washington page. Southern Oregon is closer to the trains on our California page, and eastern Oregon can look at our Idaho page.
Free to print
Before you head for the train
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesOregon Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
Gorge weather
Ice and wind in the Columbia River Gorge can make the drive to Hood River slow in December. Check road conditions before you leave and give yourself the full hour of arrival time.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Amtrak Cascades and the Coast Starlight stop in Portland, Salem, Albany and Eugene. Albany is about 20 minutes from Lebanon; see our Amtrak Cascades with kids guide.
A Window Seat on the Coast
One of my favorite pages in our book is Rally in a dark tunnel, waiting for the light. Every winter train ride has a moment like that, when the window goes dark and then something bright shows up, and kids remember those moments more than we think.
My mom dreamed up Rally’s story, and I finished it after she passed; our story page tells how. Print our free Rally coloring pages before you head for the coast.
A train story for Oregon kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonMore for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Washington
- Christmas trains in California
- Christmas trains in Idaho
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- Mount Hood Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center: Holiday Express(opens in a new tab)
- Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Candy Cane Express(opens in a new tab)
- Santiam Excursion Trains: upcoming rides(opens in a new tab)
- Sumpter Valley Railroad: Christmas Trains(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Oregon Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Oregon?
Yes. The Mount Hood Railroad runs the licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from its depot in Hood River on select dates from November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027. The round trip takes about 90 minutes, with cocoa, a cookie and a sleigh bell from Santa.
What Christmas train rides are in Oregon in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Oregon for 2026: the Polar Express in Hood River; the Holiday Express in Portland; the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi; the Candy Cane Express in Lebanon; the Christmas Trains in Baker City. One of the 5 Oregon rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 20 with the Polar Express in Hood River and ends January 2.
What Christmas events are happening in Hood River, Oregon, in 2026?
For families, Hood River has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Mount Hood Railroad (November 20 to January 2, from $49). It includes hot cocoa and a cookie, the story told by the cast, and Santa greeting each child with a sleigh bell on the way back; VIP and Premium add a souvenir. For other Hood River, Oregon, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Portland, Oregon, in 2026?
For families, Portland has Holiday Express from Oregon Rail Heritage Center (November 27 to December 27, from $25). It includes a steam train ride along the Willamette River with Santa and his elves, plus admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Plan on about 45 minutes. For other Portland, Oregon, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Garibaldi, Oregon, in 2026?
For families, Garibaldi has Candy Cane Express from Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (November 27 to December 23, from $23). It includes hot cocoa and locally baked cookies at your seat, letters to Santa, a visit and a candy cane from Santa, and a live musician playing carols. For other Garibaldi, Oregon, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Lebanon, Oregon, in 2026?
For families, Lebanon has Candy Cane Express from Santiam Excursion Trains (weekends from November 21, from $24). It includes a holiday family ride; the railroad's site quotes riders describing Santa and Mrs. Claus on board with popcorn and hot cocoa. Military riders, veteran or active, pay $7. For other Lebanon, Oregon, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Baker City, Oregon, in 2026?
For families, Baker City has Christmas Trains from Sumpter Valley Railroad (December 11 to 13, from about $21). It includes the railroad's Long Run through the Sumpter Valley in winter, timed with Sumpter's Christmas Bazaar, Twilight Parade and tree lighting. Plan on about 2 hours 30 minutes, 12 miles round trip. For other Baker City, Oregon, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Salem, Oregon find a Christmas train ride?
From Salem, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Lebanon, about 40 minutes. Each Oregon ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Salem families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Eugene, Oregon find a Christmas train ride?
From Eugene, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Lebanon, about 50 minutes. Each Oregon ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Eugene families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Boise, ID find a Christmas train ride?
From Boise, ID, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: McEwen Depot, about 2 hours 45 minutes. Each Oregon ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Boise, ID families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Bend, Oregon find a Christmas train ride?
From Bend, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Hood River, about 2 hours 45 minutes. Each Oregon ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Bend families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Polar Express in Hood River?
Standard booth seats cost $59 to $79 for adults and $49 to $69 for children 2 to 12, depending on the day. Parlor, Premium and VIP seats cost more, up to $109. Infants 2 and under ride on a lap for $10. Parking at the overflow lot is booked with your tickets.
How much is the Portland Holiday Express?
The Holiday Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center costs $35 for adults, $25 for children 3 to 13, and $32 for seniors and military. Children under 3 ride free on a lap. A Family Pass for two adults and two children is $105, and admission to the center is included.
Can you bring a dog on an Oregon Santa train?
Yes, on the Candy Cane Express from Garibaldi. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad allows dogs in its covered outdoor car, while only trained service animals may ride in the indoor cars. The one-hour trip includes cocoa, cookies, carols and a visit from Santa.
Are there any Oregon Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Hood River runs until January 2; the Holiday Express in Portland runs until December 27; the Candy Cane Express in Lebanon runs until December 31. Every other Oregon ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Hood River: select dates from November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Oregon?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Oregon is for the Christmas Trains in Baker City: from about $21. At the top end is the Polar Express in Hood River: from $49. Prices come from each Oregon railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Christmas Trains in Baker City: fares from about $21 on the railroad's booking page; 2 and under free.
Which Oregon Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Oregon ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Holiday Express in Portland: about 45 minutes. The longest is the Christmas Trains in Baker City, at about 2 hours 30 minutes, 12 miles round trip. Ages for the Holiday Express in Portland: all ages; under 3 free on a lap. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot go on the historic cars; the center stores them while you ride.
When do Oregon Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Hood River; the Holiday Express in Portland; the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi; the Candy Cane Express in Lebanon; the Christmas Trains in Baker City. Popular Oregon dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Oregon Christmas trains have Santa?
Four of the 5 Oregon rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Hood River: hot cocoa and a cookie, the story told by the cast, and Santa greeting each child with a sleigh bell on the way back; VIP and Premium add a souvenir. The Holiday Express in Portland: a steam train ride along the Willamette River with Santa and his elves, plus admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Oregon?
Two Oregon holiday trains are listed with steam: the Holiday Express in Portland; the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi. The Holiday Express in Portland: a steam train ride along the Willamette River with Santa and his elves, plus admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi: hot cocoa and locally baked cookies at your seat, letters to Santa, a visit and a candy cane from Santa, and a live musician playing carols.
Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in Oregon?
The Amtrak Cascades and the Coast Starlight stop in Portland, Salem, Albany and Eugene. Albany is about 20 minutes from Lebanon; see our Amtrak Cascades with kids guide.
What happens on the Polar Express in Hood River?
The Polar Express in Hood River includes hot cocoa and a cookie, the story told by the cast, and Santa greeting each child with a sleigh bell on the way back; VIP and Premium add a souvenir. For the Hood River ride, plan on about 90 minutes round trip, plus a welcome in the depot.
What happens on the Holiday Express in Portland?
The Holiday Express in Portland includes a steam train ride along the Willamette River with Santa and his elves, plus admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. For the Portland ride, plan on about 45 minutes. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot go on the historic cars; the center stores them while you ride.
How much is the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi?
Fares for the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi: Covered outdoor cars $33 adults and $23 kids; indoor cars $42 and $32; peak days a few dollars more; whole caboose $600 for up to 10. The Candy Cane Express runs select days from November 27 to December 23, 2026. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad tickets: on sale now.
How much is the Candy Cane Express in Lebanon?
The Candy Cane Express in Lebanon costs $29 adults, $24 children, $22 seniors, $7 military, toddlers free. The Candy Cane Express runs Saturdays and Sundays from November 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm; the railroad says holiday rides run through the end of the year. Santiam Excursion Trains tickets: on sale now.
How much are tickets for the Christmas Trains in Baker City?
Fares for the Christmas Trains in Baker City: Fares from about $21 on the railroad's booking page; 2 and under free. The Christmas Trains run Friday, December 11 at 4:00 pm; Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 am, 1:30 and 4:00 pm; Sunday, December 13 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, 2026. Sumpter Valley Railroad tickets: on sale now.
Where does the Polar Express in Hood River leave from?
The Polar Express in Hood River boards at Mount Hood Railroad Depot, 110 Railroad Avenue, in Hood River. Everyone parks at the overflow lot on Portway Avenue and takes a shuttle, so pay for parking when you book and arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Mount Hood Railroad tickets: on sale now. Everyone parks at the overflow lot at 113 Portway Avenue and rides a shuttle to the depot, so book parking with your tickets.
Where do you board the Holiday Express in Portland?
The Holiday Express in Portland boards at Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Avenue, in Portland. Your ticket includes admission to the heritage center, so come early to see the big engines and the gift shop. Check in at will call 20 minutes before departure. Freight trains crossing the Central Eastside can cause long delays, so leave extra time, and park free under the Highway 99 viaduct.
How long is the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi?
Plan on about 1 hour, Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back. Included with the Candy Cane Express in Garibaldi: hot cocoa and locally baked cookies at your seat, letters to Santa, a visit and a candy cane from Santa, and a live musician playing carols. Dogs are welcome in the covered outdoor car, a rarity for a Santa train.