2020 KCS Holiday Express Has Been CANCELED

Recently, I have been asked if I've heard anything about the KCS Holiday Express that normally makes it annual run through this area in December.

Unfortunately, it saddens me to tell you that the KCS Holiday Express has been canceled this year due to the ongoing pandemic, according to their Facebook page. This marks the 20th anniversary of this holiday train in partnership with the Salvation Army that has not only brought joy to its communities but has also brought much-needed funds to over 20 communities across the region it serves.

The KCS Holiday Express with its smiling tank car "Rudy" leading the way has been delighting kids of all ages for free for the past several years. Most notably, Ashdown, Arkansas has been one of the towns over the past couple of years where the KCS Holiday Express stopped so kids could hop on board to meet Santa Claus and view the lighted train complete with the sound of Christmas music to help get you in the mood for the holidays.

“While it is not safe to gather for free visits with Santa Claus and tours of the Holiday Express train this year, the need for the charitable component of this program is greater than ever,” said, KCS president and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer

Just because the Holiday Express is grounded to the railyard this year doesn't mean you can't make a donation to the Salvation Army to help support this program. Donate Here

Watch this video to learn more about the KCS Holiday Express and what it means to communities.

If you ever wondered how the KCS Holiday Express got its start, please read this story.