INCLUDES FESTIVE VIDEO | Learn how the ‘Holiday Express’ excursions by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center came to be, two decades ago – and why outer East Portland folks are booking rides on this excursion train, pulled by a steam locomotive …
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center, near OMSI in Southeast Portland, is the rail station for Holiday Express steam locomotive train rides south to Oaks Amusement Park, then back.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Starting on Thanksgiving Day weekend, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) began their 20th season of steam-powered locomotive Holiday Express rail excursions.
And again, this year, the trains are being pulled by the Polson Logging Co. #2 steam locomotive, built in December of 1912.
Visitors admire the interior of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, cheerfully decked out for the Holidays.
At the departure station behind the ORHC, as another group of passengers were loading, inside a passenger car was David Brown, who introduced himself and told how this annual Holiday event came to be.
Aboard a Holiday Express train, ready to ride, is David Brown – credited with originating the Christmastime rail excursion trains two decades ago.
“The beginning of the ‘Christmas train’, the Holiday Express as we know it now, started 20 years ago – as a partnership between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), locomotive preservationists, and of course, Dick Samuels – owner of the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company, whose track runs from near OMSI along Oaks Bottom,” Brown recalled.
“Because Samuels and our group ran a special train commemorating the Springwater Corridor Trail’s opening, OMSI staff asked if we could run a train in connection with their showing ‘The Polar Express’ movie in their theater; Samuels agreed, and off we went.”
Dad — Mr. Singh – watches, as his daughter writes a letter to Santa inside the ORHC Enginehouse.
Inside the ORHC building, after passengers picked up their tickets, kids took a few minutes to write letters to Santa Claus, browse the exhibits, shop for merchandise, and gaze at the massive steam locomotives in the Enginehouse.
“This year is especially meaningful because as it marks two decades of the Holiday Express in Portland,” ORHC Executive Director Renee Devereux told East Portland News. “To celebrate, we’ve expanded parts of the experience this year, with more emphasis on visitor engagement, safety, and creating a truly memorable ride!”
Aboard the train and ready to ride, here are the Bonafede and Steblaj families.
As another excursion is about to leave the station, “elves” Lucy and Sophia help Santa Claus greet guests and distribute candy canes.
“It’s a milestone year that reflects just how beloved this event has become – and how much our nonprofit organization has grown.”
See our video that captures highlights the Holiday Express experience:
A new addition to the Holiday Express train this year is an open-air passenger car; it became a popular attraction during the summertime excursions.
“We added that car, because people told us they wanted to experience the steam locomotive up close – the sound, the steam, the river views – and gives riders a completely different perspective,” observed Devereux.
At night, twinkling lights illuminate the train car just enough to be festive, while still allowing riders to see the cityscapes and Willamette River.
Holiday Express, by the numbers:
+ 17 days of excursions, from November 28th and until December 28th
+ 100 total runs this season
+ Each train can hold 250 passengers with a total of 23,000 riders this year
+ 15,000 candy canes are distributed by Santa Claus and his Elves
+ 150 volunteers – either maintaining the locomotive and railcars, decorating both the Center and the rail cars, and then working and/or managing the event
Key to making the Holiday Express successful this year are those who help — including ORHF Executive Director Renee Devereux, volunteers like Kelly Graham, Zach Black, and Bishop Clay, and ORHF President Rick Franklin.
A magical experience, riders say
Asked why so many people volunteer their time for this, Devereux responded, “It’s because one of the first things we hear from families is how magical the ‘Holiday Express’ experience feels.
Children often run up to us afterward saying things like, ‘That was the best ride ever!’ or ‘That was so much fun!’ – and it’s incredibly heartwarming to see.”
Holiday Express is the ORHC’s biggest community event of the year, and it plays a vital role in supporting the organization, Devereux said. “The funds raised help us maintain Portland’s historic steam locomotives, and keep our museum open and accessible to the public.
“But just as important, Holiday Express connects thousands of people – many for the very first time – to Oregon’s rail history,” Devereux added. “It’s become a tradition for families across the region, and it helps us inspire the next generation of rail fans, volunteers, and historians.”
On the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company mainline, the Polson Logging Co. #2 steam locomotive pulls another Holiday Express excursion out of the station.
Rides sell out fast; get tickets now
Some folks like riding during the daytime, so they can take in a unique view of the Willamette River and Oaks Bottom; the early evening rides are charming with the twinkling lights inside the railcars, and views of the city after dark.
Note, Holiday Express excursions leave punctually; to avoid “missing the train”, arrive at least 20 minutes early. The round-trip rides leave from, and return to, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center – at 2250 SE Water Avenue, just east of OMSI. The MAX Orange Line stops right at the museum, and there’s a parking lot if you’re driving.
For more information – and to purchase your tickets in advance to assure your seats – visit their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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