CSX Santa Train – Clinchfield Santa Claus Special

Home » CSX Santa Train – Clinchfield Santa Claus Special

Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot also provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

CSX Santa Train – Clinchfield Santa Claus Special

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

The Clinchfield Santa Train, a revered Appalachian holiday tradition now operated by CSX Transportation, has delivered joy, gifts, and goodwill to remote mountain communities for over 80 years. Originating in 1943 as a simple gesture of gratitude during wartime, the event has grown into an annual spectacle recognized as one of the world’s longest Santa parades, traveling a 110-mile route from Kentucky to Tennessee.

Origins in the Clinchfield Era (1943-1986)

The tradition began on November 27, 1943, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, during the height of World War II. The initial idea came from local businessmen in Kingsport, Tennessee, who wanted to thank the coal miners and their families living along the Clinchfield Railroad’s mainline in rural Appalachia. These residents were vital customers who often rode the passenger train to Kingsport for shopping and whose coal production fueled the American war effort.

Initially called the “Santa Claus Special,” the first train was a simple affair. Local merchants and volunteers boarded the rear of a regular southbound passenger train in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, and threw candy and small toys to eager crowds gathered at the trackside. The event was an immediate success, bringing a rare moment of cheer to an economically challenged and geographically isolated region.

Over the next few decades, the event grew in popularity, primarily as a regional curiosity. A special car, the luxurious Clinchfield 100, was added to the train about a decade later to serve as Santa’s official car. A major turning point came in 1982 when journalist Charles Kuralt featured the Santa Train on his national “On the Road” special, bringing the heartwarming story of the Appalachian tradition to a nationwide audience.

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

In orchestration with the 2024 Santa Train, CSX also unveiled its new Clinchfield Heritage Unit. Here, the newly painted locomotive rounds a curve near Starnes VA. Click here for more information on #1902.

The CSX Era and Expansion (1986-Present)

In 1986, the Clinchfield Railroad was fully integrated into CSX Transportation as part of a series of railroad mergers. CSX recognized the cultural significance of the Santa Train and committed to continuing the tradition. The starting point for the run was eventually moved a few miles north to Shelbiana, Kentucky, but the core route and mission remained the same.

The modern CSX Santa Train is a highly choreographed logistical feat involving hundreds of volunteers, CSX employees, and local law enforcement. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, the train makes approximately 14 scheduled stops and travels through 29 towns along its 110-mile journey to Kingsport. Instead of simply tossing out candy, volunteers and celebrity guests (who often ride the train) now hand out fifteen tons or more of gifts, including toys, books, backpacks, warm clothing, and other essentials to the thousands of people who line the tracks.

The event serves a dual purpose: spreading holiday cheer and highlighting the ongoing needs of communities in central Appalachia. The gifts provided can often be the only Christmas presents many children in the region receive.

Legacy and Regional Impact

The Clinchfield-CSX Santa Train has left an indelible mark on the region. It is more than just a moving Christmas parade; it is a vital link between the railroad and the communities it serves. The tradition is a powerful example of corporate goodwill and community partnership, sustained for generations by the dedication of volunteers and the support of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and various business sponsors.

The return of a newly painted Clinchfield Heritage Unit locomotive in 2024 further underscored the deep historical ties and the enduring legacy of the original Clinchfield Railroad in the hearts of railfans and Appalachian residents alike.

Below are pictures and information on the 2024 event.

Click here to see the 1989 Santa Train.

2024 CSX Santa Train

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

In later years, the train’s route was lengthened, starting at Shelbiana KY. Above and below is a picture from one of its late morning stops in St. Paul VA. Candy and soft toys are being tossed from the rear of the train. A small army of volunteers also detrain to distribute gifts such as toys, backpacks, gift wrapping, clothes, and much more.

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

By mid-afternoon, the train arrives at Kingsport TN for a celebration in the city square.

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

One final wave from Santa after 8 hours, 110 miles, and hundreds of waves and ho-ho-hos!

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

CSX President and CEO Joseph Hinrichs congratulates Santa Train Engineer Scott Steffey who is retiring after 30 years, with the 82nd Santa Train being his last run.

CSX Santa Train - Clinchfield

More information and pictures from other Santa Trains over the years will be added in the months ahead.

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org