Time-Honored Appalachian Tradition Continues to Bring Holiday Joy to Communities
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – According to a joint statement from CSX and the North Pole Transportation Authority, the CSX Santa Train will make its 84th run through Appalachia on Saturday, Nov. 21 2026.
Following the traditional path taken through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee since 1943, the train will embark on a 110-mile journey from Shelbiana, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., spreading an abundance of holiday cheer while delivering more than 15,000 toys, gifts, and winter accessories to thousands of families.
“As we look ahead to a new year, we’re reminded that the CSX Santa Train is about so much more than a journey along the tracks. It’s about bringing people together, creating moments of joy and carrying traditions forward from one generation to the next,” said Tom Livingston, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at CSX. “The warmth of the communities that welcome the CSX Santa Train and the support from people across the country remind us why this tradition has endured for generations.”
“The Santa Train celebrates connection, creates lasting memories and continues a cherished tradition that together makes a lasting impact on the region,” said the train’s “official” Santa Claus. “In my book, the Christmas season kicks off with the CSX Santa Train and I’m eager to get on board to continue this Appalachian tradition.”
The official announcement video is linked here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DmuLi3bw1/
For more updates, route inquiries and additional information regarding this year’s event, follow the CSX Santa Train on Facebook and Instagram.
CSX Santa Train route schedule below:
| KENTUCKY | VIRGINIA | TENNESSEE |
| Shelby: 6 a.m. | Toms Bottom: 7:45 a.m. | Kingsport: 2:58 p.m. |
| Marrowbone: 6:20 a.m. | Haysi: 8:07 a.m. | * Please note that there are no gifts handed out from the train at this stop. Instead, the Kingsport Chamber hosts Santa’s Depot, the community Christmas event that includes fun holiday activities for all. |
| Elkhorn City: 7:05 a.m. | Clinchco: 8:40 a.m. | |
| Fremont: 9:08 a.m. | ||
| Dante: 10:08 a.m. | ||
| St. Paul: 10:53 a.m. | ||
| Dungannon: 12:03 p.m. | ||
| Kermit: 1:48 p.m. | ||
| Waycross: 2:20 p.m. |
About the CSX Santa Train
The CSX Santa Train, which will make its 84th run in 2026, is one of the nation’s oldest holiday traditions and a point of pride in CSX’s nearly 200-year legacy. CSX Santa Train delivers more than 15,000 toys, backpacks and winter clothing to Appalachian families along 110 miles of railroad tracks through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee and is presented in partnership with Appalachian Power, Food City and Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. We welcome you to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates. For more information, visit https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/community-investment/csx-in-service/.
About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides. It also connects approximately 250 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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