Big Steam bringing Holiday cheer in 2025

Steam locomotive in front of crowds of people — As one of the big steam bringing Holiday cheer in 2025, Soo Line No. 1003 attracts the crowds during its Santa Train in Hartford, Wis., on No. 9, 2024. Lucas Iverson

It’s that magical time of year: The weather outside is frightful, but the steam locomotive’s fire is so delightful! While most of North America’s large locomotives have concluded their operating seasons and are undergoing winterization, maintenance and repairs, a select few will remain active in November and December, bringing Holiday cheer to close out the year.

Two 2-8-2 Mikados will be in steam simultaneously on Nov. 8, marking the end of their operating seasons. Soo Line No. 1003 will participate in bringing Santa Claus to downtown Hartford, Wis., for a special meet and greet. Meanwhile, Southern Railway No. 4501 will lead the last Summerville Steam Special of the year from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga to Summerville, Ga. While not holiday-themed, this particular excursion remains a must to ride and see.

U.S. Sugar 4-6-2 No. 148 will traverse Central Florida for the Sugar Express’ Santa Express, with departures from Sebring and Clewiston. If you’re looking to experience this beautiful Pacific-type locomotive without the holiday rush, it will return for regular excursions throughout early 2026, starting in January.

The family watches a steam-powered train go by during the winter. — Pere Marquette No. 1225 leads the North Pole Express excursion near Ashley, Mich., in December 2021. Steam Railroading Institute

Last but certainly not least are two massive beasts: Maryland’s former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 and Michigan’s Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225. The former will kick off the Western Maryland Scenic’s Polar Express season (Nov. 21–23 only), whistling the conclusion to its 2025 operating season shortly thereafter. The latter will get a shot at redemption on the Steam Railroading Institute’s North Pole Express after being put on ice last year due to superheater issues. For those wondering about Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 No. 261, the Friends of the 261/Railroading Heritage of Midwest America confirms to Trains.com that its E9A No. 32A will handle the North Pole Express trips out of St. Paul Union Depot this year.

Keep checking back for an updated schedule and a possible surprise addition to the Holiday lineup. However, major surprises for must-see big steam are more likely to appear in the 2026-2027 schedule, as the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial, with the Bicentennial of the country’s first railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio, not far behind.