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A Kansas Christmas Train Ride On The A&SV!

Published: November 20, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Set in the heartland of Kansas, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVRR) offers a living, breathing encounter with railroading’s golden age.

Based in Abilene—a town known for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Old Abilene Town, and an enduring cowboy spirit—this volunteer-powered nonprofit invites visitors to slow down, step aboard vintage railcars, and roll through the Smoky Hill River valley between Abilene and the nearby community of Enterprise.

It’s an experience that blends history, scenery, and community pride, whether you come for a sunny summer run, a themed dinner outing, or a twinkling holiday ride.

A Volunteer Railroad with a Big Heart

ASVRR is sustained by volunteers and community partners who maintain the track, restore equipment, crew the trains, and host guests with Kansas hospitality. The railroad typically operates diesel-powered excursions throughout much of the year and, when available, showcases its celebrated steam locomotive, Santa Fe 4-6-2 #3415 (built in June, 1919 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works), on select dates.

The round-trip journey is about 10 miles and generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, a pace that encourages conversation, photos from the windows, and time to absorb the gentle roll of steel wheels on rail.

Passengers ride in vintage coaches that reflect an earlier era of rail travel. You’ll see open farmland, river crossings, and small-town scenes that feel like storybook Americana. On many runs, the destination of Enterprise adds another dimension: the Hoffman Grist Mill, a local historic site, often opens for demonstrations and artisanal goods, creating a hands-on heritage pairing with the train itself.

A Seasonal Favorite: The Cowtown Santa Express

During the holiday season, ASVRR transforms from a history museum on rails to a festive corridor of lights, music, and family traditions. The railroad's "Cowtown Santa Express" has become a popular seasonal excursion featuring cookies and hot cocoa during the trip, festive holiday music, and of course a visit from Santa.

A New Tradition: The Evergreen and Ember Express

A brand new seasonal excursion at the ASVRR is the Evergreen and Ember Express.  It is a unique twist on the holidays featuring a dinner train experience for large groups.  The two hour trip can host groups of up to 160 persons, featuring fine china, private setting, and a delicious meal.

What Riders Can Expect During The Holidays

Atmosphere: The depot and cars are typically decorated with seasonal flair. Expect holiday music, friendly crew members in festive attire, and a pace that’s ideal for families with young children as well as couples seeking a nostalgic night out.

The Ride: The train departs Abilene for Enterprise around twilight on designated dates, maximizing the glow of decorations and the cozy ambiance inside. The round trip is unhurried and designed for enjoying the moment, snapping photos, and watching the landscape roll past in winter’s hush.

Santa and Stories: Many holiday runs include a visit from Santa, opportunities for children to share wish lists, and a small treat. Storytelling and carol sing-alongs are common and add to the feeling that you’re part of an old-fashioned community gathering—because you are.

Treats and Comforts: Hot cocoa, cider, and cookies are typical, served by volunteers who know that simple comforts are part of the magic. Dress warmly; while coaches are heated, winter evenings on the Kansas plains can be crisp, and the walk to and from the train is part of the fun.

Why It Resonates

Holiday trains are perennial favorites for a reason. The ASVRR experience blends sensory delights—steam era sights and sounds when available, classic diesel rumble, and the cadence of rail—with memory-making rituals. Parents remember their own childhood wonder; kids delight in the novelty of a real train; everyone appreciates the community effort that brings it together.

Because the railroad is volunteer-run, riders also see where their ticket dollars go. Proceeds help maintain the track and equipment, support restoration projects, and sustain a local institution that educates, entertains, and preserves a tangible piece of American history. If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of a steam crew or restoring a coach, ASVRR welcomes new volunteers and members. The holiday season is a great time to learn how to get involved.

The Broader Mission

ASVRR is more than excursions and events. It’s an educational resource for schools, a living history site for tourists, and a workshop for preserving rare skills. Its star locomotive, Santa Fe 3415, is a treasure of American railroading; when that engine steams, visitors witness the culmination of thousands of volunteer hours and community support. Even when 3415 is undergoing required inspections or restoration cycles, the railroad’s commitment to keeping history alive never pauses.

Final Thoughts

The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Christmas experience delivers exactly what the name suggests: evergreen traditions and the ember-warm glow of shared experiences. It’s an evening where time seems to slow, where the laughter of children mixes with the rhythm of the rails, and where the simple act of riding a train becomes a doorway to memory.

Check the railroad’s official website or social media for the latest schedules, event naming, ticketing, and equipment updates. Then gather your favorite people, bundle up, and come ride. In a world that moves fast, ASVRR offers a rare gift: a few miles of track where heritage, community, and the holiday spirit all meet—beautifully—in motion.