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An Oregon Christmas Train Ride On The Candy Cane Express!

Published: October 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If you love the timeless romance of vintage trains and the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad delivers both in generous measure.

Based on the shores of Tillamook Bay, this non-profit heritage railway preserves and operates historic locomotives and cars on a stretch of track that winds between fishing harbors, tidal wetlands, and driftwood-strewn beaches.

Its regular excursions are popular all season, but come late November the route takes on extra sparkle with the Candy Cane Express, a family-friendly holiday ride that pairs coastal scenery with festive cheer.

About the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR) operates on a portion of the former Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad, a line with roots in the lumber and fishing industries that stitched together coastal communities long before highways made travel easy.

Today, OCSR runs primarily between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, with some excursions extending farther north toward Wheeler when schedules and conditions allow.

The line hugs Tillamook Bay and parallels Highway 101 in places, offering a slow, scenic glide through salt marshes, spruce and cedar stands, and beach towns where the surf is often in earshot.

OCSR’s mission is preservation in motion. Its crews and volunteers maintain historic rolling stock, including vintage diesel locomotives and classic steam power from the early 20th century.

It's most well known steam locomotives include 2-8-2 #90, 2-Truck Climax #1, and 2-Truck Heisler #3.

Depending on the time of year, maintenance schedules, and fire danger, you may find yourself behind a steam locomotive with its resonant whistle echoing off the hills, or a vintage diesel working the rails.

Either way, the pace is relaxed and the views are generous—gulls and herons drifting above the tide flats, fishing boats chugging toward the harbor, and on clear days, wide-open vistas toward the Pacific.

The experience on a regular-season ride is unhurried and immersive. The Garibaldi–Rockaway Beach round trip is typically about an hour and a half, long enough to settle in and let the scenery unfold.

The longer Garibaldi–Wheeler excursion doubles down on bay and river views, as the train traces the shoreline of Nehalem Bay.

You’ll often pass landmarks like the Garibaldi Marina and, farther north, glimpses of Twin Rocks. The atmosphere aboard is welcoming, with docents and crew members happy to chat about local history and railroad lore.

Enter the Candy Cane Express

As the holidays approach, OCSR’s most beloved seasonal tradition rolls out: the Candy Cane Express. This festive excursion transforms the railroad’s vintage coaches into rolling holiday halls, dressed with garlands, lights, and seasonal decorations. Families, couples, and friend groups bundle up for a coastal winter ride that pairs nostalgic rail travel with the cozy comforts of the season.

Though specifics can vary from year to year, the heart of the Candy Cane Express is consistent. Expect a shorter, family-friendly run, typically around an hour, that departs from the depot in Garibaldi and follows the shoreline before returning to the station.

On board, you’ll usually find holiday music, treats like hot cocoa and cookies, and, of course, a visit from Santa. Children often receive a candy cane, and you’ll see plenty of festive attire—from knitted scarves to reindeer sweaters—adding to the good cheer.

What sets this holiday ride apart is the setting itself. Winter on the coast brings dramatic skies and moody light, and the warmth of the train contrasts with mist-laced pines and steel-blue water just outside the windows.

On a clear day, the low sun lights up the marsh grasses and casts long shadows across the bay. On a drizzly day, raindrops bead on the glass while the locomotive’s horn and the soft rhythm of the rails create a cocoon-like calm. Either way, the vibe is magical, and the pace lets you savor it.

Celebrating Christmas By Train

Nostalgia is a powerful part of the appeal. The holidays tend to bring out childhood memories, and a vintage train—polished brass, warm wood, the click of wheels on rail—feels like something right out of a storybook.

OCSR leans into that sense of wonder while keeping things uncomplicated and welcoming. There’s no rush, no elaborate plot to follow—just time together, a beautiful route, and a festive atmosphere that’s both low-key and special.

For families, it’s an easy tradition to adopt. Kids are captivated by trains, and meeting Santa aboard a real, moving coach is memorable without being overwhelming. For couples or groups of friends, the ride makes a perfect add-on to a coast getaway: brunch in Rockaway Beach, a stroll along the sand, then cocoa and carols as you watch the winter light shift across the bay.

Beyond The Train: Make A Day Of It

The Candy Cane Express is a great anchor for a broader day trip. Before or after your ride, consider:

• Garibaldi: Watch the commercial fleet at the marina, grab chowder, or browse local shops.

• Rockaway Beach: Walk the seven-mile sandy beach, look for agates, and photograph Twin Rocks from the wayside.

• Wheeler and Nehalem: Antique stores, small cafes, and tranquil views over Nehalem Bay.

• Tillamook: The Tillamook Creamery visitor center is a short drive away and popular with families.

Planning and booking

Holiday schedules and offerings can change from season to season. For the latest Candy Cane Express dates, departure times, fares, and equipment plans, check the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s official website or social media channels. If you have specific needs—group seating, accessibility questions, or concerns about weather—reach out to the railroad directly when booking.

One last suggestion: embrace the moment. Put the phone down between photos, sip your cocoa, and watch the scenery roll by. Whether the bay is glassy under a pale winter sun or moody with rain and mist, the Oregon Coast has a way of slowing time. On the Candy Cane Express, that feeling gets an extra dash of holiday magic—and it’s hard to imagine a better way to welcome the season.