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A Florida Christmas Train Ride On The Sugar Express!

Published: November 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Across the vast plains of Florida’s southern interior, where fields of sugarcane dominate the horizon and small towns still hum with agricultural life, a unique heritage railroad has emerged as one of the state’s most exciting excursion experiences. Sugar Express, operated by U.S. Sugar, blends the romance of historic railroading with the story of Florida’s sugar industry—delivering a rare combination of industrial heritage, small-town charm, and family-friendly excursions throughout the year.

Based in Clewiston, Sugar Express has rapidly become known for its beautifully restored steam locomotive, its carefully curated excursions across rare mileage, and its incredibly popular seasonal event: the Santa Express.

Origins of Sugar Express

The roots of Sugar Express lie deep in the history of U.S. Sugar Corporation, one of America’s largest agricultural producers. The company has long maintained an extensive network of industrial rail lines linking fields, mills, loading areas, and towns across Hendry, Palm Beach, and Glades Counties. For decades, these lines moved cane and processed sugar products—not passengers—but they also preserved one of the most robust private rail networks in the Southeast.

The idea of turning a portion of this infrastructure into a heritage railroad grew organically. U.S. Sugar owned locomotives, shop facilities, historic lines, and most importantly, a rare gem: Florida East Coast 4-6-2 No. 148, a perfectly sized engine with deep Florida roots. As the company restored 148 for public operation, the vision for Sugar Express took shape.

In 2020, Sugar Express launched publicly as an excursion railroad dedicated to:

• Preserving Florida’s railroading and agricultural heritage
• Offering rare passenger excursions through the sugarcane region
• Sharing the story of Clewiston, Moore Haven, Bryant, and other rural communities
• Creating high-quality special events that attract families, railfans, and history lovers alike

Since that first season, Sugar Express has expanded dramatically, hosting themed events, vintage photo charters, and year-round public runs.

The Restoration of No. 148

At the center of Sugar Express is No. 148, a 4-6-2 “Pacific” type steam locomotive built by ALCO in 1920 for the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC). For decades, 148 hauled passenger and freight trains along Florida’s Atlantic coast, becoming a well-known FEC steam icon.

After its retirement in the 1950s, 148 went west to Colorado for tourist operations, eventually falling into disrepair. U.S. Sugar reacquired the locomotive in the 2010s and committed to a full, frame-up restoration. Skilled craftsmen rebuilt the engine in Clewiston using the company’s industrial shops—the same facilities that service the modern cane-haul fleet.

When 148 steamed again in late 2020, it marked the first time in more than 70 years that a Florida-built and Florida-operated steam locomotive returned to the state’s agricultural heartland. The restoration was praised statewide as a major preservation achievement, breathing life into an engine that once symbolized Florida’s early 20th-century transportation boom.

Early Excursions and Growing Popularity

Sugar Express began by offering a small number of special excursions, including:

• Inaugural steam trips between Clewiston and Moore Haven
• Holiday and seasonal runs
• Vintage railfan photo charters
• Community celebration trains serving small towns in U.S. Sugar’s operating area

Interest grew quickly among both Floridians and national rail enthusiasts. Because the line operates on private right-of-way, much of Sugar Express’s mileage is not accessible to any other passenger trains, making excursions unusually rare and desirable. Riders enjoy scenery not widely seen: lakes, flat marshlands, sugar fields, small towns, industrial sidings, and wildlife areas that are quintessentially “Old Florida.”

The railroad also uses historic passenger cars, some built in the 1940s and 1950s, which have been restored and upgraded for comfortable modern service. The combination of authentic steam power and lovingly preserved rolling stock gives every trip a sense of time-travel—an experience difficult to find elsewhere in the Southeast.

Present-Day Operations

Today, Sugar Express operates a diverse schedule of excursions throughout the year.

Kissimmee Valley Runs

Excursions that travel across stretches of Florida’s interior, highlighting the agricultural landscapes that define the region. These trips often operate behind steam locomotive No. 148 and may include open-air photo stops, narration, and onboard hosts who share the stories of cane harvesting, milling, and railroading.

Lake Okeechobee Specials

Trips circling or passing near Lake Okeechobee—Florida’s inland sea—offering panoramic views of the state’s ranchlands, water management structures, and wildlife habitats.

Community Heritage Visits

Sugar Express frequently partners with small towns to bring trains to local festivals, celebrations, and historic events. These trips reinforce the line’s mission of community engagement and storytelling.

Diesel-Powered Excursions

While No. 148 is the star, the railroad also uses a roster of vintage diesel locomotives that have their own historic significance, enabling more frequent service and special events.

The Annual Christmas Train: The Santa Express

The crown jewel of the winter season—and one of Sugar Express’s most widely recognized events.

The Santa Express:  A Festive Holiday Tradition in Florida’s Heartland

Each December, Sugar Express transforms into a rolling Christmas celebration with its popular Santa Express, a joyous seasonal excursion designed for families, children, and anyone who enjoys the magic of the holidays.

The train is unique among Florida Christmas trains because it pairs holiday festivity with authentic steam-era atmosphere and the rural beauty of the Glades.

A Holiday Experience Rooted in Tradition

Families board vintage coaches decked out in Christmas decorations—garland, lights, wreaths, and festive signage—creating an immersive holiday environment from the moment passengers step aboard.

Santa and Mrs. Claus make their rounds through the train, greeting children personally, posing for photos, and handing out small gifts. Friendly elves and attendants help create a lively, cheerful atmosphere throughout the entire ride.

The experience typically includes:

• A scenic round-trip excursion from Clewiston or a partner community
• Onboard storytelling, sing-alongs, and interactive holiday entertainment
• Hot chocolate, seasonal treats, or snack boxes depending on the year’s offerings
• Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus with photo opportunities
• Vintage Christmas décor throughout the train
• Optional photo sessions with the locomotive at select stops

An Event For All Ages

The Santa Express is designed to appeal to a broad audience:

• Families with young children who want a magical Christmas memory
• Grandparents and multigenerational groups sharing a new holiday tradition
• Rail enthusiasts who enjoy rail history and steam powered excursions
• Visitors from coastal cities wishing to explore Florida’s rural interior

The excursion’s length is ideal for families, the schedule is flexible, and the overall experience is both festive and relaxed—without long lines, dense crowds, or overwhelming noise.

A Growing Florida Tradition

In just a few short years, Sugar Express has evolved from a newly launched heritage operation into one of Florida’s most promising excursion railroads. Each season brings new routes, expanded offerings, and imaginative special events—yet the Santa Express remains one of its most beloved traditions.

For families seeking a holiday outing, for railfans yearning for authentic steam, or for visitors eager to discover a different side of Florida, the Santa Express and the Sugar Express as a whole offer an unforgettable experience—rooted in history, fueled by community, and alive with the spirit of Christmas.  For more information about the Santa Express and booking your trip please click here to visit the Sugar Express website.