Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Sets First Holiday Tour for Make-A-Wish

Published: September 17, 2026

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific announced today that Big Boy No. 4014 will take to the rails this November for its first-ever holiday tour, a limited Cheyenne–Denver trip in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is set to be on display November 21 in the Denver, Colorado, area. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and elves will be on hand that day with limited-edition gifts for children.

The move comes several months after 4014 finished its 14-state coast-to-coast America 250 tour from California to New York, which ended with a Fourth of July appearance in Philadelphia. Union Pacific said that journey drew millions of viewers.

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive operating in falling snow

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 in the snow. Union Pacific photo.

Cheyenne to Denver, with tickets

The public can buy tickets to ride vintage passenger cars behind 4014 from Cheyenne, Wyoming—home of Union Pacific’s steam shop—to Denver. Union Pacific said the trip will support Make-A-Wish and include a donation from the railroad’s Community Ties Giving Program.

Ticket sales for Union Pacific Railroad Museum patrons begin October 16 at uptraintix.org. Remaining seats go on sale to the general public October 19. Union Pacific’s steam schedule notes that more holiday-tour details will follow in the coming weeks. Confirm times, boarding, and the November 21 display location on UP’s steam schedule before you travel. The railroad has not yet named a specific Denver-area site in the announcement.

The locomotive

Alco built 25 Big Boys for Union Pacific to haul freight over the Wasatch Range in Utah during World War II. Eight were preserved after the class was retired. Only 4014 still operates, restored at Cheyenne and returned to steam in 2019. The railroad that runs her is the Union Pacific.

Safety

Union Pacific asks spectators to stay 25 feet back from the tracks—including drones. Do not stand on the rail or ballast for a photo. Do not climb on the locomotive or equipment. Tracks, trestles, yards, and right-of-way are private property. Never pace the train on an adjacent road. Always expect a train.

Sources

Union Pacific. “Steaming Up for the Holidays: Union Pacific’s Big Boy to Embark on First-Ever Holiday Tour for Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Press release, Omaha, September 17, 2026
Union Pacific Steam Schedule. Holiday-tour notice; additional details forthcoming
Union Pacific Railroad Museum patron tickets: uptraintix.org, October 16 (patrons) / October 19 (public)

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Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Sets First Holiday Tour for Make-A-Wish

Cheyenne to Denver, with tickets

The locomotive

Safety

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Sources