KCS Holiday Express Train Coming to Shreveport Dec. 6

The KCS Holiday Express, a festively-decorated, six-car train that brings Santa Claus and his elves to communities throughout the U.S. at scheduled stops, will visit Shreveport on Saturday, December 6.

The train will pull into the Kansas City Southern Railway Company’s Shreveport Yard, Gate 5, 4500 North Lakeshore Drive, at 4 p.m. The train will depart once the last tours have been given, usually around 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. No ticket is required. Aboard the KCS Holiday Express, children will love touring Santa's dazzlingly-decorated train and posing for photographs with Santa and the elves.

In previous years, the KCS Holiday Express has visited Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport; guests are asked to take note of the new location.

At each scheduled stop, The KCS Charitable Fund makes a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. Over the past 11 years, thanks to the generous contributions of KCS’ employees, vendors and friends, the Holiday Express has donated over $1 million in gift cards to this cause.

Led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car “Rudy”; a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a ginger bread boxcar; the elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose.

The Holiday Express was created in 2001 after volunteers dedicated over 8,000 hours to the rigorous transformation of the retired rail cars. Festive music and lights complete the package.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT: Heading north on Spring Street, turn left onto Caddo Street, which runs in front of the Shreveport Convention Center. Proceed several miles, until you pass under I-220. Take the first left after passing under I-220. There will be a Citgo station on your right immediately before you need to turn. You will pass under a small railroad bridge. Gate #5 will be on your right.