Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches


Candy Cane Express and Holiday Cheers Run on North Oregon Coast Rails

Published 12/02/24 at 6:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Rockaway Beach, Oregon) – Rolling up and down the tracks of the Tillamook Coast is one heckuva Christmas party on locomotive wheels. The Candy Cane Express is now tooting its way along the shoreline – Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad's latest offering of excursion tours, which happen every weekend through December 23. (Courtesy photos, OSCR)

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

However, there's something even newer on the railway: the Holiday Cheers Express. That's a special ride taking place only on December 8.

The new excursion that day is over 21 years old only, and features the chance to celebrate the season with a wee drinky-poo. You'll get to sip on your choice of locally-crafted beer or wine as you take in views along the Nehalem Bay and Tillamook Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean.

It runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and takes you into dusk. And hopefully, if the skies are clear, you'll get blue hour as well.

You'll be part of something really festive rolling down the track: a train completely decked out in holiday lights.

“The historic train is already decorated for our usual Candy Cane Express rides for all ages,” OSCR said. “This is a fantastic way to enjoy a longer trip aboard the Candy Cane Express train with a more mature audience and libations. The train is set to be pulled by a 99-year-old steam locomotive. Passengers are encouraged to dress up in their ugliest sweaters for this ride.”

That old locomotive is a bit of a celebrity: it's the McLoud 25 seen in the movie “Stand By Me.” It often makes many of the trips, and the Candy Cane Express runs may also be hauled by the famed engine.

Tickets for the Holiday Cheers Express are $65. Riders get two drink tickets (which could be non-alcoholic options as well). Everyone gets complimentary sweets at the halfway point, and light food options will be available.

The Candy Cane Express runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the month, and these are about an hour.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR) reports having a great first run over the Thanksgiving weekend.

“Santa returns home for the week, but his sleigh is scheduled to return for our first run next weekend Friday, December 5th,” OSCR said on social.


Yes, these runs include visits from Santa. You get complementary hot cocoa and cookies, and you get to write letters to Santa while waiting for him to visit onboard. These run from Garibaldi to Rockway Beach and back.

Tickets for adults vary by the kind of car, going between $33 and $44. Children are less, with infants free. See the site for full info. oregoncoastscenic.org (503) 842-7972.

Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours



MORE PHOTOS BELOW






Booking.com


More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Spring Break? Bring the Rain and Beach Hazards (But Record Temps...
S. coast sneaker waves, rain, then high temps mid-week. Weather

UPDATES: Flood Watches from Oregon, Washington Coastlines to Cascades - High ...
Street flooding quite possible from Florence to Seattle; Gusts up to 65 mph, surf up to 37 ft. Weather

Weird Oregon Coast History in Waldport: Monster Legends, UFO Cult, Blowing Up...
Dynamiting a bridge, almost blowing up a whale, crooner connection, more

Decay Hits Beloved Oregon Coast Tree, Now the Newport Icon Must Be Cut Down
Yaquina Bay Tree stands in the middle of the road at the park. Newport, Yachats, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay

Blood Moon Eclipse and Other Stellar Action Above Oregon, Washington, Coastlines
Eclipse March 13 - 14, bright planets, actual spring. Weather

Snow Alerts Vary Around Oregon, Washington, Coastlines - Icy Roads Possible
Winter weather advisories or warnings for most of Oregon

Incredible Oregon Coast Winter Sites 'n Sights in Photos (Or Really, Anytime)
Wonders around Astoria, Depoe Bay, Cape Kiwanda

Rockaway Beach Oregon Coast Weather, Alerts, Current Conditions, Cams, Foreca...
Wave height, buoy cam, data from buoys and ships nearby, wind station


Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted