Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is 'Off the Rails' with Fall Rides, Holiday Trips

Published 10/03/2026 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Wheeler, Oregon) - The holidays are about to get a little more magical on the Oregon coast as the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad rolls out one of its most beloved traditions. The Candy Cane Express returns November 27 through December 23, offering families a festive ride through some of the region’s most striking forested and coastal scenery.

Even before then, however, the Fall Splendor Excursion has been rolling along the shorelines of the Tillamook Coast already and more dates are open.

Tickets go on sale soon for the Candy Cane Express.

The historic steam-powered train transforms into a rolling holiday spectacle, decked out inside and out. Passengers are treated to hot cocoa and locally baked cookies delivered to their seats, plus the chance to write letters to Santa before he makes his onboard appearance. A live musician leads classic Christmas carols as the train glides from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back, creating a one-hour round trip filled with nostalgia and seasonal cheer.

“Take in the views of the beautiful Oregon coastline aboard the Candy Cane Express at Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad,” the agency said. “Nothing evokes the holidays like a historic train, and a ride aboard the Candy Cane Express is filled with holiday cheer for the whole family.”

Each ride includes cocoa and cookies, letter-writing materials, a visit with Santa, a candy cane from the big guy himself, live music, access to the onboard gift shop, and the full steam-powered experience. All ages are welcome, and the train is wheelchair accessible via a portable lift with advance notice. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor covered car, while only task-trained service animals may ride inside.

More details: https://oregoncoastscenic.org/

Also underway is the Fall Splendor Excursion, running through November 15. This seasonal ride showcases the changing colors along the Tillamook Coast, with sweeping views of the Nehalem Bay shoreline, towering forests, and the Coast Range. Docents narrate the trip, sharing history of the railroad and the natural landscape.

South Oregon Coast Holidays Gets Warm, Gooey and Illuminated Around Coos Bay -- Lit-up trains, major Coos Bay events, lights at Shore Acres, food, shopping and tunes

Tickets run $36 for adults, $27 for children, and free for infants booked with an adult or senior. A caboose rental for groups up to ten is available for $410. Cab rides with the engineer—diesel or steam—are offered on select weekends for ages 10–18 with an accompanying adult, priced at $120 and $150 respectively.

The Fall Splendor trip lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover in Wheeler. Accessibility upgrades are in progress, with wheelchair lifts expected at both Rockaway Beach and Wheeler stations thanks to a Travel Oregon grant. Dogs are welcome in outdoor cars.

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Early September and Oregon Coast's Second Summer: Rentals That Are Still Open...
Still a couple vacation rentals with availability but getting thin. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, hotel availability

40 Years Now, Oregon's Kiwanda Coastal Properties Celebrates with Time Trippi...
A photo contest digs back through decades of Pacific City history. Pacific City hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel news, specials

A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Cal...
7 Sep 2026 at 11:21pm
Keystone Vacation Rentals reviews: Right by the largest set of tidepools in Lincoln City. Lincoln City hotel reviews

Whistling Winds Motel - Lincoln City Motel
Lincoln City Hotel Reviews: Low room rates: call to check on specials

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

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

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

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