Visit of KCS Christmas Train

The Kansas City Southern’s Christmas Train visited Baton Rouge last Friday, and more than 3,000 area residents climbed aboard to enjoy the unique Christmas experience offered by the railroad. The train, which resembles the Polar Express, is decorated inside and out.  Touring the inside is an exciting experience but even the outside warms the hearts of all.

This December, the KCS Christmas Train will travel to 21 cities in seven states.  After leaving Baton Rouge, the train headed to Alexandria.

The train’s Head Elf Grant Elliott said KCS began the service in 2001 as a way to give back to the community and bring the joy of Christmas to many who would not otherwise know it.

He said the train also helps raise money to help families in need.  “Early on, KCS employees saw that many of the kids coming to the train lacked the basics.” At first,

employees began giving out coats, but later they started raising money along the train’s route.  Today, KCS donates funds to the Salvation Army which distributes Wal-Mart gift cards to needy families.  So far, the Christmas Train has helped raise more than $1 million, Head Elf Elliott said.  The train is likely to return to Baton Rouge in 2016.