Frequently Asked Questions About the Holiday Express
Many frequently asked questions about the Holiday Express are answered below. If not, please contact Doniele Kane at 816-983-1372 or Patti Tamisiea at 816-805-0934.
What will I see at a Holiday Express stop? The train is a spectacle both inside and out. It is comprised of six cars, three of which can be toured. In the caboose, visitors can visit with Santa Claus. After walking through two more cars filled with displays, children will receive a free gift bag.
Can I ride the Holiday Express train? The train is available for tours at each scheduled stop, but is not available for rides.
Do I need tickets to board the Holiday Express? How much does it cost? The Holiday Express train is free and open to the public. No tickets are needed. Passage through the train is available on a first come first served basis.
How long is the train open at each stop? The start time is available on the published schedule. In most cities, we do not list an end time on the schedule, because it is dependent on the crowd size and weather. We will make every effort to keep the train open as long as there are visitors in line.
Is the Holiday Express handicapped accessible? Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring a wheel chair on board the train. However, kindly notify one of our elves of your circumstances, and we will either help you board the train, or Santa Claus will make a special visit outside the train.
How can I request that the Holiday Express stop in my community? The 2009 Holiday Express schedule is firm. To request that your community be considered for a future Holiday Express stop, send an email to Doniele Kane.
The train is not stopping in my community, but will pass through. How can I find out what time it will come through my community? Unfortunately, we can't say. Holiday Express movements are scheduled around our freight trains.
Are there any volunteer opportunities? The Holiday Express would not be possible without our generous "elves" volunteers. To inquire about opportunities in your community, send an email to Patti Tamisiea.
What do charitable contributions to the Holiday Express support? Each year, KCS receives charitable contributions from its employees, vendors and friends. These contributions are used to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards in increments of $25.00 each. These gift cards are divided amongst the communities and donated to the Salvation Army to provide warm clothing for children in need.
Where do the gift cards go if there is not a Salvation Army in the community where the Holiday Express stops? The Salvation Army is divided into districts and works with local organizations in each community to see that the gift cards are distributed where needed.
How can I make a charitable contribution to the Holiday Express? If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the 2009 Holiday Express, please write your check to "Greater Kansas City Community Foundation-KCS Fund" and mail the check to "2009 Holiday Express, Attn: Barbara Blevins, Kansas City Southern, PO Box 219335, Kansas City, MO 64121-9335" by October 31, 2009. Any donations received after that date will support the 2010 campaign.