Vermont Rail System Helps Light The Way for the Holidays!

Vermont Rail System was proud to join residents and businesses throughout the state as we used our historic passenger train to “Light the Way” and spread cheer and lighten spirits during the challenging 2020 holiday season. When Governor Scott announced his campaign we were glad to participate by lighting our vintage locomotive and observation car and sending them on a tour of rail lines for the enjoyment of all. Our routes pass through communities both large and small where the railroad is an integral part of everyday life. VRS employees were enthusiastic about creating a holiday memory that would be truly unique, especially for the children who would usually be enjoying a trip on one of the many Santa trains operated during a normal holiday season. Gathering the materials normally used on the Santa trains, our team went right to work decorating locomotive #405 and our observation car “Vermont” with lights, wreaths, and other whimsical, illuminated decorations.

Beginning next week of December 5, 2020, the train started its tour of the state, heading from Bellows Falls to Rutland making stops at scenic locations along the way. It then traveled south to North Bennington, west to Fair Haven, and north to Burlington before returning to the picturesque Chester Depot in time for Christmas. The public was able to follow the progress of the train on the VRS Facebook page, where frequent posts provided schedule and display information. Thousand of people were able to join us trackside to see the train as it rolled by.

The Vermont Rail System would like to recognize all of our employees (and even our very own Santa) who went the extra mile to make sure the train operated safely and smoothly, and looked amazing too! It was a privilege to bring the magic of the holidays to Vermont.