Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to clarify that the train ride is not open to the general public. It is intended exclusively for children and supporters of the program.

This Saturday, December 6, Union Pacific Railroad will bring a season of generosity to a celebratory crescendo as Railroad Santa trades his sleigh for steel wheels and leads a festive train ride through Houston. The grand finale marks the end of a tremendously successful year for the UPVETS Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter, Union Pacific’s national employee resource group representing military veterans and reservists.

And if you spot a shining red-white-and-blue locomotive rolling through downtown? That’s no ordinary engine. That’s Locomotive No. 1943 – The Spirit, Union Pacific’s powerful, patriotic tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces.

35,000 Toys. One Mission. A Houston Tradition.

This year, UPVETS volunteers collected an extraordinary 35,000 toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, turning Houston’s offices, restaurants, stores, and neighborhoods into hubs of holiday giving.

For seven years, this local chapter has mobilized volunteers, recruited sponsors, and placed donation boxes across the region—each year outdoing the last. Their commitment reflects the heart of Union Pacific, where nearly 18% of employees are U.S. military veterans or reservists, many still actively serving.

Their message is simple: Community service never stops—and neither does the railroad.

A Salute to Service — and to Houston

Union Pacific’s support of veteran employees isn’t symbolic—it’s structural. With military veterans making up nearly one-fifth of its workforce, UP ensures leadership opportunities, skills development, and strong community partnerships. UPVETS exemplifies that commitment by pairing service to the nation with service to neighbors.

Through the Toys for Tots drive, these veteran employees continue their proud tradition of showing up where their community needs them most.

Holiday Magic, Houston-Style

This celebration isn’t just a toy drive finale—it’s a uniquely Houston moment. Heritage railcars, Marines, Santa in overalls, and a patriotic locomotive sweeping across the city? That’s the kind of story only Houston writes.

As the toy-filled train rolls into downtown, it carries more than gifts. It carries gratitude, unity, and the steady reminder that when Houston gives, Houston gives big.