Community Comes Together as TXNW Christmas Train Brings Holiday Magic to Sunray, Texas

Nearly 1,000 Moore County residents gathered in Sunray in the northern Texas Panhandle on December 6th as their hometown railway, Texas North Western Railway (TXNW), transformed an ordinary evening into an extraordinary celebration of community spirit and holiday joy.

The highlight of the evening came when a festively decorated TXNW locomotive pulled into

town carrying Santa Claus and special Guest of Honor Damian Maldonado, whose attendance was made possible through the Make A Wish Foundation. With Sunray Mayor Bruce Broxson serving as Grand Marshal, the Christmas Train's arrival marked the beginning of an evening that brought together families, local businesses, and community organizations in a celebration of what makes small-town Texas special.

"This event represents everything we love about Moore County – neighbors coming together to create something meaningful for our children and families," said TXNW Superintendent Amber Farley, whose team spent days decorating the locomotive. "Seeing 1,000 smiling faces as that train rolled in, especially knowing Damian was aboard with Santa, reminded us why we're proud to call Sunray home."

The evening festivities, co-organized with the Sunray Volunteer Fire Department, featured complimentary hot cocoa, Christmas music, and an opportunity for children to share their holiday wishes with Santa. But the true story was the outpouring of community support that made it possible. Local businesses and organizations rallied to ensure every child went home with a gift and every family felt the warmth of their community, including contributions from JBS, DevCon, Moore County Hospital District, Trinity Repair, The Plaza, Jack Oldham, Dumas EDC, Dumas Rodeo, Dumas Lions Club, United Supermarket, Walmart, Toot n Totum, Civil Xcavation Contractors, Dumas ISD, Moore County Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management Services, and Boy Scouts.

"There's a magical connection between Christmas and trains for children, and we wanted to honor that tradition in a way that brings our entire community together," said TNW CEO Paul Treangen. "We're grateful to work alongside so many generous neighbors who share our commitment to making Moore County a special place to raise families."

For TXNW, which has operated in Sunray since 1982, the Christmas Train event represents more than holiday celebration – it's a reflection of the railway's deep roots in Moore County and its ongoing commitment to the community it serves.

View the KAMR-TV Amarillo story here.