RTA’s historic Christmas trolley to appear in Dayton Children’s Parade, special public events

(DAYTON, OHIO)… The Greater Dayton RTA’s historic Christmas trolley will once again be gracing local streets in this year’s Dayton Children’s Parade on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, as well as select special public events leading up to Christmas.

The 77-year-old trolley – a 1948 Marmon-Herrington TC-48 #559 – is only one of five operable trolleys of its kind in the world today. It is famous for its simulated fireplace, Santa seat, and festive holiday scenes gracing the exterior. 

In the late 1980s, it was transferred to San Franciso Municipal Railway in California. Robert Ruzinsky began his career with RTA in the finance department around the same time and always thought it should have stayed in Dayton.  Upon becoming CEO in 2021 Ruzinsky had the RTA team work to try and get it back. It was re-acquired by RTA and brought back to Dayton in late 2021. Since then, it has undergone an extensive restoration process by RTA’s maintenance team and made its return to the streets of Dayton last year.

After the parade, the public will be able to see this piece of nostalgia during several public events. During these events, the trolley will be on display and will offer free rides through downtown Dayton (this historic vehicle is not ADA accessible). Historic information about the trolley will also be presented by local trolley enthusiast Tom Morrow, and Santa Claus will be making an appearance at each event. All events will take place outside Wright Stop Plaza at the corner of Main and Third streets.