Taking a transcontinental trip to Los Angeles from Washington DC by train and deciding to chronicle his adventure, disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon finds himself westbound with a variety of characters. All provide inspiration for a story he wants to write in honour of his late father. He begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures, and holiday magic as his fellow passengers open his eyes to wondrous possibilities, and the opportunity for love he thought had been forever lost.