Kree Harrison Is the Celebrity Guest for the 2013 Santa Train

Kree Harrison might be 23 years old, but she still believes in Santa Claus. The recent 'American Idol' runner-up will be the celebrity guest on the 71st annual Santa Train, as it delivers Christmas presents on a 110-mile route in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

This won't be Harrison's first ride on the holiday locomotive. She previously participated in the event in 2001, when she was only 11 years old.

“The first time was such an amazing opportunity to help spread the joy of Christmas to the people of this region,” Harrison says (quote via Nashville's Tennessean). “I can’t wait to have an even greater appreciation for the experience the second time around.”

Harrison, who tragically lost both of her parents while she was a teenager, says she hopes she can be an inspiration to others.  “I think at the end of the day, it’s a choice, and you just have to literally get up and not move on — because it’s impossible — but move forward," she explains. "So, I don’t know if I’ve done that for anybody, but I hope.”

The Santa Train will run on Nov. 23, and is expected to distribute more than 15 tons of gifts, which are donated from both individuals and companies. More information, including route times and how to contribute to the worthwhile cause, can be found here.