California Christmas Trains

FORT BRAGG-WILLITS: Magical Christmas Train 60 minute ride from Fort Bragg typically sells out. $,skunktrain.com 
Fort Bragg tickets include a 60 minute train ride through a storybook wonderland, cookies, hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, and a personal visit with Santa Claus himself. Wear your Christmas morning pajamas, if you'd like, and join in carols and reindeer games. 

JAMESTOWN: Railtown's The Polar Express, railtown1897.org
Railtown 1897 SHP and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are pleased to welcome guests aboard the historic Sierra Railway for evening holiday themed train rides. Guests on these special excursions will delight in the decorated coaches, an appearance by the big man in the red suit, a sweet treat, a reading of the famed poem The Night Before Christmas, and lots of holiday cheer. 

ORANGE: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
$tickets, irvineparkrailroad.com
 Come with family and friends and take this enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park. This year, passengers will remain seated on the train at the North Pole as Santa and Mrs. Clause greet passengers from a safe distance. There will be no photos with Santa (including sitting on his lap). Social distancing rules and mask rules enforced.

WEST SACRAMENTO: Magical Christmas Train, $tickets, riverfoxtrain.com
18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento, CA 95691
Step aboard and ride this magical train to be transported on a holiday wonderland complete with hot cocoa and a treat. Each car will have their very own Elf who will guide them in Christmas sing-a-longs, elf games, and fun elf activities. After your train ride, Santa will be waiting for you at our Winter Wonderland park. Each family will have the opportunity to have a socially distanced experience with Santa. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves will be on hand as well. Feel free to come dressed in your cozy PJs to add even more magic to your overall experience. Kids of all ages will enjoy this enchanting holiday tradition and children will have fond memories that last a lifetime.

WILLITS: Skunk Train Magical Christmas Train  (90 minutes) several time options starting at 10 a.m.
$ skunktrain.com  Sells out! Magical Christmas Train from Willits  includes a 90-minute ride through a storybook wonderland with cookies, hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, and Santa Claus. 

OCEANSIDE/SAN DIEGO: Coaster Holiday Express December 4-5 & 11-12, 2021
Oceanside Transit Center
235 S Tremont St.
Oceanside, CA 92054
gonctd.com/holidayexpress/

PERRIS Southern California Railway Museum Polar Express
THE POLAR EXPRESS Select Dates November 24-December 31, 2021
Train Ride is coming to Southern California Railway Museum for the 2021 holiday season
2201 South A Street
Perris, CA
socalrailway.org

SACRAMENTO: Polar Express Train  californiarailroad.museum

SANTA CRUZ - FELTON: Holiday Lights Train
roaringcamp.com
Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk  with vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights. Ticketed guests climb aboard and roll through the streets of Santa Cruz singing holiday carols, sipping hot spiced cider and listening to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart!  Also enjoy the daytime holiday walk and Chanukah train.

SUNOL & NILES Train of Lights SOLD OUT in 2021
ncry.org  

BAY AREA: Caltrain Holiday Train 

COSTA MESA: Goat Hill Junction, Orange County Model Engineers Miniature Train Ride & Santa Photos / Cancelled in 2020
Fairview Park
2501 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA
Free, ocmetrains.org

PORTOLA  Christmas Train Cancelled

LOS ANGELES: Travel Town Museum  due to COVID
 Griffith Park
5200 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, California 90027
$Become a member, traveltown.org

POWAY: Christmas in the Park
Old Poway Park
14134 Midland Road
Poway, CA 92064
858-668-4576
FREE admission, poway.org
Steam locomotive train rides and model trains at Christmas in the Park. Includes Christmas tree lighting, Santa, Horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting and live entertainment. 

All events are subject to change. Check with the train company or museum before going -- always check first!