All Aboard! 8 Holiday Train Rides Near LA That Feel Like a Trip to the North Pole (2026)
Holiday train rides near LA are back for the 2026 season, and they range from twinkly miniature trains in Griffith Park to Santa-packed trips through the hills of Orange County and San Diego. Here are eight festive rides worth a spot on your December calendar, with dates, prices, ages and parking for each.
Some sell out the day tickets drop, while others are free and first come, first served. We've grouped them by area, starting in Los Angeles and heading south, so you can pick the ride that fits your crew, your budget and your drive.
Key Takeaways
Newest ride: North Pole Railway debuts at Travel Town in Griffith Park, Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2026.
Biggest Santa visit: Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 and includes a stop to see Santa.
Cheapest: Orange County Model Engineers offer free rides in Costa Mesa, and the Torrance Holiday Lights Train is $10.
Longest ride: The North Pole Limited in Campo is about 90 minutes round trip.
Book early: Popular trains like Irvine Park and The Polar Express can sell out within days of going on sale.
Skip in 2026: Metrolink's Holiday Express is taking the 2026 season off.
Holiday Train Rides in Los Angeles
LA County has three holiday rides this season, including a brand-new one in Griffith Park.
5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
2026 dates: Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2026 (closed Mondays except Dec. 21); hours TBA
Tickets: Prices TBA; tickets go on sale Nov. 4 at noon
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Griffith Park's beloved train museum gets a holiday makeover this year with the North Pole Railway, a new train ride that rolls into a winter wonderland of lights and decorations. Expect Santa sightings, s'mores pits, themed treats for purchase and rides on Travel Town's miniature train around the edge of the museum.
Parent Tip: Because this is the ride's first season, weekend time slots are likely to go fast. Aim for a weeknight if you want shorter lines and better views of the lights.
4400 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
2026 dates: TBA (last season ran nightly from late November into early January)
Tickets: 2026 prices TBA; babies 18 months and under ride free
Parking: Free lots nearby in Griffith Park; they fill up on weekend evenings
This classic miniature train has been a Griffith Park favorite for decades, and every holiday season it loops about a mile through glowing light displays and a tunnel of lights. The ride is short, about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parent Tip: Tickets often sell out on weekends, and rain or wind can close the ride. Check the railroad's social media before you head out, and bring a blanket for the open-air cars.
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Charles H. Wilson Park, 2290 Washington Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, 5:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per rider, sold at the Live Steamers train depot
Ages: Riders must be at least 32 inches tall
Parking: Free lots at Wilson Park
For two nights only, the volunteer engineers at Southern California Live Steamers light up their miniature railroad in Wilson Park. Kids sit right on the little train cars as they roll past holiday light displays, which makes it feel extra special for young train fans.
Parent Tip: With just two nights, this one gets busy. Arrive close to opening and bring cash or a card for tickets at the depot, plus a jacket for the chilly evening ride.
Holiday Train Rides in Orange County
Orange County is home to one of SoCal's most beloved Christmas trains, plus a free miniature railroad that's perfect for little engineers.
Fairview Park, 2480 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Ages: Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to walk to board
Parking: Free lots at Fairview Park
The Orange County Model Engineers run their Goathill Junction Railroad at Fairview Park, offering free rides on the third full weekend of each month. The trains wind past open bluffs with views across the park, and the volunteers love sharing their passion with kids.
Parent Tip: Babies in carriers can't ride, so plan for one grown-up to stay with any littles under 31 inches. Weather can cancel runs, so check the club's website the morning you go.
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
2026 dates: Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2026; weekdays 4 to 9 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 to 23)
Tickets: $22 to $37 depending on time slot, plus a $5 online fee; children under 24 months ride free
Parking: Irvine Regional Park vehicle fee of $3 weekdays, $5 weekends and $7 holidays; free after 6 p.m.
Irvine Park's Christmas Train rides to the North Pole for a visit and photo with Santa, then returns past twinkling lights and through the Tunnel of Lights to Santa's Village. The village is free to enter, with activities available for $8 each.
Parent Tip: Tickets are sold online only and the page currently shows the Christmas Train as sold out. Check back often for released time slots, and plan to be in line within 30 minutes of your ticket time.
Holiday Train Rides in the Inland Empire and San Diego County
Ready for a longer trip? These three rides are worth the drive, from a famous storybook train in Perris to a vintage holiday train in the mountains east of San Diego.
2201 S. A Street
Perris, CA 92570
2026 dates: Select dates in November and December 2026
Tickets: Prices vary by date and seating class; see our full Polar Express guide
Parking: Please check the website for more information
This hour-long trip brings the classic holiday story to life with hot cocoa, cookies, the story read aloud and a visit from Santa. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas, and every child gets a special bell. Read our complete guide to The Polar Express in Perris for all the details.
Parent Tip: Pajamas are the unofficial dress code, so pack a sweatshirt to throw on top. Evening departures feel the most magical, but early trains are easier for little ones who melt down after dark.
Old Poway Park, 14154 Midland Road
Poway, CA 92064
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 (confirm the schedule on the railroad's website)
Tickets: Fares TBA; tickets are sold at the depot (cash and card)
Parking: Please check the website for more information
Old Poway Park's Christmas in the Park is a small-town holiday celebration with a tree lighting and Santa arriving by train. Families can hop aboard the Poway-Midland Railroad's historic trains for a short, sweet ride around the park.
Parent Tip: This is a great add-on if you're spending a December weekend in San Diego. Arrive early for the tree lighting and Santa's arrival, which draw the biggest crowds.
Campo Depot, 750 Depot St.
Campo, CA 91906
2026 dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27 to Dec. 20, 2026 (departure times vary; check the ticket site)
Tickets: About $15 to $30 Classic Coach, $35 to $50 Business Class and $50 to $65 First Class; infants under 1 on a lap ride free
Parking: Please check the website for more information
The North Pole Limited is a vintage holiday train ride through the backcountry east of San Diego, about 90 minutes round trip. It's the longest ride on our list and a great pick for older kids who love real, full-size trains.
Parent Tip: Plan for a long drive from LA and arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up tickets. Dress warmly, because Campo is much colder than the coast on December evenings.
How to Plan a Holiday Train Ride With Kids
Watch the on-sale dates: Irvine Park tickets went on sale Nov. 2, and North Pole Railway tickets drop Nov. 4 at noon. Set a reminder.
Pick the right ride length: Toddlers do best on short miniature-train loops like Griffith Park's, while older kids can handle the 90-minute North Pole Limited.
Check height rules: Live steamers railroads usually require riders to be at least 31 or 32 inches tall.
Dress for the cold: Most of these trains are open-air or run after dark, so bring jackets, hats and a blanket.
Bring your own camera: Several rides let you snap photos with Santa for free, even when printed photos cost extra.
Metrolink's Holiday Express Is on Break
If your family has ridden Metrolink's festive Holiday Express in past years, note that Metrolink says the train is taking a break for the 2026 holiday season. Our Metrolink Free Ride Day guide has easy train trips you can take any time of year.
Parent Tip: Pair a train ride with another holiday outing nearby: Travel Town and the Griffith Park trains are minutes from the LA Zoo, and Irvine Park is a short drive from Orange's historic Plaza.
Takeaway
From the brand-new North Pole Railway in Griffith Park to the Christmas Train at Irvine Park and the vintage North Pole Limited in Campo, holiday train rides near LA make the season feel truly magical for kids. Many sell out quickly, so grab tickets as soon as they go on sale.
Looking for more December fun? Browse our list of 59 Christmas and holiday events for LA families to plan the rest of your season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can kids ride a holiday train near Los Angeles?
Top holiday train rides near LA include the North Pole Railway at Travel Town, the Holiday Light Festival train in Griffith Park, the Torrance Holiday Lights Train, Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train in Orange, The Polar Express in Perris and the North Pole Limited in Campo.
Is there a free holiday train ride in Southern California?
Yes. The Orange County Model Engineers offer free miniature train rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa on the third full weekend of each month, including Dec. 19 and 20, 2026. Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to walk to board.
When does the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train run in 2026?
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2026. Weekday rides run 4 to 9 p.m. and weekend rides 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours from Dec. 14 to 23. Tickets range from $22 to $37 depending on time slot.
What is the North Pole Railway at Travel Town?
The North Pole Railway is a new holiday train experience at Travel Town in Griffith Park, running Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2026, closed Mondays except Dec. 21. It features a train ride into a lit-up winter wonderland, Santa sightings, s'mores pits and themed treats. Tickets go on sale Nov. 4.
Is the Metrolink Holiday Express running in 2026?
No. Metrolink says its Holiday Express is taking a break for the 2026 holiday season. Families can still enjoy festive train rides at Travel Town, Griffith Park, Irvine Park Railroad, the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris and other spots around Southern California.
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