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Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train
Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train
10/20/23 - By Kylie Williams

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

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Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc.
Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc.

Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains near Los Angeles

The Southern California Polar Express Train Ride

Perris - November 19 - December 30, 2023
Step inside a holiday classic! The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. READ MORE

The North Pole Limited Holiday Train

Campo - Fridays & Saturdays, November 24 - December 18, 2023
Hop aboard the North Pole Limited, where Santa’s elves sing favorite Christmas carols, read a Christmas story to young ones, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The North Pole Limited stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who visit with all passengers on the train on the way back to the Campo Depot. READ MORE

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

Orange - November 24 – December 23, 2023
Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttime rides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village.  READ MORE

Holiday Light Festival Train Ride

Griffith Park - November 24, 2023 - January 5, 2024
Hooray! Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. The evening ride is gentle and timeless, and just the right size for kids and their parents to take in the festively decorated mile of track with thousands of twinkling lights.  READ MORE

Union Station Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive

DTLA - Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Union Station Holiday Festival is an annual pop-up artisan marketplace. The event is back at full steam on the station’s South Patio, featuring artists and artisans, live entertainment, free activities for kids, and food for holiday shoppers. The day-long, family-friendly holiday festival celebrates the season with live entertainment from the SoCal style Top Shelf Brass Band and local favorites The Joy Machine. READ MORE

OCME North Pole Express Public Run Day

Costa Mesa - Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2023
This may be the only free holiday train in SoCal! The Orange County Model Engineers offer free rides on their live steamers one weekend per month, and in December Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining the fun.  READ MORE

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