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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
10/25/24 - 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 20 - December 29, 2024
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 29 - December 21, 2024
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 29 - December 23, 2024
Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttime rides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village. Grab your tickets fast—this event sells out every year!  READ MORE

Holiday Train Ride at Griffith Park Southern Railroad

Griffith Park
November 29, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Hooray! Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. The evening ride is gentle, 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

El Dorado Frontier Winter Wonderland Train

Long Beach
Saturdays & Sundays, November 30 - December 22, 2024
Hop aboard the El Dorado Railroad for a Christmas train ride accompanied by live holiday music, a snowfall experience, and treats and hot cocoa. Train rides cost 3 tickets per person (tickets are 10 for $25) and admission to El Dorado Frontier is $5 per person.  READ MORE

Santa's Express Train at South Coast Plaza

Costa Mesa
December 1 - December 22, 2024
Hop on the Santa's Express Train for a ride around the mall and a glimpse of the big man of the hour, Santa! Children must be under 50" tall to ride the train. Make sure to check out the reindeer carousel, as well.  READ MORE

Holiday Lights Night Train at Southern California Live Steamers

Torrance
Friday & Saturday, December 20 & 21, 2024
Southern California Live Steamers offer this special night train ride for the holiday season, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the free rides throughout the year. Chug through thousands of lights on this happy little ride.  READ MORE

OCME North Pole Express Public Run Day

Costa Mesa
Saturdays & Sundays, December 21 & 22, 2024
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

Places featured in this article:

Southern California Railway Museum
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Griffith Park and Southern Railroad
El Dorado East Regional Park
Southern California Live Steamers Station
Orange County Model Engineers

About the Author

Kylie Williams
Kylie Williams is a mom of four who loves exploring Los Angeles with her kids and reporting back about the exciting events, attractions, and hidden gems she discovers. When she's not schlepping the kids around the city, she's probably at the gym, reading a book, or putting together snack bags for one of the kids' sports teams. If you know of a place she should check out, drop a line at Kylie@MommyPoppins.com.
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