Christmas Train Rides in California (2026)
California is the only state where you can ride the licensed Polar Express out of three different railroad museums, and one of them, the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, keeps the train running all the way to New Year’s Eve. Add the state’s own Christmas trains, from a redwood forest ride to a lights train that rolls past houses in Santa Cruz, and you have more holiday rides here than anywhere else on our state-by-state guide to Polar Express and Christmas trains.
The short version
- 13 holiday trains in California for 2026, 3 of them the licensed Polar Express (Jamestown, Perris, Sacramento)
- First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Perris, from November 11. Last: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Perris, until December 31
- Lowest fare: Holiday Train, Los Gatos, $10
- Already sold out: Train of Lights (Fremont)
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Below is every one we could confirm for 2026, with what it costs, when tickets go on sale, and the small rules (strollers, bathrooms, lap babies) that change from train to train.
California holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Jamestown, Perris, Sacramento
- Season
- November 11 to December 31, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $10 (Billy Jones Wildcat)
- After Christmas
- SCRM Perris (to December 31), Niles Canyon (to December 30), Billy Jones Wildcat (to December 27)
- Sold out
- Niles Canyon
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each California Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Perris has the longest season, November 11 to December 31. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RidePerris · Nov 11 to Dec 31
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideSacramento · Nov 13 to Dec 21
- Train of LightsFremont · Nov 20 to Dec 30
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideJamestown · Nov 27 to Dec 20, Fri to Sun
- North Pole LimitedCampo · Nov 27 to Dec 20, Fri to Sun
- Santa Cruz Holiday Lights TrainSanta Cruz · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Christmas TrainOrange · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Magical Christmas TrainWest Sacramento · Nov 27 to Dec 24
- Santa TrainsPortola · Dec 5, 11, 12, 18, 19
- Holiday TrainLos Gatos · Dec 14 to 27
Look inside the book
Riding a California Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Which California Holiday Train Fits Your Family
Thirteen trains is a lot. Here is the short version by where you live and who is coming.
Closest to Los Angeles and Orange County
Perris for the licensed Polar Express, about 75 minutes from downtown LA, and the only one running between Christmas and New Year’s. Irvine Park’s Christmas Train is the short, cheap, daytime option for toddlers.
Closest to San Diego
Campo’s North Pole Limited, about an hour east, is the best value in the state, starting at $15 for a child. Perris is about 80 minutes north if you want the Polar Express itself.
Closest to the Bay Area
Santa Cruz’s Holiday Lights Train is the one you can still book this year; Niles Canyon is sold out. Los Gatos is the $10 option for little kids, and Napa is the splurge.
Closest to Sacramento
The state railroad museum’s Polar Express is in Old Sacramento itself, and River Fox in West Sacramento is the second choice when Polar dates are thin. Jamestown is two hours into the foothills and the simplest licensed ride to book.
Best for under-3s
Irvine Park, Billy Jones Wildcat and Portola: short, cheap, early, and no one minds a wiggly toddler. Every licensed Polar Express ride is about an hour on the train, which is a lot to ask of a 2-year-old at 8:00 pm.
Most elaborate
Sacramento’s First Class cars or the Napa Wine Train. Easiest tickets: Jamestown, Perris on a Value night, and Campo on a Sunday.
The three licensed Polar Express rides in California
On the map
Where California’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Portola: Santa Trains
- 2Willits: Christmas Tree Train: Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree
- 3Sacramento: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 3West Sacramento: Magical Christmas Train
- 4Napa: Santa Train Jolly Journeys
- 5Jamestown: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 6Fremont: Train of Lights
- 7Fish Camp: Holiday Magic Train
- 8Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
- 8Los Gatos: Holiday Train
- 9Orange: Christmas Train
- 10Perris: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 11Campo: North Pole Limited
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are California towns, for shape.
All three follow the same licensed script: hot chocolate, the book read aloud, Santa boarding at the North Pole and a silver bell for every child. What changes is the setting, the price and the fine print.
All 13 California holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSRM Sacramento | Sacramento | Nov 13 to Dec 21 | $80 to $110 | On sale now |
| Railtown 1897 | Jamestown | Nov 27 to Dec 20, Fri to Sun | $85 | On sale now |
| SCRM Perris | Perris | Nov 11 to Dec 31 | $49 to $88 | On sale now |
| PSRM Campo | Campo | Nov 27 to Dec 20, Fri to Sun | $15 to $65+ | On sale now |
| Niles Canyon | Fremont | Nov 20 to Dec 30 | Sold out | Sold out |
| Roaring Camp | Santa Cruz | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | $38 to $74 | On sale now |
| Irvine Park | Orange | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | Varies; on sale Nov 2 | Nov 2, 10 am |
| Napa Wine Train | Napa | Holiday season; Dec 21 to 23 afternoons | Varies | On sale now |
| Skunk Train | Willits | See calendar | See calendar | On sale |
| WP Museum Portola | Portola | Dec 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 | $20 per carload | At the gate |
| River Fox | West Sacramento | Nov 27 to Dec 24 | See site | On sale now |
| Billy Jones Wildcat | Los Gatos | Dec 14 to 27 | $10 | At the park |
| Sugar Pine RR | Fish Camp | 2026 dates not posted | $32 to $159 | Not posted |
Sacramento: seven vintage cars out of Old Sacramento
Licensed Polar ExpressCalifornia State Railroad Museum · Sacramento
- Operator
- California State Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Central Pacific Passenger Station, Sacramento
- Season
- November 13 to December 21, 2026; Wednesdays to Mondays after Thanksgiving, select November dates; 3:30, 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour on the train, plus a short station show before boarding
- What's included
- Station show with the characters, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for every passenger; First Class adds a souvenir mug
- Price
- Coach $80 to $85, First Class $100 to $110 per person; Sleigh Ride Car $320 to $340 and Audubon dining car $400 to $440 per table of four. Fees included.
- Tickets
- Public sale opened September 18, 2026 (member presale September 14 to 17)
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 8; under 2 rides free on a lap
The evening starts inside the Central Pacific Passenger Station on the Old Sacramento waterfront, where the cast warms up the crowd before you board. The train is seven cars pulled by vintage locomotives from the museum’s own collection, so the car you book matters more here than anywhere else in the state.
Coach is the Katy or Kris Kringle car, with loveseat-style seats facing in fours. The Sleigh Ride Car is an enclosed gondola with clear window covers, sold by the table of four, and the museum says to bring a blanket and snuggle in. First Class spreads across the 1912 Noel Vodden car, the French Quarter lounge with its pink, star-studded ceiling, and the Audubon dining car with hand-painted reproductions of Audubon’s bird prints on the walls.
Two rules catch parents off guard: strollers are not allowed on the train (there is stroller parking in the station), and there are no restrooms on board, so make a last stop before you line up. The museum lends free sensory bags at the ticket office and posts a social narrative for kids who do better knowing what comes next.
Check dates and tickets with CSRM Sacramento(opens in a new tab)Jamestown: the Gold Country ride out of Railtown 1897
Licensed Polar ExpressRailtown 1897 State Historic Park · Jamestown
- Operator
- Railtown 1897 State Historic Park(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Railtown 1897 State Historic Park depot, Jamestown
- Season
- November 27 to December 20, 2026; Fridays to Sundays at 4:30, 6:00 and 7:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a treat, the story, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for each passenger
- Price
- Coach seating $85 per person, fees included; under 2 free on a lap
- Tickets
- Public sale opened September 18, 2026 (member presale September 14 to 17)
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 8; under 2 free on a lap
Jamestown is the quiet choice among California’s three licensed rides: one class of seat, one price, three trains a night on weekends only. The park is the old Sierra Railway shops in the Gold Country foothills, a line film crews have used for so many westerns that it calls itself the Movie Railroad.
It runs rain or shine, and December nights in the foothills get cold, so warm pajamas and a real coat over them make sense. There is designated stroller parking in the Ticket Office, no restroom on the train, and permanent restrooms with changing tables on the Depot Deck. Your tickets wait at the window on the day, so build in a few minutes to pick them up.
Check dates and tickets with Railtown 1897(opens in a new tab)Perris: the Southern California ride that runs past Christmas
Licensed Polar ExpressSouthern California Railway Museum · Perris
- Operator
- Southern California Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Southern California Railway Museum, Perris
- Season
- Most nights November 11 to December 31, 2026 (no train on Christmas Day); a sensory-friendly train November 24 at 4:00 and 6:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 2 hours from boarding call to return, including the train ride
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread served by dancing chefs, a reading of the book, Santa boards with the first gift of Christmas, caroling on the ride back
- Price
- All-in pricing: Value $56.25 adult, $49.25 child (2 to 11); Standard $74.25 and $67.25; Premium $88.25 and $81.25. Parking $6 per car, bought with tickets.
- Tickets
- On sale now on Etix
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9; under 2 free on a lap, but you must add a free infant ticket at checkout
If you live anywhere from Los Angeles to San Diego, this is your Polar Express. The museum is just outside Perris, and the train follows a point-to-point route through the surrounding neighborhoods, changing direction a few times on the way to meet Santa.
Pricing runs in three tiers by date, so the same seat costs less on a Tuesday in November than on a Saturday in mid-December. Lap babies under 2 ride free, but the FAQ says you still need to add a free infant ticket with the child’s name at checkout. Buy the $6 parking pass with your tickets.
Plan on about two hours start to finish; your showtime is when boarding begins, not when you should pull in. The platform is unheated, so pajamas plus layers. There are a few restrooms on board, but a crew member walks you there, so most families just go before boarding. Families with kids on the autism spectrum can book the sensory-friendly train on November 24.
Check dates and tickets with SCRM Perris(opens in a new tab)Ten more California Christmas trains worth the drive
None of these are Polar Express rides, and most of them are better for it: cheaper, easier to book, and each one only possible in its own corner of the state.
Campo: the North Pole Limited, with Santa and Mrs. Claus
North Pole trainPacific Southwest Railway Museum · Campo
- Operator
- Pacific Southwest Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Campo Depot, Campo
- Season
- November 27 to December 20, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays at 5:00 and 7:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 and 5:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes
- What's included
- Elf crew sing-along and stories, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every passenger
- Price
- Classic Coach from $15 child (1 to 17) and $30 adult; Business Class from $35 and $50; First Class from $50 and $65. Under 1 free on a lap.
- Tickets
- On sale since September 1, 2026
- Best ages
- Good for ages 2 to 10; only babies under 1 ride free here
The North Pole Limited leaves the old Campo Depot, about an hour east of San Diego, and winds into the backcountry until it picks up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who then work their way through every car on the ride back. It is the cheapest way to put a San Diego kid on a real holiday train.
Coach is the museum’s restored 1920s commuter cars with general seating. Business Class is Union Pacific chair car 576, sold by the whole section so families sit together, with two private rooms for up to four. First Class is Santa Fe lounge car 1509, with a snack bar and an open-air platform at the back.
Arrive 30 minutes early to collect tickets in the historic waiting room. Note the age rule: only babies under 1 ride free here, not under 2. Campo nights are cold, and the drive back down the mountain after the 7:00 train is dark, so the Sunday 3:00 train is the easy one with toddlers.
Check dates and tickets with PSRM Campo(opens in a new tab)Niles Canyon: the Train of Lights (sold out for 2026) Sold out
Holiday lights trainNiles Canyon Railway · Fremont
- Operator
- Niles Canyon Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Niles Station, Fremont
- Season
- November 20 to December 30, 2026 on select nights (none on December 24 or 25); Niles departs 4:30 pm, Sunol departs 7:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 1.5 hours round trip
- What's included
- Refreshments and music aboard antique coaches and open cars lit inside and out
- Price
- General seating has been listed from $40 plus fees; all 2026 tickets are sold out
- Tickets
- Went on sale October 3, 2026 and sold out the same day
- Best ages
- All ages; the 4:30 Niles train is easiest for toddlers
This is the Bay Area’s favorite holiday train, and the 2026 season sold out the day tickets went on sale. We still list it so you know to set a reminder for next fall: the railway posts updates on its page, its Facebook page and its email list.
The trick worth knowing for next year: the 4:30 train from Niles goes out while you can still see the canyon and comes back after dark with the lights on, which is the best of both for a kid who will be asleep by 8:00. The 7:30 Sunol train is all lights, all the way.
Check dates and tickets with Niles Canyon(opens in a new tab)Santa Cruz: the Holiday Lights Train from the Boardwalk
Holiday lights trainRoaring Camp Railroads · Santa Cruz
- Operator
- Roaring Camp Railroads(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (in front of the Merry Go Round), Santa Cruz
- Season
- November 27 and 28, December 5 and 6, and December 12 to 23, 2026, at 5:00 and 6:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 60 minutes round trip
- What's included
- Live holiday sing-along music, hot cider, a visit with Santa and his elves, and a $10 Boardwalk game card in every ticket
- Price
- Standard canopy cars $58.25 adult, $38.11 child; First Class coach $74.15 and $48.71; under 2 free
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 ride free
Roaring Camp’s vintage excursion cars, strung with thousands of lights, leave from in front of the Merry Go Round at the Boardwalk and roll through the streets of Santa Cruz past people’s houses. Musician Steve Bennett plays holiday songs to sing along to, Santa and his elves come by, and everyone gets hot cider.
Every ticket includes a $10 Boardwalk card for games, so plan on an hour of arcade time before or after. Standard seats are open canopy cars; First Class is an enclosed coach, worth it on a damp night. Roaring Camp also runs a Chanukah Train on December 10 and a New Year’s train December 26 to 31.
Check dates and tickets with Roaring Camp(opens in a new tab)Irvine Regional Park: the Christmas Train and its Tunnel of Lights
Santa trainIrvine Park Railroad · Orange
- Operator
- Irvine Park Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Irvine Park Railroad station, Irvine Regional Park, Orange
- Season
- November 27 to December 23, 2026: weekdays 4:00 to 9:00 pm, weekends 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm from December 14
- Ride length
- A short park loop with a stop at the North Pole to see Santa
- What's included
- A visit and photo with Santa at the North Pole stop (your own camera is fine), then the Tunnel of Lights on the ride back
- Price
- Prices vary by time; online only. Under 24 months free. Park entry $3 weekdays, $5 weekends, $7 holidays per car.
- Tickets
- Online only, starting November 2, 2026 at 10:00 am
- Best ages
- Made for ages 1 to 7; under 24 months free
This is the toddler-sized Christmas train, and the only one in the state with daytime rides on weekends. The little park train leaves the station in Irvine Regional Park, drops everyone at the North Pole to tell Santa their wish list and take a photo, then brings you back through the Tunnel of Lights to Santa’s Village.
Tickets go on sale online only on November 2 at 10:00 am, and the weekend slots in mid-December go first. It runs rain or shine. Budget for the park’s entry fee per car and for the Santa’s Village activity tickets, which do not cover the train.
Check dates and tickets with Irvine Park(opens in a new tab)Napa: the Wine Train's Santa Train Jolly Journeys
Santa dining trainNapa Valley Wine Train · Napa
- Operator
- Napa Valley Wine Train(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Napa Valley Wine Train station, Napa
- Season
- Evening trains through the holiday season, with afternoon Jolly Journeys December 21, 22 and 23, 2026; check the calendar for each experience
- Ride length
- About 2 hours, a 36-mile round trip up the valley
- What's included
- Hot cider, Santa photo, elves and a postcard-to-Santa station at the depot; a boarding photo; cookies and cocoa, or more, depending on the experience
- Price
- Dining-train fares vary by experience and car; check availability on the Wine Train site
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Families with kids old enough to sit through a 2-hour ride, roughly 4 and up
The Wine Train swaps the tasting menu for Santa in December. Every Jolly Journey starts at the McKinstry Street station with hot cider, mischievous elves, a postcard-to-Santa station and a photo with Santa, then rolls up the valley and back.
There are four versions, from Santa’s Cookie Car (cocoa or cider, a fresh-baked cookie and a visit from Santa) up to a family dinner in the Vista Dome. It is the priciest train on this page and the longest, so it suits kids who can sit for two hours. The afternoon trains on December 21 to 23 are the gentlest choice for younger kids.
Check dates and tickets with Napa Wine Train(opens in a new tab)Willits: the Skunk Train to Mr. Skunk's giant Christmas tree
Christmas tree trainSkunk Train (Mendocino Railway) · Willits
- Operator
- Skunk Train (Mendocino Railway)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Willits Depot, Willits
- Season
- Several departures a week through the holiday season; dates are on the Skunk Train calendar
- Ride length
- About 2 hours, 16 miles round trip
- What's included
- Cocoa, cookies, games and music on the way to Mr. Skunk’s workshop, plus Santa
- Price
- Check the Skunk Train calendar; VIP tickets add early boarding and a keepsake gift
- Tickets
- On sale on the Skunk Train calendar
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap
Up in Mendocino County, the Skunk Train runs a holiday ride from its Willits depot off Highway 101 through the redwoods to Mr. Skunk’s workshop, set at a decorated living redwood the railroad calls the world’s largest living Christmas tree. There is cocoa, cookies, games and music on the way, and Santa is part of the trip.
Departures are posted on the railroad’s calendar rather than a fixed list, so check dates before you plan an overnight. Kids 2 and under ride free on a lap. The Presidential car is 21 and over, so families should book the regular cars or VIP.
Check dates and tickets with Skunk Train(opens in a new tab)Portola: Santa Train nights at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum
Santa trainWestern Pacific Railroad Museum (Feather River Rail Society) · Portola
- Operator
- Western Pacific Railroad Museum (Feather River Rail Society)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Western Pacific Railroad Museum, Portola
- Season
- December 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2026; gates open 4:00 pm, trains from 5:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short lighted loop around the museum grounds, repeated until everyone has ridden
- What's included
- Homemade cookies, cider and cocoa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Price
- $20 per carload for non-members, or $15 with four canned goods for the Portola food bank; members free
- Tickets
- Pay at the gate
- Best ages
- All ages
The museum shuts for the winter except for five Santa Train nights, when a lighted train circles the grounds and Santa and Mrs. Claus wait with homemade cookies, cider and cocoa. You pay by the carload, not by the head, which makes it the best deal in the state for a big family.
This is the Sierra in December, so it runs weather permitting. The museum suggests calling (530) 832-4131 if the forecast looks rough before you drive up.
Check dates and tickets with WP Museum Portola(opens in a new tab)West Sacramento: River Fox and its Santa's Village stop
Santa trainRiver Fox Train · West Sacramento
- Operator
- River Fox Train(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- River Fox Train boarding area, West Sacramento
- Season
- November 27 to December 24, 2026
- Ride length
- Check the booking page for the trip length
- What's included
- Elves lead songs and help kids write letters to Santa, hot cocoa and a cookie, Santa on board, then a stop at Santa’s Village
- Price
- Check the booking page; VIP adds front-of-line access, a snow globe, a train ornament kit and a souvenir mug
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Built for ages 2 to 8
The second option in the Sacramento area, and the easier one to book. Elves fill each car with songs and help kids write letters to Santa while cocoa and cookies go around, then Santa boards and the train heads to a Santa’s Village built for photos.
River Fox is upfront that Santa visits are brief because he has a whole train to see. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure from County Road 117, just off I-5, and missed trains are not refunded.
Check dates and tickets with River Fox(opens in a new tab)Los Gatos: the Billy Jones Wildcat Holiday Train
Holiday lights trainBilly Jones Wildcat Railroad · Los Gatos
- Operator
- Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos
- Season
- December 14 to 23 and December 26 and 27, 2026, 6:00 to 9:00 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
- Ride length
- A short loop through Oak Meadow Park
- What's included
- A ride on a decorated miniature steam-era train; combo tickets add the carousel
- Price
- Train $10, carousel $6, combo $15; 2 and under free with a paid adult
- Tickets
- Buy at the park on the night
- Best ages
- Perfect for ages 1 to 6
For a two-year-old, ten dollars and fifteen minutes on a decorated little train can beat a two-hour production. The volunteer-run Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad runs its Holiday Train at night in Oak Meadow Park, and you can add a spin on the W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel.
One honest note from the railroad itself: the train runs beside Vasona Park’s Fantasy of Lights, but most of that light show is not visible from the train, so walk the lights separately. Get there before 8:45 pm, when the gate closes, and everything is weather permitting.
Check dates and tickets with Billy Jones Wildcat(opens in a new tab)Fish Camp: the Sugar Pine steam train's Holiday Magic Train
Holiday lights trainYosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad · Fish Camp
- Operator
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp
- Season
- 2026 dates not posted yet; the railroad closes the holiday train when mountain weather turns
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- A steam train ride with lights and holiday music, and a cup of hot cocoa with every ticket
- Price
- Listed at $63.60 adults 13+, $31.80 kids 3 to 12, 2 and under free on a lap; caboose $132.50 and cupola $159
- Tickets
- Check the railroad site for 2026
- Best ages
- All ages
Just outside Yosemite’s south entrance, the Sugar Pine railroad runs an hour-long steam train through the forest with lights, holiday music and hot cocoa for everyone. You can sit in covered coaches or the open log cars, or splurge on the caboose cupola.
It is the one train on this page that welcomes friendly dogs on a leash. The 2026 dates are not posted yet, and the page says the holiday train closes when mountain weather makes it unsafe, so check before you drive up.
Check dates and tickets with Sugar Pine RR(opens in a new tab)How Far Each Ride Is From LA, San Diego, the Bay Area and Sacramento
Typical evening drive times without heavy traffic. Add real time for Friday rush hour, especially on the 91 to Perris and the 680 to Niles.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Perris (Polar Express) | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Los Angeles | Irvine Park, Orange | About 1 hour |
| San Diego | Campo Depot | About 1 hour |
| San Diego | Perris (Polar Express) | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| San Francisco | Santa Cruz Boardwalk | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | Niles, Fremont | About 45 minutes |
| San Francisco | Los Gatos | About 1 hour |
| San Francisco | Napa | About 1 hour |
| San Francisco | Sacramento (Polar Express) | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Sacramento | Jamestown (Polar Express) | About 2 hours |
| Sacramento | Portola | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| San Francisco | Willits | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Fresno | Fish Camp | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Coming from Reno? Portola is closer to you than to any California city, and Carson City’s own licensed ride is on our Nevada Polar Express page, about 2 hours 15 minutes from Sacramento. Portland families heading south can save the drive: Oregon’s Hood River ride is about an hour from Portland. And the Grand Canyon Railway’s version, covered on our Arizona page, is about 7 hours from Los Angeles.
Free to print
Something to color on the drive to the depot
Free printable pages of Rally and his red train, plus a maze and a word search, sized for a clipboard in the back seat. Print them the night before.
Print the free Rally pagesWhat California Parents Should Know Before Booking
The Griffith Park Holiday Lights Train
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles runs a 10-minute Holiday Lights Train around its decorated mile-long track every night from the day after Thanksgiving into January. Last season it cost $8 general and $14 priority entry, and babies 18 months and under rode free. Watch its site for 2026 dates and prices.
Strollers and lap babies
Sacramento does not allow strollers on the train at all; Jamestown has stroller parking in the Ticket Office. Lap babies are free under 2 at every licensed ride, but Perris needs a free infant ticket added at checkout, and Campo only waives the fare under age 1.
Bathrooms
Sacramento and Jamestown have no restroom on the train, and Perris has only a few, with a crew escort. On an hour-long ride, a last stop at the depot is not optional.
Pajamas and the weather
Coastal nights are mild, but the inland rides are not. Campo, Jamestown, Portola and Fish Camp can drop near freezing in December, and Perris boards from an unheated platform. Pajamas, plus a coat over them, plus a hat.
What sells out first
Niles Canyon sold out on its first morning. For the Polar Express, Saturday trains in mid-December go first everywhere, and Sacramento’s First Class tables are the first seats to vanish. Irvine Park’s weekend slots go quickly once sales open on November 2.
A daytime train instead
If your crew is better at 10:00 am than 8:00 pm, a regular Amtrak ride can be the holiday trip: our Capitol Corridor guide covers the Sacramento line, and the Pacific Surfliner page covers the coast.
The California Train in Our Book
Rally’s train is a California train. My mom dreamed up a story about our corgi riding the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego up to see his grand-paw-rents, and she talked about it for years. She passed away before she could write it, so I did, and that is why this little book exists.
The last page is my favorite: Grandmommy and Papa waving on the platform, and Rally running to the door. If you are riding to see grandparents this December, or missing some, I hope you get a moment like that. Print a few of our free corgi-and-train pages to color in the car on the way.
The train story that starts in San DiegoRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Nevada
- Christmas trains in Oregon
- Christmas trains in Arizona
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- California State Railroad Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Railtown 1897: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Southern California Railway Museum Polar Express FAQ(opens in a new tab)
- Etix: 2026 THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Perris calendar(opens in a new tab)
- Pacific Southwest Railway Museum: North Pole Limited(opens in a new tab)
- Niles Canyon Railway: Train of Lights(opens in a new tab)
- Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Lights Train(opens in a new tab)
- Irvine Park Railroad: Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)
- Napa Valley Wine Train: Santa Train Jolly Journeys(opens in a new tab)
- Skunk Train: Christmas Tree Train(opens in a new tab)
- Western Pacific Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- River Fox Train: Magical Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)
- Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad: Holiday Night Train(opens in a new tab)
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad: Holiday Magic Train(opens in a new tab)
- Rail Events: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride locations(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: California Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
California Christmas trains: questions parents ask
How much does it cost to ride the Polar Express in Sacramento in 2026?
Coach seats on the Sacramento Polar Express cost $80 to $85 per person in 2026, and First Class costs $100 to $110. The Sleigh Ride Car is sold by the table of four for $320 to $340, and the Audubon dining car table for $400 to $440. Fees are included, children under 2 ride free on a lap, and all sales are final.
What Christmas train rides are in California in 2026?
We confirmed 13 holiday train rides in California for 2026: the Polar Express in Sacramento; the Polar Express in Jamestown; the Polar Express in Perris; the North Pole Limited in Campo; the Train of Lights in Fremont; the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train; the Christmas Train in Orange; Santa Train Jolly Journeys in Napa. 5 more are on this page.
What Christmas events are happening in Sacramento, California, in 2026?
For families, Sacramento has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from CSRM Sacramento (November 13 to December 21, $80 to $110). It includes Station show with the characters, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for every passenger; First Class adds a souvenir mug. For other Sacramento, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Jamestown, California, in 2026?
For families, Jamestown has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Railtown 1897 (November 27 to December 20, Fri to Sun, $85). It includes hot chocolate and a treat, the story, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for each passenger. Plan on about 1 hour. For other Jamestown, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Perris, California, this year?
For families, Perris has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from SCRM Perris (November 11 to December 31, $49 to $88). It includes hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread served by dancing chefs, a reading of the book, Santa boards with the first gift of Christmas, caroling on the ride back. For other Perris, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Campo, California, in 2026?
For families, Campo has North Pole Limited from PSRM Campo (November 27 to December 20, Fri to Sun, $15 to $65+). It includes elf crew sing-along and stories, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every passenger. Plan on about 90 minutes. First Class rides in Santa Fe lounge car 1509, where you can step out on the open-air platform as the train pulls up to the North Pole. For other Campo, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Fremont, California, in 2026?
For families, Fremont has Train of Lights from Niles Canyon (November 20 to December 30, sold out). It includes refreshments and music aboard antique coaches and open cars lit inside and out. Plan on about 1.5 hours round trip. The railway is a preserved stretch of the First Transcontinental Railroad, and the 4:30 Niles train goes out in the last daylight and comes back after dark with every car lit. For other Fremont, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Santa Cruz, California, this year?
For families, Santa Cruz has Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train from Roaring Camp (November 27 to December 23, $38 to $74). It includes live holiday sing-along music, hot cider, a visit with Santa and his elves, and a $10 Boardwalk game card in every ticket. For other Santa Cruz, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Orange, California, this year?
For families, Orange has Christmas Train from Irvine Park (November 27 to December 23, varies; on sale Nov 2). It includes a visit and photo with Santa at the North Pole stop (your own camera is fine), then the Tunnel of Lights on the ride back. For other Orange, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Napa, California, in 2026?
For families, Napa has Santa Train Jolly Journeys from Napa Wine Train (holiday season; December 21 to 23 afternoons, varies). It includes hot cider, Santa photo, elves and a postcard-to-Santa station at the depot; a boarding photo; cookies and cocoa, or more, depending on the experience. For other Napa, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Willits, California, in 2026?
For families, Willits has Christmas Tree Train: Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree from Skunk Train (see calendar, see calendar). It includes cocoa, cookies, games and music on the way to Mr. Skunk’s workshop, plus Santa. Plan on about 2 hours, 16 miles round trip. For other Willits, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Portola, California, in 2026?
For families, Portola has Santa Trains from WP Museum Portola (December 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, $20 per carload). It includes homemade cookies, cider and cocoa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plan on a short lighted loop around the museum grounds, repeated until everyone has ridden. For other Portola, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in West Sacramento, California, in 2026?
For families, West Sacramento has Magical Christmas Train from River Fox (November 27 to December 24, see site). It includes elves lead songs and help kids write letters to Santa, hot cocoa and a cookie, Santa on board, then a stop at Santa’s Village. Kids write their letters to Santa on the train with the elves before he climbs aboard, and the ride ends at a Santa's Village with snow-dusted streets for photos. For other West Sacramento, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Los Gatos, California, this year?
For families, Los Gatos has Holiday Train from Billy Jones Wildcat (December 14 to 27, $10). It includes a ride on a decorated miniature steam-era train; combo tickets add the carousel. Plan on a short loop through Oak Meadow Park. It is the cheapest holiday train ride in California at $10, and the park gate closes at 8:45 pm with no tickets sold after that. For other Los Gatos, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Fish Camp, California, in 2026?
For families, Fish Camp has Holiday Magic Train from Sugar Pine RR (2026 dates not posted, $32 to $159). It includes a steam train ride with lights and holiday music, and a cup of hot cocoa with every ticket. Plan on about 1 hour. You can ride up in the cupola of a caboose, and leashed, friendly dogs are welcome aboard. For other Fish Camp, California, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Los Angeles, California find a Christmas train ride?
From Los Angeles, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Perris (Polar Express), about 1 hour 15 minutes; Irvine Park, Orange, about 1 hour. Each California ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Los Angeles families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near San Diego, California find a Christmas train ride?
From San Diego, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Campo Depot, about 1 hour; Perris (Polar Express), about 1 hour 20 minutes. Each California ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so San Diego families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near San Francisco, California find a Christmas train ride?
From San Francisco, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Santa Cruz Boardwalk, about 1 hour 30 minutes; Niles, Fremont, about 45 minutes; Los Gatos, about 1 hour; Napa, about 1 hour; Sacramento (Polar Express), about 1 hour 30 minutes; Willits, about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Where can families near Fresno, California find a Christmas train ride?
From Fresno, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Fish Camp, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each California ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fresno families can compare before they drive.
Can you bring a stroller on the Polar Express in Sacramento?
No. The California State Railroad Museum does not allow strollers or baby carriers on the train because the aisles are narrow and the crew needs room to move. You can keep the stroller with you inside the Central Pacific Passenger Station, and there is stroller parking there while you ride.
Is there a bathroom on the Polar Express train in Perris?
There are a few restrooms on board at the Southern California Railway Museum, but a crew member has to walk you there from another car. Most families use the museum restrooms just before boarding. The whole experience takes about two hours from the boarding call, and the train ride is about an hour of that.
Does the Niles Canyon Train of Lights sell out?
Yes, and fast. The 2026 Train of Lights went on sale October 3 and sold out the same day, according to the Niles Canyon Railway. It runs on select nights from late November to December 30. For next year, follow the railway’s Facebook page or email list, since sales are announced there first.
What age is best for the Polar Express in California?
Ages 3 to 8 get the most out of California’s licensed rides, since they know the story and still believe the North Pole stop. Children under 2 ride free on a lap at Sacramento, Jamestown and Perris. For a toddler, choose the earliest train of the night, such as Sacramento’s 3:30 pm or Jamestown’s 4:30 pm, so the ride ends before bedtime.
Is the Campo North Pole Limited too cold for a baby?
It can be chilly, so dress a baby warmly. The North Pole Limited leaves the Campo Depot in San Diego’s backcountry at 5:00 or 7:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, when the air outside is much colder than on the coast. The Sunday 3:00 pm train is the warmest and easiest choice, and babies under 1 ride free on a lap.
Are there any California Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Perris runs until December 31; the Train of Lights in Fremont runs until December 30; the Holiday Train in Los Gatos runs until December 27. Every other California ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Perris: most nights November 11 to December 31, 2026 (no train on Christmas Day); a sensory-friendly train November 24 at 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in California?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in California is for the Holiday Train in Los Gatos: $10. At the top end is the Holiday Magic Train in Fish Camp: $32 to $159. Prices come from each California railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Holiday Train in Los Gatos: train $10, carousel $6, combo $15; 2 and under free with a paid adult.
Which California Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest California ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Polar Express in Sacramento: about 1 hour on the train, plus a short station show before boarding. The longest is the Polar Express in Perris, at about 2 hours from boarding call to return, including the train ride. Ages for the Polar Express in Sacramento: best for ages 3 to 8; under 2 rides free on a lap.
When do California Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Perris; the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train; Santa Train Jolly Journeys in Napa; the Magical Christmas Train in West Sacramento. Already sold out for 2026: the Train of Lights in Fremont. The Polar Express in Sacramento: public sale opened September 18, 2026 (member presale September 14 to 17).
Which California Christmas trains have Santa?
Ten of the 13 California rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Sacramento: Station show with the characters, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for every passenger; First Class adds a souvenir mug. The Polar Express in Jamestown: hot chocolate and a treat, the story, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for each passenger.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in California?
Two California holiday trains are listed with steam: the Holiday Train in Los Gatos; the Holiday Magic Train in Fish Camp. The Holiday Train in Los Gatos: a ride on a decorated miniature steam-era train; combo tickets add the carousel. The Holiday Magic Train in Fish Camp: a steam train ride with lights and holiday music, and a cup of hot cocoa with every ticket.
How long is the Polar Express in Sacramento?
For the Sacramento ride, plan on about 1 hour on the train, plus a short station show before boarding. Included with the Polar Express in Sacramento: Station show with the characters, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, Santa on board, a silver sleigh bell for every passenger; First Class adds a souvenir mug.
How much is the Polar Express in Jamestown?
Fares for the Polar Express in Jamestown: Coach seating $85 per person, fees included; under 2 free on a lap. The Polar Express runs November 27 to December 20, 2026; Fridays to Sundays at 4:30, 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Railtown 1897 tickets: public sale opened September 18, 2026 (member presale September 14 to 17). Railtown 1897 age rules: best for ages 3 to 8; under 2 free on a lap.
How much is the Polar Express in Perris?
Fares for the Polar Express in Perris: All-in pricing: Value $56.25 adult, $49.25 child (2 to 11); Standard $74.25 and $67.25; Premium $88.25 and $81.25. Parking $6 per car, bought with tickets. The Polar Express runs most nights November 11 to December 31, 2026 (no train on Christmas Day); a sensory-friendly train November 24 at 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
How much are tickets for the North Pole Limited in Campo?
Fares for the North Pole Limited in Campo: Classic Coach from $15 child (1 to 17) and $30 adult; Business Class from $35 and $50; First Class from $50 and $65. Under 1 free on a lap. The North Pole Limited runs November 27 to December 20, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays at 5:00 and 7:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
How much is the Train of Lights in Fremont?
Fares for the Train of Lights in Fremont: General seating has been listed from $40 plus fees; all 2026 tickets are sold out. The Train of Lights runs November 20 to December 30, 2026 on select nights (none on December 24 or 25); Niles departs 4:30 pm, Sunol departs 7:30 pm. Niles Canyon tickets: went on sale October 3, 2026 and sold out the same day.
How much is the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train?
Fares for the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train: Standard canopy cars $58.25 adult, $38.11 child; First Class coach $74.15 and $48.71; under 2 free. The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train runs November 27 and 28, December 5 and 6, and December 12 to 23, 2026, at 5:00 and 6:30 pm. Roaring Camp tickets: on sale now.
How long is the Christmas Train in Orange?
Irvine Park ride length: a short park loop with a stop at the North Pole to see Santa. Included with the Christmas Train in Orange: a visit and photo with Santa at the North Pole stop (your own camera is fine), then the Tunnel of Lights on the ride back. The train drops kids off at a North Pole stop to tell Santa their wish list, then brings them back through a Tunnel of Lights to Santa's Village.
How much are tickets for Santa Train Jolly Journeys in Napa?
Fares for Santa Train Jolly Journeys in Napa: Dining-train fares vary by experience and car; check availability on the Wine Train site. Season: Evening trains through the holiday season, with afternoon Jolly Journeys December 21, 22 and 23, 2026; check the calendar for each experience. Napa Wine Train tickets: on sale now. Napa Wine Train age rules: families with kids old enough to sit through a 2-hour ride, roughly 4 and up.
How much are tickets for Christmas Tree Train: Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree in Willits?
Skunk Train posts current Christmas Tree Train: Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Season: Several departures a week through the holiday season; dates are on the Skunk Train calendar. Skunk Train tickets: on sale on the Skunk Train calendar. Skunk Train age rules: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap.
What do the Santa Trains in Portola cost in 2026?
The Santa Trains in Portola cost $20 per carload for non-members, or $15 with four canned goods for the Portola food bank; members free. The Santa Trains run December 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2026; gates open 4:00 pm, trains from 5:00 pm. WP Museum Portola tickets: pay at the gate. WP Museum Portola age rules: all ages.