Hop aboard a festive train in California this holiday season, from Polar Express-themed journeys to merry rides with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and carolers.
Few holiday traditions match the magic of a train ride this time of year. Across California, historic railroads and museums add special holiday journeys to their schedule, complete with twinkling lights, hot cocoa, carolers, and visits from Santa Claus and his elves.
Several rides bring “The Polar Express” to life with a reading of the book and a silver sleigh bell for every passenger. Others roll through scenic landscapes, with stops at holiday attractions like one of the world’s largest living Christmas trees.
Whether you’re planning an outing for the kids or a cozy adults-only trip, these are the best holiday train rides in California to book this season.
Northern California and The Bay Area
The Polar Express at California State Railroad Museum
If you loved “The Polar Express” as a kid, the California State Railroad Museum has a holiday train ride for you. Your adventure starts in the passenger station, with entertainment provided by “The Polar Express” characters.
On the train, you can sip hot chocolate and enjoy a sweet treat in one of several car options. Choose from classic coach, with loveseat-style seats, the Sleigh Ride Car, converted enclosed Gondola cars with translucent window coverings, or one of several first-class cars, each with its own theme.
When the train reaches the North Pole, Santa Claus will come aboard to pass out a present—a silver sleigh bell—to passengers.
When: Select days from Nov. 13 to Dec. 21, with departures at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
Where: Central Pacific Passenger Station, 930 Front St., Sacramento
How much: Tickets start at $80.
The Polar Express at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
“The Polar Express” is a popular theme for holiday train rides in California, and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers its own take. During the hour-long ride to the North Pole, you’ll hear a reading of “The Polar Express,” enjoy hot chocolate and a snack, and receive the “first gift of Christmas.”
As you depart, you can sing along with carolers before making your way to the roundhouse, where you’ll find Santa and his elves.
Passengers are encouraged to dress up in their coziest pajamas and bring a copy of “The Polar Express” for the conductor to sign.
When: Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only), with departures at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, 10501 Reservoir Rd., Jamestown
How much: $85
Mr. Skunk’s Christmas Train
Mr. Skunk’s Christmas Train travels through the redwoods, taking passengers on a two-hour journey to see one of the world’s largest living Christmas trees. Enjoy warm cocoa, cookies, caroling, and games led by a team of elves during the ride. Once you reach your destination, Mr. Skunk will be waiting in his workshop, located in the massive Christmas tree.
This is a family-friendly ride—dogs are welcome too, if you buy a dog ticket—but you can upgrade to the Noyo car for a 21-and-older experience, which includes early boarding and a special gift.
When: Select dates from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31
Where: 299 E. Commercial St., Willits
How much: Tickets start at $72.35.
River Fox’s Magical Christmas Train
River Fox’s Magical Christmas Train takes passengers on an hour-long excursion through the Yolo countryside.
Each car is decorated with a different Christmas theme, and there is plenty to do once you’re on board. Kids can write a letter to Santa or color Christmas-themed pages while they wait for Saint Nick to visit their car. All guests can treat themselves to hot chocolate and cookies and participate in a snowball fight during the ride.
Before or after your excursion, you can visit Santa’s Village, which features festive decor, photo ops, a gift shop, and more snacks and beverages.
When: Daily from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24
Where: 18095 County Rd. 117, West Sacramento
How much: Tickets start at $89.75.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad’s Holiday Magic Train
It doesn’t get more magical than a scenic steam train ride through a glowing forest near Yosemite. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad’s Holiday Magic Train is decked out with sparkling lights and festive decor, with this year promising “more lights and decorations than ever.”
During the one-hour ride, passengers can sip a complimentary cup of hot cocoa while listening to holiday music and enjoying the sights from a covered coach or open-air log car. Dogs are welcome, so you can bring the entire family along—just make sure everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather, especially if you book a seat in an open-air car.
When: Select dates from Nov. 20 to Dec. 30, with departures at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Where: 56001 California 41, Fish Camp
How much: Adult tickets start at $63.60.
Southern California
The Polar Express at Southern California Railway Museum
Southern California has its own “The Polar Express” themed holiday train ride too.
This one, run by the Southern California Railway Museum, brings the classic story to life during a one-hour journey that includes a reading of the book, a visit from Santa, who passes out silver sleigh bells, and hot chocolate and cookies served by dancing chefs. Characters will also lead passengers in caroling, just like in the movie.
When: Nov. 11 through Dec. 31 (excluding Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day)
Where: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S. A St., Perris
How much: Adult tickets start at $56.25.
North Pole Limited at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Travel back in time on the North Pole Limited, a vintage 1920s train ride through mountain back-country.
This 90-minute ride features a jolly crew of elves who entertain passengers with festive stories and holiday sing-alongs, plus they serve treats like hot chocolate and cookies. Once you arrive at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus hop aboard and visit every rider while the train makes its way back to the depot.
When: Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only)
Where: 750 Depot St., Campo
How much: Adult tickets start at $30.
Coaster Holiday Express
Hop on the Coaster Holiday Express for a 60-minute coastal holiday train ride with Santa. During this non-stop ride, which takes you down to Solana Beach Station and back, holiday characters and carolers will mingle with guests, read a book, perform songs, and hand out wish lists for kids to fill out and send to Santa (which they can drop off at the designated mailbox after their trip).
When: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13
Where: Oceanside Transit Center, 235 S. Tremont St., Oceanside
How much: $35
