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Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad
Orange, CA
Enchanting train ride to meet Santa Claus at the North Pole.
About
Embark on a magical journey aboard Irvine Park Railroad's annual Christmas Train! This enchanting ride takes families and friends through the festive Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus himself at the North Pole. Children can share their holiday wishes and capture memorable photos with Santa. The return trip is illuminated by colorful Christmas lights and the dazzling 'Tunnel of Lights', creating a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Activity Tickets: $8.00 each. Book of 15 activity tickets: $100.00. Photo with Santa: $15.00 per photo, $20.00 per digital download. Irvine Regional Park entrance fee applies.
Duration
Varies by visit, train ride is approximately 15-20 minutes
Ages
Under 24 months FREE
Schedule
Runs November 28th โ December 23rd. Weekday hours are 4:00 PM โ 9:00 PM, and weekend hours are 10:00 AM โ 9:00 PM. From December 15th โ December 23rd, hours are extended to 10:00 AM โ 9:00 PM daily.
Organizer
Irvine Park Railroad
Practical Information
Parking
Weekdays: $3.00 per vehicle, Weekends: $5.00 per vehicle, Holidays: $7.00 per vehicle. Parking is FREE after 6:00 pm. County of Orange parking fees apply.
Accessibility
https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/accessibility-statement/
Pet Policy
No pets allowed on the Christmas Train; service animals welcome in other park areas on a leash.
Food & Drink
Great food is available from a full-service snack bar at the train station.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Purchase tickets online as soon as they become available on November 3rd, 2025, as they are known to sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ticket time to ensure you are in line for boarding.
- Dress warmly in layers, as the train ride can be cool, and bring your own camera for photos with Santa.
- Consider purchasing a book of activity tickets for Santa's Village to enjoy various festive attractions like cookie decorating and carnival games.
- Factor in the Irvine Regional Park entrance fee when budgeting for your visit, as it is separate from the train ticket price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Christmas Train work?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. On your scheduled night, join the line for boarding within 30 minutes of your ticket time. The train travels to the North Pole for visits with Santa and photos, then returns to Santa's Village.
How many Christmas Train tickets can be purchased in one transaction?
Up to 8 tickets may be purchased in one transaction, provided tickets are available for your selected time slot.
How can tickets for the Christmas Train be purchased?
Christmas Train tickets are available for purchase online only, starting November 3rd, 2025, at 10:00 AM. They cannot be bought in person or over the phone.
What should we expect when visiting the Christmas Train?
Tickets will be emailed upon purchase and must be presented to board. You can print them or show them on your mobile device. The train departs multiple times per hour, taking passengers to the North Pole to see Santa before returning to Santa's Village.
Does the Christmas Train sell out?
Yes, tickets for the Christmas Train do sell out. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your desired date and time.