Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Passengers take an enchanting train ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their picture taken with personal cameras or by the railroad. The return ride back to Santa's Village features colorful Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and a magical Tunnel of Lights.
What to Expect
Ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus
Event Details
Ages
All ages (under 24 months FREE)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Irvine Park Railroad
Food & Drink
A full-service snack bar at the train station serves hot and cold food.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Christmas Train tickets: 10:00 am–3:00 pm, $22 per ticket; 4:00–5:00 pm, $32; 5:00–6:00 pm, $37; 6:00–7:00 pm, $37; 7:00–8:00 pm, $32; 8:00–9:00 pm, $27. A $5 service fee applies per Christmas Train ticket. Children under 24 months are free and do not require a ticket. Santa photos cost $15 per photo, $10 for each additional print of the same photo, or $20 per digital download; taking your own photos costs nothing. The page also lists the Irvine Regional Park entrance fee as $3 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and $7 on holidays; parking is free after 6:00 pm.
- Hours: Weekdays 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; weekends 10:00 am–9:00 pm; December 14–23 extended hours 10:00 am–9:00 pm.
- Parking: Parking is free after 6:00 pm.
- Pets: Dogs and other animals are not allowed on the Christmas Train. Dogs are welcome in other areas of Irvine Regional Park if kept on a 6-foot leash.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online as soon as they go on sale, because time slots sell out and no tickets are sold in person or by phone.
- Be in line within 30 minutes of the start of your ticket hour, because tickets are non-refundable and only valid for the date and time you bought.
- Buy all of your group's tickets in one order of up to eight, and print them if people are arriving at different times.
- Bring umbrellas or rain jackets on wet nights, because the train runs rain or shine and the cars aren't fully enclosed.
- Dress warmly, bring a camera and arrive early to help avoid the crowds, and print the Santa wish list for children to share.
Special Events & Promotions
- Extended hours run every day from December 14 through 23, including daytime rides on weekdays.
- Official Santa photos are sold separately as prints or digital downloads; photos with your own camera are free.
- Santa's Village activity tickets are sold separately, and a book of 15 tickets costs less than buying them one at a time.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Christmas Train tickets work?
Reservations are required, and tickets are sold online only. Each ticket is for a set date and hour, and you must be in line within 30 minutes of your ticket time. The train leaves several times each hour. You can buy up to 8 tickets per order and show them printed or on your phone.
Do we have to ride the train to see Santa?
Yes. Santa is at the North Pole stop, and you need a Christmas Train ticket to visit him and take a photo with him.
Can we take our own photos with Santa?
Yes, photos with your own camera are free. Irvine Park Railroad also sells 5x7 photos, which you can pick up shortly after they're taken, and digital downloads.
What if it rains?
The train runs rain or shine. It isn't fully enclosed, so bring umbrellas or rain jackets. If it has to close for an unforeseen reason, ticket holders get an email that day.
Is there food at the train station?
Yes, a full-service snack bar at the train station serves hot and cold food. The picnic benches around the station are for snack bar customers.
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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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.