Train of Lights
Passengers board the train to view thousands of sparkling holiday lights and festive scenes along a continuous one-mile loop through the park. After the ride, visitors can explore Santa’s Village for festive photo displays, hot chocolate, and seasonal snacks. Guests can also take part in activities like cookie decorating, ornament crafting, and carnival-style games such as Ice Fishing and Blizzard Ball.
What to Expect
Evening train ride through thousands of holiday lights along a one-mile loop.
Event Details
Ages
Under 24 months FREE
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Irvine Park Railroad
Food & Drink
Santa’s Village offers food and snacks, including hot chocolate and coffee.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tickets cost $17 per ticket for 5:00–6:00 PM, $15 for 6:00–7:00 PM, $13 for 7:00–8:00 PM, and $11 for 8:00–9:00 PM. Children under 24 months are free and do not require a ticket. The FAQ also states a $5 fee per Train of Lights ticket and a one-time $10 online ticket fee per order. Regular train tickets, tokens, complimentary tickets, discount tickets, coupons, and special promotions are not valid.
- Hours: Daily 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; ticket time slots are 5:00–6:00 PM ($17), 6:00–7:00 PM ($15), 7:00–8:00 PM ($13), and 8:00–9:00 PM ($11). Guests should be in line within 30 minutes of their reservation time.
- Parking: Irvine Regional Park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee that differs on weekdays, weekends and holidays, and parking is free later in the evening.
- Pets: Dogs and other animals are not allowed on the Train of Lights. Dogs are welcome in other areas of Irvine Regional Park while kept on a 6-foot leash.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online when sales open on December 7, because every hourly slot sells out and tickets are not sold in person or by phone.
- Be in line within 30 minutes of your ticket hour, because tickets are non-refundable and only valid for the date and time you bought.
- Pack umbrellas or rain jackets, because the Train of Lights runs rain or shine and the train isn't fully enclosed.
- Leave time for Santa's Village after the ride, because it's free to enter and you can buy activity tickets there on arrival.
- Tell young children ahead of time that Santa and Mrs. Claus won't be there, because they're away from December 26 through 30.
Special Events & Promotions
- 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
Will Santa be there?
No. Santa and Mrs. Claus are not there from December 26 to 30.
Does the train make any stops?
No. The train goes once around the 1-mile loop of lights and festive scenes without stopping, then drops you back at the train station by Santa's Village.
What is there to do before or after the ride?
Santa's Village is free to enter. You buy activity tickets for ice fishing, Blizzard Ball, Rudolph Racers (ages 5 to 7), mini diggers (ages 5 and up), moon bounce, cookie decorating, carnival games and ornament-making at Craft Corner. Photo spots are free. Food, snacks, hot chocolate and coffee are available, and a full-service snack bar is at the station.
Where is Santa's Village?
Santa's Village is behind the train station. The entrance is to the right of the station building.
How do Train of Lights tickets work?
Tickets must be bought online in advance for a set date and hour, up to 8 per order. Be in line within 30 minutes of your ticket time, and show your tickets printed or on your phone. Children under 24 months ride free without a ticket.
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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.