Holidays are the best time to make memories! There are so many fun events and sights to see throughout Orange County including Christmas at the Irvine Park Railroad which is returning for it’s 19th annual christmas train! Bring the whole family and enjoy the enchanting enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole.
Kids and adults alike will both be mesmerized by the incredible light display, especially the ones in the tunnel!
Christmas Train tickets may be purchased to ride the train at a specific date and time — get in line and board the train any time during the hour for which you purchase tickets. Tickets may be purchased online ONLY and can be purchased beginning November 1st. Tickets may NOT be purchased in person. Visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for details.
There is definitely plenty to keep guest occupied too! While waiting to board the train, there are many activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village located next to the train station. Activities will open one hour prior to when the Christmas Train runs and include:
- Story Time with Mrs. Claus
- Christmas Cookie Decorating
- Carnival Games
- Ice Fishing
- Santa Claus Moon Bounce
- Christmas Coloring Corner
- Picture Stands
Refreshments
Hungry or thirsty? At the North Pole, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels and cookies from the Elf House Snack Bar. A full kitchen menu is also available at the train station.
Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and available for pickup shortly after being taken.
After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station.
When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera and arrive early to avoid crowds.
Dates and Times
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is open on the following dates:
Christmas Train Dates Christmas Train Hours Christmas Train Activities
November 28th and 29th 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 10:00 am.
November 30th 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 10:00 am.
December 5th – 6th 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm.
December 7th 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm.
December 12th 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 3:00 pm.
December 13th and 14th 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 10:00 am.
December 15th through 19th 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 3:00 pm.
December 20th and 21st 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 10:00 am.
December 22nd and 23rd 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 3:00 pm.
Prices
The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $12.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free.
Parking
The parking for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends. Parking for the Christmas Train is free after 5:00 PM.
Tree Purchases
And, when you visit the Christmas Train, be sure and plan time to visit Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Tree Ranch. You’re sure to find the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Trees include Noble firs, Douglas firs, and Grand firs.
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
For pricing, park directions and complete details, please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com.
Enter for a chance to win ticket’s to the Irvine Park Train here.
