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Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles 2022

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train
Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train
10/23/22 - By Matt Matasci

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains for everyone in the family who likes to ride the rails, from an LA staple in Griffith Park to a book or movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So pull on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, chow down on Christmas cookies, and even chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that run from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

For more Holiday adventures, like Christmas lights in Los Angeles and Santa visits, be sure to visit our Los Angeles Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide.

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Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc.
Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc.

Cool Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near Los Angeles

The Southern California Polar Express Train Ride

Perris - Runs daily November 20 - December 28, 2022
Step inside a holiday classic! The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. READ MORE

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

Orange - Runs daily November 25 – December 23, 2022
Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttime rides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village.  READ MORE

Holiday Light Festival Train Ride

Griffith Park - Runs daily November 25, 2022 - January 6, 2023
Hooray! Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. The evening ride is gentle and timeless, and just the right size for kids and their parents to take in the festively decorated mile of track. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Night Train at Southern California Live Steamers

Torrance - Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022
Southern California Live Steamers offer this special night train ride for the holiday season, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the free rides throughout the year. READ MORE

El Dorado Frontier Winter Wonderland

Long Beach - Saturdays & Sundays in December 2022
Dates for the 2022 ride have been set!  More details to come. READ MORE

The North Pole Limited Holiday Train

Campo - Fridays & Saturdays, November 25 - December 18, 2022
Hop aboard the North Pole Limited, where Santa’s elves sing favorite Christmas carols, read a Christmas story to young ones, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The North Pole Limited stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who visit with all passengers on the train on the way back to the Campo Depot. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Southern California Railway Museum
Griffith Park and Southern Railroad
Southern California Live Steamers Station
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum