The Holiday Express is a round-trip experience, beginning and ending at the same station. Each ride features festive décor, cheerful music, and beautiful Southern California scenery along the way.

Event Routes (subject to change):

• Los Angeles Union Station: Travels north along the Antelope Valley Line toward Sylmar, then returns to Union Station.
• San Bernardino Depot: Travels west toward Montclair, then returns to San Bernardino.
• Irvine Station: Travels south through Orange County to San Clemente Pier before returning to Irvine.
• Riverside-Downtown Station: Travels southwest toward Anaheim Canyon, then returns to Riverside.
• Simi Valley Station: Travels west toward Oxnard before returning to Simi Valley.

Metrolink's Holiday Express is a magical, family-friendly holiday experience aboard a festively decorated train. Guests will ride in one of six themed passenger cars, complete with live carolers, visits from Santa and his elves, and appearances by other beloved holiday characters.

Before boarding, guests can enjoy a fun-filled welcome event featuring children’s activities and live entertainment, making it a truly unique and memorable holiday celebration for all ages.

Boarding takes place at the Metrolink station listed as the origin for your event. You will receive a Know-Before-You-Go email a few days before your event with your boarding time, parking details, and tips to make your experience smooth and fun.

We recommend arriving early to:

• Allow time for parking and a smooth boarding experience

• Check in and pick up your wristbands

• Enjoy the welcome event with activities, giveaways, and entertainment

Please note that guests who miss their scheduled departure are not eligible for refunds or exchanges, so plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive.

The Holiday Express is a nonstop round-trip experience that begins and ends at the designated Metrolink origin station. Each journey lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festive atmosphere on board.

We recommend planning for about two hours from your scheduled departure time for the full experience. This allows time for the ride itself, the return trip, deboarding, and potential parking lot congestion after the event.

A Know-Before-You-Go email will be sent a few days before your event with your exact event times, parking information, and a preview of special activities and partners to visit.

(If you’re attending at L.A. Union Station, allow extra time to navigate the station and walk back to your parking location.)

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, November 3, 2025. Please refer back to this page to purchase tickets.

To purchase tickets, click on your desired event on the schedule listed on the Holiday Express Train page. You will be directed to a ticketing website, where you may purchase tickets for all riders in your party.

Yes. When you reserve your tickets online, you must select your reserved seats for the ride of the season. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday magic as you embark on this festive journey.

No, food and beverages will not be provided onboard the Holiday Express. However, you’re welcome to bring along your favorite holiday snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your group as you soak in the festive spirit during the ride!

Yes. Children age two and under may ride at no cost when seated on an adult’s lap. To ensure every ticketed guest has a seat, children under two may not occupy a separate seat—including in a car seat—unless a ticket is purchased.

For safety reasons, strollers are not permitted on board during the event, so please plan accordingly.

No. All sales are final for the Holiday Express. Please double-check the date, time, and train car before completing your purchase.

This event sells out quickly, so Metrolink is unable to offer refunds or exchanges. We recommend arriving early so you have plenty of time for parking, check-in, and boarding. Guests who miss their scheduled departure are not eligible for refunds or exchanges.

The Holiday Express will operate in most weather conditions. However, if major weather or railroad disruptions occur, the event may be canceled or postponed at the railroad’s discretion. In such cases, full refunds will be provided.

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, you will be informed by email at the address you used to purchase tickets.

Yes, every Metrolink train car is equipped with restrooms. Additionally, portable restrooms will be available for guests at the station welcome events before boarding. Guests are encouraged to use the restroom prior to boarding the train.

Service animals trained to assist persons with disabilities are permitted. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on this special train.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages aboard the train to enjoy during your festive journey.

No, alcohol will not be available for purchase at the event or on the train. Alcohol consumption is not permitted onboard Metrolink trains.

Strollers will not be permitted on the train. It is recommended that strollers be left in vehicles upon arrival.

Yes. All Metrolink trains are ADA-accessible. If someone in your party will need wheelchair assistance, please let Metrolink staff know when you check in so we can ensure a smooth boarding experience.