LOS ANGELES — Today, the first stop on Metrolink’s annual Holiday Express tour welcomed hundreds of families and yuletide revelers at historic Los Angeles Union Station to begin its festive three-weekend journey across the region. The specially decorated train set completed two round-trips throughout the day, offering an unforgettable 75-minute adventure filled with holiday magic and appearances by seasonal VIPs, including Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The five-city circuit continues tomorrow at the San Bernardino Depot with trains scheduled to depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets, which range from $25-$35, are still available and can be purchased at metrolinktrains.com/holiday-express. Next weekend, the Holiday Express will spend two sold-out days in Irvine, presented by City of Hope Orange County, before heading to Riverside on Dec. 20 and closing out the 2025 season in Simi Valley on Dec. 21. Both Inland Empire locations are presented by UCR Health.

“Los Angeles Union Station is at its most vibrant during the holidays, making it the perfect backdrop to launch this year’s Holiday Express series,” Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee said. “This immersive, all-ages experience has become a cherished annual tradition, drawing families from communities across Southern California and giving them a reason to return year after year.”

Once aboard, Holiday Express riders are treated to live carolers and seat-side visits from beloved holiday figures and animated characters, creating one-of-a-kind ‘wow’ moments and unique photo ops for passengers. Throughout the trip, elves stationed on each train car orchestrate classic holiday sing-alongs, adding to the energetic atmosphere.

On Saturday, ticketholders also enjoyed an exclusive pre-boarding event on Union Station’s South Patio, featuring arts and crafts, balloon twisters, letter-writing to Santa, complimentary coffee and cocoa, and games and giveaways. As a special treat, the Tournament of Roses Court was in attendance to mingle with guests. Similar welcome events will accompany each Holiday Express stop, with a rotating assortment of activities and participating sponsors, including marquee series partners GoCal; Raising Cane’s; and the Ontario Tower Buzzers, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Inland Empire 66ers. Limited-edition Metrolink holiday sweaters will be available for purchase at all locations while supplies last.

“At Metrolink, we’re in the business of connecting people, and the Holiday Express is one of the most joyful examples of that mission,” Metrolink Chief Executive Officer Darren Kettle said. “Watching families and friends come together to celebrate the season is a highlight of our year and a reminder of why these shared experiences matter.”

Many opening day attendees generously participated in the season of giving by donating unwrapped toys to support The Midnight Mission. Metrolink, in partnership with local community organizations, will be collecting toys for families in need at each location, further extending the event’s goodwill into the communities Metrolink serves.