All aboard for holiday magic!
Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train is back this season, bringing festive fun to families and friends across Southern California. Step onto one of our specially decorated trains for a one-of-a-kind ride filled with cheerful carolers, holiday characters, interactive activities, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.
Before boarding, each station transforms into a holiday welcome event, complete with crafts, entertainment, treats, and more. From start to finish, it’s an immersive seasonal experience designed to create lasting memories.
Event Dates & Times
The 2025 Holiday Express Train runs for five days across four weekends this holiday season. Dates and approximate departure times:
- Saturday, December 6 – L.A. Union Station
- Two trains, departing at 10:00AM and 2:00PM.
- Sunday, December 7 – San Bernardino Depot Station
- Two trains, departing at 10:00AM and 1:00PM
- Saturday, December 13 – Irvine Station
- Two trains, departing at 9:30AM and 1:30PM
- Sunday, December 14 – Irvine Station
- Two trains, departing at 9:30AM and 1:30PM
- Saturday, December 20 – Riverside-Downtown Station
- Two trains, departing at 10:30AM and 1:30PM
- Sunday, December 21 – Simi Valley Station
- Two trains, departing at 9:45AM and 1:15PM
Two trains will operate each event day, with a festive welcome event before every departure.
Ticket Sales
Tickets will be available right here on this webpage beginning Monday, November 3, 2025 for the general public. Mark your calendars—this event sells out quickly!
Sponsorship & Partnerships
The Holiday Express Train isn’t just about spreading cheer—it’s also about building meaningful community connections.
Each year, the event attracts 9,000+ riders, delivers 125M+ impressions, and earns coverage from top media outlets across Southern California.
Sponsorship packages offer unique opportunities for brand exposure, station and onboard activations, signage, digital promotions, and community engagement.
By sponsoring, your brand can:
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Engage directly with families at station welcome events
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Showcase your support for local communities and nonprofits
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Be seen through extensive media, digital, and on-train promotion
Full details, packages, and contact information are found in the Sponsorship Deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metrolink's Holiday Express Train 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:
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Allow time for parking and a smooth boarding experience
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Check in and pick up your wristbands
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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 Train 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.)
No. A special event ticket is required to ride the Holiday Express Train. Metrolink discounts and passes (including ACCESS passes) do not apply because this is a special event series separate from regular Metrolink service and fares.
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 Train. 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 aged two and under can join the fun for free, as long as they’re seated on an adult’s lap and not occupying a separate seat.
No. Refunds will not be issued for this event. When purchasing tickets, please purchase tickets for the correct date, time and train car you wish to ride on. This event sells out quickly and Metrolink cannot exchange or refund tickets.
The Holiday Express Train 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, Metrolink trains are ADA-accessible.