The Holiday Express event series includes festive photo opportunities with Santa Claus and friends.
Metrolink’s annual Holiday Express returns for three weekends starting Saturday, Dec. 6, with departures from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Irvine, Riverside and Simi Valley. Passengers aboard the 75-minute, specially ticketed ride will enjoy colorful holiday décor and visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and beloved animated characters—plus photo-ops and sing-alongs with our resident elves. Before boarding, festive station events with family-friendly entertainment set the tone for an immersive holiday outing.
This year, returning and first-time sponsors are elevating the experience, creating even more holiday magic for attendees at each event stop. Platinum sponsor, GoCal is back and is teaming up with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Inland Empire 66ers to host interactive booths with exciting swag and ticket giveaways. Raising Cane’s is also returning this year at the Gold level, supporting all station events with a booth presence and sponsoring an onboard surprise for Holiday Express riders. The popular quick-service chicken finger restaurant is also partnering with Metrolink’s SoCal Explorer program and has signed on as a sponsor for Customer Appreciation Day in February.
One of Santa’s helpers distributes free children’s meal vouchers to families on board Metrolink’s Holiday Express last year.
In the Inland Empire, UCR Health is stepping up support as this year’s Presenting Sponsor for our Holiday Express stop in Riverside and San Bernardino. They’ll be hosting a teddy bear clinic at both locations. Redlands Public Market and the Riverside Food Lab are returning this year as Silver sponsors for our IE events, sharing mocktail recipes and fun freebies.
In Orange County, City of Hope Orange County is coming aboard as this year’s Presenting Sponsor for our Holiday Express events in Irvine. They will also be joined by OC Power Authority as a new Bronze sponsor to create a fun, festive experience for riders in the OC.
AAA is returning at the Silver level and will host games, giveaways and special offers during each event. Ontario International Airport, which is easily accessible via Metrolink and the free ONT Connect service, is also back as a Silver sponsor. Meanwhile, Lucky Dog Coffee is returning as an in-kind partner, serving complimentary coffee and hot cocoa at the LA Union Station and Simi Valley events. Additional specialty beverages will be available to purchase.
New this year, Metrolink will be expanding their annual partnership with the Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square as part of this partnership, they have donated family four-pack giveaways for our Union Station celebration in addition to an exclusive SoCal Explorer promotion.
This year’s Holiday Express is bigger and better than ever, spanning three full weekends with two trains each day spreading cheer across Southern California. We’ve seen unprecedented demand so far this season. All Orange County trips and one Simi Valley train sold out shortly after tickets went on sale to the general public on Nov. 3, and other routes have already reached up to 95% capacity. With events taking place in five different counties, the Holiday Express provides exciting local and regional opportunities for sponsors to connect in person with families across our service area, while supporting one of Metrolink’s most beloved annual traditions.
To make Metrolink part of your family’s holiday experience this December, visit our website to see the full Holiday Express schedule and purchase tickets.