Whether it’s a ride on a diesel train or steam engine, in the city or in the woods, whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas - riding a train decked out with lights is a magical holiday excursion.
These train rides have proven to be very popular—be sure to book early, most of these train rides sell out in advance. Remember, trains don’t wait for anyone. Plan on arriving at the station at least twenty minutes before the scheduled time.
Caltrain Holiday Train
Decorated with 70,000 glittering lights, the dazzling show-train will visit nine Caltrain stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two nights in December, providing holiday entertainment and collecting donations of toys for local children who otherwise might not receive a gift during the holidays.
Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2, 2018.
Times: 4pm-9pm, check the schedule here. FREE.
Decorated with 70,000 glittering lights, the dazzling show-train will visit nine Caltrain stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over two nights in December, providing holiday entertainment and collecting donations of toys for local children who otherwise might not receive a gift during the holidays.
Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2, 2018.
Times: 4pm-9pm, check the schedule here. FREE.
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The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train departs from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart! Continue the merriment with a $6 MyBoardwalk card good for attractions, arcades and games in Neptune's Kingdom.
November 23-24, December 1-2, 8-9, 15-23, 2018.
Adult - $33, Children - $28, 2 and under - free.
The Roaring Camp also offering Holiday Tree Walk - Get in the holiday spirit by bringing family and friends to ride Roaring Camp’s daytime steam train to Bear Mountain. At the summit, guests may sip hot cider and delight in viewing a tree-lined walk of beautifully decorated holiday trees.
November 23-24, December 1-2, 8-9, 2018.
Adult - $29, Children - $23, 2 and under - free.
If you're celebrating Hanukkah, you don't want to miss the Hanukkah Train.
Gather at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the 5th night of Hanukkah for the lighting of the menorah at 6:15 pm, and then set off on an incredible 1-hour train ride on Roaring Camp’s vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of shining lights and Hanukkah decorations.
Sharing in Hanukkah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Hanukkah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea.
December 3, 2018.
Adult - $33, Children - $27, 2 and under - free.For details and tickets --> https://www.roaringcamp.com/events
Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights
The Train of Lights offers a rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night. With one departure from Niles at dusk and a second departure from Sunol after dark, you can choose your favorite time to ride.
Trains depart from Niles at 4:30PM and Sunol at 7:30PM every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the holiday season (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Tickets are $30. For more information and tickets --> http://www.ncry.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=541047&module_id=141791
Ride aboard the wildcat railroad through the enchanting Fantasy of Lights set up in Vasona Park.
Ride through large animated displays while listening to Holiday music. See the sights and sounds of an erupting volcano in the dangerously fun Dinosaur Den, cheer on Santa shooting hoops, wave at a pen of playful penguins, watch blazing Pirate Cannons and sail through tunnels of moving lights. Over 50 themed displays and a 90-foot twinkling tree will have you “oohing and aahing” throughout your adventure.
The Holiday Train will run Thursdays through Sundays from December 6th to the 23rd. 6:00 to 9:00pm.
Tickets are $5.00. Children 2 and under - free with paid adult.
For more information and tickets --> https://bjwrr.org/the-holiday-train/
