‘Tis the season once again for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. This year they’re celebrating their 20th year! Beginning Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 23rd you’re invited to visit with friends and family to take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at “The North Pole“. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Christmas Train tickets may only be purchased online and in advance to ride the train at a specific date and time. Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll have a specific date and time to arrive at the station, get in line, and board the train any time during the hour for which you purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased beginning November 1st. It’s important to note that they may not be purchased in person. Visit http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for more details.
Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and available for pickup shortly after being taken.
At the North Pole, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels and cookies from the Elf House Snack Bar. A full kitchen menu is also available at the train station.
After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station.
In addition to riding The Christmas Train, there are many other activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village, which is located next to the train station. Stop by before or after your ride aboard the train. Children’s activities will open one hour prior to when the Christmas Train runs and include:
- Story Time with Mrs. Claus
- Christmas Cookie Decorating
- Carnival Games
- Ice Fishing
- Santa Claus Moon Bounce
- Christmas Coloring Corner
- Picture Stands
Prices for activities in Santa’s Village vary. For additional information and costs, go here.
Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Tree Ranch
Also beginning the day after Thanksgiving, families will be able to purchase Christmas trees at Irvine Park Railroad. Visitors will be able to choose Douglas fir, Noble fir, and Grand fir trees ranging in height from 4′ to 12′. Christmas tree stands, preservatives, tree disposal bags, wreaths, and garland will also be available for sale. The Christmas Tree Ranch is open daily at 10:00 am beginning Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 23rd. Families can walk the Christmas Tree Ranch to find their perfect Christmas tree. Irvine Park Railroad staff will help you load your Christmas Tree into/onto your car.
If you’d like, you can print out this Wish List to fill out and bring with you to deliver to Santa himself! Just click on the image above and print out!
As a special way of saying “Happy Holidays”, Irvine Park Railroad is providing me with a Christmas Train Prize package to give away to one of my lucky readers which will include 4 Christmas Train Tickets, 4 Activity Tickets, and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Bike Rental (excludes the double surrey). Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone!
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This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend a media night in exchange for sharing about the event. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logo are property of Irvine Park Railroad.