The laughter of children and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho,” will be heard aboard trains as Metrolink offers the Holiday Express Train for a family-friendly seasonal-themed experience on three Sundays in December.
Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train is an interactive special train experience featuring carolers, holiday characters and a visit from Santa and his elves. The Holiday Express Train runs on December 1, 8 and 15 in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.
“When people board the Metrolink Holiday Express Train they will have a joyous time on festively-decorated train cars and a chance to take photos with holiday characters and spend time with Santa and his helpers,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey.
On December 1, the Holiday Express Train departs the Metrolink Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station at 11:50 a.m. for a non-stop scenic ride along the Orange County coastline, returning to Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo at 1:20 p.m.
On December 8, the Holiday Express Train departs the Simi Valley Station at 11:50 a.m. for a non-stop ride along the Ventura County hillsides, returning to Simi Valley at 1:05 p.m. Also, on Dec. 8, the Holiday Express Train departs the Burbank-Downtown Station at 3:00 p.m. for a non-stop ride to Newhall, returning to Burbank-Downtown at 4:15 p.m.
On December 15, the Holiday Express Train rides again, leaving the Rancho Cucamonga Station at 11:50 a.m. for a non-stop ride to Covina, returning to Rancho Cucamonga at 1:05 p.m.
“Trains bring out the kid in all of us and kids of all ages love train travel. We are excited to celebrate the season with our Metrolink Holiday Express Train and sharing the fun and festivities with families as they have a unique holiday experience,” said Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins.
Tickets for the Holiday Express Train events are $20 per person. Children two-years-old and younger ride free provided they sit on a parent’s lap. A limited number of tickets are available for each trip. Only passengers with valid Holiday Express Train Tickets will be permitted to board. Each car will have assigned seating, so families and groups can sit together.
Tickets for the Metrolink Holiday Express Train can be purchased only at metrolinktrains.com/holidaytrain.
Ticketholders should arrive 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure to receive boarding bracelets and enjoy refreshments and holiday music.
In the spirit of the holidays, Metrolink encourages Holiday Express Train riders to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the Metrolink toy drive in partnership with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s holiday toy drive. Attendees can also bring socks for the homeless, which will be donated to the following charities:
· Los Angeles Mission
· Orange County Rescue Mission
· San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership
· Ventura County Rescue Mission