Holiday Express Train Returns Bringing Joyful Spirit and Festive Magic by Ruby Stephenson - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

JANUARY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 31 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Holiday Express Train Returns Bringing Joyful Spirit and Festive Magic

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer
November 6, 2024 at 11:23pm. Views: 301

Metrolink is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Holiday Express Train, offering Southern California families a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Starting Thanksgiving weekend and running through Dec. 21, Holiday Express Train riders can experience the joy and magic of the season aboard a specially decorated trainset. The Holiday Express Train will make 10 trips in total, traveling along five routes through each of the primary counties Metrolink serves.

“Since its debut, the Holiday Express Train has captured the hearts of families across Southern California,” Metrolink Board Chair and City of Highland Mayor Pro Tem Larry McCallon said. “We’re thrilled to expand this year’s service, adding two additional trips due to popular demand, so that even more families can make Metrolink a part of their holiday traditions. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.”

Each train ride will have holiday decorations, cheerful carolers, recognizable characters and festive surprises, making it a perfect event for all ages. Tickets are $25 per person, with an additional $5 option for a limited number of table seats. Children under two can ride for free on a parent’s lap. Tickets must be purchased in advance at metrolinktrains.com/holidaytrain, as no tickets will be sold at the event. Seating is assigned, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy pre-boarding festivities.

Welcome event activities will include craft stations, balloon twisters, music and more. Attendees can also bring unwrapped toys to donate through Metrolink’s partnership with local non-profit organizations, supporting families in need during the holiday season.

2024 Holiday Express Train Schedule:

Orange County:

Saturday, Nov. 30 – Anaheim Station

Train 1: Departs 10 a.m.

Train 2: Departs 12:30 p.m.

 

Riverside County:

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Riverside-Downtown Station

Train 1: Departs 10:30 a.m.

Train 2: Departs 1:30 p.m.

 

Ventura County:

Saturday, Dec. 14 – Simi Valley Station

Train 1: Departs 9:45 a.m.

Train 2: Departs 1:15 p.m.

 

Los Angeles County:

Sunday, Dec. 15 – Vista Canyon Station (Santa Clarita)

Train 1: Departs 9:30 a.m.

Train 2: Departs 1:20 p.m.

 

San Bernardino County:

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Redlands-Downtown Station

Train 1: Departs 9:30 a.m.

Train 2: Departs 12:10 p.m.

For more information about Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train events, including ticketing, pre-event festivities and boarding information, please visit metrolinktrains.com/holidaytrain.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Dr Bernadine Irwin

By Dr Bernadine Irwin, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 245

Meet the Pony creating joy and healing for all ages
Cheyenne an Australian Appaloosa Pony, Dr Bernadine Irwin, & Dr. Robert Soderblom

Photo Courtesy of: Truly Adams

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 222

Riverside racing driver Truly Adams with Cars N' Coffee Riverside organizers Johnny Silva and Natalie Trujillo at the Dec. 20 fundraiser at Cable Airport. The event raised $5,000 to support Adams' Formula 4 racing career.

Photo Courtesy of: Van Howard

By Car lM. Dameron, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 279

Cheryl and Hardy Brown are the Grand Marshals for the 47th Annual Black History Parade along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. They are a powerful duo in San Bernardino, using media, publishing, and politics to uplift their community and advocate for representation and equality.

Photo Courtesy of: The National Sports Association of Wellness and Mental Fitness (NSAWMF)

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 292

Making mental fitness education proactive, practical, and accessible across the sports ecosystem.
A group of adults stand close together, smiling and clapping enthusiastically while looking toward an unseen event, suggesting a moment of celebration or support.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 250

Make sure you have the new schedule for 2026.
Two women greet each other at a train platform. One woman stands inside an open train doorway, smiling with her hands clasped, while the other stands on the platform facing her. The train is blue with red doors, and the station’s glass-and-steel roof is visible overhead.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 192

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Gabriela Jacome Avendaño

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 174

Sister City Survey will help the community
A split image shows a hillside neighborhood landscape on the left and a historic cathedral with twin towers on the right. Centered text reads “City of Moreno Valley Sister City Program” with a colorful abstract logo representing people connected together.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 166

Come check out Flight Deck Bike Park!
Flight Deck Bike Park is the largest Velosolutions pump track in Southern California.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Morneo Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:49am. Views: 156

Who doesn't want a gentle dog with a lopsided grin and a gleam in her eye?
Shasta, a female, three-year-old, black and tan Boxer mix.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 169

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer & Photographer

March 28, 2024 at 06:10am. Views: 771

GTHS Athlete of the Week Kenneth Jaquez on January 16, 2024 at the GTHS Varsity Boys soccer game against Rim of the World High School.

Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 827

Site Support Employee of the Year Casey Rogers and Dr Edwin Gomez

--> -->