2012 Christmas Train
Tis the season, once again, for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him too. You may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad.
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 Santa's Village.
Christmas Train tickets may be purchased online beginning in early November.
For frequently asked questions regarding the Christmas Train, click here.
Note: Tickets may be purchased in person on the day that you will be riding the Christmas Train. See below for full details including our refund policy.
Christmas Train Ticket Cost: $10.00 per person ● Children age 24 months and younger ride free
Activity Tickets: $4.00 Each ● Book of 15 Activity Tickets: $50.00 ($10.00 Savings)
When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera, and arrive early to avoid crowds. Among Christmas events in Orange County, this is an event that you’ll remember for years to come!
To view pictures of last year’s Christmas Train, click here.
Children can print, fill out and bring to Irvine Park Railroad to share with Santa Claus, click here.
Activities
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Christmas Train - 2012
$10.00 per person — Children age 24 months and younger ride free.
| 2012 Dates |
Hours |
| November 30th |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm. |
| December 1st - 2nd |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm. |
| December 7th - 9th |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm. |
| December 14th |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Activities open at 4:00 pm. |
| December 15th - 16th |
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm Activities open at 1:00 pm. |
| December 17th - 23rd |
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Activities open at 3:00 pm. |
Christmas Train tickets may be purchased to board the train during a specific time period. You may get in line and board the train at any time during the hour for which you purchase tickets.
While waiting for your boarding time, there are many activities for children to enjoy in Santa's Village located next to the train station.
On Saturday, December 15th and Sunday December 16th only, the Christmas Train will open at 2:00 pm. And, December 17th through December 23rd, the Christmas train will open at 4:00 pm.
Important Note: Regular train tickets, tokens, complimentary tickets, discount tickets, and/or coupons are not valid for the Christmas Train. All customers must ride the train to visit Santa Claus.
Tickets may be purchased online to ride the train on a specific day and during a specific time period. A one-time, online ticket fee will apply. Tickets may be purchased in person on the day that you will be riding the train, however, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to ride the train at a specific time. To purchase tickets online, please check back in early November. For Christmas Train frequently asked questions, including information about the online ticket fee, click here.
Refund Policy: Irvine Park Railroad does not offer refunds for Christmas Train tickets purchased online. If you are not able to ride the Christmas Train on the date for which you purchased tickets, or if the Christmas Train closes due to rain, please contact us on that day to exchange your tickets for a different day and time. Our email address is info {at} irvineparkrailroad.com. If the Christmas Train closes due to rain, notification will be made on our Web site home page and on the top of this page; notification will also be posted on our Facebook fan page. We will also notify you via the email address used to purchase your tickets online.
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Photos with Santa Claus
$10.00 per photo - $6.00 for each additional photo.
Irvine Park Railroad will take a picture of your children with Santa Claus. Each 5" x 7" photo is presented in an Irvine Park Railroad boarder and will be available for pickup shortly after it is taken. Or, you may take pictures with your personal camera at no cost.
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Santa Bounce House Jumper
1 activity ticket per child for 10 minutes of jump time.
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Always a favorite with children, they’re sure to jump with joy in our Christmas bounce house. Children will jump and hop the night chill away.
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Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Free for all visitors.
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mrs. Claus will entertain children by reading from books including “The Night Before Christmas”, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and other Christmas favorites. She will also lead both children and adults in singing Christmas carols. When not on stage, Mrs. Claus is available for pictures.
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Christmas Cookie Decorating
1 activity ticket per person.
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Children of all ages can be imaginative and use frosting, candy and other goodies to decorate a giant sugar cookie… a big, sweet treat for Christmas.
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Christmas Carnival Games
1 activity ticket per child.
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Children can try their luck at two Christmas carnival games located adjacent to the train station. Every child that plays wins a prize!
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Great Food
Prices vary by item.
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enjoy all the favorites from hot dogs and hamburgers to cookies and freshly-popped popcorn. Hot chocolate, coffee and other snacks are available to purchase at both the train station and Santa’s Village.
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Christmas Coloring Corner
Free for all visitors.
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Children can sit down at one of the coloring corner tables and color a Christmas coloring page that can be taken home and displayed for all to see.
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Picture Stands
Free for all visitors.
Create lasting memories by taking photos in the festive holiday picture stands. Children and adults can pose together in a picture stand too!
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Free Train Tickets
To receive 2 FREE regular train tickets, email us a copy of your favorite “Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train” picture. The free train tickets are not valid for the Christmas Train and only 1 picture per family may be submitted. Pictures will become the property of Irvine Park Railroad and may be posted on www.irvineparkrailroad.com.
Email pictures to info@irvineparkrailroad.com and be sure to include your name and mailing address in the email. Please allow 2 weeks to receive your train tickets by US mail.
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Parking Information
Free for all visitors after 5:00 PM.
Parking at Irvine Regional Park is FREE after 5:00 pm. For detailed parking information and fees, click here.
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Kris Kringle takes a break from Santa's Workshop at the North Pole to share in the fun and entertainment for all! Irvine Park Railroad is the perfect location for a Christmas party or gathering. Many call this event the Santa train. This is one of the best family Christmas activities in Orange County and beyond.
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Good 'ol St. Nick rides Santa's sleigh to Irvine Park Railroad for a Christmas festival and show that is enjoyed by all.
Irvine Park Railroad is a winter festival enjoyed by children big and small. For Christmas things to do in Orange County, this is the event for you... Merry Xmas to all!
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