Christmas trains 2026San Diego · America’s Finest City

Christmas train rides near San Diego, 2026.

We found three Christmas trains within a drive of San Diego with 2026 dates posted: one Polar Express ride, one Santa train and one zoo or park holiday train. The closest, North Pole Limited in Campo, is about 40 miles out.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a Polar Express ride?THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Perris, CA (2201 S. A St) · about 80 miles away: from Nov 11.1 rideWhere’s the Santa train?North Pole Limited: from Nov 27.1 trainDo I need to book?1 of 3 ask you to book ahead or warn they sell out.Book early

Last checked · 3 trains · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every Christmas train, by first date

Filter by kind of ride, then tap one for dates, ages, price and how to book.

11NovWedTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 31 · Perris, CA (2201 S. A St) · about 80 miles away27NovFriChristmas Train and Santa's VillageZoo & park train · to Dec 23 · Orange, CA · about 80 miles away27NovFriNorth Pole LimitedSanta train · to Dec 20 · Campo, CA · about 40 miles away

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near San Diego

Dates, ages, price and booking notes come from each railroad, zoo or park’s own page. The area line shows where you board.

Nov11to Dec 31

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Southern California Railway Museum · Perris, CA (2201 S. A St) · about 80 miles away

Polar Express
When
Select dates Nov 11–Dec 31 (no rides Thanksgiving or Christmas Day); see the official schedule
Time
Departures from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; arrive about 60 minutes before showtime
Ages
Child tickets ages 2–11
Price
Value $49.25 child / $56.25 adult; Standard $67.25 / $74.25; Premium $81.25 / $88.25 (fees included)
Tickets
Parking passes are $6 per vehicle; a sensory-friendly ride runs Tuesday, Nov 24

Good to know: An hour-long ride with a reading of the book, hot chocolate, carols and Santa handing out the first gift of Christmas.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 23

Christmas Train and Santa's Village

Irvine Park Railroad, Irvine Regional Park · Orange, CA · about 80 miles away

Zoo & park train
Time
Daily; extended hours 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Dec 14
Ages
Under 24 months free
Price
Park entry $3–$7 per car
Tickets
Reservations required; tickets go on sale online Nov 2 at 10 a.m.
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 20

North Pole Limited

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum · Campo, CA · about 40 miles away

Santa train
Time
Fridays to Sundays
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Tickets
Tickets through the museum's site
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the railroad’s or venue’s page and we’ll check the dates and add it.Suggest a train

Before you go

Three things that make train day easier

TicketsBook as soon as you canPolar Express and Santa trains often sell out weeks ahead, weekend evenings first.
DressPajamas are part of itMany Polar Express rides invite kids to come in pajamas. Bring a warm layer for the platform.
TimingPick a ride before bedtimeEarly departures are easier with toddlers. Late lights trains are better for older kids.

Keep planning

More for little kids in San Diego

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Good questions

Christmas trains near San Diego: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Perris, CA (2201 S. A St) · about 80 miles away: Select dates Nov 11–Dec 31 (no rides Thanksgiving or Christmas Day); see the official schedule. Price: Value $49.25 child / $56.25 adult; Standard $67.25 / $74.25; Premium $81.25 / $88.25 (fees included).

North Pole Limited (Campo, CA · about 40 miles away): Next: Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29, Fri Dec 4 and 8 more.

Christmas Train and Santa's Village (Orange, CA · about 80 miles away): Nov 27 – Dec 23, Park entry $3–$7 per car.

Many do. One of the three here asks you to book ahead or warns that seats sell out. Each card says what the operator posts about tickets.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in San Diego that weekend, holiday trains included.

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