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Holiday Train 2025
Ride the All-New Caltrain Holiday Train!
Caltrain has reinvented its service — and now we’re reinventing a beloved tradition. This year, experience the Holiday Train like never before with a brand-new on-board celebration that brings the spirit of the season to the rails.
On December 13, climb aboard for a festive ride to some of the Bay Area’s brightest holiday destinations, including:
- Hometown Holidays in Redwood City
- GISSV's German Holiday Market in Mountain View
- South Bay Rail History Museum in Santa Clara
- And other lively downtowns along the Caltrain corridor
You can board the Holiday Train at San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto or San Jose Diridon stations, with opportunities to hop off and enjoy stops at Millbrae, Redwood City, Mountain View, and Santa Clara.
Each passenger will receive a commemorative Holiday Train ticket, which also acts as a Day Pass for unlimited rides on Caltrain for the rest of the day — the perfect way to make your holiday adventure shine even brighter.
The Holiday Train is no longer a toy drive. Please do not bring toys to the Holiday Train, we will not be able to accept them.
CHECK THE SCHEDULE HOLIDAY TRAIN FAQS
Since 2002, Caltrain’s Holiday Train has been a cherished Bay Area tradition, bringing festive cheer and community spirit to the corridor each year.
With the exciting arrival of Caltrain’s new electric fleet, this beloved event is evolving to reflect a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable travel.
While the previous show train format using a decorated diesel train is changing, the magic of the season continues through the new onboard electric train experience and family friendly station celebrations at four stations through the corridor.
What to Expect on the Holiday Train
Event Day
Prior to boarding, be prepared to show proof of purchase via Eventbrite to ticket-checkers on the station platform in order to receive a commemorative Holiday Train ticket for each guest. No one can board without a paper ticket to the event.
Boarding will begin one hour prior to departure.
Holiday Train will leave on time and cannot be held for late patrons. Guests are encouraged to arrive at least a half hour before departure and enjoy the entertainment on the train platform prior to boarding.
Get on board and take a seat to experience the fun.
Due to sellout crowds, there is no guarantee that large groups will be able to sit together. No alcohol is allowed on the Holiday Train. Strollers can be stored in the northernmost bike car.
Station Celebration
There will be Station Celebrations at San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and San Jose Diridon stations. Guests can enjoy the entertainment at these stations and board the Holiday Train.
On Board
The train will depart on time for an approximately 60-minute trip ending at San Francisco Station on the northbound trip and San Jose Diridon Station on the southbound trip. During the ride, guests can expect carolers and holiday characters, a reading of holiday classics and even Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. Guests can ride the Holiday Train all the way to the end of the line, or off board the train at any of the eight designated stops and will be able to use their commemorative Holiday Train ticket to either ride back home or to check out the many community events available.
Caltrain’s regular weekend service comes every half hour, making it easy to get back home or to another destination after leaving the Holiday Train.
This year, Caltrain is partnering with R.O.C.K (Real Options for City Kids), the Bill Wilson Center and Samaritan House for the Holiday Train. You can learn more about these worthy organizations at the links below:
Our Community Partners
This year, Caltrain is proud to partner with these worthy organizations.
Get In Touch
Have questions? We're here to help!
1250 San Carlos Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 508-6200 Office Information
(800) 660-4287 Customer Service
AbunieM@samtrans.com or
LiebermanD@samtrans.com
www.caltrain.com
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Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to the sponsors who make this possible.