Train of Lights
Embark on a magical journey aboard the Train of Lights, winding through Irvine Park's 1-mile loop illuminated by thousands of festive holiday lights. Complement your train ride with a visit to Santa's Village, offering free entry and a variety of engaging activities like ice fishing, cookie decorating, and carnival games. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
What to Expect
Train ride through thousands of holiday lights
Event Details
Duration
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily
Ages
Under 24 months FREE
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Irvine Park Railroad
Food & Drink
Food and snacks are available at the Train Station Snack Bar, including hot chocolate and coffee.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, magical, enchanting
Energy Level
Low to moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (runs rain or shine, but dress accordingly)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $11.00 – $17.00 – Get tickets
- Parking: Irvine Regional Park charges parking fees: Weekdays $3.00, Weekends $5.00, Holidays $7.00. Parking is FREE after 6:00 PM during the Train of Lights event.
- Pets: No pets allowed on the Train of Lights or in Santa's Village. Dogs welcome in other park areas on leash.
Tips & Advice
- Purchase Train of Lights tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale December 7th, 2026.
- Arrive within 30 minutes of your ticketed time to board the train; for example, if your ticket is for 5:00-6:00 PM, be in line by 5:30 PM.
- Dress warmly and bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as the train is not fully enclosed and the event runs rain or shine.
- Enjoy the free-to-enter Santa's Village before or after your train ride for additional holiday activities and photo opportunities.
- Parking is free after 6:00 PM, which can be a cost-saving option if arriving later in the evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tickets go on sale December 7th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
- Santa's Village is free to enter.
- Parking is free after 6:00 PM.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reservations required for the Train of Lights?
Yes, reservations are required for the Train of Lights, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. They go on sale December 7th, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
What is the difference between the Train of Lights, Christmas Train, and Santa's Village?
Santa's Village offers free entry with paid activities from Nov 27-Dec 30. The Christmas Train (Nov 27-Dec 23) visits Santa at the North Pole. The Train of Lights (Dec 26-30) is a scenic ride through holiday lights.
Can we use regular train tickets or coupons for the Train of Lights?
No, regular train tickets, discounts, coupons, and special promotions are not valid for the Train of Lights. Separate tickets must be purchased online in advance.
What happens if it rains?
The Train of Lights runs rain or shine. Umbrellas or rain jackets are recommended as the train is not fully enclosed. No refunds are offered for any reason.
Where is Santa's Village located?
Santa's Village is located behind the train station, with the entrance to the right of the train station building.
More Christmas Events Near Orange
More Christmas Events near Orange
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.