SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Caltrain is remaking its Holiday Train for 2025, turning it from a trip bringing Santa Claus to stations to an on-board riding experience. Tickets for this year’s trip, set for Dec. 13, go on sale on Thursday, Nov. 20, at noon PT.
Those on board will experience a decorated train interior, carols performed by the group Ensemble Continuo, reading of holiday stories, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa. Some event proceeds will be shared with three non-profit groups — Real Options for City Kids, Samaritan House, and the Bill Wilson Center; those organizations will also receive some tickets for those they serve.
“The new Holiday Train is an outstanding reason to get on board Caltrain, whether it’s a regular part of your commute or for the first time,” Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said in a press release. “This event allows us to be both the connection and the destination, offering a fun and festive ride to great family events throughout our community.”
The northbound Holiday Train will depart San Jose Diridon station at 2:50 p.m. and make a half-dozen intermediate stops before arriving in San Francisco at 3:51 p.m. The southbound train will depart San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. and make the same intermediate stops before arriving at San Jose Diridon at 5:50 p.m. The intermediate stops will serve a variety of community holiday events.
Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths, plus a ticketing fee. Northbound tickets will be available here, while southbound tickets will be here.
Caltrain’s Holiday Train dates to 2002. It previously featured a decorated diesel-powered train; this year’s train will feature the new electrified equipment.
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