Climb aboard a vintage-style train through Irvine Regional Park, ride through the magical Tunnel of Lights, and meet Santa at the North Pole — Orange County’s signature ticketed family Christmas tradition, more than two decades strong.
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is one of Orange County’s most beloved family holiday traditions, running for more than two decades. Climb aboard one of the small vintage-style trains and ride through the oak-shaded paths of Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting in his workshop. Kids share their wish list with Santa and pose for a keepsake photo.
The ride includes the magical Tunnel of Lights — a photo-worthy highlight of the run.
After the ride, Santa’s Village has kept the magic going with recent-season offerings like cookie decorating, Rudolph Racers, hayrides, panning for gemstones, holiday crafts, Blizzard Ball, ice fishing, moon bounces, and a small carousel — all in the park’s well-organized Christmas village footprint.
The train runs from the weekend after Thanksgiving through late December. Even though the park itself is in the city of Orange (not Irvine), the railroad has kept its historic name. Confirm this season’s confirmed dates, times, and on-sale window at irvineparkrailroad.com.
Tickets are advance-purchase only via the railroad’s website and sell out fast. Daytime weekday slots are the most affordable; peak evening times in mid-December cost more. Kids under 24 months ride free with a paying adult.
No — Irvine Regional Park is in the city of Orange (1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869). The park and railroad have kept the historic “Irvine” name even though they sit just outside Irvine itself.
Once you ride, families enjoy hayrides, panning for gemstones, a holiday craft station, a small carousel, and a snack stop. Most secondary activities are extra (small per-activity fees).
Free parking is available throughout Irvine Regional Park. The railroad is near the center of the park; signage directs you from the main entrance.
For families with kids ages 2–9, yes — it’s a long-running OC tradition and Santa’s North Pole visit is a highlight. Older kids and adults may prefer free OC alternatives like the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, or the East Lake Village neighborhood lights tour in Yorba Linda. Irvine Regional Park itself is free to enter year-round during the day if you want the oaks-and-picnic-grounds experience without the train ticket.
Irvine Regional Park sits in the foothills above the city of Orange, on land once part of the Mexican-era Rancho Lomas de Santiago. Landowner James Irvine gifted the original 160-acre parcel to Orange County in 1897 — making it California’s first regional park — with the stipulation that its old-growth oaks and sycamores be preserved. The park has since grown to roughly 477 acres of oak woodland, picnic grounds, and trails, and is operated by OC Parks.
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.
Check Availability
Have a date in mind? Tell us when and where, and we’ll let you know whether Santa is open. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded Santa Claus to Live Visits and Group Experiences across Southern California, and December fills quickly, so the sooner you check, the better your odds of locking in your first choice.
This is a quick availability check, not a booking. Nothing is reserved and nothing is owed until we’ve confirmed your date and you’ve placed your retainer.
