Holiday magic moves on board as Caltrain transforms its long-running event into a festive ride from San Jose to San Francisco
San Mateo County, California – On December 13, a long-running Bay Area tradition will change completely when Caltrain launches its first-ever aboard Holiday Train experience. The Holiday Train has been famous for its decorated diesel locomotive and amazing stop performances for more than 20 years. This year, the party moves to Caltrain’s new electric fleet, which for the first time ever will take passengers from San Jose to San Francisco and back in style. Starting at noon on November 20, tickets will be available for both ways.
The revamped Holiday Train turns the ride into a rolling party, with every car full with holiday pleasure. Passengers will go into a lavishly adorned space where Ensemble Continuo performers will sing traditional carols in the aisles.
Families can listen to holiday stories being read, do crafts, and wait for Santa to show up during the journey. The train will make eight stops going north and eight stops going south, linking people to community events like Christmas in the Park, Hometown Holidays, the German Holiday Market, the South Bay Historical Railroad Society, and San Mateo on Ice.
Caltrain is working with Real Options for City Kids (ROCK), Samaritan House, and the Bill Wilson Center to make the event happen. A part of the money made from ticket sales will go to these groups, and each nonprofit will also get tickets to give to the people they help. The partnership is in line with Caltrain’s goal of maintaining the Holiday Train anchored in goodwill in the community.
Families who want to watch the celebrations from the platform can take part in free entertainment at the station before the train gets to San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and San Jose Diridon. These four stations will also be the only places where those with tickets may get on the Holiday Train. This will keep things structured while still letting the general public join in on the festive fun.
This year’s switch to the new electric train fleet represents a new beginning for the event that people enjoy. The Holiday Train from Caltrain, which started in 2002, has always been about the spirit of the season. But the switch to cleaner, quieter trains shows that the system is working toward a more sustainable future. Officials claim that the core of the celebration stays the same, even though the classic show-train style is being retired. Now, the magic happens on board.
The train going north will leave San Jose Diridon at 2:50 p.m. and stop at Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, and Millbrae before getting to San Francisco at 3:51 p.m. The return trip south starts in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. and follows the same route, getting back to San Jose at 5:50 p.m. See the full schedule here.
Michelle Bouchard, the Executive Director of Caltrain, said that the new event will provide riders an opportunity to relearn the system.
“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,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “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.”
Caltrain is seeking sponsors for this event. Interested parties can find more information here.
