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Illustration: A lit steam train with a wreath crossing a snowy valley beside a Christmas tree
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Christmas

Santa Trains — Western Pacific Railroad Museum

  • Run by Feather River Rail Society (Western Pacific Railroad Museum)
  • Western Pacific Railroad Museum — Portola, California, United States

Next: Dec 5–19, 2026

Evening rides aboard a festive holiday train covered in lights at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California, on selected evenings in December.

Updated

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Next edition

Dec 5–19, 2026

Dec 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Opens 4 pm, trains from 5 pm until about 8 pm. Priced per carload.

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About this event

The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California runs Santa Trains on selected December evenings. Visitors ride a festive holiday train covered in lights.

The museum opens in the late afternoon and trains start running at 5 p.m., continuing until everyone has had a turn. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the museum serves homemade cookies and hot drinks.

Admission is charged per carload rather than per person, with a reduced rate for visitors who bring non-perishable canned goods for the local food bank. Members of the museum's operating society ride free.

What to expect

A ride on a holiday train covered in lights, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and free homemade cookies, hot cider, coffee and hot chocolate. Trains run until everyone has had a turn.

Practical info

The museum opens at 4 p.m.; train rides start at 5 p.m. and usually run until about 8 p.m. Admission is charged per carload, with a reduced rate for visitors who bring four non-perishable canned goods for the Portola food bank, and is free for society members. Address: 700 Western Pacific Way, Portola, California 96122.

Where it happens

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Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Portola.

Frequently asked questions

What time do the trains run?▾
The museum opens at 4 p.m. and train rides start at 5 p.m., continuing until everyone has had a turn, usually until about 8 p.m.
How much does it cost?▾
Admission is charged per carload, not per person, with a reduced rate if you bring four non-perishable canned goods for the Portola food bank. Society members are free. Check the museum page for the current rate.
Can children meet Santa?▾
Yes, kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Is food provided?▾
The museum offers free homemade cookies, hot cider, coffee and hot chocolate.
What does the train look like?▾
It is a festive holiday train covered in lights.

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Sources

Dates checked on Oct 28, 2026 from the official site: wplives.org. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: wplives.org

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