5 Holiday Events Along the Pacific Surfliner

5 Holiday Events Along the Pacific Surfliner

As temperatures dip to freezing across the rest of the country, we’ve found ourselves wishing for some California sunshine. This holiday season, hop on the Pacific Surfliner to visit our favorite “winter” events along the route.

Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive – Saturday, December 16th at L.A. Union Station

Join us for a special holiday event at L.A. Union Station celebrating trains. Help stuff a train car with donations for Toys for Tots by bringing a new, unwrapped toy. See a historic steam locomotive up close, visit with Santa, tour vintage rail cars, and more. While you are there, explore the historic station and take photos of the holiday decorations.

San Diego Parade of Lights – Sunday, December 17th in San Diego

Crowds line the bayfront for one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. This event was nominated in 2017 as the Best Holiday Parade by USA Today, and features 80 boats that are lavishly decorated in lights and decorations. Consider going on a harbor cruise or dining at one of the waterfront restaurants for the best views. The parade is a short walk from the Santa Fe Depot, and you’ll be glad you didn’t drive, because parking is extremely hard to find due to the popularity of the event.

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – Ongoing Through Sunday, January 7th in Anaheim

Experience the magical atmosphere of the Disneyland Resort beautifully decorated for the holidays. Both Disneyland and California Adventure feature special holiday foods, entertainment, and decorations through January 7. Don’t miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks display, exclusive to the holiday season. From the Anaheim Station, show your Pacific Surfliner ticket for a free transfer on Anaheim Resort Transit Route 15, which takes you to the front gates of the resort.

Port of San Diego Holiday Parade – Thursday, December 28th in San Diego

Just a short walk or drive from Santa Fe Station, the Port of San Diego Holiday Parade is the country’s largest balloon parade. The scenic streets of the bay come alive as more than 100,000 people enjoy the show. Gaze up at massive balloons and floats and enjoy the marching bands as they play along the bay.

Rose Parade – Monday, January 1st in Pasadena

Visit Pasadena to experience the historic Rose Parade, an internationally-recognized New Year’s celebration. This tradition has been part of the community for more than 100 years, with floats that are meticulously decorated with flowers and plants by hundreds of volunteers. Avoid the parking jams by taking the Pacific Surfliner to L.A. Union Station and connecting to the Metro Gold Line, which stops near the parade route. Tip: Purchase a discounted one-day LA Metro transit pass from the Café Car and skip the lines when transferring.