Top Holiday Events in Southern California

There are countless holiday events and attractions to enjoy this season including parades, light displays, waterfront fireworks and more. Take a train ride along the coast on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and enjoy breathtaking views while spending quality time with friends and family as you travel to these festive events:

Holiday Time at the Disneyland® Resort – Friday, November 9 Through Tuesday, January 8 in Anaheim

Experience the magical atmosphere of the Disneyland® Resort beautifully decorated for the holidays. Both parks feature special holiday foods, entertainment and decorations through January 8.
Getting There: From the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), 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.
Insider Tip: When you ride the Pacific Surfliner, you can unlock a 5% savings on theme park admission at pacificsurfliner.com/disney.

Holiday by the Bay – Wednesday, November 21 Through Saturday, January 5 in San Diego

For a unique adventure, head to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront and make your way through various holiday activities, from a 100-foot ice tubing slide, “iceberg” bumper cars, an interactive light show, cookie decorating and much more.
Getting There: The hotel is across the street from the historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. It’s a 5-minute trolley ride from the train station or a 30-minute walk along the bay. Tip: Purchase a discounted one-day San Diego MTS transit pass from the Café Car to use on the trolley.
Insider Tip: The hotel has a Holiday by the Bay package that includes an overnight stay and tickets to the special attractions.

Santa Arrives on the Surfliner – Saturday, December 1 in San Luis Obispo

As part of an annual tradition, Santa Claus will arrive in San Luis Obispo on the Pacific Surfliner! Children can greet him at the station and walk together over to the nearby San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum for photos and more.
Getting There: It couldn’t be easier – simply wait for Santa to arrive at the station at 2:30 p.m.! The museum is less than a 5-minute walk from the station platform.
Insider Tip: Make time to explore the unique shops of downtown San Luis Obispo to uncover special holiday gifts!

Christmas at the Mission – Saturday, December 1 in San Juan Capistrano

Celebrate the holidays at beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano, and enjoy live performances, hot cocoa, visits with Santa and their first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting program.
Getting There: The festivities are just a short walk away from the train station. Stroll through historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano and reach the Mission in under 5 minutes.
Insider Tip: Event tickets ($7 each) are limited, so purchase yours early.

Holidays at the Plaza – Friday, December 7 Through Wednesday, January 2 in Ventura

The laid-back town of Ventura is a perfect place to do some holiday shopping, with dozens of unique boutiques in downtown. Make sure to visit nearby Plaza Park, which is beautifully transformed into “Candy Cane Forest”, with dozens of decorated Christmas trees and special events all month long.
Getting There: Plaza Park is an easy 10-minute walk from the Ventura train station.
Insider Tip: Ventura Harbor (which is a trolley ride away) will have more holiday fun, including a parade of lights and holiday carnival, on December 15 and 16.

Santa Barbara Parade of Lights – Sunday, December 9 in Santa Barbara

Celebrate the holidays on the water in beautiful Santa Barbara. Start with a visit to Santa’s Village at the harbor to play in 10 tons of snow and take photos with Santa. Then, watch 30 beautifully decorated boats make their way along the coastline and watch a fireworks show from the beach.
Getting There: The beach is a short walk from the train station. To get to the harbor, you can take a 15-minute walk along the shoreline or hop on the electric trolley from Cabrillo Blvd. Tip: Show your Pacific Surfliner ticket for a free ride.
Insider Tip: Grab a spot on Stearns Wharf for a great view of the boat parade and fireworks. The wharf also features popular restaurants and specialty shops.

San Diego Parade of Lights – Sunday, December 9 and 16 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 as the Best Holiday Parade by USA Today and features 80 boats that are lavishly decorated in lights and decorations.
Getting There: The fun 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.
Insider Tip: Consider going on a harbor cruise or dining at one of the waterfront restaurants for the best views.

Julefest – Various dates through Monday, December 31 in Solvang

One of the top 10 most “Christmassy” towns in America, the historic Danish village of Solvang brings Old World traditions to the holiday season with lights, pop-up shops, tours, live music and a parade.
Getting There: From the Santa Barbara station, connect to the Amtrak Thruway bus, which offers daily connections to downtown Solvang.
Insider Tip: Follow the “Sweet Treats Trail” to try delicious Danish pastries, hand dipped chocolates, fudge, and even dessert wines while you explore Solvang.

Disney on Ice – Wednesday, December 19 – Sunday, December 23 in Anaheim

Take the kids to this engaging and uplifting performance featuring some of the most beloved Disney heroines, including Moana, Belle, Elsa and more.
Getting There: The Honda Center is directly across the street from ARTIC, so it’s only a short walk from the station.
Insider Tip: Continue the Disney fun after the show with a visit to Downtown Disney. It’s one shuttle-ride away from the train station, and is a great place to pick up gifts or grab a bite.

Rose Parade – Tuesday, January 1 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.
Getting There: Avoid traffic and parking hassle 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.
Insider Tip: Visit the post-parade showcase to see the floats up close! Tickets are $15 each and advance online reservations are recommended.

Visit pacificsurfliner.com to view schedules and explore trip options. We’d like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Bring Your Bike Onboard the Train

Here’s everything you need to know about adding a bike to your Pacific Surfliner trip!

1. Plan Ahead

Each Pacific Surfliner train has room for seven bicycles. Reserve a spot for free while booking a ticket online or at 1-800-USA-RAIL. A bike can also be added to an existing trip by calling the 800-number. Space is limited, so book a spot for your bike early.

2. Learn Which Bikes Are Allowed Onboard

Standard bicycles up to 50 pounds (with a maximum tire width of 2” and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″) can be carried onboard Pacific Surfliner trains with a bike reservation. Tandem, recumbent, cargo and fat-tire bikes, as well as trikes and trailers, do not fit in the bike racks, and are not allowed onboard. .

Electric bicycles under 50 lbs. and no larger than 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″ may be carried onboard (with an advanced bike reservation). You can also box and check your electric bike (under 50 pounds and within the allowed size dimensions) if traveling to and from stations that offer checked baggage service. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are prohibited both onboard and in checked baggage.

Folding bikes under the dimensions of 34″ x 15″ x 48″ are permitted onboard without a bike reservation in lieu of a piece of carry-on luggage

3. Know Where To Go

The designated bicycle storage area is located in the cab car (the end of the train opposite from the engine). It is either the first or last car of the train depending on the direction of travel. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to the departure to give yourself time to prepare for boarding. Once the train arrives, roll your bike onboard to the designated storage area in the lower-level of the car.

4. Prepare For A Quick Loading/Unloading Process

Oversized seats and storage should be removed from your bike prior to boarding to make it easier and faster to load. Bring your own cords and locks to secure your bike in the rack. Trains do not stop at the stations for long, so give yourself enough time to gather your belongings and bike before arriving at your destination.

5. Have Fun Enjoying Destinations With Your Bike

Traveling with a bike makes it possible to experience your favorite areas in a new way. From popular beaches to tranquil nature trails, here are some stations that are even better with a bike.

Photo Credit: City of San Luis Obispo	San Luis Obispo The city of San Luis Obispo has been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2007. There is an extensive bike network with more than 75 miles of bike paths and lanes. The Thursday night Farmers Market, one of the best and largest of its kind, even has a dedicated bike valet area, making it easy to ride to the popular event.
Photo Credit: CaliforniaBeaches.com	Santa Barbara The options for biking throughout Santa Barbara are endless, but perhaps one of the most popular is the Cabrillo Bike Path. This paved, 5-mile route parallels the beach, offering beautiful ocean views. Pedal to Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo and around the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
Photo Credit: Green Traveler Guides	Ventura The 15-mile paved bike path from Ventura to Ojai starts in downtown, not far from the station. Following the former Ventura and Ojai Railroad, this trail provides a very comfortable ride with only a few slight hills. The scenery is beautiful, with a river, trees and vast open spaces. Even better, it ends in Ojai, a small and serene town with citrus orchards, Spanish Revival architecture, hiking trails and boutiques. The trail along the oceanfront promenade is also great for a shorter ride!
	San Juan Capistrano A 20-minute bike ride takes you from Downtown San Juan Capistrano to the charming harbor village of Dana Point. Pedal along the San Juan Creek trail, with views of the creek and a golf course as you make your way to the ocean. Relax at Doheny State Beach, California’s first state beach, and explore the unique shops of the harbor. Don’t miss the educational exhibits at the Ocean Institute and the tall ship!
Photo Credit: Visit Oceanside	Oceanside The beach town of Oceanside is one of the best destinations for bicyclists, with scenic trails for all rider levels. Enjoy views of the wide, sandy beaches while cruising along The Strand, and continue over the bridge to visit the Cape Cod-style Harbor Village. For a longer trip, head inland on the San Luis Rey Bike Trail and ride 7.5 miles to one of the largest Missions in California.
Photo Credit: Flagship Cruises	San Diego Take your bike on the ferry for a 15-minute cruise across the bay to Coronado Island. Coronado is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and there are 30 miles of dedicated bike paths offering amazing views. A six-mile loop will take you along the beachfront boardwalk, under the Coronado Bridge and through a few grassy parks.

Remember to observe all local traffic and safety laws when bicycling. Visit Amtrak.com/bikes to learn about bringing your bike on other Amtrak trains. Each route has different equipment and services available for bikes.

Let us know if you have any other tips or favorite destinations. Happy trails!