‘Tis the season for festive holiday traditions and events in Southern California, including parades, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, toy drives, and so much more!
Trade all those pesky road trip hassles for scenic views, comfortable onboard amenities, and quality time with the whole family when you travel by train this holiday season.
Here are 12 holiday events in Southern California you can easily get to with a ride on the Pacific Surfliner!
Why Southern California + Pacific Surfliner = Stress-Free Holiday Adventures
If we may be so bold, there’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than Southern California. From coastal Christmas parades to twinkling tree lightings, the region is packed with can’t-miss winter events, mild weather, and endless things to do.
Traveling by train during the holidays means more time enjoying the ride and less time worrying about parking, congestion, or long drives. The Pacific Surfliner connects many of California’s top holiday destinations—Santa Barbara, Anaheim, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and more—with scenic ocean views, roomy seating, and easy connections to local attractions.
12 Holiday Events in Southern California and Beyond:
Southern California transforms into a true winter wonderland during the holidays. You’ll find everything from holiday music and live entertainment to festive holiday markets, Christmas boat parades, and cheerful visits with Santa — all easily reached with a ride on the Pacific Surfliner. Welcome to the ultimate SoCal holiday experience!
Holidays at Disneyland® Resort | Anaheim, CA
November 14 - January 7
Celebrate the most magical time of year at the Happiest Place on Earth! From festive Micky-and-friends decorations to themed attractions like the “World of Color – Happiness!” light show, a visit to Disneyland® Resort is the perfect way to sprinkle a little pixie dust onto your holiday celebrations. The best part? Getting to the park is easy with the Pacific Surfliner, and we even offer a 5% discount on your ride!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Anaheim Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (aka, ARTIC – the train station in Anaheim). From there, either grab a 10-15 minute Uber or Lyft or take the free shuttle to Disneyland® Resort!
Julefest | Solvang, CA
November 28 - January 4
Ready to step into a real-life fairytale? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Solvang, a charming Danish-inspired town with a southern California twist. Every year, the month-long Solvang Julefest transforms this community into a festive wonderland, with a traditional Julefest Parade, live music, artisan markets, delicious Danish treats, candlelit tours, and so much more. The celebration concludes with the Solvang Tree Burn, a community bonfire that symbolizes clearing the way for new beginnings.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Barbara Station. From there, take the Amtrak Thruway bus to downtown Solvang!
Holiday Plaza | San Luis Obispo, CA
November 29 - December 31
Get your fill of holiday cheer at the Holiday Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo! Catch the 48th Annual Holiday Parade on December 5, make your spirits merry and bright with the light displays in Mission Plaza, and snap a souvenir photo with Santa Claus at his house. Don’t forget to shop local all season long!
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the San Luis Obispo Station. Once you’re there, Mission Plaza is a 15-minute walk, or a 5-minute Uber/Lyft ride, away!
The Nutcracker | San Luis Obispo, CA
December 12, 13, and 14
Gather your friends, family, and sugar plum fairies for The Nutcracker at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo! This holiday classic, beautifully performed by the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo, features incredible choreography, stunning costumes and sets, and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky as a cherry on top. Grab your tickets and let the Pacific Surfliner be your ride to the Land of Sweets!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the San Luis Obispo Station. From there, grab a 10-minute Uber or Lyft to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo.
59th Annual Parade of Lights | Oxnard, CA
December 13
The show-stopping, absolutely dazzling Annual Parade of Lights in Oxnard is back! This beloved tradition welcomes brightly adorned boats to Channel Islands Harbor, creating a holiday display you won’t ever forget. While you’re there, get free pics with Santa, enjoy festive treats, and embrace giving season with the Channel Islands Harbor Food and Toy Drive. The theme this year is “Rudolph’s Rock ’n’ Roll Regatta!”
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Oxnard Station. Once you arrive, take the 15-minute Uber or Lyft to Harbor View Park.
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents 50th Anniversary of the Nutcracker | Santa Barbara, CA
December 13
Make your holidays en pointe with a ride to the historic Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, where you’ll be treated to Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s 50th annual performance of The Nutcracker! If you were looking for a chance to see this classic Christmas musical, now’s the time! Complete with a live symphony orchestra and spectacular stage production, this is a waltz for the ages.
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Barbara Station. Once you’re there, grab an Uber or Lyft for the short 5-10 minute ride to the theater.
Witches Brew Santa Ana Night Market | Santa Ana, CA
December 13, January 10, February 14
Still not over Halloween? Hold on, let us cast a spell really quick— Spookus Merrius! There, now you can add a spellbinding touch to your holidays with a stop at the Witches Brew Night Market in Santa Ana! Leave your broomstick at home and take the Pacific Surfliner to this fun-filled winter celebration, where you’ll find 35+ vendors offering up their mystical and magical wares, along with food vendors and plenty of photo ops.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Ana Station. From there, catch a 5-minute Uber or Lyft to the Night Market!
Holiday Parade of Lights | Santa Barbara, CA
December 14
Set sail for holiday spirit at Santa Barbara’s 39th Annual Parade of Lights! This beloved waterfront tradition kicks off with a fun-filled holiday village at the harbor, complete with free visits from Santa, snowy surprises, and festive treats! But after the sun sets is when the holiday magic truly begins. Boats of all shapes and sizes glide through the harbor, decked out in dazzling lights and creative themed decorations. Don’t forget to stay for the spectacular fireworks finale!
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Barbara Station. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Stearns Wharf!
Holidays Made Here | Burbank, CA
December 18 - January 4
Do you love Gilmore Girls? Have you often found yourself daydreaming of grabbing coffee at Luke’s, or strolling down the snow-dusted streets of Rory’s hometown? Thanks to Holidays Made Here, now you can! The iconic Midwest Street backlot at Warner Bros. Studio is transforming into Star’s Hallow for the holidays; don’t miss your chance to explore original Gilmore Girls sets and costumes, chow down on all of Lorelai Gilmore’s favorite comfort foods, try your hand at trivia, decorate cookies, and more.
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Burbank Downtown Station. From there, grab a 10-minute Uber or Lyft to Warner Bros. Studios!
Capistrano Lights | San Juan Capistrano, CA
Select Days December 19 - 30
Light up your world at Capistrano Lights in San Juan Capistrano! Held at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, this event gives the space a total glow up, complete with sparkling displays of Christmas lights, Dickens-era carolers, hot chocolate, and plenty of picture-perfect photo ops.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the San Juan Capistrano Station. From there, Mission San Juan Capistrano is less than a 5-minute walk away!
Rose Parade | Pasadena, CA
January 1
Kick off your 2026 in full bloom at the Rose Parade! For over a century, this Pasadena tradition has captivated millions of spectators with incredible floral floats, peppy marching bands, and skillful equestrian units. Every float is a total masterpiece in its own right; each one is decorated using natural materials like flowers, seeds, and bark!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and connect to the
Metro Gold Line which stops near where the parade begins!
Holiday Bowl Parade | San Diego, CA
January 2
Celebrate the season at this year’s Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade! Also known as America’s largest balloon parade, this special holiday waterfront celebration in downtown San Diego features giant helium balloons, festive floats, high-stepping marching bands, and other dazzling parade performances. Balloons on the bay— what more could you ask for? Whether you’re coming for the football or just love a good show, the Holiday Bowl Parade is guaranteed to impress.
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego. From there, it’s just a quick 5-minute walk to the waterfront!
Between these festive events and the warm fuzzy feeling of a ride on the Pacific Surfliner, we think your holidays are on track to be merry and bright! This season, leave the stress of travel at home and let us take you to the heart of the magic.
Happy holidays, happy New Year’s, and safe travels!