During this joyful season, connect with family and friends to create special moments. Make your journey part of that joy with a merry little train ride on Metrolink. Discover Metrolink day trips that include magical events like family ice skating, a majestic tree lighting, strolls through a holiday village, or breakfast with Santa. You’ll enjoy it more – and make lasting memories – when you begin the journey with a train ride on Metrolink. Enjoy the journey and enter the grand prize sweepstakes for tickets to a sold-out event!
We’ve Got Tickets to the Sold-Out Metrolink Holiday Express!
A family tradition, the Metrolink Holiday Exress is a festive event featuring music, treats, and crafts at the station followed by a scenic train ride that includes carolers, holiday characters, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs.Claus.
The event is sold out at the Irvine Station, the only location in Orange County.
However, we have four grand prize tickets for one lucky family! Enter for a chance to win this magical trip by November 30. Winners depart from the Irvine Station the afternoon of December 13.
Wave for the Holidays and Beyond with Our Best Fare Guarantee
Many of you will use the new Wave fare payment system for the first time this holiday season. The new system offers many advantages, including fare capping, which automatically tabulates your rides and stops charging when you’ve met your daily or monthly limit, or cap. We call this the best fare guarantee. Once you reach your cap, the rest of your rides are free for that day or calendar month. This pay-as-you-ride system ensures you always get the best fare, which may help with holiday budgeting! If you’re just getting started with Wave, be sure to stop by here to learn more.
A New Train Bridge Replaces the Old
Have you traveled on our new train bridge? On October 27, the first passenger trains rolled over the newly constructed San Juan Creek bridge in San Juan Capistrano. Constructed immediately adjacent to the original 1917 bridge, the new structure meets modern engineering and safety standards, including upgraded foundations and improved flood protection for the San Juan Creek channel below. The bridge serves as a key link along the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor, one of the busiest intercity passenger rail lines in the nation.
Onboard Training Helps Service Animals Build Confidence on Public Transit
Last month, more than 300 trainers and their service animals gathered at ARTIC for the paws-on training event designed to give service animals and their handlers experience riding public transportation. For over 30 years, OCTA has supported the training of thousands of service animals, enabling individuals with disabilities gain greater independence and access to public transportation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Do you or someone you know have a service animal? The next Service Animal Training Day will be held in spring 2026.
Mark Your Calendar for These Transit-Friendly Holiday Happenings
Whether you’re looking for a turkey trot or skating rink to work off the feast, taking the kids to San Juan Capistrano to spot Elves on a Mission, or journeying to a tree trimming or winter festival, check out our list of holiday happenings and enjoy the ride on OC Bus and Metrolink.
Thanksgiving Day (November 27) Schedules
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family, reflect on the past year, and celebrate the spirit of gratitude. Whether you're traveling to share a meal, visit family, or simply enjoy the long weekend, we’ve got you covered with convenient transit options. Please note the following schedules changes:
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and on Friday, November 28, Metrolink will provide service regularly available on weekends. The $10 Holiday Pass will also be available on Thursday and Friday.
