The Griffith Holiday Train returned to give L.A. locals a ride to the North Pole this holiday season. Sure there are Holiday Trains and Christmas Trains in Southern California but most would need you to commit to an hour to three hour drive depending where it’s at. Whereas the Griffith Park Holiday Train is conveniently located off the 5 and 134 freeways and near L.A. Zoo Lights. Though we jokingly mentioned that it gives you a ride to the North Pole, it actually felt like it weather-wise at least for Los Angeles.

The Griffith Park Holiday Train featured a Holiday Village this year with Santa Claus and his Little Elf. Christmas music plays throughout the duration of the train ride; it definitely set the mood as we looked at the light displays. The ride was not too long and not too short. Therefore, young children are less inclined to be restless. When the train stopped, Santa’s Little Elf greeted us at the exit and directed us where to go. We’re not sure if this happens with each ride or if we were just lucky. Since it is impossible to do any photo-ops while on the train, we’re glad they had the Holiday Village so that passengers can document the event somehow. For a small surcharge, small children or big kids can hang out in the village and have photos with Santa. Though there are really only 2 activities here, the train and the village, the event was fun overall and we would love to see this event grow and expand in the coming years.

The Griffith Holiday Train has become an L.A. tradition. We were also pleased to hear that this year they have extended the train to the 5th of January. Since December started during “Thanksgiving weekend”, we basically lose one weekend in December. Therefore, it’s always comforting to see events and attractions that open beyond the holiday.

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For more info, visit: http://www.griffithparktrainrides.com/content/holiday-light-festival-train-ride