Holiday Train Making Stops Along the Peninsula on December 2-3

On Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, the Holiday Train returns to bring good tidings and cheer to families from San Francisco to the South Bay as part of its annual toy drive.  

This cherished tradition offers attendees an opportunity to donate new toys or books to local children whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Caltrain is proud to once again partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and The Salvation Army to help make the season brighter for everyone.  

The Holiday Train, decorated with more than 75,000 glittering lights, will visit nine Caltrain stations in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties over the weekend. At each of the train’s 20-minute station stops, people can join in singing with onboard carolers and the Salvation Army Christmas Brass Ensemble. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their extended family – including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – will get off the train to greet kids and pose for pictures.  

Prior to the arrival of the train, families can enjoy free entertainment at each of the Holiday Train station stops. Holiday Train ambassadors will be onsite to help direct people to the donation bins and will have special giveaways for those in attendance. 

A special early access media event will be held on Friday, December, 1 from 5-7 a.m. This event will feature the Holiday Train, with all of its 75,000 lights, as well as costumed characters and musical entertainment. Members of the media hoping to attend should RSVP at liebermand@samtrans.com.  

Holiday Train Schedule 

Saturday, December 2 

Station 

Arrive 

San Francisco 

4:00 p.m. 

Redwood City 

6:10 p.m. 

Mountain View 

6:50 p.m. 

Sunnyvale 

7:30 p.m. 

Santa Clara 

8:10 p.m. 

 

Sunday, December 3 

Station 

Arrive 

San Francisco 

4:00 p.m. 

Millbrae 

5:40 p.m. 

Burlingame 

6:35 p.m. 

San Mateo 

7:05 p.m. 

Menlo Park 

8:05 p.m. 

 

Community Support 

Santa’s helpers can get into the holiday spirit by taking pictures of the Holiday Train during the event weekend and sharing them on social media by tagging @Caltrain on Instagram, X or Facebook using the hashtag #HolidayTrain2023 to help spread the word.  

Sponsors 

The Holiday Train would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors for everything from decorations and wiring to costumes. This year, sponsors include KOIT, Jim’s Handyman Services, Peterson Technical Services, the San Mateo County Daily Journal and the Subway store located in the San Francisco Caltrain Station. 

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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. Looking to the future, Caltrain is set to electrify the corridor by 2024, which will reduce diesel emissions and add more service to more stations while advancing the agency’s equity goals. 

Like us on Facebook at www.caltrain.com and follow on X @Caltrain

Free translation assistance is available.  

Para traducción llama al 1.800.660.4287; 如需翻譯,請電 1.800.660.4287. 

Media Contact: Dan Lieberman, 650.622.2492