Disclosure: We attended as media.
Christmas is coming and one of my favorite things to do is take my family to Irvine Park Railroad to ride the Christmas Train, visit Santa's Village, and the North Pole. Santa's Village is the perfect place to take many pictures. Whether you want to use the cutouts to pretend to be an elf or take pictures in front of beautiful lights and scenery, you are sure to get many picture opportunities.
Santa's Village
The children have many choices of activities. Free activities include coloring, writing a wish list for Santa, running in the maze, listening to a story read by none other than Mrs. Claus... For the price of one ticket children can decorate and eat a cookie, play carnival games, go ice fishing OR jump in a bounce house.
Our children really enjoyed ice fishing and they were delighted to get a plush toy afterward as a prize. They also loved playing carnival games and were so excited to earn a blow-up animal. We actually took the air out of the animals so we did not have to carry them all evening. So many things to do and see! If you have not yet gotten a Christmas tree you might consider getting one at their Christmas Tree Ranch. They have many kinds of trees in different sizes at different prices. I would recommend giving yourself at least an hour at Santa's Village to be able to enjoy all of the activities and take many pictures.
Christmas Train to the North Pole!
In order to get to the North Pole you need to ride the Christmas Train. It is a magical adventure. The train is beautifully decorated with garlands and lights. I would suggest riding the train after 5 pm in order to enjoy the lights. The sights are just magical at night. Trees and buildings are all lit up. Once you get off the train you will be guided to a line to meet Santa. It gets pretty cold at night so you might want to stop by the snack shack to get a hot chocolate and/or a cookie as you wait in line. We really enjoyed having a hot chocolate. It was actually really delicious. Another nice touch was the heaters along the way. We waited for almost an hour to see Santa but it really didn't feel that long. The set is very pretty. Santa sits on a beautiful couch with a background of many Christmas trees. Santa was very nice and asked the children what they wanted for Christmas. He also has a box where children can drop off their wish list. You can buy pictures or use your phone to take some. We ended up getting a beautiful family picture. After your visit with Santa do not forget to get on his sleigh for another great photo opportunity. Riding the train back was one of our favorite moments especially at the very end when snow was falling.
- Lett
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A post by Lett Robertson. Lett is a SAHM of two who loves to cook, travel and volunteer at her kids' schools. She is also a Girl Scout co-leader and a big fan of Broadway shows and romantic comedies.
Christmas Train 2015
Now through Wednesday, December 23rd
Irvine Park Railroad
(located inside of Irvine Regional Park)
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA
(714) 997-3968
www.IrvineParkRailroad.com
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA
(714) 997-3968
www.IrvineParkRailroad.com
Parking: $3 Week Day, $5 Weekend (Free after 5pm)
Christmas Train tickets must be purchased online in advance! Cost to Ride the Christmas Train $12.00 per person - Children age 24 months and younger ride free. To purchase tickets, click here. Activity Tickets Activity tickets are $5.00 per ticket - Book of activity tickets is $60.00 ($15.00 savings). The Christmas Tree Ranch is open daily through Wednesday, December 23rd!
We love the Irving Park Railroad. It is a yearly tradition. Dressing warm is a must!
ReplyDeleteI agree! It got really cold at sundown!
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