The anticipation was palatable. Their eyes shined bright as their little bodies squirreled in excitement in their car seats. I had built up their anticipation for days, giving them a verbal countdown to when they were going to visit their 2nd favorite person (I’m their 1st favorite) good ol’ jolly Saint Nick. Now that the day had finally arrived they couldn’t wait any longer. The drive to see Santa Claus at the Irvine Park Railroad is usually pretty extensive, but on this particular special visit it was not. As we pulled in to the Irvine Regional Park the kids shouted and squealed, all of that built up excitement had finally burst.
A visit to the Irvine Park Railroad to ride the Christmas train to the “North Pole” to see Santa is a special one. The Irvine Park Railroad is completely transformed to a twinkly light, magical wonderland. Families ride the train to the North Pole where Santa visits hundreds of children in his village. Hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies can be purchased while you wait and there are heaters to keep you warm. There is a sign that hangs near the line to see Santa that reads:
“Keep A Happy Thought. This Is A Moment That You Will Treasure For Years To Come”
Only 3 of my 4 children looked at the camera for our annual photo with the Irvine Park Railroad Santa Claus, but I don’t mind. We were invited as media, all opinions are my own. The baby didn’t seem to know what was going on and we were able to capture the most precious picture of her with the big red guy. And that is definitely a moment I will treasure for years to come.
Other Christmas festivities include carnival “reindeer” games, hay maze, cookie decorating, coloring, wish list creating and ice fishing. Ice fishing was new to us this year, we somehow missed it last year. I think my kids loved it best this year, the pretend fish were somewhat slimy and squishy and they loved the realness of it. And of course they all had to play the reindeer games and win another toy (we have thousands of them! haha).
Also new this year is the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Tree Farm with dozens of the most gorgeous Christmas trees you can buy. We didn’t pick one up for fear of driving with it while strapped on the roof of my car on the freeway, but I sure wish we could have because they had some really beautiful luxurious trees for sale. Maybe next year!
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train still has several time slots open to see Santa before Christmas. Hurry and go online to get yours now!
I SO agree – Riding the train to the North Pole is nothing short of magical and experiencing the joy of all the little ones riding that train, well one can’t help but smile and really feel the joy of the season. I’d recommend this as the ONLY way to see Santa.