Another great year for the Griffith Park holiday train. This approximately 10 minute mini train ride takes you through lit up tunnels and past beautiful holiday light displays. I highly recommend this event. I also highly recommend you buy tickets online or at the box office in advance especially as it gets closer to the holiday week. They tend to sell out fast. Parking isn't usually a problem as long as you show up by 5:30 to 6pm at the latest. There are usually 2 trains operating each night so the line moves fairly quickly. You can show up at the box office during the day from 10 to 3:30 if you want to buy tickets in person and spare yourself the ridiculously high processing fee that comes with online ticket purchases. If the event gets rained out, they will let you reschedule or give a refund but only if THEY cancel that day. If you need to reschedule and the ride isn't canceled, you need to reschedule by the deadline or loose your money. There are food vendors selling snack stuff and porta potties if you need a bathroom. It's great for kids and family in town for holiday festivities. I go every year and it never gets old. No pets allowed on this ride. This is not a timed entry event but it is a show up on the date on your ticket event. The rides go from 5 to 9 but the sooner you show up, the less your wait time. It's usually dark enough by 5:30, 5:45 to really enjoy the show.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

For the love of all that is holy…pay the extra $5 to get priority!! It will save you hours waiting in regular entry ticket line that snakes alllll through the grounds. My family and I arrived at 6:20pm on a Saturday during Christmas season, thankfully found princess parking right up front, but shocked and dismayed how long the line was for the train. And no distinct way to differentiate between priority and regular train tickets, we actually had priority entry but nervous the line lumped everyone together. I was a little panicked as I shuffled to the front of the line to speak to an employee, this couldn’t possibly be the line? Tell me this was standby or something. Oh no, this human chain of people that wrapped further than the eye can see, was the regular entry ticket line. The priority line was past the center office and once we passed up that entire line…to be met with literally zero people queuing, we walked right in to scan our tickets. It was so insane. The ride itself was nice and gimmicky; 5-7 minutes at most. I cannot imagine waiting hours in line for this, but for our specific no wait and princess parking experience? It was very efficient.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The Griffith Park train is a very charming little ride, whether it be on the holidays or not. I came here with a friend on Jan 2nd for the holiday lights. I highly recommend that you arrive early (at 5 pm) because the lines are very short. At around 5:30 pm and later, the lines become very long. The ride itself is long enough to enjoy, lasting about 10 mins. However, note that the seats on the train may be too small for some passengers. It is equivalent to that of a rented train for a birthday party. This attraction is also very child friendly, as children would love looking at the lights and riding the train in general. Additionally, the staff are very friendly and enthusiastic. Also, there are two food stands available beside the attraction. I highly recommend this location for families with small children or for anyone who enjoys riding trains or the holidays in general.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

"Come on, ride the train, Hey, ride it, woo woo." - " C'mon Ride It (the Train), Quad City DJ's Having some time to kill before boarding the shuttle to the Greek, I thought a thrilling ride on the Griffith Park choo choo sounded just right. Prices are cheap for a 9 minute ride. My caboose hardly fits in the caboose The signs says to keep hands & feet inside cars. Doesn't specify other body parts ;p And, a-here we go! Oh, this ride isn't too bad Wait, whu? Oh Gawd, we're going too fast!!!!! AAGH! We almost hit that structure! Oh no! I'm claustrophobic! Let me off, let me off! Please! Please! No more! Whew! We made it! Quite a fun ride! A cheap way to entertain the kids (big & small). I only pee'd myself a lil ;p The horse/pony rides were closed for the day, so I didn't get to check it out this time. Gracias, Senor conductor!

My two year olds really enjoyed the 10 min train ride. I just wish it was connected with the griffth travel park with the stationary trains somehow so we could explore that side too, as it was all over very quickly for the time it took to get there and back and for the ride. We also watched the second ride go, and wandered around but all in all we were there for 40mins. We also got there earlier then 5pm (first ride) so we were only waiting 15 mins in line which was good for my impatient kiddos. Beautiful lights and scenery through out the ride and we've been talking about the train alot this weekend
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went for the holiday train light event on the first night, I would recomend it, but I would say that you need to arrive early if you buy GA tickets because it was a sold out night and we got there about an hour early because we drove from Central Valley. The line got huge real fast. Only draw back or downside I would say was when we went to use the restroom it was not clean and there was a couple people in their shooting up drugs and smoking. I know its a problem in a lot of places, but they should try to do a little more to ensure people are safe at night time for the event.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

It needs to have large signs upon arrival that have arrows stating " regular train admission", and one stating " VIP advanced purchased ticket line". So better organization, and an ADULT sized train !!!!! If you are on the heavy side, it will be very uncomfortable. Zero leg room if your tall, and the funniest part is that people were trying to squeeze into one seat ( for 2 ) .Which works, again IF you're a certain weight/height. The lights were NOT all that impressive in my opinion, and IF you don't have VIP tickets, then you wait for maybe over an hour in line. For a kid sized 10 MINUTE ride. Again I truly feel they could have done better overall.

This event is so much fun! It’s a little train ride around the venue with different Christmas light scenes and light tunnels. It’s an affordable price at $7 for a regular ticket and $12 for a skip the line ticket. If you get the $7 ticket you got to line up to get on and it’s a really long line. It opens at 5pm and we got there at 4:15pm to the line and were able to get on the second train. There were no tickets at the door so best to reserve online. They have a little snack stand bathrooms and a little small toy shopping booth and free parking in the lot.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

We went out last weekend as a family to ride the train. My 2yo had a great time and my big kids had an okay time. There were supposed to be pumpkins along the route to count but they weren't there. The scenery was very kitchy. Because the pony rides are gone, there is really not much else to do in that area without moving your car. My kids were disappointed it was just one short train ride so consider staying in the park. My big kids wanted to do whatever the simulator thing was mainly because it was something else to do but we did not take it. We had to wait about 10 min for the train to come because it was out on an earlier run.

Didn't visit I drive through it's a shortcut to where I'm going. also it's a beautiful drive you forget just for a little while your in Los Angeles.. a lot of joggers, people riding bikes.. kids birthday parties going on.. people playing golf.. a museum.. the Los Angeles zoo.. a train museum.. horse back riding.. it's so peaceful just the drive thru.. also if you have a county of Los Angeles library card you can reserve free tickets to the zoo, museums.. la brea tar pits etc
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

It was a fun event for everyone. Whether it be family, couples or a moment for yourself.❤️ Everyone was so kind to one another. The food stand was conviently located. You can step out of line get food, lots of play area for children to run around while waiting for the Train Ride. Our family will go again next year. I think we will make it a Family Tradition. I'm 68 yrs old. I have been going to Griffith Park since I was a little girl at age 5 yrs old. My father always put me on the Carousel.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Had a fun time here today with the family for the first time. We went to see the Christmas lights! About a 90 minute wait so fairly long. Lots of different foods to buy while you wait, hot dogs, hot chocolate, champurrado, churros. The train trip was fun, about 10 minutes. Train seats are extremely uncomfortable but it’s a short trip. I liked it but they need to at least double the amount of lights. I’ve seen houses with more lights than most displays here.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

It was a fun experience bc we went with friends but the ride it self was underwhelming they could have done more with the lights there were sections with no lights or anything and the train seats were extremely small I’m 5’4 and my knees were hitting the other side of it. my friend is 5’0 and was also pretty uncomfortable sitting in it and our husbands had to sit each on one car poor boys did not fit properly
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

I have been coming here since I was a child now that I am an adult I have children of my own and now I am BringingThem here. The location has not changed much since I used to go there they have added some new decorations in new tweaks to the track to make it more appealing so that's a plus the views are nice The staff is OK prices are good If I remember correctly it was about $3 per person per ride. I enjoy this place and I will continue to come here.

I remember coming here has a kid and sad to say the pony/horse rides have been closed down since decemeber 2022. Theres a food/snack cafe selling ice cream boba teas alongside theres a store to sell toys, bubble blower, and slime. Pretty nice area. Me and my family enjoyed the 5-7min train ride and there was a cool simulation that was less than 5min long.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Bought tickets for the holiday train. Got there at 6pm and the line was insanely long. Asked a person at the front of line how long they waited-1.5hrs for an 8 min train ride. We immediately left and felt annoyed we drove 1 hr to get there but wasn’t going to wait 1.5 hrs. Wasted our ticket money. They should really do timed entries considering they obviously oversell the event. Don’t go, literally not worth it.

Omg! What a cute little hidden gem in Griffith park. Honestly never came across this spot until recently and loved loved the train ride. My toddler also loved it. At first I thought I was not going to fit into the train lol. But the seat is pretty spacey and my toddler and I were able to fit into one seat. They have a snack bar but it was closed when we came on a Tuesday. Pony rides located next door.

We went for my son’s first birthday as a fun thing to do as a family, and it was great! Perfect outing for small children. We purchased tickets in advance and got priority, it seemed worth it to get right on and make it a smooth experience. The lights were cute, we made great memories!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is a place that I've been going to ever since I was born. It truly holds a special place in my heart. My mom and I always take my autistic brother here since he loves this place so much. It's a peaceful location with very kind and welcoming staff. Kids would definitely enjoy this place, and families can throw birthdays and celebrations for their little ones as well.

Omg! You definitely have to take your kiddos( 1-5yrs old) here! It was so much fun the tickets were $ 4 adults and $3 kid. They opened at 10 a.m. The ride was about a mile. Sat morning was so nice and my son and I had a great time together ❤️
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Nice place to take little kids. Not a very pleasant atmosphere very messy. If they cleaned up and bit and the workers weren't so annoyed it would be a very nice place to go to once and a while. Wish they didn't close down the horses.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

We went for the festival of lights train ride. Good for young kids. Cute little train. But it would be better if you could purchase tickets ahead. Have to queue up twice, once ti buy tickets and then have to go to another line to get on the train was not great. It was over an hour wait on a Monday night and we got there just before they opened.

Nice place to spend a little family time with toddlers/pre teens. The pony rides are pretty cool and the train ride is an awesome feature as well. The snack bar is decent with affordable options. The petting area is small but it's perfect for younger children. Definitely would like to return during the holidays when the lights are on.

This has been one of my favorite places since I was a kid just took my son today for the first time. I say all ages can enjoy these surroundings. You have to buy tickets for all aspects of the park not sure about the pony rides I know they cost but didn't see that where you purchase the other tickets at for the train and simulator

It was so much fun! I do advise to get there on time if not earlier if you dont you will be stuck on a hr+ long wait until you get in. Once youre in its a 10 min train ride full of lights and joy. My son enjoyed it very much
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Love this Tradition of the Railroad and Pony Rides. My parents took me when I was little and I love taking my kids now. Seems like prices haven't changed much since I was a Child either. Train ride is $2.75 and Pony Rides $5. I would gladly pay a little more because the memories we get in return are priceless.

It's a fun place for kids and adults. The ride is about 10 minutes long, so expect your kiddos to ask to go on it at least once more. Too bad the pony ride shut down next door.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

The train ride is a fun activity for kids. The train rides around a mile and kids really enjoy it. We went on a holiday but the ride is on continuous so there is no waiting.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Fun for toddlers! No line at all. Train goes around in 8 minutes. Going back for Christmas train ride. I heard it’s pretty nice. $4 for adults and $3 for toddlers.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Very very unorganized- first of all have the exit be anywhere but in the front of the train/ trains were taking off not full/ men do not know how to organize people get women doing it and your line will move twice as fast
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+

Very disappointing. We waited in line for over an hour an a half. There must be a better way of organizing such an event. *This review is for the holiday night light train ride.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Still a blast we did the mouse race !! Even baby had a ball!! rode the train n pretend it long train ride shame they took the pony's crazy people
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Kids love this little train. Just wished for a photo op with trains. My sister tried to get a picture but was rushed out due to next train passengers...truthfully so nostalgic!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Travel Town has more to see with the trains on display, but coming to the southern portion of the railroad has the longer train ride available, $4 for adults. The train ride is under 10 min buts it’s a nice way to relax for a few minutes and parking is free.

I would give this 5 stars, but I only gave it 4 stars due to the price 7$ for the train ride that was less than 7 mins. The lights were amazing tho. But it would need more lights. Overall, beautiful. Just go with plenty of time. And be aware of the wait.

While we initially weren't going to ride the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, I'm glad we did. It was very enjoyable for the kids, and seeing their faces was priceless. The ride is no Disneyland Railroad, but it sure beats the little ones at the mall.

Adequate. Kinda cheesy for adults but my 3 year old got a kick out of it so kudos. Right before christmas so th lights ars being set up which makes the lighting and ambiance more fun and exciting. Short lines compared to the po ny ride and less smelly

I used to come here with my mom and brother and other family members when i was a little kid. Today Joey and I came here and we went on the little cute train and we love it. It brought back some good memories for me. I felt like a little kid again.

A great experience especially with the holiday lights. My son loved it and wants to go back. Definitely recommend getting tickets online as they do sellout.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

I was very reluctant to write a great review because I don’t want too many people using the VIP but I’m doing it to share our great experience. First of all I got advanced VIP tickets because I have a 3 yr old and I was not going to be able

We were two adults, no kids. It was a cold evening, and we were looking for the old Christmas lights that they used to have where we could drive through.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Friendly courteous staff, very reasonable prices on the train rides. Just as much fun as I remember from my youth, great fun for children and families who don't want to spend a lot of money for an afternoon of enjoyable outdoor activities.

Make sure to get the tickets online so that you don’t have to make line 2 times. And get there earlier than the start line because the line gets long!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My husband took us a year ago and we loved it. We just went yesterday for the Christmas holiday to get on the train. Our kids loved the ride.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great memories...... I remember when my PAPI & MAMI would bring us as children in the mid 70s..... I've shared this place with my kids during the 90s...... now I enjoy bringing my grandson... We are GoodLiving Tree Service & Gardening

Had the pleasure of taking my just shy of 2 year old grandson to the Christmas train ride and we loved it! And yes I said we! Lol I enjoyed it probably as much as he did. If you have young one's I highly recommend. Enjoy like we did.

Train was great Kids love it We got a big disappointment on the pony ride Kids could not ride them Only 3 to 5 years old Plus when we got here have some people with sign about ponny abuse so the kids felt kind of bad

SO AMAZING!! only 4$ for a around 20 minute long little train ride. They have so many sights they build along the way for you to see, it's a fun experience for any age.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min

Great Place to spend the day with your family and friends. 5$ Pony rides and train rides and food concession stands with treats and food. Great for little kids! Plus the kids can feed the goats and sheep for $5. Fun place

$4 train rides. Its a touch of nostalgia for me. This is a fun treat for the all if you're in the area
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Good place to come and visit for the holidays oh but let me inform you… you have to be there early because the wait to go in is insane!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great placed to be with the family , $5 bucks for pony rides also they have a mini train it's fun only $4 I been taking my kids here sins there all baby's, and still the same only prices went up still a great placed ,

Definitely a place to go with your toddlers! It was really fun seeing this place put a smile on my nephews face.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Crazy as it seems, waiting in line was a nice part of the experience. Enjoying the surroundings with Christmas cheer was nice. Approaching the gate then quick ride would have been Baa-Hum-Bug.

My 6 year old nephew really enjoyed this train ride. The location is right off the 5 freeway, only a few miles from the exit. There are open and clean restrooms and fairly priced concessions.

Love it here been coming since I was a little girl. Now I bring my lil one. It's a Nice outing for family, make sure someone waits in line for to train while your purchasing tickets.

Good place for the little ones to see Christmas lights. Recommend the priority tickets
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Last day to see Christmas lights,and too early to enjoy it, but was fun, not many people, waiting time was acceptable.. enjoy the day with my husband and daughter.

Interesting little trek with views of beautiful trees along the way. I definitely felt sorry for all the ponies held in captivity who we passed on our journey.

Loooooong Line. Wait 90 mins for 10 mins ride so it is your call to have train ride "fun" this holiday
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min

This is one of the cutest Christmas light experiences in LA.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

A great place to spend time with kids! My son loves riding the train and petting farm animals there. There is also pony riding, haven’t tried it yet.

This 18-½ inch gauge custom-built model railroad is a treat mostly for the youngsters. The ride runs once around popular birthday party picnic areas.

Accidentally found this place going for a walk. Absolutely love the friendly staff and the moderate prices. Animals look very healthy and happy.

We had a wonderful time! My little one loved the train and pony rides. The animals in the petting zoo were very tolerant of all the children.

Been waiting for this the entire year. We loved it
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

My boy Samuel loves coming here to ride his little train. Place is very well kept. Staff is very friendly. Best time to visit is mid week.

Love this place! Lots of fun!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Very friendly workers. Super cute. Not a long ride. Make sure you go when not packed! The wait can be extensive!

1 mile train ride for kids and family. lighting was amazing it comes only dueing winter. dont miss next winter.

A super cute spot to take your little ones. Good, gifts and a train ride makes for smiles, giggles and fun!

It was great experience,. I have a one year old and he had such a great time. Awesome place for family fun.

Griffith Park overall is the gem of Los Angeles. You need days to hike and see everything. Lovely!!!!!

10/10 little experience for the kids and family bonding time!!
Visited on…
More

Great place to take the family. Right next to the zoo.
Visited on
Weeken…
More

Very long ride with really cheep tickets. Toddler son enjoys it a lot.

Fun ride, grounds need some updating. Priced ok.

Fun litte ride! Not to pricey either.

it was great my kids had so much fun

Really nice to take the kids