
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Charming miniature train rides through festive lights, a beloved LA tradition with a touch of Walt Disney history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical lights and festive atmosphere

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Best Time
Magical lights and festive atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming miniature train rides through festive lights, a beloved LA tradition with a touch of Walt Disney history.
"A magical mini train ride through Christmas lights display, definitely a Christmas activity you don’t wanna miss!"

🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early
Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets .
✨ Priority Boarding
Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holiday Lights Train Ride
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
A magical mile-long journey through thousands of festive lights and holiday scenes.

Birthday Parties
Coyote Meadow & other event spaces
Rent a party space and enjoy a special train ride with birthday messages from the conductor.

Walt Disney's Connection
Carolwood Barn
See Walt Disney's original tools and models, and a train car that inspired Disneyland Railroad.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Holiday Train Ride Tickets
Train Ride Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early
Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets.
✨ Priority Boarding
Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times.
🚂 Ride Duration
The train ride is a short, scenic loop, not a park-wide tour.
🎂 Birthday Packages
Great for parties! Packages include train tickets and special birthday conductor messages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early
Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets.
✨ Priority Boarding
Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times.
🚂 Ride Duration
The train ride is a short, scenic loop, not a park-wide tour.
🎂 Birthday Packages
Great for parties! Packages include train tickets and special birthday conductor messages.
💰 Affordable Fun
Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great value for families.
🅿️ Free Parking
Enjoy the convenience of free parking, a rarity in LA.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad for its affordable, family-friendly fun, especially during the holiday season. The train rides are a hit with kids, and the staff are noted for their helpfulness, particularly for birthday parties. While the ride is short, the festive atmosphere and nostalgic charm make it a beloved LA tradition.
"We took our 3 and 4 yr old grandbabies and we all loved it. Beautiful giant display of Santa was the best. God bless you for this special event weve been coming to for decades."
Angela Lynne
"We threw our son’s 2nd birthday party here at the Coyote Meadow and what an amazing time we had! The venue was very nice and they provided a huge canopy for shade. Our party was later in the day so for next time I will add an extra canopy and set of table and seating that can be added to the package but I think is very worth it! I also added the train table to the package which was totally worth it!! The package came with train tickets where the conductor gave a special birthday message for our son. My son loved the train ride. The staff members were so accommodating and friendly. Thank you Griffith Park & Southern Railroad staff!!"
Naomi Chong
"This place provides calm within the chaos of Los Angeles. A perfect place for everyone. From riding miniature trains to horseback riding, this place is perfect for the entire family. 5his place has bike lanes, horse riding and mountain bike trails, picninc tables with BBQ grills, children's playgrounds, theaters, and the observatory. Most people come here to see the Hollywood sign.
Sadly, their pony rides and carousel has been shutdown."
Don Frasco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The railroad is located at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, within Griffith Park. It's accessible by car, and there is free parking available. Public transportation options might require a bus connection and a walk, so driving is often the most convenient.
Yes, free parking is available at the location, which is a significant perk for visitors. However, during peak times like the holiday season, parking lots can fill up quickly.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option if you prefer not to drive. You can set your destination to the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad address.
Yes, it's located within Griffith Park, close to the Los Angeles Zoo and Travel Town Museum. This makes it easy to combine with other activities in the area.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special events like the Holiday Lights Train. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and event schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally affordable. For the regular rides, adults are around $3.50 and children (17 and under) are also $3.50. The Holiday Lights Train Ride is typically $7 per ticket.
Tickets for the popular Holiday Lights Train Ride can be purchased online in advance at griffithparktrainrides.com. Limited tickets may also be available at the booth on the day of the ride, but they sell out quickly.
For the Holiday Lights Train Ride, booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand and rapid sell-outs. For regular rides, it's usually possible to purchase tickets on-site.
Children under 18 months often ride for free. While specific discounts for seniors or military might not be widely advertised, the general ticket prices are already quite low.
Priority boarding is an option, especially for the holiday train, that allows you to skip the very long general queues for a slightly higher fee or by purchasing specific tickets.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The train ride is a mile-long loop that lasts about 10-15 minutes. It's a charming experience, especially during the holidays when the track is decorated with thousands of lights and festive scenes.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic activity for young children and families. Toddlers and babies often ride for free. The short duration and gentle ride are perfect for little ones.
During the holiday season, you'll see elaborate Christmas decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, and festive scenes along the mile-long track. Outside of the holidays, it's a pleasant scenic loop.
While the main attraction is the train ride, they also host birthday parties and have a souvenir and snack shop. Griffith Park itself offers many other activities like hiking, the observatory, and playgrounds.
Strollers are generally manageable, but it's best to fold them if possible to maximize space. The boarding process is usually accommodating for families with young children.
📸 📸 Photography
For the Holiday Lights Train Ride, evenings are magical for capturing the twinkling lights and festive displays. During the day, you can get great shots of the vintage trains and the Carolwood Barn.
Tripods are generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors, especially during crowded events. Check with staff if you have specific concerns.
Expect to capture charming vintage trains, festive holiday decorations, and happy family moments. The Carolwood Barn area offers a glimpse into railroad history and Walt Disney's passion.
Yes, the train ride is short and exciting for kids. Try to get photos of their reactions as the train moves and the lights twinkle.
Yes, the vintage locomotives themselves are very photogenic. The Carolwood Barn and the surrounding area offer a unique, nostalgic backdrop for photos year-round.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider booking a birthday party package here for an unforgettable celebration. The staff are known for being incredibly helpful and professional, and the special birthday messages from the conductor are a huge hit. While pony rides and the carousel are currently closed, the train ride itself remains a top-tier attraction for families looking for simple, joyful fun in Los Angeles.
💰 Budget Travelers
Plus, the free parking is a major cost-saver in Los Angeles. Combining a visit here with other free activities in Griffith Park, like hiking or visiting the Observatory (exterior views), makes for a very economical day out. It's a chance to enjoy a classic LA experience without breaking the bank.
💖 Couples & Nostalgia Seekers
For those who grew up visiting or have a fondness for trains, the connection to Walt Disney and his passion for railroads adds a unique layer of appeal. The Carolwood Barn offers a quiet moment to appreciate this history. It’s a place that can bring back fond childhood memories or create new, sweet ones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Holiday Lights Train
While the ride itself is about 10-15 minutes long, the experience often involves significant wait times, especially on weekends and evenings. Many visitors recommend purchasing priority boarding tickets online in advance or arriving well before opening to secure a spot and minimize queuing. The $7 ticket price is considered a great value for the festive atmosphere and the joy it brings, with children under 18 months riding for free.
Beyond the dazzling lights, the train ride offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories. The cheerful ambiance, the gentle chugging of the vintage locomotives, and the shared excitement of fellow passengers contribute to a truly magical experience. It's a chance to step away from the usual LA hustle and immerse yourself in a classic holiday spectacle.
A Nod to Walt Disney's Passion
Inside the barn, you can find a train car specifically marked 'Santa Fe & Disneyland,' a poignant reminder of the spark that ignited the creation of the iconic Disneyland Railroad. This connection makes the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad more than just a miniature train ride; it's a pilgrimage site for Disney fans and a testament to how personal passions can shape beloved entertainment experiences.
Visiting the Carolwood Barn offers a unique glimpse into the early days of Disney's creative process and his deep affection for trains. It’s a quiet, reflective space that complements the excitement of the train rides and adds a layer of historical significance to the attraction.
Birthday Parties and Group Events
A highlight for birthday celebrations is the option to add a special train package. This includes train tickets where the conductor can deliver a personalized birthday message for the guest of honor, making the celebration extra special. The staff are frequently praised for being accommodating, professional, and friendly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event.
Beyond birthdays, the railroad can accommodate other group gatherings, providing a fun and engaging activity. The combination of a scenic train ride, dedicated event spaces, and excellent customer service makes it a highly recommended spot for celebrating milestones.
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