Caltrain riders and holiday aficionados can be on the lookout for a special passenger car announcing the return of the Caltrain Holiday Train, presented by Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The passenger car, which is “wrapped” in a festive green design, will be in service until the end of December. 

The Holiday Train will return to the Caltrain corridor for a two-night extravaganza Saturday Dec. 1 and Sunday Dec. 2.  Glowing with thousands of lights and holiday decorations, the glittering “show train” marks the start of the holiday season for local communities and, in the 10 years since its inception, has become a favorite holiday tradition for many.   

The train starts both nights at the San Francisco Caltrain Station with musical entertainment at 4:00 p.m. and a chance to meet Santa before heading down the Peninsula. The same show will be repeated at four station stops each night.Free entertainment will be provided at each of the station stops prior to the train’s arrival. During each 20-minute stop, people can enjoy holiday music led by a traditional Salvation Army brass band and on-board carolers. Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and the whole gang will get off the train to greet children and pose for pictures.

Members of the United States Marine Corps Reserves and representatives from The Salvation Army will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys for local children who might otherwise go without this holiday season. 

Santa’s helpers can get into the holiday spirit by making a donation to support the Holiday Train on the website www.holiday-train.org.