Winterfest at the Tilden Park Steam Trains in Berkeley

Tilden Park near Berkeley is a fun destination for a family, and our favorite park attraction is the steam trains at the Redwood Valley Railway. This holiday season, a ride on the Tilden Park Steam Trains becomes even more special during the annual Winterfest! Winterfest takes place over two weekends, December 13, 14, 20, and 21 when trains will be running from 11 am to 7 pm.

During Winterfest the Redwood Valley Railroad will run two passenger steam trains that will offer rides over a route decorated with twinkling lights and holiday ornaments. If you'll lucky, you'll also catch a glimpse of Father Solstice as he rides by on his specially decorated train.

We took a Winterfest train ride every year and it's always a magical experience, especially as the sun begins to set. The setting, under majestic towering redwoods, is already pretty amazing, but it's made even more memorable with the addition of the holiday decorations. It's a really special holiday experience that you won't want to miss. Tickets for Winterfest are walk-up only; no reservations or advance tickets are available or needed, and the lines to board the trains get longer as it gets darker.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org, call (510) 548-6100 or check out the Redwood Valley Railway Instagram.

If you go

Winterfest at the Redwood Valley Railway takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 13, 14, 20, and 21, from 11 am to 7 pm (weather permitting). Entry to the park and railway area is free, and train rides cost $4 each or $16 for 5. Children under 2 ride for free. Cash and cards are accepted and tickets must be purchased on-site at the ticket booth; no reservations are required or available.

The Tilden Park Steam Trains at the Redwood Valley Railway is located at 2481 Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Orinda, CA 94563. To get there from Marin, take 101 to 580 in San Rafael and cross the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge. Take 580 to 80 and take the University Avenue exit into Berkeley. Take University Avenue east to Oxford Street and turn left, then turn right onto Hearst Avenue. Follow Hearst up the hill to Gayley Road, then turn right onto Stadium Rim Way then left onto Centennial Drive. Follow Centennial Drive to Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Turn right onto Grizzly Peak and follow it for 1.9 miles until you get to the steam trains (there will be signs).

Parking is free. The lot immediately adjacent to the steam train area is usually very crowded during Winterfest, but additional parking can be found down the road near Golden Gate Live Steamers.