Holiday Events! - Amtrak San Joaquins

The holiday season in northern California reflects the diversity of cultures and beliefs that have a home in our region. Each year there is a rich variety of cultural events, which celebrate and carry-on important traditions. For travelers looking to take part in these celebrations, Amtrak San Joaquins offers the perfect way to get there. Read on for three amazing holiday events you can get to conveniently and comfortably on Amtrak San Joaquins:

Grand Chanukah Celebration on the Lake

Right on beautiful Lake Merritt in Oakland, join the 16th annual Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony and celebrate the spirit of Chanukah, Enjoy a fire show, latkes, coffee, dreidels, jelly donuts, menorahs and candles, chocolate gelt, crafts, games and more.

The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on December 5th from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Located at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Lake Merritt Blvd. between 12th Street and 1st Ave Oakland, you can take the San Joaquins to the Jack London Square Station and take a 20 minute walk, or 7 minute bike ride, to the amphitheater.

California State Capitol Kwanzaa Umoja Celebration honoring "Womanity"

Take part in this annual celebration honoring the legacy and traditions of Pan African agriculture. Centered on the California capitol, Sacramento, this event takes place in the heart of the "Farm to Fork" movement. Come learn about the history of the Pan African Diaspora in California, traditions of cooperative agriculture, and the principles of Kwanzaa!

The event takes place just steps away from the Sacramento Amtrak Station (401 I Street) at the California State Capitol (1315 10th Street). It will be held on December 26 from 11:30am - 3:30pm.

Community Hanukkah Menorah Candle Lighting

Celebrate the last day of Hanukkah at a Grand Menorah Candle Lighting in Downtown Martinez! The event is free for everyone and includes music, food, and fun!

The event goes from 5:00pm - 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 5th. The candle lighting will take place at 700 Main Street Martinez (next to the Starbucks) - just a 5 minute walk from the Martinez Amtrak Station!

recent blog posts

Union Station (LAX) Curfew Notice

During these curfew hours, only ticketed Amtrak passengers will be permitted entry. All tickets must be purchased before arriving at Union Station and must be presented in either physical or digital form.

Amtrak San Joaquins Service Modifications

Last Updated: June 9, 9:37pm All Amtrak San Joaquins Service will be restored on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Last Updated: June 9, 7:00am Last night the San Joaquin River bridge just west of Stockton caught fire and sustained significant damage. The estimated time of reopening is Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 6:30 am. For today’s […]

SJJPA Awarded Grant to Promote Rail Travel to Allensworth State Historic Park

(May 8, 2025 -- Stockton, CA) – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) secured $50,000 in funding through the Parks California “Route to Parks” grant program, which will be used to support the annual Visit Allensworth California Heritage Program.

View All