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Gold Runner, formerly Amtrak San Joaquins, is the bus and train service that connects you to the entire state of California.
Hop aboard Gold Runner with your favorite group of people for holiday festivals, events, vacations, or even heading home to 100+ California destinations.
Holiday GROUP TRAVEL IDEAS
Los Angeles Group Itinerary
(Arrive via Union Station)
Union Station is centrally located and well connected via Metro, DASH, and walkable routes.
- Pershing square holiday ice skating rink (30 min walk)
Open daily starting November 20, 2025, until January 11, 2026. Go ice skating with family and friends in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. - SPARKLE DTLA at The Bloc (10 - 15 min walk)
Starting December 6, see 18 million hues of lights that illuminate The Bloc nightly! And it’s free! The Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 25, LA Zoo Lights, and Enchant LA Winter Wonderland are also all a short Lyft or Uber ride from the train station.
Sacramento Group Itinerary
(Arrive via Sacramento Valley Station)
The station is located in the heart of Old Sacramento and walkable to major sites.
- Old Sacramento Waterfront Theater of Lights (5 min walk)
Watch the uniquely Sacramento retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ on the rooftops of historic K Street. Friday–Saturday shows at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM beginning Thanksgiving Eve (no show on Thanksgiving). - Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at the DOCO / Downtown Commons area (5 min walk)
A Sacramento holiday tradition, the Downtown Ice Rink is open select times and days through November and December and it’s a great event for families with kids. - Imaginarium Light Festival at Cal Expo (20 - 30 minute ride)
Northern California’s largest winter light show features millions of lights, carnival rides, and interactive elements! Open November 21st – January 4th.
Yosemite Group Itinerary
(Arrive via Amtrak to Merced + YARTS bus)
Take Gold Runner to Merced, then connect via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) to reach Yosemite National Park. Perfect for group access without the hassle of driving or parking!
- Badger Pass Ski Area (Take the free Badger Pass Ski Area shuttle from Yosemite Valley)
Go skiing, snowboarding or tubing! And if you or your family or friends are new to snow sports, they also offer lessons! - Yosemite's Curry Village Ice Rink
Since 1928, families have enjoyed this spectacular outdoor skating rink nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Skate beneath breathtaking views of Half Dome, then warm up next to a cozy fire pit. - Guided Snowshoe Hikes (Take the free Badger Pass Ski Area shuttle from Yosemite Valley)
Go on a snowshoeing adventure hike led by a knowledgeable, skilled, and friendly guide from the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service. Families with children younger than 10 years old are welcome to book a private snowshoe hike by calling the Nordic Center at 209.372.4996, the Mountaineering School at 209.372.8344, or emailing yms@aramark.com.
San Francisco Group Itinerary
via Amtrak + BART
Take Gold Runner to Berkeley Station, then walk (10 min) or take AC Transit to Downtown Berkeley BART. Then, ride BART to San Francisco (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, or Civic Center stations).
- Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (Caltrain/Amtrak station at 4th & King is about a ~15-20 minute walk, or a 1-stop Muni ride, to Union Square)
Don’t miss this festive outdoor ice rink in the heart of downtown! Opens November 5, 2025, and runs through January 19, 2026. - Winter Wander‑land in Union Square (Caltrain/Amtrak station at 4th & King is about a ~15-20 minute walk, or a 1-stop Muni ride, to Union Square)
A classic holiday tradition in San Francisco with multi-month holiday pop-ups and activations at Union Square throughout November and December. - The Great Dickens Christmas Fair at Cow Palace (short transit ride away)
Get your friends together for this unique, Victorian-London themed holiday fair that runs from Nov 22 – Dec 21, 2025. - San Francisco SantaCon 2025! (short walk from station)
Don your best Santa costume for this festive pub crawl and costume event in city streets on December 13.
Why take the train?
Make memories on the train
No middle seat and lots of legroom
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary snacks
Bathrooms on board
