--- title: Skunk Trains Magical Christmas Train slug: skunk-train-magical-christmas-train-willits type: attraction sub_type: train rides source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/skunk-train-magical-christmas-train-willits city: Willits state: CA country: US address: 299 East Commercial Street geo: lat: 39.41229 lng: -123.35085 duration: up to 2 hrs cancellation_policy: All sales are final. No cancellations or changes. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:14:46.554Z availability: SoldOut rating: value: 4 count: 2004 scale: 5 --- ## Overview Hop aboard the Magical Christmas train for an unforgettable holiday experience! The Willits Skunk Train takes you on a scenic adventure to Mr. Skunk’s giant Christmas Tree through majestic redwood groves, featuring festive holiday tunes and treats aboard a historic steam locomotive. ## What's Included - Journey to the world's largest living, decorated Christmas Tree and back aboard a historic steam locomotive. - Holiday music and treats. - Scenic views of majestic redwood groves. - Complimentary hot chocolate and holiday cookies. - Opportunity to meet and take a photograph with Santa Mr. Skunk. - Festive decorations, games, and live music. ## Good to Know - Tour duration is approximately 2 hours. - Fun for all ages. Infants ages 2 and under ride free on a lap. - Train runs rain or shine. Dress warmly. - The train departs from Skunk Train's Willits Depot at 299 East Commercial Street, Willits, CA 95490. - Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure as the train leaves promptly at the departure time. - Skunk Train provides ramps for boarding and disembarking; passengers may need to transfer from a wheelchair to a coach seat. - Comfortable and casual layered clothing is suggested; dark clothing is recommended if riding the Open Air Observation Car to avoid soot spots. - Bring your ID as a valid photo ID matching the guest information is required at check-in. - Bring your camera for photo opportunities. - Food is allowed on the train; buttery popcorn is available for purchase onboard, with a break to enjoy a snack among the redwoods. - No outside alcohol permitted on board. - Dogs are the only pets permitted on board; dogs cost $10.95 and reservations are suggested. Bring food, water, dishes, leash, etc., for your pet. - For purchases on the train, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash are accepted. - The nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925 from the gasoline-powered motorcars that emitted a pungent odor, reminiscent of a skunk. The railroad’s historic name is California Western Railroad. ## FAQs ### When does the Magical Christmas Train run? Skunk Train's Christmas tree train operates on select dates from November to December. ### Where does the Skunk Train depart from? This Christmas tree train departs from Skunk Train's Willits Depot located at 299 East Commercial Street Willits, California 95490. ### When should we arrive? Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure as the train leaves promptly at the departure time. ### Is the train wheelchair accessible? Skunk Train provides ramps for boarding and disembarking. Passengers may need to transfer from a wheelchair to a coach seat. Their conductor will assist with boarding, seating, and wheelchair storage during your trip. If you or anyone in your party needs wheelchair assistance, please make a note of your request in the comments section above when booking your ticket. ### How should we dress? Comfortable and casual layered clothing is suggested to keep warm in the chilly months. If you plan on riding the Open Air Observation Car then they suggest dark clothing, because sometimes lighter clothing can get soot spots on it because of the steam engine. ### Do they accept credit cards for purchases on board? For purchases made on the train, Skunk Train accepts cash and cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. ### What should we bring? Bring your ID as a valid photo ID matching the guest information is required at check-in. Also, bring your camera for photo opportunities along the ride through the redwood groves (and with the guests from the North Pole). ### Can we bring food on the train? Yes, you can bring food on your Skunk Train adventure, but snacks like buttery popcorn are also available for purchase onboard. There’s a break to enjoy a snack among the redwoods. ### Can we bring alcohol on the train? No, they do not allow outside alcohol on board the train. ### Are pets allowed on the train? Dogs are the only pets permitted on board. They do ask that you be considerate of your canine though as the pets simply may not like trains. Please bring whatever they need to be comfortable (food, water, dishes, a leash, etc.). Dogs are $10.95 and reservations are suggested. ### Why the name “Skunk Train”? The nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925 when motorcars were introduced (today sometimes referred to as railbuses or railcruisers). These single-unit, self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines for power and a pot-bellied stove burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm. The combination of the fumes created a very pungent odor, and the old timers living along the line said these motorcars were like skunks, “You could smell them before you could see them.” The railroad’s historic name is California Western Railroad. ## Reviews > "Not worth it" > — 203conniek, May 27, 2026 > "Atlas was great!!" > — hayleypN3646WR, May 18, 2026