All Aboard VTA’s 'Holly Trolley' For Holiday Fun!

By Sheila Sanchez

Take a ride through a winter wonderland on the “Holly Trolley,” the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s historic trolley that only operates this time of year, offering free rides to downtown San Jose’s various holiday festivities.

The Holly Trolley will be spreading holiday cheer between the San Jose Civic Center and San Jose Diridon light rail stations which will also be adorned with holiday décor, the agency said in a news release.

Whether your plan is to visitChristmas in the Park, ice skate under the palms, or dine at one of downtown San Jose's restaurants, the Holly Trolley will be your sleigh ride … for free!

“Our beautifully restored trolley, with its holiday decorations and twinkling lights, captures of the joy of the season,” said Greta Helm, VTA chief external affairs officer. “For many children, this is their first ride on our trolley, and their first time seeing the displays downtown. I love to see their happy faces light up as the trolley approaches; it is truly magical.”

The Holly Trolley will operate every weekend through Sunday, Dec. 29 on an hourly schedule every Friday, 6:30-10 p.m.; and on Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30-10 p.m., weather and conditions permitting.

The historic trolley, Car 2001, was built in Milan, Italy in 1928 where it originally operated until the mid-1980s, when it was donated by the Italian government to the San Jose Trolley Corporation, the release stated.

VTA maintains six restored trolleys that can be seen and ridden at the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelly Park. 

Details: 408-321-2300, TTY 408-321-2330.