Ride the rails into the holiday season on the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Magical Christmas Journey. This Christmas train in Arizona whisks passengers away to the North Pole on an enchanting journey complete with singing elves, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself. It promises to put a twinkle in the eyes of kids one to 92! It’s just one of many great ways to spend the holiday season in Arizona.

The magic begins at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot before the train even departs for the North Pole.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Ethereal luminarias adorn the train station, while outdoor pergolas are decked out in icicle lights and oversized ornaments. Santa's elves can be seen roaming the grounds, and seasonal treats and libations can be purchased to enjoy as you stroll.
You'll also see a miniature holiday village at the depot, featuring a town square with 10 decorated tiny houses.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Children are given eagle wings to wear as they explore, a reflection of the Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona. The organization provides an educational bald eagle that visits the railroad regularly - there will be one on-site during your visit!
Once you've perused the village 'til your heart's content, it's time to embark on the journey to see the big man in red himself.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Both passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars are so heavily ornamented, they give Clark Griswold a run for his money. Passengers are entertained by elves and car attendants wearing wacky and whimsical outfits while serving festive beverages.

Related Stories

One Of The Best Campgrounds For Families, Jackpot Ranch In Arizona Boasts A Playground, Tree House, And Petting Zoo

One Of The Best Campgrounds For Families, Jackpot Ranch In Arizona Boasts A Playground, Tree House, And Petting Zoo

 The Most Beautiful Golf Course In America Is Right Here In Arizona . . . And It Isn't In Scottsdale

The Most Beautiful Golf Course In America Is Right Here In Arizona . . . And It Isn't In Scottsdale

 This Champagne Bar And Bowling Alley In Arizona Is The Ultimate Adult Playground

This Champagne Bar And Bowling Alley In Arizona Is The Ultimate Adult Playground
After passing through an enchanting light tunnel, the train emerges onto a private set of tracks that mark the entrance to the North Pole.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more elves are there to greet you and show you around their humble abode.
Life-size buildings are all dressed up in holiday cheer, and as the train rolls through town, you can't help but get in the Christmas spirit.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
On the way back, Santa will hop on board and gift each child a memento to remember the trip by.
The ride lasts one hour round-trip, and tickets start at $60 for ages 11 and up, $40 for children 10 and under, and $60 for adults with an infant under one year old. Special rates apply for Christmas Eve excursions.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Trains depart at 4 PM, 5:30 p.m. 6:30 PM and 7 p.m. on select days from November 24 through December 24, and daily from December 16 until December 24. Trains become more frequent as the big day approaches.

But don’t take our word for it alone! The Verde Canyon Railroad has posted an amazing short video of the Magical Christmas Journey on their YouTube channel, and you can get a sneak preview of the experience for yourself.

Have you taken this magical Christmas train in Arizona? Tell us about your journey in the comments section! You can visit the Verde Canyon Railroad website or Verde Canyon Railroad Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.

Have you ever embarked on the Magical Christmas Journey? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments section below. For another fun and festive holiday event in Arizona, check out Lights At The Farm in Mesa. If all these festivities are putting you in the giving mood, make sure to check out our Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Christmas In Arizona

Raymond Goldfield | October 19, 2023

What Are The Best Christmas Adventures In Arizona?

  • Comstock Drive in Gilbert, Arizona might just have the best Christmas display in all of Arizona - this street goes all-out for the holidays like no one else. Thirteen homes take decking the halls to the next level with over 100,000 Christmas lights each year, and cars and pedestrians line the streets to get a look. The neighborhood turns it into a bit of a block party, with hot chocolate vendors, Christmas music on a synced radio station, and even a visit from old Saint Nick!
  • Prescott, Arizona might just be the best Christmas town in Arizona, with the town officially being named "Christmas City" in 1989. The courthouse square is adorned with over a million Christmas lights, the Heritage Park Zoo has a special holiday display, and the town even has the world's largest gingerbread village at the nearby Prescott Resort and Conference Center. For over a month each year, the town becomes a full-fledged Christmas village.
  • The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is Arizona's only Christmas hotel, with this popular boutique hotel undergoing a massive transformation every holiday season. Over four million lights adorn the gorgeous hotel both inside and out, with a massive tree welcoming you inside. Santa's Secret Headquarters provides a unique photo opportunity for families, with a timeless vibe and themed backdrops. There's even a skating rink, s'mores supplies, and a special train ride for kids.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA