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 ninety-two!
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.
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 $50 for ages 11 and up, $40 for children 10 and under, and $60 for adults with an infant under one year old.
Verde Canyon Railroad Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday from December 3 through December 12, and daily from December 16 until December 24.
Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
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.
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!
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.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more elves are there to greet you and show you around their humble abode.
On the way back, Santa will hop on board and gift each child a memento to remember the trip by.
Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday from December 3 through December 12, and daily from December 16 until December 24.
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 our previous article.
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Address: Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
