Illustration of children queuing at Santa's workshop grotto with toy shelves and an elf helper waving them in (The Magical Christmas Journey)

The Magical Christmas Journey

Festivities begin at the illuminated depot, where guests can meet Princess Noel, see a live bald eagle named Flurry, and let kids explore the miniature Bird's-Eye Village. Passengers then board passenger coaches or open-air viewing cars to travel through an illuminated Magic Tunnel along Santa's Secret Tracks. At the North Pole, the train passes detailed holiday buildings before Santa Claus boards for the return trip to visit children and deliver a memento.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

verdecanyonrr.com

When

Tickets

November 27–December 23: adults $60; children ages 2–10 $40; infants under 1 year complimentary on an adult’s lap; caboose charter for 6 people $700. December 24 (Christmas Eve): adults $70; children ages 2–10 $50; caboose charter for 6 people $700. Optional VIP Kids’ Club is $25 per participating child and includes a video message from Santa and a swag bag.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Seasonal treats, dinner, and libations are available for purchase at the depot, and seasonal drink specialties and non-alcoholic beverages are available aboard the train.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Verde Canyon Railroad · 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book online ahead of time, because booking in advance saves you money on your tickets.
  • Add the VIP Kids' Club at checkout so your child gets Santa's video message and a swag bag with the storybook Princess Noel signs.
  • Arrive with time to spare for the depot, where kids meet Flurry the bald eagle, get wing-flapping lessons and explore Bird's-Eye Village before boarding.
  • Dress warmly if you ride in the open-air viewing cars, since the trip heads into the dark of night.
  • Groups of six can book the Caboose Charter for a private car on the journey to the North Pole.

Special Events & Promotions

  • VIP Kids' Club add-on at checkout: a video message from Santa and a swag bag at the depot (extra fee per child).
  • Caboose Charter for a private group of six (sold separately).
  • Christmas Eve rides on December 24 have their own ticket pricing.
  • Save by booking ahead online.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Magical Christmas Journey for?

Children and adults of all ages. Children's tickets cover ages 2–10, and infants under 1 ride free on an adult's lap.

What happens at the depot before the train?

Elves tell the tale of Princess Noel and Flurry while seasonal songs play. Flurry is a real bald eagle who gives kids wing-flapping lessons. Princess Noel autographs storybooks and poses for family photos. Kids can put on eagle wings and soar through the miniature Bird's-Eye Village.

How long is the train ride?

It's a one-hour round trip. You pass through the illuminated Magic Tunnel onto Santa's Secret Tracks to the North Pole. Then Santa boards for the ride back and gives each child a memento.

Is there food and drink?

Seasonal treats, dinner and drinks are for sale at the depot. On board, car attendants serve seasonal drink specialties.

What is the VIP Kids' Club?

It's an add-on you choose at checkout, priced per child. Your child gets a video message from Santa and a swag bag at the depot. The bag has the storybook, a postcard to Santa, an eagle bracelet, a cookie kit, 2 Reindeer Bucks and more.

View More FAQs

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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