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An Arkansas Christmas Train Ride On The Holiday Express!

Published: October 23, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If you’re looking for a small-town Christmas tradition with big nostalgia, the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad’s Holiday Express delivers it on steel wheels. Operating from historic depots in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, the A&M pairs vintage passenger cars with festive cheer to create a family-friendly ride that feels straight out of a storybook. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect from the railroad’s excursion program year-round, and how the Holiday Express brings extra sparkle to the season.

A railroad with roots and character
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) is a working freight railroad that also maintains a beloved excursion program. Its line runs north–south through the Ozarks, connecting communities from Fort Smith and Van Buren up through the Boston Mountains past Winslow and on toward Northwest Arkansas and into Missouri. A&M is known among railfans for classic American Locomotive Company power and for operating restored mid-20th-century passenger cars—coaches, club cars, and parlor-style seating—complete with picture windows that showcase rugged ridgelines, deep hollows, and high trestles. That blend of real railroad grit and carefully preserved passenger equipment is a big part of the charm, whether you ride in May for dogwoods or in December for twinkling lights.

The excursion portfolio: scenic by nature
Outside the holidays, A&M runs a variety of trips that highlight some of the most dramatic railroading in the region. Depending on the season and track availability, you’ll find:

- Short scenic jaunts from Van Buren into the Boston Mountains, often climbing to the tiny town of Winslow and back. This route is known for mountain grades, sweeping curves, and impressive bridges, plus a historic tunnel that gives riders a brief, atmospheric plunge into darkness before revealing new views on the other side.

- Longer day trips between Springdale and Van Buren that make a full day of Ozark scenery. These runs offer plenty of time to settle into a seat, socialize, and watch farm fields give way to forested slopes and back again.

- Themed rides throughout the year, from fall foliage excursions to occasional special events that lean into regional history and seasonal color.

Equipment and routes can vary, but the common thread is unhurried travel in well-kept vintage cars. Staff and volunteers are usually quick with a story about the railroad’s heritage or a tip on where to spot the best photo angles from your seat.

Enter the Holiday Express
When the calendar flips to late November and December, the A&M decorates its coaches, dims the lights, and rolls out the Holiday Express—a shorter, festively themed ride designed with families in mind. While details can vary year to year, here’s what typically sets the Holiday Express apart:

- Festive ambience: Coaches are dressed up with garlands, bows, and lights. Holiday music sets the tone as soon as you board, and conductors and car attendants often lean into the spirit with seasonal attire.

- Santa on board: A highlight for kids is a visit from Santa and his helpers as the train rolls along. Expect time for quick photos, a conversation about wish lists, and sometimes a small treat.

- Treats and cheer: Hot cocoa and cookies are commonly part of the experience. Some seasons feature a story time, sing-alongs, or simple crafts like writing letters to Santa. While not a formal dining experience, it feels cozy and celebratory.

- A twinkling ride: Many departures run in late afternoon or evening so the lights, both inside the cars and in the communities along the line, feel extra magical. If you ride at dusk, you’ll see the silhouettes of hills and trestles give way to crisp nighttime scenes as the windows glow.

- Family-friendly pacing: The Holiday Express is shorter than A&M’s all-day scenic runs—think in the neighborhood of an hour to an hour and a half, rather than a full day—making it doable with younger kids. Pajamas are sometimes encouraged for little ones, and many families make it a yearly tradition.

Departures and logistics
Historically, Holiday Express trips have departed from the A&M’s key depots in Springdale and Van Buren, with the exact schedule, route length, and frequency varying by year. Some seasons focus primarily on Springdale; other years include Van Buren options. Because the A&M is an active freight railroad, excursion schedules can shift to accommodate operations and track work.

Practical tips for booking and riding
- Reserve early: Holiday dates sell out quickly, especially prime weekends and early evening departures. Once tickets go on sale, popular times can vanish within days.

- Seating and cars: The railroad typically offers different seating categories based on car type. All are comfortable, but some cars have more space, tables, or a different vibe. If you’re traveling with a group or want a specific car, book as soon as you can.

- Arrive ahead: Plan to be at the depot 30–45 minutes early to allow time for parking, will-call or check-in, and an unhurried boarding. Early arrival also gives you a few extra minutes for photos by the locomotive or decorated depot.

- Dress warm: Cars are climate controlled, but these are historic coaches; doors open at stations and you may feel a draft. Layers and a small blanket for kids can help. If you plan to step out for photos before or after the ride, remember nighttime temps in the Ozarks can drop quickly.

- Accessibility: The A&M does its best with historic equipment, but not every car is barrier-free. If mobility is a concern, call ahead to discuss accommodations and ensure you’re booked into a suitable car.

- Restrooms and snacks: Most excursion cars include restrooms; options can vary by consist. Outside food policies may change for holiday rides; when in doubt, ask when you book.

- Photos and keepsakes: Bring a charged phone or camera; interior lighting is low, so prepare for low-light shots. Some seasons include a small souvenir or photo opportunity with Santa—again, details vary.

Why it works so well
The Holiday Express succeeds because it layers festive touches onto an experience that’s already evocative. Railroading moves at a human pace, especially on a mountain line. Watching winter scenery slip by while a conductor punches tickets and car attendants trade jokes evokes an era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination. Add cocoa, carols, and Santa, and you’ve got something that feels fresh for kids and comfortingly familiar for adults.

It’s also refreshingly local. You’re riding from real depots that have served their towns for generations, along a line that still hauls freight. The train is not a stage set; it’s a working piece of regional infrastructure. That authenticity is part of the magic.

Making it a tradition
For families, pick a time of day that suits your routine. Late afternoon departures capture fading light before the glow of evening, while later runs can feel especially cozy and sparkly after dark. For couples, consider pairing a ride with dinner near the depot—downtown Springdale and Van Buren both have restaurants within a short drive or walk, depending on where you board. For multigenerational groups, reserve early and request adjacent seats.

Finally, keep an eye on the A&M’s official channels for announcements. Dates, departure points, pricing, and onboard programming can change from year to year, and special events sometimes pop up. If you have specific needs—stroller storage, allergy questions about treats, accessibility requests—call the depot before you book. Staff are used to holiday questions and are generally happy to help.

In a season full of screens and shopping, the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad’s Holiday Express offers something simpler: time together, a sense of place, and a gentle reminder that wonder can arrive on steel rails, at 25 miles per hour, with bell, horn, and a wave from Santa.