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An Arizona Christmas Train Ride In The Verde Canyon!

Published: October 31, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the red-rock high country of central Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers one of the Southwest’s most memorable rail journeys.

Departing from its historic depot in Clarkdale, just down the hill from Jerome and a short drive from Sedona, the train traces the serene ribbon of the Verde River into a roadless wilderness of towering sandstone, high-desert riparian habitat, and timeworn rail history.

Throughout the year, it’s a scenic escape into nature and heritage. Come late November and December, though, the railroad transforms into a glow of lights and cheer for its seasonal holiday favorite, The Magical Christmas Journey—an evening experience that has become a beloved tradition for families and railfans alike.

A Brief History

The railroad itself has deep roots. Built in the early 1900s to serve the copper industry, the line - a longtime component of the classic Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway - hauled ore and supplies through unforgiving terrain, threading along canyon walls, over trestles, and through a hand-blasted tunnel.

Today the freight has given way to passengers, but the essence of the route remains unchanged: a 20-mile run out to the quiet ranching outpost of Perkinsville and back, unfolding in about four hours on the daytime excursion.

From the moment the diesel-electric locomotives - featuring a unique teal livery sporting a giant image of a bald eagle - ease the train out of the Clarkdale depot, the Verde River becomes a constant companion.

Cottonwood groves gleam in the sun, bald eagles and hawks glide on canyon thermals, and craggy cliffs reveal layers of geologic time. The 40-mile round trip experience is both intimate and expansive, with climate-controlled coaches coupled to open-air viewing cars so you can breathe in the pine-tinged desert air and feel the rhythm of the rails.

Popular Excursions

Narration along the way paints in the details—how the railroad engineered its path through the canyon, the role the line played in the region’s mining heyday, and the wildlife that calls the Verde Valley home.

It’s common to see great blue herons stalking the riverbanks, mule deer along the shore, and in winter months, eagles perched like sentinels on snagged cottonwoods.

The railroad often partners with wildlife educators, adding another dimension that blends sightseeing with stewardship. As a daytime outing, the Verde Canyon Railroad is a gentle immersion into an Arizona many visitors never see.

The Magical Christmas Journey

When winter descends and holiday lights begin to twinkle, the Verde Canyon Railroad leans into a different kind of magic. The Magical Christmas Journey is the railroad’s festive evening experience, built especially for families and anyone who wants to wrap a timeless rail ride in the glow of the season.

Rather than the full daytime route, this is a shorter, cozy trip crafted for after-dark wonder. It starts before the train ever leaves, at a depot that’s been transformed—think strings of lights, warm colors, and the kind of nostalgic ambiance that makes hot cocoa taste even better.

The pre-boarding festivities are half the fun. Plan to arrive early so you can linger over the holiday displays and snap photos beneath the lights. Kids gravitate to the miniature Christmas village scenes and whimsical vignettes that turn the depot area into a storybook setting.

Holiday music floats through the night air, and families sip warm drinks, browse the gift shop for seasonal souvenirs, and, on select evenings, enjoy meet-and-greet moments with holiday characters. The build-up creates a sense of anticipation; you’re not just riding a train—you’re stepping into a curated holiday world.

Once aboard, the train’s interior glow contrasts beautifully with the chill and darkness outside. Settled into your seats, you’ll roll out into the canyon where the star of the show awaits: a corridor of lights and staged scenes that guide you toward a North Pole tableau.

Along the way, illuminated set pieces appear like chapters in a story—sparkling trees, toy-laden vignettes, cheerful elves at work, and the kind of glowing surprises that make younger passengers press their faces to the windows.

It’s charming by design: familiar carols, the gentle sway of the train, the hush of the desert night, and the shared delight of seeing the landscape turned into a holiday stage.

The journey culminates at a North Pole setting that bathes the train in color and joy. This is the moment kids remember—catching sight of Santa and the bustle of his “workshop,” waving to Mrs. Claus, and feeling the full sweep of the season’s spirit.

Depending on the evening, there may be opportunities for photos, greetings, or other interactive touches before the train begins its return. Back at the depot, families often linger for one last lap among the lights, a final cup of cocoa, or a browse through the shop to cap the night.

Planning Tips

Practical planning helps you make the most of The Magical Christmas Journey. The event runs on select evenings from late November through December, with specific dates, times, and ticket options published by the railroad each season.

Because departures are popular, advance reservations are highly recommended. Dress warmly, as Arizona’s high desert can be brisk after sunset, and consider layers so you can comfortably move between the cozy interior of your car and any open-air vantage points.

If you’re traveling with small children, arriving early alleviates the scramble of boarding and gives everyone a chance to enjoy the pre-ride displays. Many families make it a pajama-friendly outing for the kids—one more way to underscore the bedtime-story feel of the night—though attire is your call. Snacks and beverages are typically available; check current menus and policies when you book.

Accessibility and comfort are central to the railroad’s year-round operations, and the holiday event benefits from that same attention. Seating is reserved, and multiple car types may be offered; consult the railroad’s current descriptions to choose the experience that fits your group.

Parking is adjacent to the depot, and staff are on hand to help with boarding and to answer questions. If you’re visiting from Sedona or elsewhere in the Verde Valley, build in a little extra drive time; holiday traffic and early sunsets can add to the logistics. It’s worth it to arrive relaxed and ready to lean into the evening.

What makes the train special isn’t just the lights or the novelty of a nighttime train ride. It’s the fusion of a living piece of Arizona history with the universal joy of the holidays.

The Verde Canyon landscape becomes more than scenery; it’s the backdrop for shared memories—siblings whispering about what they’ll tell Santa, parents catching the soft reflection of lights in a child’s eyes, grandparents enjoying the continuity of tradition.

The train amplifies that togetherness. There’s something about being carried through the dark in a warm, moving room that invites quiet conversation and a collective sense of wonder.

The Verde Canyon Railroad also benefits from its setting in a destination-rich area. Make a day or a weekend of it by exploring nearby Clarkdale’s museum and historic district, the hillside charm of Jerome, or Sedona’s trails and galleries.

The daytime excursion and the nighttime holiday ride complement each other beautifully: one fares deep into wilderness color and geology, the other bathes the canyon in festive glow. If your schedule allows, do both—the contrast is a story in itself.

Final Thoughts

In a season that can feel crowded with obligations, The Magical Christmas Journey offers something simple and singular: time together in a setting that invites you to look, listen, and savor.

Whether it’s your first ride or the latest chapter in a family tradition, the Verde Canyon Railroad delivers a holiday experience that is both grounded—in rails, history, and landscape—and lifted by imagination.

Book early, bundle up, and let the rails lead you to the North Pole and back. The memories will travel with you long after the lights fade into the desert night.  Please visit the railroad's website for complete booking information.