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Arizona Christmas Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: March 11, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Although Arizona might be more famous for its deserts and beautiful warm landscapes, you might be surprised to learn that it offers a number of enchanting Christmas-themed train rides that promise to capture the magic of the holiday season.

Each year, these festive train rides become the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and loved ones to celebrate and create unforgettable memories. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular Christmas train rides in Arizona, ensuring you can pick the one that best suits your holiday spirit.

Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)

Experience the beauty of the Verde Canyon and embrace the holiday spirit with the Magical Christmas Journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Details

Dates: The festive rides generally run from the end of November through December.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Experience: The adventure begins with a night ride through the picturesque Verde Canyon, twinkling with holiday lights adorning the train and surrounding scenery. Passengers enjoy festive light displays and classic holiday music. Upon arrival at the "North Pole," children are greeted with the chance to meet Santa and his elves. There’s hot cocoa, treats, and delightful stories to keep everyone merry.

Tips: The Verde Canyon Railroad offers upgraded first-class seating with more luxurious amenities, including comfortable seating and complimentary snack trays. Be sure to dress warmly as the evenings in the canyon can be chilly.

Overview

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a remarkable journey through Arizona's beautiful and varied landscape, providing passengers with an unforgettable experience that combines the rich history of rail travel with the spectacular beauty of the American Southwest.

Located near Sedona, this heritage railroad operates along tracks that initially served as a vital connection between the copper mines of Jerome and the rest of the nation. This scenic train ride presents a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Verde Valley and immerse oneself in the history and myths of this vibrant region.

The journey begins in Clarkdale, a historic town that serves as the perfect launching point for this four-hour, 20-mile round trip adventure. The rail line runs through the Verde Canyon, following the curves and contours of the Verde River, offering stunning vistas at every turn.

As the train winds its way through the canyon, passengers are treated to views of red rock cliffs, expansive desert foliage, and the ever-changing colors of the canyon walls, a visual symphony that shifts with the angle of the sun.

One of the highlights of the trip is the passage through a 680-foot man-made tunnel and the crossing of several historic bridges. The railroad provides passengers with views of rare wildlife, as the region is home to bald eagles, pronghorn antelope, and a multitude of other native species.

Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will find this aspect of the journey particularly exhilarating. Moreover, the train’s open-air viewing cars allow passengers to breathe in the fresh canyon air and capture unobstructed photographs of this natural wonder.

The legacy of the railroad is not only about the majestic landscape but also the historical significance of the railroad itself. Established in 1912, the original railway was instrumental in supporting the copper mining industry, and today’s visitors receive a taste of that history as they glide along the same tracks that once carried untold tons of copper ore.

The attention to detail in preserving the vintage charm of the train cars makes this journey seem like a step back in time, providing a harmonious blend of nostalgia and modern comfort.

The railroad enhances the ride with first-class accommodations. Passengers can choose between coach class and first-class seating, the latter offering plush seating, complimentary appetizers, and access to a full-service bar. Knowledgeable train attendants provide narration throughout the journey, sharing stories of the old west, the geology of the region, and the fascinating history of the railroad and the communities it served.

A journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad is not merely a ride; it is an exploration of the vivid tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that defines the American Southwest.

Whether it’s the allure of a bygone era, the breathtaking scenery, or the possibility of encountering rare wildlife, the railroad offers something special for everyone. A trip on this storied railway isn't just a mode of transportation, but a journey through time and nature that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Arizona’s Christmas-themed train rides provide a unique way to celebrate the holidays, blending the festive spirit with the adventure and charm of rail travel.

Whether you opt for a journey to the “North Pole,” a gorgeous ride through majestic canyons, or a whimsical trolley trip through a historic town, these rides craft a perfect narrative for holiday enchantment.

Remember to book as early as possible and dress warmly for evening rides to enhance your comfort and enjoyment. Here’s to magical train rides filled with holiday joy and warm memories that linger long past the Christmas season.