Must-Do Events
From Starlight Skies to Holiday Rides
As the seasons change, so does the magic of Verde Canyon Railroad. Spring awakens the canyon with a burst of wildflowers, summer brings golden sunsets over towering red rocks, autumn sets the landscape ablaze with fiery hues, and winter drapes the scenery in crisp, cool serenity. No matter when you ride, there’s always something new to discover—especially during our unforgettable special events. From the lively Grape Train Escapes, where fine wine meets breathtaking views, to the festive wonder of the Magical Christmas Journey™, every experience offers a fresh way to see the Canyon come to life. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, each season brings a reason to return. Explore our must-do events and make memories that will call you back again and again.
- Saturday, April 19, 2025
Before the train departs on the Easter Bunny Express, our precocious bunny makes a pre-Easter Saturday visit to Verde Canyon Railroad for hugs, photographs and pocket candy for kids of all ages.
$139.00 per person
- May 1 – 30, 2025
“Rosé All Day?” How about “Rosé All May?” Verde Canyon Railroad’s Uncorked Wine Festival celebrates the lush juice of fermented grapes at the depot prior to every 1 p.m. departure in May.
$175.00 per person (ages 21+)
- Saturday Nights May 3 – September 13, 2025
On Grape Train Escapes, wine tasting coupled with complimentary charcuterie takes one back to a time when relaxing train travel was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication.
$175.00 per person (ages 21+)
- Saturday Evenings May 3 - October 25, 2025
Saturday Starlight Tours offer a sensational sunset to starlight journey deep into the wild heart of Arizona through a narrow chasm only accessible by rail.
$129.00 – July and August
$139.00 – May, June, September, October
$139.00 – May, June, September, October
- September 14 - October 31, 2025
The first sign of autumn isn’t always the changing of the leaves; sometimes it’s the changing of kegs. Verde Canyon Railroad salutes Oktoberfest with Ales on Rails, a festival of Arizona craft beers purveyed on the depot pavilion prior to train departure for the ultimate scenic sip!
$139.00 per person
- Year-Round on Varied Schedule
Several days each month prior to the train ride, hawks, owls, eagles and other Raptors at the Depot are crowd pleasers thanks to the educational efforts of Phoenix’s Liberty Wildlife. During the summer season, cool cold-blooded lizards, snakes and tortoises take the spotlight and soak up the sunshine during Reptiles at the Depot.
Free to the public prior to train departure
- November 28 – December 24, 2025
Experience a magical Christmas journey aboard Verde Canyon Railroad’s holiday train! Head to the North Pole for a visit with Santa!
Prices Vary See Details
