At The Depot
The Magical Christmas Journey™ to the North Pole begins at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale. The spirit of Christmas is aglow and visible from afar, beckoning all to experience the dream. Seasonal treats and libation may be purchased and enjoyed while perusing the depot grounds rich with festive lighting and holiday décor. Luminarias light the Southwestern-style depot roofline and giant ornaments adorn the outdoor pergolas dripping with icicle lights. Santa’s elves entertain and tell the tale of the beautiful Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle while songs of the season fill the air.
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Flurry the Bald Eagle and Princess Noel
Flurry, a real live bald eagle, is at the depot to greet children and give “wing-flapping” lessons prior to entering the miniature village. Princess Noel will be greeting children, signing the Magical Christmas Journey™ book and joining Flurry for unforgettable family photography.
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Bird’s-Eye Village
At the depot there will be eagle wings for children to wear while soaring through a miniature village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square. The kids are able to experience what Flurry, our live bald eagle, sees when in flight. This unique “flight” is inspired by Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona who provides an educational bald eagle that visits Verde Canyon Railroad regularly. Adults are not to be left out, as the tiny town is entertainment for all ages.
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During the Magical Ride
Verde Canyon Railroad’s passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars are cheerfully ornamented inside and outside. Elves entertain onboard and car attendants join in the fun with whacky seasonal outfits while serving seasonal drink specialties. The trip to the North Pole is a one-hour round-trip into the dark of night before the train emerges onto “Santa’s private tracks” after passing through the illuminated mystical tunnel. Canyon critters light the way to the North Pole along the tracks to Santa’s Village.
Remember that Verde Canyon Railroad is the only train in North America that offers inside and outside seating for the price of one ticket.
Tickets, and seating, are done differently for The Magical Christmas Journey™, compared to the daily scenic train rides.
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At the North Pole
The train is met by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and goofy elves at the North Pole, an exquisite collection of life-size buildings embellished in seasonal color and splendor. Passengers soak in the Christmas spirit aboard the train as it slowly passes by Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, the Reindeer Flight School and the Ugly Sweater Factory, to name a few, before Santa hops onboard the train for the return trip Clarkdale.
The man in the big red suit will interact with all of the children and gift each with a little memento signifying their North Pole Canyon Adventure aboard The Magical Christmas Journey™.
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Magical CHRISTMAS Journey VIP Kids’ Club™
Sign the Kids Up for the Magical Christmas Journey VIP Kids’ Club™ when you book your Tickets!
The lead-up to riding the Verde Canyon Railroad on the Magical Christmas Journey™ to the North Pole is as much fun for the kids as the ride. When you purchase your train tickets, have your children join the Magical Journey VIP Kids’ Club™ for an additional $25.00 per child and get excited about their journey long before they actually meet Princess Noel and Flurry the Bald Eagle, at the depot, before starting their journey to the North Pole.
The holiday fun begins long before the train’s departure and it has a wonderful ending with Santa spending time with each child onboard the train.
What arrives through the mail?
- A letter from Santa
- A postcard for the child to send back to Santa with three Christmas wishes
What arrives through the Internet?
- Updates from Santa, Peppermint Elf and other Christmas Characters leading up to Christmas
What do the children get at the depot when they pick up their tickets?
- A festive bag, filled with fun holiday stuff and goodies
- The Magical Christmas Journey™ book autographed by Princess Noel
- An Eagle puppet
- A holiday-themed activity book, full of games, recipes and activities
- “Reindeer bucks” to exchange for a cookie decorating kit
Please note that there are no discounts given for The Magical Christmas Journey™ tickets. Tickets, and seating, are done differently for The Magical Christmas Journey™, compared to the daily scenic train rides.
