Magical Christmas Journey™
2025
November 28 – December 24, 2025
Magical Christmas Journey™
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, dinner and libation may be purchased and enjoyed while perusing the depot grounds, rich with festive lighting and holiday décor. Luminarias light the 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.
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 the kids entering the miniature Bird’s-Eye Village. Princess Noel meets with children to autograph their Magical Christmas Journey™ book, and join Flurry for unforgettable family photography.
Bird’s-Eye Village
At the tiny Bird’s-Eye Village located at the depot, children can slip on some eagle wings and soar through the miniature town featuring 10 tiny houses surrounding a musical Christmas tree. The kids are able to experience what Flurry sees when in flight. This unique “flight” is inspired by Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Arizona’s Liberty Wildlife, a partner that provides an educational bald eagle to interact with passengers on a regular basis at the depot. (Adults are not to be left out, as the tiny town is entertainment for all ages.)
During the Magical Ride
Verde Canyon Railroad’s passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars are cheerfully ornamented inside and outside. And remember, the Verde Canyon Railroad is the only train in North America that offers inside and outside seating for the price of one ticket! Elves entertain onboard, and car attendants in whacky seasonal outfits join in the fun while serving seasonal drink specialties. The trip to the North Pole is a one-hour roundtrip into the dark of night before the train emerges onto “Santa’s Secret Rails” after passing through the illuminated Magic Tunnel. Along with Flurry, canyon critters light the way to the North Pole along the tracks to Santa’s Village.
Remember, Verde Canyon Railroad is the only train in North America that offers inside and outside seating for the price of one ticket.
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 impeccable detail. Passengers soak in the Christmas spirit aboard the train as it slowly passes by Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, Reindeer Flight School, Ugly Sweater Factory and Naughty Kids’ Coal Mine, to name a few, before Santa hops onboard the train for the return trip Clarkdale.
The jolly fella in the big red suit talks with all of the children and gifts each with a little memento signifying their North Pole Adventure aboard The Magical Christmas Journey™.
Magical Christmas Journey™
One-hour adventure to the North Pole and back along Santa’s Secret Tracks
Ticket Prices & Dates
November 28 - December 23, 2025
December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)
Photo Gallery
Magical Christmas Journey™ FAQs
What time should I arrive for the Uncorked Wine Tasting and Lunch?
We recommend arriving at the depot 2 hours prior to train departure to allow time to enjoy lunch at the Railroad’s Copper Spike Café, peruse the Boxcar Gift Store and sip on a glass of wine on the pavilion. The café, pavilion bar, museum and gift shop are closed when evening trains return.
Can I just ride the train without purchasing the Uncorked package?
Yes. Tickets may be purchased for the train ride and lunch without the wine tasting. Also, if you have a Grape Train Escape ticket for wine tasting on the train, you can purchase wine at the depot prior to boarding and do not need an Uncorked package.
How is Uncorked different than the Grape Train Escape?
Uncorked takes place on the depot patio prior to the train’s departure and includes lunch. Your party members age 21+ can participate in the wine tasting. The Grape Train Escape is a wine tasting ON BOARD the train in select special event cars during the Saturday Starlight evening schedule and requires all ticket holders be 21+.
Do you have to be 21+ to ride the train during this event?
As the wine tasting takes place on the depot patio, your reservation may be comprised of wine-loving adults, non-drinkers, teens and children and you will all be seated together aboard the train.
Are non-alcoholic beverages available at the event?
Non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the depot and aboard the train.
