The Magical Christmas Journey
Festivities begin at the illuminated depot, where guests can meet Princess Noel, see a live bald eagle named Flurry, and let kids explore the miniature Bird's-Eye Village. Passengers then board passenger coaches or open-air viewing cars to travel through an illuminated Magic Tunnel along Santa's Secret Tracks. At the North Pole, the train passes detailed holiday buildings before Santa Claus boards for the return trip to visit children and deliver a memento.
What to Expect
Holiday train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The train journey is a one-hour round trip.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Verde Canyon Railroad
Food & Drink
Seasonal treats, dinner, and libations are available for purchase at the depot, and seasonal drink specialties and non-alcoholic beverages are available aboard the train.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: November 27–December 23: adults $60; children ages 2–10 $40; infants under 1 year complimentary on an adult’s lap; caboose charter for 6 people $700. December 24 (Christmas Eve): adults $70; children ages 2–10 $50; caboose charter for 6 people $700. Optional VIP Kids’ Club is $25 per participating child and includes a video message from Santa and a swag bag. – Get tickets
Tips & Advice
- Book online ahead of time, because booking in advance saves you money on your tickets.
- Add the VIP Kids' Club at checkout so your child gets Santa's video message and a swag bag with the storybook Princess Noel signs.
- Arrive with time to spare for the depot, where kids meet Flurry the bald eagle, get wing-flapping lessons and explore Bird's-Eye Village before boarding.
- Dress warmly if you ride in the open-air viewing cars, since the trip heads into the dark of night.
- Groups of six can book the Caboose Charter for a private car on the journey to the North Pole.
Special Events & Promotions
- VIP Kids' Club add-on at checkout: a video message from Santa and a swag bag at the depot (extra fee per child).
- Caboose Charter for a private group of six (sold separately).
- Christmas Eve rides on December 24 have their own ticket pricing.
- Save by booking ahead online.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Magical Christmas Journey for?
Children and adults of all ages. Children's tickets cover ages 2–10, and infants under 1 ride free on an adult's lap.
What happens at the depot before the train?
Elves tell the tale of Princess Noel and Flurry while seasonal songs play. Flurry is a real bald eagle who gives kids wing-flapping lessons. Princess Noel autographs storybooks and poses for family photos. Kids can put on eagle wings and soar through the miniature Bird's-Eye Village.
How long is the train ride?
It's a one-hour round trip. You pass through the illuminated Magic Tunnel onto Santa's Secret Tracks to the North Pole. Then Santa boards for the ride back and gives each child a memento.
Is there food and drink?
Seasonal treats, dinner and drinks are for sale at the depot. On board, car attendants serve seasonal drink specialties.
What is the VIP Kids' Club?
It's an add-on you choose at checkout, priced per child. Your child gets a video message from Santa and a swag bag at the depot. The bag has the storybook, a postcard to Santa, an eagle bracelet, a cookie kit, 2 Reindeer Bucks and more.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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