Clarkdale, AZ · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

Magical Christmas Journey at Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon’s Magical Christmas Journey is a separate holiday train experience, rather than the regular canyon excursion.

Illustrative stock photo: Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 decorated with a Christmas wreath
Illustrative stock photograph. Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 with a Christmas wreath on November 18, 2013. Historical holiday decoration; the source does not identify this departure as the Polar Express. The Commons file was cropped vertically by 5% in 2024. Bill Morrow / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

2026 dates published

Selected departures November 27–December 24, 2026

Published operating dates do not guarantee seats. Check your exact departure and class in the official booking calendar.

The operator supplies ticket information; date-specific remaining seats have not been verified.

Price observed 2026-10-26: Adults $60, children ages 2–10 $40; Christmas Eve $70 / $50. The operator separately lists a $700 six-person caboose charter and optional $25 Kids Club. Confirm the chosen product, age rules and total.

Source reviewed 2026-10-26 · Ticket status observed 2026-10-26

Tickets and official updates

Choose a train departure first. Confirm the date, class, child tickets and checkout total with the operator before arranging other travel.

Check departures and tickets →

Where to board

Clarkdale boarding location

300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Boarding
300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Separate trip
Book the Magical Christmas Journey ticket; the standard canyon ride is a different product.
Christmas Eve
The operator lists separate Christmas Eve fares. Confirm the selected date and total.
Duration
The holiday train makes a one-hour round trip. Depot activities take additional time.
Before other travel
This is a separate holiday trip, with a different itinerary from the regular canyon excursion.

Would an overnight stay help?

Compare your departure time and drive home before deciding. An evening train or a long journey may make staying nearby useful. Secure the correct holiday train first, then check lodging independently; no hotel or regular-excursion booking establishes holiday admission.

More holiday rides in Arizona

Each ride has its own schedule and ticket status; these links do not guarantee availability.

Sources and railway guide

Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad railway guide →