Hop aboard 8 holiday train rides in Arizona for festive fun

Check out eight festive train rides in Arizona that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer. 

Christmas is a magical time of year that’s chock-full of traditions. There are the tireless hours our parents spent decking the halls and home with twinkling lights, the tinkering of toys at Santa’s workshop, the steaming mug of Swiss Miss packed to the brim with extra marshmallows while decorating the tree, and, of course, the morning of opening up presents with “you’ll shoot your eye out, kid” playing repeatedly in the background.

Rich or poor, there’s an undeniable presence of cheer in the air, thanks to the magic of tradition. For many of us, it’s now our turn to uphold these traditions for the next generations—our very own littles who help us fall in love with the season all over again through their mesmerized eyes. We get to pick and choose which traditions to keep, nix, and add to make the season a magical memory for generations to come.

Add in a steady rhythm, windows highlighting views of bright lights and frosty skies, and the cheer of riding on a holiday train. If you have never experienced holiday train rides, this is the year to test one out and add to your list of traditions. Hop aboard any of these eight holiday train rides in Arizona (plus one bonus ride that’s just as festive), and you’ll become captivated by the magic of the season. 

Photo courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad/CC BY-ND 2.0.

1. The Polar Express at The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams

If you have ever read or watched “The Polar Express,” you know how timeless this story is. The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams hosts the yearly holiday ride known as “The Polar Express,” which comes complete with cookies, cocoa, and a reading of the classic Christmas story.

This magical ride lasts about 90 minutes and departs twice daily. Tickets cost $43.99 to $97.99. 

2. The Magical Christmas Journey at Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale

“Let your imagination take flight to the North Pole” is the well-suited slogan for The Magical Christmas Journey, which includes treats, drinks, dinner, a light-up mini village, and the story of the Christmas Eagle. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the train carries elves that are excited to entertain the guests until all arrive at the North Pole, where guests are greeted by Mrs. Clause and even more exuberant and quirky elves. See a reindeer flight school, an ugly sweater factory, and Santa Claus, who gifts each child with a small memento of the journey to the North Pole.

Packages range greatly in price, from $40 to $600, so be sure to read through and pick the best package for your family and budget.

3. North Pole Experience at Little America in Flagstaff

This experience is focused more on Santa’s workshop than a train ride, but it’s still a worthwhile tradition to explore. Enter through a magical portal via a trolley ride that begins at Little America Hotel and passes through 500 acres of forest to enter Santa’s Workshop. At the grand workshops, families can build toys with the elves, attend “Elf University,” eat cookies from Santa’s Bakery, and meet Santa himself, who has a teddy bear for each child.

While you pay extra to stay at the hotel and eat breakfast with Santa in the morning, basic tickets begin at $68/ adult and $62/child. Be sure to make your reservations ASAP, as this journey to Santa’s Workshop fills up quickly! 

4. Jolly Trolley Santa Adventure in Prescott

With its rolling hills, vast farms, and stunning brick architecture, Prescott is magical any time of year. Add a trolley for Christmas, and you have something akin to a holiday dream.

The Jolly Trolley Santa Adventure runs on the weekends and includes 90 minutes of caroling, cocoa sipping, cookie eating, scenery (complete with holiday lights), and stops for a chance to meet Santa Claus and play in a bounce house. Its simplicity lends to affordability, making this the perfect holiday addition for larger families. Tickets are only $20/person, and deals of buy 3, get one for $2 mean a family of 4 can enjoy this jolly trolley for only $62.

5. McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale 

Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad in McCormick Railroad Park to enjoy the captivating light display this holiday season. The park closes at 5 p.m. each day until December 29 to make room for this holiday haven.

This Scottsdale spectacle includes a train ride, carousels, and treats, which can be purchased at the general store. Tickets cost $10/person on weeknights and $15/person on weekends.  

6. Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide Western Town in Chandler

Amidst other amazing feats, the Pratt Brothers Christmas includes a magical train ride called The Holiday Express. This ride offers sightseeing, Christmas characters, and views of the 7 million+ Christmas lights that illuminate the entire route. This giant December celebration includes shopping, live entertainment, a nightly parade, stunt shows, and more.

Tickets vary in price depending on whether they’re General Admission or VIP packages, but they start at a fair rate of $25.

7. Pioneer Winter Wonderland in Phoenix

Pioneer Winter Wonderland is proud to announce that “Santa is bringing something magical to the valley.” With workshops, live entertainment, the North Pole Post Office, and a live cowboy show—in case you forgot, we live in the Wild West—the P.W.W. Express is meant to whisk you away to a magical place as lights dance to the music and 3D glasses enhance the magic all around.

General Admission tickets are $25/adult and $20/child, with cool rides and vouchers available for additional fees.

8. Christmas at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek

Ice Skating, mini golf, inflatable obstacle course, s’mores bonfire, cookie decorating, hayrides, and Santa’s magic workshop are some of the sweet offerings at Schnepf Farms. Start the experience off by boarding the World of Illumination Express to see all the happy people enjoying the various activities and decide which ones you wish to enjoy first. Christmas at Schnepf Farms includes such a myriad of magical meanderings that the whole family is bound to find an experience that enhances their enjoyment of the night.

Inclusive tickets start at around $20, with a $10 fee for the train ride.

Bonus: YuleTide at Old Tucson

Instead of a train, hop on a horse-drawn carriage (swoon) at Yuletide, a Christmas adventure on the old film set of Old Tucson. Located in the heart of the historical Wild West, this western winter wonderland dons its suited name, “The West Pole,” and is complete with carolers, hot cocoa, holiday stunt shows, musicals, and more.

Get ready to enjoy the spirit of the season and meet Santa for $39/adult and $24/child, or get unlimited entries for the season starting at just $69/person. 

See you on the rails!

Growing up, Christmas Eve was always at grandma’s house, where my cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family would gather for an elaborate dinner, a gift exchange, a walk around the neighborhood to look at lights, and the jingling of Santa’s bells that sent us off into the night to greet our own pillows where we eagerly awaited Santa’s presents—err, presence. Of course, time has led us all to an older age where some of us have gone to worlds beyond the known, some have moved to new states, and some have started our own families.

I keep the magic of my upbringing alive by making elaborate dinners, decorating a giant tree with the littles where presents magically appear Christmas morning, hosting a gift exchange, and trying out the different festivities that Arizona has to offer. This year, I hope to see you on a train ride as your family and mine both try out potential train ride traditions that can only enhance a season that is already so magical.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: 12 ways to get out & celebrate the holidays in Metro Phoenix