The Magical Christmas Journey
All aboard for The Magical Christmas Journey®, a festive train adventure to the North Pole! This enchanting experience begins at the Clarkdale depot with holiday cheer, seasonal treats, and entertainment. Then, board a decorated train for a magical ride through an illuminated tunnel to Santa's Secret Tracks. At the North Pole, Santa Claus himself awaits to greet passengers and offer a special gift before returning to the depot.
What to Expect
Magical train journey to the North Pole with Santa Claus.
Event Details
Duration
1 hour (train ride)
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Verde Canyon Railroad
Food & Drink
Seasonal treats, dinner, and libations available for purchase at the depot. Individually packaged appetizer trays served onboard.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, magical, whimsical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site directly across the street from the depot.
- Accessibility: Manual wheelchair accessibility is available. Motorized chairs/scooters are prohibited. Personal manual wheelchairs must be no wider than 24.5 inches. A manual wheelchair with a 250 lbs weight limit can be provided. Caboose is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible cars require advance notification and early arrival (1.5 hours prior).
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at the depot at least 2 hours before departure to fully enjoy the pre-boarding festivities, including seasonal treats and holiday décor.
- Consider adding the VIP Kids' Club option at checkout for a special video message from Santa and a swag bag filled with goodies for your child.
- Book your tickets well in advance, as trains often sell out, especially for popular holiday events like this one.
- Check the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website for traffic updates before your journey to ensure a stress-free arrival.
- While the train ride is one hour, plan for extra time at the depot to explore the gift store, museum, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Special Events & Promotions
- VIP Kids' Club offers a video message from Santa and a swag bag.
- Caboose Charter available for groups of 6 people.
- Christmas Eve tickets are priced higher than other dates.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for the event?
It is recommended to arrive at the depot two hours prior to the train's departure to fully enjoy the pre-boarding festivities, including lunch at the Copper Spike Café, browsing the gift store, and enjoying drinks on the pavilion.
Can I just ride the train without purchasing additional packages?
Yes, tickets can be purchased for the train ride and lunch without the wine tasting or other special packages. If you have a specific event ticket, you may also be able to purchase items separately.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to departure receive a 90% refund (10% cancellation fee). No refunds are issued for cancellations within 48 hours. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours prior to departure with a $5 fee per ticket.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Manual wheelchair accessibility is provided, but motorized chairs and scooters are prohibited. Personal manual wheelchairs must be no wider than 24.5 inches. Advance notification is required, and guests will need to arrive 1.5 hours prior to departure for pre-boarding.
What is included with the VIP Kids' Club?
The VIP Kids' Club includes a video message from Santa, a swag bag upon arrival at the depot with items like The Magical Christmas Journey® book, a postcard to mail to Santa, an eagle bracelet, and a cookie kit.
More Christmas Events Near Clarkdale
More Christmas Events near Prescott Valley
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.