Clarkdale, Arizona · November 27 to December 24, 2026
The Magical Christmas Journey
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The Magical Christmas Journey
When is The Magical Christmas Journey 2026?
The Magical Christmas Journey 2026 runs November 27 to December 24, 2026.
2026November 27 to December 24, 2026Confirmed
2027November 26 to December 24, 2027By the calendar
How the dates are set: The railroad runs it on select evenings from late November through December 24; the first night is set each year.
See every event in November 2026
Source: american-rails.com
The Magical Christmas Journey schedule
- November 27 to December 24, 2026: The ride is about one hour and runs in the evening.
- In 2025: Departures were at 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm on select evenings, starting November 28 and running through December 24.
- On the ride: The train runs through an illuminated tunnel onto Santa's Secret Tracks and past a North Pole village. Santa boards for the return with a small gift for children.
Sources: american-rails.com, verdevalleyevents.com
Getting to The Magical Christmas Journey
- The depot is at 300 North Broadway in Clarkdale, about 30 miles from Sedona.
Source: american-rails.com
Tickets and cost
In 2026 adult tickets were listed at $60 and child (2 to 10) tickets at $40 for November 27 to December 23, and $70 and $50 on Christmas Eve. An infant under 1 rides free on a lap. A VIP Kids' Club add-on was $25. Book at verdecanyonrr.com.
Source: american-rails.com
History of The Magical Christmas Journey
The Magical Christmas Journey is the railroad's own storybook ride, built around its relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona, which provides the bald eagle Flurry. It is a Verde Canyon Railroad original, not a licensed Polar Express event.
Source: american-rails.com
The Magical Christmas Journey: questions people ask
How long is the Magical Christmas Journey train ride?
The ride is about one hour, much shorter than the railroad's standard four-hour excursion.
How much does the Magical Christmas Journey cost?
In 2026 adults were listed at $60 and children 2 to 10 at $40, with higher Christmas Eve fares of $70 and $50.
Where does the Magical Christmas Journey leave from?
It leaves from the Verde Canyon Railroad depot at 300 North Broadway in Clarkdale, about 30 miles from Sedona.
Sources: verdevalleyevents.com, american-rails.com
About The Magical Christmas Journey
A one-hour evening train ride from Clarkdale to a lit North Pole, with Santa on the way home.
Verde Canyon Railroad's Magical Christmas Journey is a one-hour evening ride from the Clarkdale depot to a North Pole village built along the tracks. Before boarding there are lights, a miniature village and a live bald eagle named Flurry. Santa boards for the ride back and hands each child a small gift. It runs on select evenings from late November to Christmas Eve, so book ahead.
Know before you go
- The ride is about one hour and uses open-air cars, so dress warmly.
- Book at verdecanyonrr.com; schedules and fares change.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is about 2 hours by car from Clarkdale, and Flagstaff (FLG) is about 1 hour.
Planning the trip
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