December 7, 2023
Embrace the spirit of the season with a holiday train ride near Sedona, Arizona, and make your home base at The Arabella. From our enviable setting in Red Rocks country, these outings make for a fun day trip for all ages, particularly those with a passion for trains. All aboard!
Ride The Polar Express™
Spend 90 minutes aboard the whimsical Polar Express™, based on the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Grand Canyon Railway brings to life this favorite story, transporting your family from the evening wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of the “North Pole.” Best part? Santa Claus and his reindeer team will be waiting with a jingle bell for every good boy and girl on the train.
Watch the kids’ faces light up as the train pulls into the station, then listen to the story while enjoying hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. The train leaves each evening during the holiday season at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
All Aboard for the North Pole
Chug away to the North Pole with the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Magical Christmas Journey™. You’ll depart from the depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, feeling the spirit of Christmas exuding from every corner. Indulge in seasonal treats and libations and stroll around the depot grounds, all decked out in lighting and holiday decor. Santa’s elves will entertain all ages with stories of Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle, carols will play in the background, and luminarias light up the roof and outdoor pergolas drip with icicle lights. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Clarkdale!
For those who wish to, you can meet Flurry, who’s actually a real bald eagle – he’ll even give “wing-flapping” lessons. Watch out for Princess Noel herself, who will be signing copies of the Magical Christmas Journey™ book.
After their wing-flapping lessons, kiddos can don their own pair of eagle wings before “soaring” through a mini Bird’s-Eye Village. They’ll get to see 10 tiny houses set up on a town square – viewing the world the way a bald eagle sees it when in flight. The railroad has a special relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona, which regularly provides educational bald eagle visits.
At day’s end, wherever you’ve chugged off to, we welcome you back to the cozy comforts of The Arabella. Cuddle up around the fire pit, sip a glass of wine, and reflect on the spirit of the season. We look forward to seeing you!