Christmas Train Rides in Arizona (2026)
Arizona’s licensed Polar Express leaves from Williams, 6,700 feet up near the Grand Canyon, which means a real chance of snow on the platform and a two and a half hour drive from Phoenix. Valley families who would rather stay home have three closer options, including a free Santa ride on a Mesa light rail car. Our Christmas train map lists the licensed rides in every state.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Williams: Nov 6 to Jan 3, from about $50
- The Magical Christmas Journey, Clarkdale: Nov 27 to Dec 24, from $40
- Holiday Lights, Scottsdale: Nov 27 to Dec 30, $15
- Mesa Santa Express, Mesa: Dec 11 to 13, Free
- Christmas at the Crossing, Yuma: Dec 18 and 19, see event site
Arizona holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Williams
- Season
- November 6 to January 3, 2026
- Lowest fare
- Free
- After Christmas
- Grand Canyon Railway (to January 3), McCormick-Stillman RR Park (to December 30)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Arizona Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Williams has the longest season, November 6 to January 3. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideWilliams · Nov 6 to Jan 3
- The Magical Christmas JourneyClarkdale · Nov 27 to Dec 24
- Holiday LightsScottsdale · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- Mesa Santa ExpressMesa · Dec 11 to 13
- Christmas at the CrossingYuma · Dec 18 and 19
Look inside the book
Riding a Arizona Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Arizona's Licensed Polar Express in Williams
On the map
Where Arizona’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Williams: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 2Clarkdale: The Magical Christmas Journey
- 3Scottsdale: Holiday Lights
- 3Mesa: Mesa Santa Express
- 4Yuma: Christmas at the Crossing
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Arizona towns, for shape.
One licensed ride, and one of the longest seasons in the country, running into January.
Arizona's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon Railway | Williams | Nov 6 to Jan 3 | From about $50 | On sale now |
| Verde Canyon Railroad | Clarkdale | Nov 27 to Dec 24 | From $40 | On sale now |
| McCormick-Stillman RR Park | Scottsdale | Nov 27 to Dec 30 | $15 | On sale online |
| Mesa Santa Express | Mesa | Dec 11 to 13 | Free | Free |
| Christmas at the Crossing | Yuma | Dec 18 and 19 | See event site | See event site |
Williams: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Grand Canyon Railway
Licensed Polar ExpressGrand Canyon Railway · Williams
- Operator
- Grand Canyon Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Williams Depot, Grand Canyon Railway, Williams
- Season
- November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027, most evenings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm Arizona time; see the calendar for exact dates
- Ride length
- A little over an hour on the train, about 90 minutes in all
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read, and Santa and his reindeer at the North Pole; Mrs. Claus story time and photos with Santa at the depot
- Price
- From about $50; adult fares are for 16 and up, child fares for 2 to 15; hotel packages available
- Tickets
- On sale now; the railway opens each season a year ahead
- Best ages
- All ages
The Grand Canyon Railway runs Arizona’s only licensed Polar Express from its depot in Williams, right behind the railway’s hotel. The train leaves after dark for a ride of a little over an hour, with hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies served while the story is read, and Santa and his reindeer waiting at the North Pole. Before boarding, Mrs. Claus reads stories in the depot, Santa poses for pictures in the Polar Room, and kids can test themselves on the Naughty or Nice Meter.
The railway suggests arriving an hour and a half early: as many as 3,000 people can be on the property on a busy night, and will-call opens at noon. Leave strollers outside the depot. Not every car is accessible, so call at least a week ahead if you need a lift. Williams nights in December are cold, often below freezing, so pack real coats over the pajamas.
Check dates and tickets with Grand Canyon Railway(opens in a new tab)Other Arizona Christmas Trains for 2026
A canyon railroad near Sedona, a city railroad park, a light rail car and a festival train in Yuma.
Clarkdale: Verde Canyon Railroad's Christmas journey to the North Pole
Christmas trainVerde Canyon Railroad · Clarkdale
- Operator
- Verde Canyon Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Verde Canyon Railroad depot, Clarkdale
- Season
- November 27 and 28, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 16 to 24, 2026, after dark
- Ride length
- About 1 hour round trip
- What's included
- Depot activities before boarding, elves on board, seasonal drinks, a ride through a lit tunnel to a North Pole village, and Santa riding back with a small gift for each child
- Price
- From $40
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; strollers and car seats stay off the train
The Verde Canyon Railroad, outside Cottonwood and about 30 minutes from Sedona, turns its own Christmas storybook into an evening ride. At the depot there are luminarias, elves telling the story, a princess signing the children’s books and Flurry, a live bald eagle. The train then runs into the dark, through an illuminated tunnel and out to a North Pole village with Santa’s workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery and a reindeer flight school, and Santa climbs aboard for the ride home with a small gift for every child.
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure; only people present get tickets. Every car has a restroom. Strollers, car seats, coolers and outside food are not allowed, and only manual wheelchairs up to 24.5 inches wide fit. It runs in rain or snow.
Check dates and tickets with Verde Canyon Railroad(opens in a new tab)Scottsdale: Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Holiday lights trainMcCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (City of Scottsdale) · Scottsdale
- Operator
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (City of Scottsdale)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale
- Season
- Nightly November 27 to December 30, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, except December 24 and 25
- Ride length
- A short train loop through the lights, plus the carousel and park
- What's included
- A ride on the park's train through the holiday lights, a carousel ride and the lit park
- Price
- $15 per person, ages 3 and up; includes train and carousel rides
- Tickets
- Timed-entry tickets online
- Best ages
- All ages; under 3 free
McCormick-Stillman is the City of Scottsdale’s railroad park, and every December evening it lights up the grounds and runs its train through the displays. Admission is $15 for everyone 3 and older and includes the train and a carousel ride, and the park sells timed entries to keep lines manageable.
There is no Santa train script here, just a train, lights and a carousel, which is exactly right for toddlers. It closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the park’s parking map before you go, since holiday nights fill the lots.
Check dates and tickets with McCormick-Stillman RR Park(opens in a new tab)Mesa: the free Mesa Santa Express on Valley Metro light rail
Santa light railMesa Urban Renewal & Arts Lab with Valley Metro · Mesa
- Operator
- Mesa Urban Renewal & Arts Lab with Valley Metro(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Downtown Mesa, Main Street, Mesa
- Season
- Friday to Sunday, December 11 to 13, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short light rail ride down Main Street
- What's included
- Songs, cookies and Santa on a decorated light rail car
- Price
- Free; donations welcome
- Tickets
- Pick up a free commemorative ticket on arrival
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas welcome
Since 2016 the nonprofit Mesa Urban Renewal & Arts Lab and Valley Metro have turned a light rail car into a Santa train for three December nights. Families ride down Merry Main Street singing songs and eating cookies, and Santa is on board. The organizers say more than 44,000 people have ridden free of charge.
Grab your commemorative ticket when you arrive and before you get in line, because the conductor checks for it. Pajamas or holiday best are both encouraged. The Mesa Christmas Market runs the same nights a block away, which makes it an easy evening out.
Check dates and tickets with Mesa Santa Express(opens in a new tab)Yuma: the Christmas train at Christmas at the Crossing
Holiday lights trainYuma Crossing National Heritage Area · Yuma
- Operator
- Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Colorado River State Historic Park, Yuma
- Season
- Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 2026, evenings
- Ride length
- A short loop through the park
- What's included
- A holiday train ride through the lights, photos with Santa, a teddy bear giveaway while supplies last, and inflatables, all included with entry
- Price
- See the event site for entry details
- Tickets
- Check the event site
- Best ages
- All ages
Yuma’s holiday train is part of Christmas at the Crossing, a two-night festival at Colorado River State Historic Park. The Holiday Kid Zone includes a Christmas train ride through the park’s lights, a visit and photo with Santa, a teddy bear giveaway while supplies last, and inflatables, all included with entry to the event.
It is a small-scale ride, perfect for preschoolers, and the closest holiday train for southwestern Arizona. The organizers post the entertainment schedule closer to the date.
Check dates and tickets with Christmas at the Crossing(opens in a new tab)Which Arizona Holiday Train Makes Sense From Phoenix
Kids who want the movie
Williams. Make it an overnight; the railway sells hotel packages and the drive home after a 7:30 train is long.
A night out without the drive
Scottsdale’s Holiday Lights runs every evening, and the Mesa Santa Express is free on three nights in mid-December.
Sedona and the Verde Valley
Clarkdale’s canyon train, with the bald eagle at the depot.
Toddlers
Scottsdale or Mesa: short rides, early evenings and low or no cost.
How Far Arizona's Holiday Trains Are From Phoenix and Tucson
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Williams | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Flagstaff | Williams | About 35 minutes |
| Phoenix | Clarkdale | About 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Phoenix | Scottsdale | About 25 minutes |
| Phoenix | Mesa | About 25 minutes |
| Tucson | Mesa | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Yuma | Christmas at the Crossing | In town |
Las Vegas families have their own licensed ride in Carson City and Santa trains in Boulder City, on our Nevada page. Yuma is also about three hours from the San Diego County trains on our California page, and Four Corners families can look at the New Mexico rides on our New Mexico page.
Free to print
Two and a half hours up I-17
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search. Print a stack for the drive to Williams.
Get the free printablesArizona Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
Altitude and cold
Williams sits at about 6,700 feet. December evenings there regularly drop below freezing and snow is common, so dress kids for winter even if it was 70 degrees in Phoenix that afternoon.
Not yet posted
Desert Farm Lights, a large holiday lights park with its own Jolly Journey train ride, had posted only that 2026 dates were coming soon when we checked. Enchanted Island in Phoenix’s Encanto Park has run a Winter Wonderland Express in late December in past years; its 2026 dates were not up yet either.
Getting there by train
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops in Flagstaff, about 35 minutes from Williams, but at night; see our Southwest Chief with kids guide. Tucson is on the Sunset Limited, covered on our Sunset Limited page.
The Bright Light at the End of the Tunnel
In our book the train slips into a tunnel, Rally gets scared in the dark, and then a bright light opens up and everyone cheers. Verde Canyon’s Christmas train runs through a tunnel full of lights on the way to the North Pole, which might be the closest real-life version of that page.
The book itself began with my mom, who dreamed up Rally’s ride, and I finished it after she died; there is more on our story page. Before the drive north, print some of our free corgi train coloring sheets.
A train story for Arizona kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonMore for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Nevada
- Christmas trains in California
- Christmas trains in New Mexico
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- Grand Canyon Railway: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Verde Canyon Railroad: Christmas journey(opens in a new tab)
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Holiday Lights(opens in a new tab)
- Mesa Santa Express(opens in a new tab)
- Christmas at the Crossing, Yuma(opens in a new tab)
- Desert Farm Lights: Jolly Journey Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Spotatrain: Arizona rail events(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Arizona Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express in Arizona?
Arizona's licensed Polar Express runs on the Grand Canyon Railway from its depot in Williams, behind the railway's hotel, about two and a half hours north of Phoenix. In 2026 it runs from November 6 to January 3 on most evenings, at 5:30 and 7:30 pm Arizona time. The ride lasts a little over an hour.
What Christmas train rides are in Arizona in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Arizona for 2026: the Polar Express in Williams; The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale; the Holiday Lights in Scottsdale; the Mesa Santa Express; Christmas at the Crossing in Yuma. One of the 5 Arizona rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 6 with the Polar Express in Williams and ends January 3.
What Christmas events are happening in Williams, Arizona, in 2026?
For families, Williams has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Grand Canyon Railway (November 6 to January 3, from about $50). It includes hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read, and Santa and his reindeer at the North Pole; Mrs. Claus story time and photos with Santa at the depot. For other Williams, Arizona, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Clarkdale, Arizona, in 2026?
For families, Clarkdale has The Magical Christmas Journey from Verde Canyon Railroad (November 27 to December 24, from $40). It includes depot activities before boarding, elves on board, seasonal drinks, a ride through a lit tunnel to a North Pole village, and Santa riding back with a small gift for each child. For other Clarkdale, Arizona, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2026?
For families, Scottsdale has Holiday Lights from McCormick-Stillman RR Park (November 27 to December 30, $15). It includes a ride on the park's train through the holiday lights, a carousel ride and the lit park. Plan on a short train loop through the lights, plus the carousel and park. For other Scottsdale, Arizona, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Mesa, Arizona, in 2026?
For families, Mesa has Mesa Santa Express from Mesa Santa Express (December 11 to 13, free). It includes songs, cookies and Santa on a decorated light rail car. Plan on a short light rail ride down Main Street. It is a real Valley Metro light rail car turned into a Santa train, and 2026 is its tenth season. For other Mesa, Arizona, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Yuma, Arizona, this year?
For families, Yuma has Christmas at the Crossing from Christmas at the Crossing (December 18 and 19, see event site). It includes a holiday train ride through the lights, photos with Santa, a teddy bear giveaway while supplies last, and inflatables, all included with entry. For other Yuma, Arizona, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Phoenix, Arizona find a Christmas train ride?
From Phoenix, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Williams, about 2 hours 30 minutes; Clarkdale, about 1 hour 50 minutes; Scottsdale, about 25 minutes; Mesa, about 25 minutes. Each Arizona ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Phoenix families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Flagstaff, Arizona find a Christmas train ride?
From Flagstaff, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Williams, about 35 minutes. Each Arizona ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Flagstaff families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Tucson, Arizona find a Christmas train ride?
From Tucson, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Mesa, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Arizona ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Tucson families can compare before they drive.
How early should we get to the Williams Polar Express?
The Grand Canyon Railway recommends arriving at least an hour and a half before departure. Up to 3,000 people can be on the property, will-call opens at noon, and boarding starts 15 minutes before the train leaves. Mrs. Claus story time and photos with Santa at the depot fill the wait.
Is there a Christmas train in Phoenix?
Yes. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale runs Holiday Lights every evening from November 27 to December 30, 2026, with train and carousel rides for $15. The free Mesa Santa Express runs a decorated light rail car with Santa down Main Street in Mesa on December 11 to 13.
Can you bring a stroller on the Verde Canyon Christmas train?
No. Verde Canyon Railroad does not allow strollers, child car seats, coolers or outside food on its Christmas train from Clarkdale. Every car has a restroom, the ride lasts about an hour, and guests must check in at least 15 minutes before departure. Manual wheelchairs up to 24.5 inches wide can be accommodated.
Do kids need a ticket for the Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express?
Children 2 and older need a ticket. The Grand Canyon Railway sells adult fares for ages 16 and up and child fares for ages 2 to 15, with train-only tickets priced per person. The railway also sells Polar Express packages that combine train tickets with a stay at its Williams hotel.
Are there any Arizona Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Williams runs until January 3; the Holiday Lights in Scottsdale runs until December 30. Every other Arizona ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Williams: November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027, most evenings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm Arizona time; see the calendar for exact dates.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Arizona?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Arizona is the Mesa Santa Express, which is free. At the top end is the Polar Express in Williams: from about $50. Prices come from each Arizona railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Mesa Santa Express: free; donations welcome.
When do Arizona Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Williams; The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale. The Holiday Lights in Scottsdale: timed-entry tickets online. The Mesa Santa Express: pick up a free commemorative ticket on arrival. Christmas at the Crossing in Yuma: check the event site. Popular Arizona dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Arizona Christmas trains have Santa?
Four of the 5 Arizona rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Williams: hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read, and Santa and his reindeer at the North Pole; Mrs. Claus story time and photos with Santa at the depot. The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale: depot activities before boarding, elves on board, seasonal drinks, a ride through a lit tunnel to a North Pole village, and Santa riding back with a small gift for each child.
How long is the Polar Express in Williams?
Grand Canyon Railway ride length: a little over an hour on the train, about 90 minutes in all. Included with the Polar Express in Williams: hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read, and Santa and his reindeer at the North Pole; Mrs. Claus story time and photos with Santa at the depot.
How much is The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale?
The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale costs from $40. The Magical Christmas Journey runs November 27 and 28, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 16 to 24, 2026, after dark. Verde Canyon Railroad tickets: on sale now. Verde Canyon Railroad age rules: all ages; strollers and car seats stay off the train. Before the ride, a real bald eagle named Flurry greets the kids at the depot and gives them wing-flapping lessons.
How much are tickets for the Holiday Lights in Scottsdale?
The Holiday Lights in Scottsdale costs $15 per person, ages 3 and up; includes train and carousel rides. Season: Nightly November 27 to December 30, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, except December 24 and 25. McCormick-Stillman RR Park tickets: timed-entry tickets online. McCormick-Stillman RR Park age rules: all ages; under 3 free. It is the easiest holiday train in the Valley to fit into a school night, running every evening for five weeks.
What does the Mesa Santa Express cost in 2026?
Fares for the Mesa Santa Express: Free; donations welcome. The Mesa Santa Express runs Friday to Sunday, December 11 to 13, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Mesa Santa Express tickets: pick up a free commemorative ticket on arrival. Mesa Santa Express age rules: all ages; pajamas welcome. It is a real Valley Metro light rail car turned into a Santa train, and 2026 is its tenth season.
How much are tickets for Christmas at the Crossing in Yuma?
Christmas at the Crossing posts current Christmas at the Crossing fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Christmas at the Crossing runs Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 2026, evenings. Christmas at the Crossing tickets: check the event site. Christmas at the Crossing age rules: all ages. The train circles a state historic park on the Colorado River, inside a two-night holiday festival.
Where does the Polar Express in Williams leave from?
The Polar Express in Williams boards at Williams Depot, Grand Canyon Railway, 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, in Williams. The railway suggests arriving an hour and a half early: as many as 3,000 people can be on the property on a busy night, and will-call opens at noon. Grand Canyon Railway tickets: on sale now; the railway opens each season a year ahead.
What happens on The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale?
The Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale includes depot activities before boarding, elves on board, seasonal drinks, a ride through a lit tunnel to a North Pole village, and Santa riding back with a small gift for each child. For the Clarkdale ride, plan on about 1 hour round trip. Before the ride, a real bald eagle named Flurry greets the kids at the depot and gives them wing-flapping lessons.
How long is the Holiday Lights in Scottsdale?
McCormick-Stillman RR Park ride length: a short train loop through the lights, plus the carousel and park. Included with the Holiday Lights in Scottsdale: a ride on the park's train through the holiday lights, a carousel ride and the lit park. It is the easiest holiday train in the Valley to fit into a school night, running every evening for five weeks.
What is included with the Mesa Santa Express?
The Mesa Santa Express includes songs, cookies and Santa on a decorated light rail car. Mesa Santa Express ride length: a short light rail ride down Main Street. It is a real Valley Metro light rail car turned into a Santa train, and 2026 is its tenth season.
What is included with Christmas at the Crossing in Yuma?
Christmas at the Crossing in Yuma includes a holiday train ride through the lights, photos with Santa, a teddy bear giveaway while supplies last, and inflatables, all included with entry. Christmas at the Crossing ride length: a short loop through the park. The train circles a state historic park on the Colorado River, inside a two-night holiday festival.