Sedona and magic are two words that can be used interchangeably, and the Magical Christmas Journey that takes place every holiday season is the perfect example. Offered by the Verde Canyon Railroad located in the neighboring town of Clarkdale, this fun adventure involves Santa, the North Pole, Christmas gifts, music, and everything that makes this holiday a favorite. This guide to the Magical Christmas Journey with Verde Canyon Railroad will make you wish Christmas lasted every day of the year!
The Railroad
Many years ago, this region was famous for its mining, with the copper mines in Jerome providing employment opportunities for many residents, and the Verde Canyon Railroad was built to transport workers, supplies, and the copper that was being mined. The mines closed down eventually, however, and the Verde Canyon Railroad was on the verge of closing, until one day it headed in an entirely different direction. The idea of offering rides through the stunning Verde Valley landscape came to mind, and the railroad experienced a renewed energy, one that caught the attention of a certain bearded man who may or may not have been enjoying a holiday in the area after his biggest workday of the year had concluded. A new idea was born, one that led to the creation of the Magical Christmas Journey!
The Journey Begins
The historic depot has served as the starting and ending point of many journeys over the years, including the magical Christmas one, and when you arrive at the Verde Canyon Railroad, your holiday adventures will begin immediately. Decorated with the twinkling holiday lights, the luminarias that line the roof of the depot provide a sense of our history while adding beauty to the night. Food and drink will be available for purchase, Christmas songs will be played, and Santa’s elves will be on hand to help increase the magic of this wonderful night.
Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle
Santa’s reindeer aren’t the only animals that harken from the North Pole, and Flurry the Christmas Eagle is one you may not expect. The bald eagle stands tall, flapping his wings to help create stunning and unforgettable family photos that will be taken as you await your ride. Princess Noel will be on hand, posing for pictures, talking to families, and generally making everyone feel welcomed and at home in this “foreign” land while leading the way to the next stage of your journey, the Bird’s Eye Village.
Bird’s Eye Village
Children must be properly dressed to explore the toddler sized bird’s eye village of Christmas cottages, and by properly dressed we mean that they should be strapped into the eagle’s wings provided by the railroad, allowing them to “fly” above the tiny cottages that are festive and beautiful and surround the Depots Christmas tree.
All Aboard!
Now that you have explored all the Depot has to offer, it is time to board the open-air train that features a direct route to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop. Decorated to reflect the magic of the season (inside and out), Santa’s elves will entertain your tiny travelers while costumed attendants serve drinks for all to enjoy. It takes an hour to reach the North Pole from Sedona, passing through a magic tunnel and pass a variety of canyon critters who light the way to an experience so magical your children will continue to believe in Santa far longer than those who don’t get to experience this event!
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and More Elves
The North Pole looks much as you imagined it would, and as both Santa and Mrs. Clause greet you with their loyal elves at their side, guests of the Magical Christmas Journey with Verde Canyon Railroad get to travel past Santa’s workshop, the ugly sweater factory, Mrs. Claus Bakery, the reindeer flight school, and the Naughty Kids Coal Mine, which is the only building that remains mostly empty! The experience ends with a conversation with Santa who will also give your child a special gift before a ride back to the Depot.
All Roads Lead to Sedona.Org
Although this journey has reached its end, there’s still more magic in store for you and the entire family back at your Sedona.Org holiday hideaway. Watch Christmas movies on state of the art televisions, make an unending supply of hot cocoa in our fully equipped kitchens, and dream of sugar plums, Christmas fairies, and the jolly old elf himself in the most comfortable beds in the state. Reserve your favorite escape today and explore all the ways your next Christmas will shine brighter simply because you chose our Sedona.Org vacation accommodations!