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December 23, 2025
@ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Free with Admission
Verde Canyon Railroad: The Magical Christmas Journey® with Liberty Wildlife
Join Liberty Wildlife at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot during this holiday season and meet their eagle/raptor ambassadors!
The Magical Christmas Journey® is based on the storybook, and the tale includes Princess Noel (a kind-hearted girl who transforms into a princess), Flurry, (a real bald eagle), Santa, Mrs Claus, elves and Canyon Critters. Enjoy festive activities at the depot before boarding the one-hour round-trip journey.
Flurry the Bald Eagle and Princess Noel
Flurry, a real live bald eagle, is at the depot to greet children and give “wing-flapping” lessons prior to the kids entering the miniature Bird’s-Eye Village. Princess Noel meets with children to autograph their The Magical Christmas Journey® book, and join Flurry for unforgettable family photography.
Bird’s-Eye Village
At the tiny Bird’s-Eye Village located at the depot, children can slip on some eagle wings and soar through the miniature town featuring 10 tiny houses surrounding a musical Christmas tree. The kids are able to experience what Flurry sees when in flight. This unique “flight” is inspired by Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Arizona’s Liberty Wildlife, a partner that provides an educational bald eagle to interact with passengers on a regular basis at the depot. (Adults are not to be left out, as the tiny town is entertainment for all ages.)
During the Magical Ride
Verde Canyon Railroad’s passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars are cheerfully ornamented inside and outside. Elves entertain onboard, and car attendants in whacky seasonal outfits join in the fun while serving seasonal drink specialties. The trip to the North Pole is a one-hour roundtrip into the dark of night before the train emerges onto “Santa’s Secret Tracks” after passing through the illuminated Magic Tunnel. Along with Flurry, canyon critters light the way to the North Pole along the tracks to Santa’s Village.
At the North Pole
The train is met by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and goofy elves at the North Pole, an exquisite collection of life-size buildings embellished in seasonal color and impeccable detail. Passengers soak in the Christmas spirit aboard the train as it slowly passes by Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, Reindeer Flight School, Ugly Sweater Factory and Naughty Kids’ Coal Mine, to name a few, before Santa hops onboard the train for the return trip to Clarkdale.
The jolly fella in the big red suit talks with all of the children and gifts each with a little memento signifying their North Pole Adventure aboard The Magical Christmas Journey®.