Christmas trains 2026Phoenix · Valley of the Sun

Christmas train rides near Phoenix, 2026.

We found five Christmas trains within a drive of Phoenix with 2026 dates posted: one Santa train, two holiday lights trains, one zoo or park holiday train and one model-train holiday display. The closest, Princess Express Train at Christmas at the Princess, is in Scottsdale.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a Polar Express ride?None with 2026 dates near here yet.Not yetWhere’s the Santa train?Mesa Santa Express: from Dec 11.1 trainDo I need to book?1 of 5 ask you to book ahead or warn they sell out.Book early

Last checked · 5 trains · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every Christmas train, by first date

Filter by kind of ride, then tap one for dates, ages, price and how to book.

20NovFriPrincess Express Train at Christmas at the PrincessZoo & park train · to Jan 2 · Scottsdale, AZ (7575 E Princess Dr)27NovFriHoliday Lights at the Railroad ParkLights train · to Dec 30 · Scottsdale, AZ27NovFriIllumination Express at Christmas at Schnepf FarmsLights train · to Dec 27 · Queen Creek, AZ (24810 S Rittenhouse Rd) · about 40 miles away28NovSatChristmas Trains at HD SouthModel trains · Museum hours · Gilbert, AZ11DecFriMesa Santa ExpressSanta train · to Dec 13 · Mesa, AZ

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Phoenix

Dates, ages, price and booking notes come from each railroad, zoo or park’s own page. The area line shows where you board.

Nov20to Jan 2

Princess Express Train at Christmas at the Princess

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess · Scottsdale, AZ (7575 E Princess Dr)

Zoo & park train
When
Nightly Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027
Time
Mon–Thu 5–10 p.m., Fri–Sun 4–11 p.m.; from Dec 17 it's 4–11 p.m. every night
Ages
Ride height limits vary by ride
Price
General admission from $35 a person, with early-bird discounts online; the Princess Express Train and Santa's Train Ride are included
Tickets
Tickets must be bought online ahead of time; no refunds, rain or shine

Good to know: The resort grounds fill up with lights, an ice rink and a big Ferris wheel. Photos with Santa cost extra.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 27

Illumination Express at Christmas at Schnepf Farms

Schnepf Farms · Queen Creek, AZ (24810 S Rittenhouse Rd) · about 40 miles away

Lights trainBook early
When
Nov 27–29, Dec 3–6, Dec 10–13, Dec 17–24 and Dec 26–27 (closed Christmas Day)
Time
General admission 5–10 p.m.; twilight admission 7:30–10 p.m.
Ages
Kids 2 and under ride free
Price
Farm admission $19.95–$27.95 a person depending on the night; the train is an extra $10 a person
Tickets
Train tickets sell out on some nights, so book them with admission online

Good to know: The train rolls through more than a million lights set to holiday music. Santa visits are included with admission.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec11to 13

Mesa Santa Express

Valley Metro light rail, downtown Mesa · Mesa, AZ

Santa train
Time
Friday Dec 11 to Sunday Dec 13
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Model trains

Holiday model train displays near Phoenix

Most let you walk through at your own pace, so you can stay as long as little ones are interested.

Nov28Sat

Christmas Trains at HD South

HD South Museum (lower level) · Gilbert, AZ

Model trains
When
Saturdays from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's, during museum hours
Time
Museum hours
Ages
Not listed
Price
See museum for admission

Good to know: The Gilbert Model Railroad Club runs Christmas-themed trains on its layout downstairs. On Dec 5 they run all day during the museum's Breakfast with Santa.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
More to come.Model train shows often post late. We recheck every week through December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make train day easier

TicketsBook as soon as you canPolar Express and Santa trains often sell out weeks ahead, weekend evenings first.
DressPajamas are part of itMany Polar Express rides invite kids to come in pajamas. Bring a warm layer for the platform.
TimingPick a ride before bedtimeEarly departures are easier with toddlers. Late lights trains are better for older kids.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Phoenix

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Good questions

Christmas trains near Phoenix: the FAQ

Not one we could confirm with 2026 dates on an official page. The closest thing on this page is Princess Express Train at Christmas at the Princess, Holiday Lights at the Railroad Park and Illumination Express at Christmas at Schnepf Farms.

Mesa Santa Express (Mesa, AZ): Dec 11 – Dec 13.

Holiday Lights at the Railroad Park (Scottsdale, AZ): Nov 27 – Dec 30. Illumination Express at Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek, AZ (24810 S Rittenhouse Rd) · about 40 miles away): Nov 27–29, Dec 3–6, Dec 10–13, Dec 17–24 and Dec 26–27 (closed Christmas Day), Farm admission $19.95–$27.95 a person depending on the night; the train is an extra $10 a person. Princess Express Train at Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale, AZ (7575 E Princess Dr)): Nightly Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, General admission from $35 a person, with early-bird discounts online; the Princess Express Train and Santa's Train Ride are included.

Christmas Trains at HD South at HD South Museum (lower level): Saturdays from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's, during museum hours, See museum for admission.

Many do. One of the five here asks you to book ahead or warns that seats sell out. Each card says what the operator posts about tickets.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Phoenix that weekend, holiday trains included.

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