As the holiday season chugs along, Arizona's own Grand Canyon Railway in Williams marks a milestone with the 25th anniversary of its beloved Polar Express attraction. This nostalgic 90-minute train ride, inspired by the Chris Van Allsburg book and film, whisks families from the desert to a recreated North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and the obligatory visit from Santa Claus himself.
For anyone willing to don their pajamas in public, this immersive experience encourages riders to go full steam into embracing the holiday spirit as the train's restored 1929 Pullman cars evoke the iconic imagery from the story. Drawing people from across the region since 2001, the attraction celebrates the essence of Christmas wrapped in the warmth of family tradition. According to ABC15, "Organizers say the goal is to recreate the feeling of stepping directly into the pages of the book, complete with nostalgic décor and a focus on family-friendly holiday fun."
Farther south, Scottsdale's Fairmont Princess Resort shines bright with more than 16 million lights for its annual Christmas at the Princess event. This holiday extravaganza offers guests a vast array of attractions, including a sizable ice rink and a towering Ferris wheel. The event, running from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, 2026, is a beacon of yuletide joy that adds sparkle to the desert city. As AZ Central reports, admission is complimentary for hotel guests and $40 for the general public, with additional parking fees.
Meanwhile, in the name of bringing holiday cheer, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa capitalized on a major renovation by introducing Jingle at JW Desert Ridge. With a second year return in 2025, guests can enjoy new offerings like a holiday lights stroll, enriching the water-bound journey along the resort's AquaRidge Waterpark. This festive event complements the typical winter fare of ice skating and snow tubing. According to AZ Central, "New this year is a holiday lights stroll along the lazy river at the resort's AquaRidge Waterpark."
Whether locals and visitors are looking to climb aboard a memory-making excursion on rails or glide across the ice under a shimmering desert sky, these events illustrate Arizona's dedication to crafting enchanting holiday experiences for every family seeking to make magical new memories or cling warmly to the traditions of yesteryears.
