CLARKDALE, AZ–(Marketwire – December 1, 2010) – The common lament of the holiday season is that it all goes by so fast. There is too much stress and never enough time to savor the things that are really important. Verde Canyon Railroad changes all that with the Santa Claus Express. Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd, the train pulls out from the depot with a VIE (Very Important Elf) aboard. Santa, along with Mrs. Claus, makes the four-hour ride through the wonderland of Verde Canyon surrounded by the young and young at heart.

For four wonderful hours in the middle of the holiday season, there are no errands to run or packages to wrap or cards to write. There’s nothing to do but relax in climate-controlled comfort and spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. That’s a dream come true for children and their parents. As the big train ambles through the colorful canyon, kids can gather ’round to hear Santa read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas… ‘ while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

Besides the opening of gifts on Christmas morning, any kid will tell you the most important part of the season is visiting Santa Claus. That’s the nitty-gritty of the holly-jolly. Instead of being whisked on and off a lap in a crowded mall, your children will have hours to get their questions answered regarding Rudolph’s nose and how the reindeer fly. They can go into elaborate detail about their Christmas list. You and your child, hanging with Santa on a December afternoon: does it get any better than that?

It’s also about this time that another happy reunion takes place as bald and golden eagles and other migratory birds make their annual return to the Verde Canyon. Eagle Watch is underway as nests are built on the high rocky walls. What must these mighty birds think as the train chugs past, and the sound of voices rising in a chorus of Jingle Bells echoes from the cliffs? Blame Santa. The jolly old elf can never resist a sing-a-long.

For reservations call 800-293-7245 or book on-line at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

The Verde Canyon Railroad depot is located in Clarkdale, Arizona, 25 minutes from Sedona and 2 hours north of Phoenix.

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