Holiday Lights

November 29 – January 5

6:30pm – 9:00pm

The event’s centerpiece is a train ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a winter wonderland of lights and displays. Take a ride on the historic Charros Carousel and visit the park’s one-of-a-kind Model Railroad Building. Opening night festivities will feature a live band and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane will host the annual tree lighting ceremony as Santa arrives aboard a steam locomotive on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. The co-creator of the Family Circus comic strip Jeff Keane will be handing out free autographed calendars and the Scottsdale Live Steamers will offer rides on the park’s 7.5 gauge train.

Ticket Information

The Holiday Lights train ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad will require a special ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance, during the park’s normal hours of operation, beginning Nov. 1.

• Holiday Lights Train Ride – $5 (special Holiday Lights tickets are required)
• Charros Carousel Ride – $3
• Holiday Lights Train Ride Fast Pass – $15 (limited availability nightly)  PURCHASE FAST PASSES HERE

Holiday Lights fast passes can be purchased to avoid long wait times on the Holiday Lights train ride. They are limited nightly and only apply to the train ride. Fast passes are available for purchase online daily until 4 p.m. Based on availability, fast passes can be purchased onsite at Stillman Station after 4 p.m. for that specific night only.

*Train and carousel rides are free for children 2-years old and younger with a paying adult

Visits with Santa

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park might be the coolest place to bring the kids to see Santa. Experience a one-of-a-kind visit with Santa in the historic Maricopa Depot. The cost to see Santa is $5 per family and you are welcome to take photos with your own camera or phone. Santa will be at the park the following dates from 6:30-9:00p.m.:

• Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1
• Friday, December 6-23

Ugly Sweater Contest – Nov. 29th to Dec 15th

The Holiday’s just got a little ugly at the Railroad Park. Visit the Railroad Park during the first two weeks of Holiday Lights with your Ugly Christmas Sweater and take as many photos at the park and post your photo on Instagram @Therailroadpark with the hashtag of #UglySweaterElfie for your chance to win a $125, $50, or $25 Visa gift card.

We will not be holding Holiday Lights on the following dates:
• Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
• Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
• Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)