Adventure Brief
Join Santa aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad for a festive breakfast experience. Enjoy holiday cheer, photos with Santa, and a delicious meal on vintage railcars in Springdale.
2–3 hours
easy
From $10.00
Family Friendly
Join Santa aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad for a festive breakfast experience. Enjoy holiday cheer, photos with Santa, and a delicious meal on vintage railcars in Springdale.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has operated vintage train experiences since early 20th century, preserving the region’s rich railroading heritage.
Conservation
The railroad supports local conservation efforts by minimizing emissions through vintage diesel locomotives and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Join Santa aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad for a festive breakfast experience. Enjoy holiday cheer, photos with Santa, and a delicious meal on vintage railcars in Springdale.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad operates seasonal and themed excursion trains out of Springdale, Arkansas. The railroad offers a variety of public events and scenic trips that highlight the Ozark Mountains and local rail heritage. Popular offerings include Holiday Express runs from Springdale, Monett, and Van Buren featuring vintage railcars decorated for the season, hot cocoa, classic Christmas stories, and visits from Santa. Seasonal specials include Mardi Gras and Halloween-themed rides, Christmas in July, and family-focused events like Ice Cream Socials that support the J. Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum and the restoration of Frisco Caboose #1288.
Dining and celebration experiences include Father’s Day BBQ & Banjo and Mother’s Day High Tea, both held aboard vintage cars with live music and curated food service. The Springdale to Winslow trip is a three-hour scenic route through the Boston Mountain range, traversing valley trestles and the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel to showcase the natural landscape of the Ozarks.
Ticketed excursions combine historic rail equipment, seasonal décor, and themed programming suitable for families, holiday groups, and rail enthusiasts. Events are presented as curated train experiences with depot activities, onboard entertainment, and community-focused fundraising elements. Schedules, ticketing details, and accessibility information are published by the railroad for each event. For visitors seeking scenic rail travel, seasonal celebrations, or museum-supporting outings, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad provides a range of documented, themed train experiences from its Springdale location. Advance reservations are recommended for holiday and themed trains; limited seating and scheduled departure times affect availability; book early online today.
Location
Springdale, AR
Departure hub for multiple excursions
Scenic Route
Boston Mountains & Ozarks
Three-hour Winslow scenic journey
Tours Offered
11 trips
Holiday, seasonal and special events
Family Events
Holiday & seasonal
Santa visits, treats, and activities
Secure seats for Holiday Express, Springdale to Winslow scenic runs, and seasonal family events — plan ahead for limited seating.
Arrive Early for Seating
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you get your preferred seating in the vintage railcars.
Bring a Camera for Photos
Santa visits every table, so have your camera or smartphone ready to capture special moments.
Dress Warmly for Outdoor Boarding
The train platform can be chilly in the morning, especially in winter, so dress in layers for comfort.
Notify About Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary needs, contact Arkansas & Missouri Railroad in advance to accommodate special requests.
Layered Clothing
Dressing in layers helps keep you warm while waiting to board and during the morning chill.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture photos with Santa and the festive railcars throughout the ride.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for standing in queues and walking short distances around the station.
Small Backpack or Bag
Convenient for carrying essentials like snacks, water, or extra clothing layers.