Adventure Brief
Ride the rails this summer on a festive Christmas in July Train through Arkansas's Ozarks. Celebrate with holiday music, treats, and a surprise visit from Santa!
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Ride the rails this summer on a festive Christmas in July Train through Arkansas's Ozarks. Celebrate with holiday music, treats, and a surprise visit from Santa!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for all fitness levels as the ride is seated and relaxed.
Wildlife
History
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has operated since the early 1900s, providing vital connections through the Ozarks and preserving a rich railroading heritage.
Conservation
The railroad partners with local conservation groups to minimize environmental impact and protect the natural landscapes of the Ozark region.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Ride the rails this summer on a festive Christmas in July Train through Arkansas's Ozarks. Celebrate with holiday music, treats, and a surprise visit from Santa!
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.
Book Early
Seats fill quickly for this special event, so reserve your tickets well in advance to guarantee your spot.
Dress Comfortably
Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for summer, but bring a light jacket in case the train's air conditioning makes it cool.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to enjoy the festive atmosphere and boarding process without stress.
All Ages Welcome
This family-friendly event caters to all ages, but keep an eye on young children near open train doors.
Light Jacket
To stay comfortable during cooler air-conditioned train rides.
summer
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from summer sun exposure while waiting outside or near windows.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture festive decorations, scenic views, and special moments.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm weather and throughout the journey.
summer