Step aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad's Holiday Express for a festive journey through the Ozark Mountains. Enjoy hot cocoa, holiday decorations, and a special Santa visit on this magical train ride in Springdale, Arkansas!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required, suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Wildlife
History
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has operated since the early 1900s and has been preserving the railroad heritage of the Ozarks by offering both freight and scenic passenger services.
Conservation
The railroad actively supports local initiatives focused on preserving the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains and uses eco-friendly practices on its passenger services.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Step aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad's Holiday Express for a festive journey through the Ozark Mountains. Enjoy hot cocoa, holiday decorations, and a special Santa visit on this magical train ride in Springdale, Arkansas!
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 for Holiday Dates
The Holiday Express is very popular, so secure your tickets well in advance to guarantee your spot.
Dress Warmly
While the train is heated, outdoor platforms and waiting areas can be chilly in winter.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
Bring a Camera
Capture festive decorations and scenic mountain views throughout the ride.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you comfortable while waiting on platforms or walking to and from the train.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture beautiful holiday decorations and the scenic Ozark landscapes.
Comfortable Footwear
Supportive shoes help with boarding and exiting the train safely.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your adventure, especially in warmer months.