The Polar Express at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Live out a childhood dream while forming a brand-new family tradition. An iconic experience unique to Arizona has returned. Tag along as the Polar Express ventures from the dark woods of Williams to the miraculous North Pole. Enjoy deliciously warm cookies and cocoa along the way. Upon arrival, Santa will board the train to greet every nice child with a gift. The train departs at 5:30 each night. Book your visit here.

The North Pole Experience at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff (pictured)

Make this year’s Christmas unforgettable by paying a visit to Santa’s home. Hop on a trolley as it departs the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff and heads toward the hidden forest housing the North Pole. Upon arrival, families will assist elves in toy building, attend Elf University, visit Mrs. Clause, indulge in the bakery and much more. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at Santa’s “Area 47” sleigh hangar where his sleigh, mission control center and radar systems are located. To say goodbye, each family will get the chance to privately visit with Santa. Plan your experience now.

Santa HQ at Chandler Fashion Center and Scottsdale Fashion Square

HGTV has revolutionized visits with Santa at the mall. This interactive and technologically advanced experience allows children a sneak peek into Santa’s secret headquarter, workshop, and elf academy. Children can also check their standing on the naughty-or-nice meter, explore Santa’s workshop using elf-ray vision, view the elves’ newest creations, take a photo with Santa inside his sleigh and much more. The holiday experience will be open at both locations for regular shopping hours until Dec. 24. On Dec. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m at Chandler Fashion Center and Dec. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Scottsdale Fashion Square, the HQs will host a special sensory Santa event for children with autism.

Additionally, on Dec. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m., Chandler Fashion Center will host a pajama party, thrown by elves Jack and Strawberry. Santa’s elves will share stories as their guests indulge in milk and cookies, create Christmas crafts and explore the HQ. On Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Scottsdale Fashion Square will host its pajama party with a reading of Rich Berra’s The Tale of Christmas Carol. For more information, fast passes, and photo packages visit shopchandlerfashioncenter.com/santahq or fashionsquare.com/santahq.