When is Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park? The park lists Holiday Lights 2026 for November 27 through December 30, nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with no event December 24 or 25. Tickets are $15 for ages 3 and up (2 and under free), and they go on sale Tuesday, October 27, at 8 a.m. through the City's ActiveNet system.
Why does that sale date matter? Because this is one of the most-searched family events in Scottsdale, and the park itself urges guests to set up an ActiveNet account ahead of time. If you live in 85250, the park is practically in your neighborhood, on Indian Bend Road. Here's what to know, plus the last week of Spook-Track-Ula.
Data note: Event dates, hours and prices come from the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park's official events, Holiday Lights, Spook-Track-Ula and rides pages (checked Oct. 22, 2026). The Holiday Lights page's headline reads 2026, but one detail line still shows 2025, so confirm dates before you buy. Weekday of Oct. 27 verified by calendar.
Holiday Lights 2026 at a Glance
- Dates: Nov. 27 - Dec. 30 (no event Dec. 24-25)
- Hours: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- Price: $15 per person, ages 3+; free for 2 and under
- Included: train and carousel rides; wristbands required for all riders
- Tickets on sale: Oct. 27, 8 a.m., via ActiveNet
- Extras: S'more Land fire pits with $8 s'more kits, Hartley's General Store and food trucks, and the Model Railroad Building
- Santa & Friends / the Grinch: dates and times TBD per the park
Tips From the Neighborhood
- Create your ActiveNet account now. The park specifically recommends it to speed checkout
- Pick weeknights if your schedule allows; the park lists the same hours every night of the run
- Dress in layers. Desert evenings in December cool off quickly after sunset
- Budget for extras. S'mores, food and drinks are sold separately
Still Time for Spook-Track-Ula (Through Oct. 31)
- Dates and hours: Oct. 1 - 31, 6 - 9:30 p.m.
- Timed entry: arrival windows at 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
- Price: $15 per person; free for 2 and under
- Included: the Paradise & Pacific spooky train, carousel rides, a haunted train walk-through (new this year, best for older kids and adults) and a storybook train ride for little ones
- Tickets: online only through ActiveNet
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: The Basics
- Address: 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
- Phone: 480-312-2312
- Size: a 30-acre park run by the City of Scottsdale's Parks & Recreation Department
Rides and Attractions
- Paradise & Pacific Railroad: a 5/12-scale reproduction of a Colorado narrow-gauge railroad and the park's original attraction
- Scottsdale Charros Carousel: a restored 1950 Allan Herschell carousel
- Arboretum Train: weekend loops through a two-acre desert arboretum
- Model Railroad Building: 10,000 square feet of miniature trains
- Scottsdale Railroad Museum, playgrounds, a splash pad and the Western Town play structure
Regular Ride Prices
- $3 per ride ticket (one per rider; 2 and under ride free)
- 8 tickets for $20
- All-day wristband: $12
- Train and carousel run every half hour on weekdays and continuously on weekends
Coming Up After the Holidays
- Noon Year's Eve: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., a midday countdown for families
Why It Matters if You Live in 85250
The Railroad Park sits within the same ZIP as Chaparral Park, which means a holiday night out can start with dinner at home and no freeway. Pair it with Chaparral Park's lake and trails and the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt, and you have a season of plans within a few minutes' drive. See our guide to living near Chaparral Park and our fall weekends near Chaparral Park.
“Holiday Lights night is a family tradition for a lot of my clients, and the ones who get good dates are the ones sitting at their laptop at 8 a.m. on sale day. When I'm showing homes in 85250 in December, I often point out how close the Railroad Park is. Being able to leave after dinner, walk the lights and be home by bedtime is the kind of everyday convenience that doesn't show up on a listing sheet.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Holiday Lights and the Railroad Park
When is Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in 2026?
Nov. 27 - Dec. 30, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., closed Dec. 24-25. Confirm on the park's site.
How much are Holiday Lights tickets?
$15 for ages 3+, free for 2 and under; train and carousel included.
When do Holiday Lights tickets go on sale?
Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. via ActiveNet. Set up your account first.
How much does it cost to ride the train?
$3 per ticket on regular days, 8 for $20, or a $12 all-day wristband.
Thinking About a Home Near the Railroad Park?
I live in Chaparral Park and know these streets well. Whether you want to be walking distance from the park or simply a short drive, I'll help you find the 85250 neighborhood that fits the way you spend your weekends.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Chaparral Park Resident & 85250 Real Estate Expert
Start My 85250 Home Search · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Holiday Lights · McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: events · McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Spook-Track-Ula · McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: rides and tickets · McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park home page
Disclaimer: Event dates, prices and details are set by the City of Scottsdale and may change; confirm on the park's official website before purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
