Thriller

Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon lights up the holiday season

This year, all the magic of the North Pole is nestled in the southwest corner of Utah, surrounded by the towering red rocks of Tuacahn and ready to be explored on foot, or by train.

“We just love the opportunity to showcase the beauty of this majestic canyon, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights,” said Kevin Smith, Tuacahn CEO. “Christmas in the Canyon is the perfect way to celebrate all the most important things this holiday season.”

“It’s not just a train ride, it’s more of an experience now,”
~ Matthew Monge

This year, another of Tuacahn’s beloved Christmas traditions — the train ride on The Tuacahn Express — has been renovated and re-imagined, ready to add even more to the canyon’s festive spirit.

“It’s not just a train ride, it’s more of an experience now,” said Matthew Monge, special effects and pyrotechnics supervisor for Tuacahn.

Complete with all new lighting and a new sound system, the train ride through Tuacahn’s sparkling lights now includes narration about the history of Tuacahn and some background on the train itself, as well as highlighting some of the amazing productions this year, along with views of set pieces from some of the previous musicals.

Christmas in the Canyon Schedule
  • 6pm – Train Rides Start ($3 per person)
  • 6:30pm – Santa Claus visits (FREE)
  • 7pm – Live Nativity ($4 per person)
  • 7:30pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Buy Tickets Here)
  • 8:15pm – Live Nativity ($4 per person)
Tuacahn Express train
The Tuacahn Express merrily chugs it’s way into the station at the Tuacahn Box Office.

Despite being involved in prepping for the opening of Christmas in the Canyon the night after Thanksgiving, Monge, who is in his first year with Tuacahn, said he was not prepared for how amazing the canyon felt.

“I come from Disney, so you think I’d be jaded or be used to seeing something spectacular, but this gave Disney a run for its money,” Monge said.

Christmas in the Canyon includes 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. performances of the live nativity, along with train rides, shopping in the Tuacahn Gift Gallery, free visits with Santa Claus, hot chocolate and places to sit by the fire, as well as pre-show entertainment on certain nights.

Tickets to the Live Nativity are $4 per person and seating is assigned. Train rides are available for $3 per person. For more information on all of the Christmas in the Canyon events, and to purchase tickets in advance, go to onto www.tuacahn.org

“All Aboard!” Tuacahn express waits at the station as riders cue up with tickets to make the trek around Tuacahn Canyon.
Were you expecting a coal burning steam engine? The Tuacahn Express features state of the art technology to make it chug.
She’s a beauty to behold and a cheery holiday activity. See the Christmas lights and sets from our Broadway Season as you chug around the canyon.
A fresh coat of red paint for the engine compartment.
Even the smoke stack gets a touchup.
Our fireman doesn’t shovel coal…he welds things. Making sure the engine keeps on working.
The real brass bell doesn’t require sound-effects but it does enjoy a bit of spit and polish.
Paint for the passenger coach keeps her looking spiffy.
Internal cumbustian rather than compressed steam. How many horsepower do you think she’s got?

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