Is a wintry adventure calling your name? From riding The Polar Express to the North Pole to private igloo dining experiences, these holiday events in Northern Arizona are nothing short of holly jolly.
Click here for holiday events in Phoenix.
Daily through Dec. 24: The North Pole Experience
Flagstaff
The Little America Hotel serves as the launch point for The North Pole Experience. During this interactive adventure, families are whisked away on a “magic bus” for a ride that transports them to the North Pole so that children can experience Santa’s enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. This 90-minute bucket list experience for the whole family offers a tour of the toy factory and a visit to Santa’s sleigh hangar as well as a chance to graduate from “Elf University” and even the chance to enjoy treats with Mrs. Claus.
Cost: $62 and up for children; $68 and up for adults.
For more information: northpoleexperience.com.
Daily through Dec. 30: The Polar Express
Williams
A signature Arizona attraction for decades, this epic holiday journey is a must for all families (as are matching pajamas, which nearly every family wears for the ride). Based on the adventures of the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a very different journey to the “North Pole” than its sister experience above. Departing from Williams twice nightly, this enchanting 90-minute train ride will take families through the beauty of Northern Arizona while reading the classic tale aloud, culminating with a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, who have small presents for all the kids. Hot chocolate and cookies are also provided for the entire family during the ride.
Cost: $39 and up for children; $58 and up for adults.
For more information: thetrain.com.
Daily through Dec. 30: Holly Jolly Happy Hour
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
ShadowRock Tap + Table at Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock is offering a daily happy hour for hotel guests and non-guests alike. Available from 3 to 5 p.m., enjoy discounts on food and drink as well as a slew of festive cocktails including an apple crisp Old Fashioned, a beet martini, and a pecan pie Manhattan. Before or after happy hour, visitors are also welcome to visit the lobby to write a letter to Santa.
For more information: hiltonsedona.com.
Daily through early 2024: Winter & Wine Private Igloo Experience
Tavern Hotel, Cottonwood
Cozy up in a holiday igloo at the Tavern Hotel for a memorable holiday experience! Each igloo reservation accommodates up to six guests (must be 21 or older) and includes supplies for unlimited s’mores, bottled water, and the guest’s choice of one bottle of red wine or bubbles, with additional bottle available for purchase.
Cost: $209 and up.
For more information: Call 928.634.5094.
Daily through February 2024: Igloo Village at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Each winter, Hilton Sedona transforms its outdoor space into a winter wonderland, complete with several freestanding translucent dining globes at scenic outdoor garden at ShadowRock Tap + Table. The igloo village is available now through the end of February. Perfect for friends, families and private groups, the village consists of five igloos that can accommodate groups of two to six guests in addition to two expansive holiday chalets that seat up to eight guests for private parties. Frosted with festive holiday décor, the igloos are available to resort guests and locals for nightly seating times between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. A delectable winter menu awaits featuring Sedona’s southwestern traditions with a fresh and flavorful holiday twist as well. Live music will be hosted in the igloo village Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m., and stargazing will take place every Friday to Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Varies.
For more information: hiltonsedona.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 17: Theatrikos Holiday Show – A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy
Flagstaff
This is not your Grandmother’s telling of A Christmas Carol. This parody, complete with music offers both a twisted fairy tale for kids and an adult level of humor for parents. Nightly at 7:30 p.m. with some select matinees at 2 p.m.
Cost: $18 and up.
For more information: theatrikos.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24: The Magical Christmas Journey
Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale
The Magical Christmas Journey is Verde Canyon Railroad’s all-original one-hour storybook holiday journey. The fun begins at the depot, with an elaborate miniature Christmas village, festive lights, holiday treats, a Christmas princess, animal characters and a live bald eagle. At the “North Pole,” train passengers see 10 amusing and creative buildings. Santa boards the train for the return trip where he will interact with all the children and gift them a little memento as a reminder of their Christmas adventure. Departure times vary, depending on the date, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 and up.
For more information: verdecanyonrr.com.
Nov. 25: Holiday Light Parade and Bonfire
Prescott
Join the Prescott Downtown Partnership for its annual Holiday Light Parade and then its big bonfire after the parade. Watch the entries light up downtown with thousands of lights as they follow the parade route. After, join all the floats at the field for a close up look and pictures with Santa, Reindeer Races and live music from The Pride of Prescott Marching Band. Event is 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: experienceprescott.com.
Dec. 1 to Dec. 23: Santa and his Reindeer at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Grand Canyon Deer Farm, Williams
For over 50 years, the Deer Farm has been enjoyed by animal lovers of all ages. Getting “hands on” close to such beautiful creatures is a rare opportunity. And while there are interactive experiences and self-guided tours available year-round, throughout December the Farm invites Santa and his reindeer to join in the family friendly fun, offering kids the chance to meet a real reindeer and even get a photo or two!
Cost: Free with Farm admission ($9 and up).
For more information: deerfarm.com.
Dec. 2: Chocolate Walk Cottonwood
Cottonwood
Join Old Town Cottonwood residents and visitors in this festive event from 3 to 7 p.m. Old Town merchants, shops, tasting rooms and restaurants will be participating in this delicious “stroll” event, whereby lucky ticket-holders taste handcrafted chocolates up and down historic Main Street in the Old Town district. Enjoy the Old Town Light Show accompanied by holiday music, beginning at 5:30 pm.
Cost: $25 and up.
For more information: oldtown.org/chocolate.
Dec. 2: Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting at Heritage Square
Flagstaff
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Flagstaff at Heritage Square with this free event, which takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. and features hot cocoa, performances from members of the Flagstaff Community Band and more. The lighting takes place at 6:15 p.m. Presented by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance & Flagstaff Parks and Recreation.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: downtownflagstaff.org.
Dec. 2: Arizona’s Christmas City Annual Christmas Parade
Prescott
Join the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Arizona’s Christmas City Annual Christmas Parade, which will feature more than 75 floats, bands and more in Historic Downtown Prescott with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus following the parade. Event is from 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: experienceprescott.com.
Dec. 2: Breakfast with Santa with Sedona Parks & Recreation
Sedona
From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., join Sedona Parks & Recreation for the 13th annual Breakfast with Santa. This free event includes pancakes, holiday caroling, Santa’s stable of reindeer and a visit with St. Nick at the Hub, which is located at 525-B Posse Ground Rd. Breakfast will be served until 9:45 a.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: sedonaaz.gov.
Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16: Verde River Frosty Fest
Outdoor Adventure Center, Cottonwood
While the Verde River is closed for public access during the winter months, it is open for Outdoor Adventure Center’s Frosty Fest! During these family-friendly events, take a photo with Santa before enjoying rich hot chocolate and cookie decorating, games and a kayaking tour. Wetsuits are complimentary, so not to worry if it is chilly outside.
Cost: $99 and up.
For more information: oactours.com/tours/package-deals.
Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16: Winter Movie Series at The Orpheum
The Orpheum, Flagstaff
At 9:30 a.m. on these select Saturdays during the holiday season, The Orpheum will play a holiday movie to help get guests in the spirit of the season. Dec. 2 will feature Home Alone; Dec. 9 will feature Elf; and Dec. 16 will feature The Polar Express.
Cost: Free but tickets are required.
For more information: orpheumflagstaff.com/calendar.
Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16: Breakfast with Santa at Heritage Square
The Weatherford Hotel, Flagstaff
Join the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance and The Weatherford Hotel from 9 to 11 a.m. for a magical morning including a hot breakfast buffet, holiday crafts and Christmas tunes. Santa, the guest of honor, will lead guests in a Christmas story and sing-along as well. Guests are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire or wear their coziest pajamas to look festive for their selfies with Santa.
Cost: $27.50 plus tax.
For more information: downtownflagstaff.org.
Dec. 9: 12 Bars of Christmas
Flagstaff
Drink and be merry during the fourth-annual 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl, taking place in Downtown Flagstaff from 2 to 7 p.m. Christmas attire, ugly sweaters and Santa gear are all encouraged and each ticket includes a disco shot at Uptown Pubhouse, a 12 Bars of Christmas koozie (for the first 50 people to buy tickets), a Santa hat (while supplies last) and a lanyard with all the participating businesses and the drink specials that only bar crawlers have access to! Want to keep the party going? End the night at The Weatherford for the traditional Karaoke After Party, this will begin right after the end of the bar crawl at 7 p.m. You must be 21 to participate in this event.
Cost: $20.
For more information: downtownflagstaff.org.
Dec. 9: Snowflake Festival
Flagstaff Visitor Center
During this all-ages, family-friendly event at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, guests may get pictures with Santa (take your own or pay $1 for a Polaroid) and enjoy games and crafts as well as a winter market. During the event, donations of non-perishable food items and unwrapped, new toys will also be accepted for The Giving Advent Box and the Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Toy Drive.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: www.flagstaffarizona.org.
Dec. 9: Festival Of Lights – The Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Sedona
A holiday tradition at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for more than 50 years, this highly anticipated annual event features a full slate of festive entertainment including music, a visit from Santa and free cider. The main event – the lighting of 6,000 luminarias – begins at 5 p.m. across all of the property’s courtyards and walkways. The American Cancer Society will sell specially designated luminarias to honor cancer survivors in Patio del Norte.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: tlaq.com/annual-events/festival-of-lights
Dec. 9: Christmas in the Park
Sedona Heritage Museum
Christmas in the Park is the Sedona Heritage Museum’s annual gift to the community and visitors. Every visit starts with a greeting from the tumbleweed snowman. Then, enjoy hot cider and cookies, vintage holiday decorations, a fire in the fireplace and make-and-take a cornhusk doll. Event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: sedonamuseum.org.
Dec. 9 to Jan. 9: Skate at the Station
Flagstaff Visitor Center
Enjoy free ice skating just outside of the Flagstaff Visitor Center this holiday season. The rink is operated by the Shadows foundation, a Flagstaff nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping those affected by life-threatening diseases. Open on weekends Dec. 9 to Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; open daily starting Dec. 26 (weekdays noon to 6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Cost: Free but consider bringing an unwrapped toy for the organization’s toy drive.
For more information: www.flagstaffarizona.org.
Dec. 10: Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Sedona
Enjoy the miracle of the Menorah, which honors Chanukah at Tlaquepaque in Patio Del Norte. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy scrumptious latkes, doughnuts and hot chocolate while listening to festive music. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Judah The Maccabee and receive some gelt. Hosted by Chabad of Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: tlaq.com/events
Dec. 10: Santa with the Animals
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, Prescott
Join the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary at this family-friendly event from 1 to 3 p.m. as Santa roams the park handing out gifts and treats to animal residents. After the revelry, visitors are invited to join Santa in the Pence Pavilion to share holiday wishes and pose for pictures.
Cost: Included with general admission.
For more information: www.heritageparkzoo.org.
Dec. 15 to Dec. 17: Prescott’s Christmas Village & ChristkindlMarket
Prescott
Arizona’s Christmas City presents Prescott’s Christmas Village & ChristkindlMarket in Historic Downtown Prescott with vendor booths, music, kids activities, a German beer tent, horse carriage rides and more. The schedule changes daily: Dec. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.; Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: www.experienceprescott.com.
Dec. 16 to Winter 2024: Flagstaff Snow Park
Flagstaff Snow Park
The Flagstaff Snow Park, set to open Dec. 16, offers something for every member of the family from toddlers to teens to even grandparents. The biggest attractions are the groomed tubing runs, both for children and adults alike. But beyond that, there are ample outdoor fireplaces for roasting marshmallows, food trucks, and acres of fresh powder for hiking, snowball fights and, of course, making snowmen and snow angels.
Cost: Varies.
For more information: flagstaffsnowpark.com.