The beautiful weather makes an Arizona Christmas different than most of the country. It is an ideal winter destination. But how do you get in the Christmas spirit without all the typical winter wonderland landscapes? We’ve got you covered!
Christmas in Arizona offers everything from snow-covered pine forests in Flagstaff to a tumbleweed Christmas tree in Phoenix. Families can snuggle by the fire in Prescott or lounge by the pool with Santa Claus in Tucson.
Get in the holiday mood and enjoy Christmas Arizona style with these Christmas Events in Arizona. Updated for 2023!
Christmas in Arizona
Arizona Christmas Events in Phoenix
Who needs snow for Christmas in Arizona? Well, some of us…but don’t worry, you can find it in temporary locations around the Phoenix area and still enjoy the perfect 75 degree weather.
The Enchanted Island and Arizona Science Center all have festivals with real snow to play in.
Experience a uniquely Phoenix holiday tradition of Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden where 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags line garden paths. This year’s event takes place on select days November 24- 31, 2023.
Find more holiday light displays at The Phoenix Zoo’s Zoolights. This year the spectacle runs on select nights from November 22, 2023 through January 14, 2024. From 5:30-10:30pm you can stroll the zoo and marvel at the beautiful lights. Advanced tickets are required.
Phoenix offers many Christmas performances at venues around the valley, including The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona on December 8-24, 2023.
You won’t want to miss all the holiday events going on at Phoenix resorts! The Wigwam and Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort each host a festive Breakfast with Santa.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa provide winter festivals complete with a spectacular animated light show every evening throughout the holiday season.
Find details on the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Phoenix.
Check for amazing deals on family-friendly hotels in Phoenix.
Arizona Christmas Fun in Tucson
Experience the peaceful serenity of Christmas in the desert by strolling through Tohono Chul Park during their Holiday Nights event. Gaze at the stars while surrounded by over a million twinkling Christmas lights and the sounds of holiday music. This year’s event will run Fridays & Saturdays, December 1-16th.
Find even more holiday desert beauty by visiting Tucson’s Botanical Garden’s Lights UP! A Festival of Illumination, where you may even get a visit from Santa.
Tucson hosts a couple unique variations of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, including a classic version performed by Ballet Tucson December 21-23, 2023.
Whether you choose to bask in the glow of lighted animal sculptures during Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo or revel in the many live nativity performances throughout the city, Tucson is sure to get you in the holiday mood.
Here are even more Christmas Events in Tucson to enjoy.
Find deals on hotels in Tucson for the holidays.
Classic Christmas Fun in Flagstaff
If you’re looking for a classic white Christmas in Arizona, head north to Flagstaff. The pine-covered mountainsides of the Arizona Snowbowl are the perfect place to get in some holiday skiing.
You can also take historic, holiday-themed tours at the Riordan Mansion and Lowell Observatory.
Want a real North Pole Experience? From the beautifully decorated Little America Hotel, your family can take a trolley ride to visit elves at the workshop and get photos with Santa. This year’s season opens November 12, 2023 and tickets should definitely be purchased ASAP.
Or head just 30 miles west to Williams to hop a ride on the Polar Express. The Grand Canyon Railway delivers passengers to Santa where he is waiting with his reindeer. This year’s season run November to December 2023 and is sure to sell out so book early.
Use this guide to find the Top 5 Holiday Events for Families near Flagstaff
Check for amazing deals on family-friendly hotels in Flagstaff.
Visit Prescott, Christmas City
The town of Prescott is known as Arizona’s Christmas City. A festive parade kicks-off the season. The city center plaza sparkles with over one million holiday lights wrapped around trees and lampposts.
More lights decorate the grounds at Heritage Park Zoo during Wild Lights. This event takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings during the holiday season.
The Valley of Lights drive-thru holiday spectacular at Fain Park offers yet another dazzling light display. It runs November 23-December 30th, 2023.
Delight your senses at Prescott Resort and Conference Center where you’ll find the world’s largest gingerbread village. Prescott also offers various Christmas plays, weekend carriage rides, holiday crafts boutiques, and much more.
We’ve got you covered with the best deals on hotels in Prescott, Arizona.
Enjoy a Relaxing Sedona Holiday
Imagine the beauty of red rocks dusted with white snow. Sedona’s breathtaking landscape and relaxing atmosphere make it a great place to spend the holidays.
6000 luminarias line the pathways of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village during the Festival of Lights on December 19, 2023. On this special night, visitors sip cider and hot chocolate while enjoying live music and a visit from Santa.
Enjoy more live holiday performances at the Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown.
And don’t miss bringing the kids to the annual free Breakfast with Santa at Sedona Hub in Posse Grounds Park. This event includes pancakes, entertainment, and of course, visiting Santa.
Want to see all the work that goes into Christmas Day? Head over to nearby Clarksdale and take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.
The Magical Christmas Journey brings families on a one hour train ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa. It runs from Thanksgiving through December and sells out every year so book early!
Plan your trip with our article about Family Fun in Sedona.
Check for great deals on hotels in Sedona.
Christmas in Lake Havasu City
Over 500,000 lights reflect over the waters of Lake Havasu during the city’s annual Festival of Lights. View the lights by boat as you cruise through the Bridgewater Channel, or stroll under the glittering London Bridge. This events takes place November 24, 2023- January 7, 2024.
At the Annual Boat Parade (December 9, 2023), snuggle up on the shore with your family as you watch brightly decorated boats float over the water.
Try out some outdoor ice skating at London Bridge Resort, complete with twinkle lights overhead and a pine tree backdrop. Make sure to stick around English Village on weekends. Santa usually stops by to visit in the evenings.
Check out Trekaroo’s favorite hotels in Lake Havasu City.
Is there an Arizona Christmas event we missed? Does your business have updated information to share? Email info@trekaroo.com and tell us about it!
Lead image by Bigstock/ Maglara
Find more Christmas events near you! Trekaroo has guides for dozens of cities across the country.
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