Our guide to the best holiday celebrations in Sedona and the Verde Valley. You’re going to be busy this month!
Hillside Holiday Saturdays
Every Saturday through Dec. 27, 2-5 p.m.
Hillside Sedona (671 SR 179)
928-282-4500
www.hillsidesedona.net
Enjoy holiday treats as you shop for gifts.
Festival of Trees
Dec. 4-6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (336 SR 179)
928-282-4838
www.tlaq.com
Local artists and business owners have spent the last couple of months creating trees that will be part of a silent auction benefiting the Sedona Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots. The trees are on display on the Patio del Norte terrace. Bid on your favorite tree until 7 p.m., Dec. 6. During the festival, Santa Claus will be available for photos.
Tinsel Town at Posse Grounds
Dec. 4-7; Dec. 11-14; Dec. 18-21; Dec. 25-28, 6-9 p.m.
Posse Grounds Park (525 Posse Ground Road in West Sedona)
928-282-7098
www.sedonaaz.gov
Stroll through light displays created by local businesses and organizations in the park’s picnic area.
VIP Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m.
Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood
928-340-2740
www.oldtown.org
Enjoy wine and chocolate samples in the wine tasting rooms
in Old Town Cottonwood. Tickets are $25 each.
Sedona’s Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Canyon Breeze Plaza
(300 SR 89A in Uptown)
928-204-2390
www.sedonamainstreet.com
Live music and seasonal refreshments culminate in a tree lighting and visit from St. Nick.
Polar Express Party
Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.
Spook Hall
(260 Hull Ave. in Jerome)
928-634-2900
www.jeromechamber.com
Letters to Santa, ornament projects, hot chocolate, cookies and a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express. Tickets are
$5 per person.
Breakfast With Santa and the Jingle Bell Run
Dec. 6, 7:30-10 a.m.
Sedona Teen Center (525 Posse Ground Road at Posse Grounds Park); 928-282-7098
www.sedonaaz.com
Enjoy a 1-mile run/walk around the park with jingle bells strapped to your sneakers. Following the run, eat breakfast and create crafts with Santa Claus.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
Sedona Performing Arts Center (995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road at Sedona Red Rock High School)
928-554-4059
www.sedonachamberballet.com
The Sedona Chamber Ballet Company has partnered with Phoenix Ballet to present the holiday classic The Nutcracker. The ballet will feature professional sets, costumes and internationally acclaimed dancers alongside local talent. Tickets are $15-$30.
21st Annual Chocolate Walk
Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
Main Street in
Old Town Cottonwood
928-340-2740
www.oldtown.org
Stroll Main Street listening to carolers and ducking into more than 40 boutiques for handmade chocolates and hot cocoa. Tickets are $25 each.
Pilgrimage to Bethlehem
Dec. 12-14, 3-6 p.m.
Tequa Marketplace (7000 SR 179 in the Village of Oak Creek)
928-300-8882
www.pottershandproductions.com
Since 2004, local actors have brought ancient Bethlehem to Sedona with an interactive market, live animals, a living nativity, complimentary hot cider and a Christmas musical.
Christmas Bazaar and Parade of Lights
Dec. 13, noon to 8 p.m.
Community Center Gym
(51 E. Hollamon St.) and Main Street in Camp Verde
928-554-0828
www.visitcampverde.com
Check out the all-day Christmas craft bazaar followed by an evening Parade of Lights along Main Street featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Loving Bowls
Dec. 13, noon to 3 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center (15 Art Barn Road in Uptown)
928-282-3809
www.sedonaartscenter.org
Purchase bowls handcrafted by local potters to benefit area nonprofits including the Sedona Community Center, the Sedona Community Food Bank, the Sedona Arts Center and the Humane Society of Sedona. New this year: pet-food bowls. Choose from more than 1,000 bowls. The bowls are $10 each. Everyone who makes a purchase will also enjoy free chili. Arrive early!
Festival of Lights
Dec. 13, 3-8 p.m.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (336 SR 179)
928-282-4838
www.tlaq.com
When the bell tower chimes
5 p.m., more than 6,000 luminarias will be lit along Tlaquepaque’s cobblestone walkways and courtyards. The afternoon includes live music from local musicians as well as Phoenix’s River of Life Tabernacle Choir, seasonal treats and a visit from Santa Claus.
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sedona Heritage Museum
(735 Jordan Road in Uptown)
928-282-7038
www.sedonamuseum.org
A museum open house featuring hot cider and cookies, live music, storytelling, book signings and a make-and-take ornament activity. Check out the tumbleweed snowman at the entrance.
Tlaquepaque Sweet Stroll
Dec. 20, 3-7 p.m.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (336 SR 179)
928-282-4838
www.tlaq.com
Enjoy sweet treats at each boutique, strolling carolers and a human-sized snow globe. Elsa from the Disney film Frozen will greet children.
A Christmas Carol Reading
Dec. 21, 3-4 p.m.
Sedona Heritage Museum
(735 Jordan Road in Uptown)
928-282-7038
www.sedonamuseum.org
Performer Michael Peach will read the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol in front of the fire in the historic Jordan House. A donation of a nonperishable food item for the Sedona Community Food Bank is requested.
Bubbie’s Hanukkah Dinner
Dec. 22, 6 p.m.
Sound Bites Grill
(101 N. SR 89A at The Shops
at Hyatt Piñon Pointe)
928-282-2713
www.soundbitesgrill.com
Traditional Hanukkah dinner hosted by Rabbi Alicia Magal. The evening includes a four-course dinner, songs, the story of Hanukkah and a menorah lighting. $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children 12 and younger.
3rd Annual Christmas Eve Jolly Holiday Special
Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Sound Bites Grill (101
N. SR 89A at The Shops
at Hyatt Piñon Pointe)
928-282-2713
www.soundbitesgrill.com
Dinner and a holiday concert by Miller, Martin, Miller and Ki. $55 per person.
