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Christmas at the Princess
For those really committed to the holiday spirit, spend the weekend at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess when the 750-room resort turns into a winter wonderland in the desert for the eighth year in a row. Activities include an outdoor ice skating rink made with real ice and a four-story musical tree adorned with 80,000 lights. At Santa’s Secret Headquarters, kids – both two-legged and four-legged – can have their photos taken with Santa. Roast marshmallows in S’mores Land or ride the Princess Express Train through Lagoon Lights, a fantasyland of swans, 14-foot poinsettias and a candy cane forest all lit by 4.5 million LED lights. There’s also a Nativity garden, menorah lighting, holiday characters, a synchronized light show at the resort’s Western town and a pop-up Build-A-Bear Workshop. If you need a break from the holiday happenings, the resort also boasts a golf course, spa, four restaurants and six heated swimming pools.
Christmas at the Princess
7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Now through Dec. 31. Free for resort guests; $55 per vehicle (up to six people) or free with a $75 spend at any of the resort’s restaurants (up to six people) for those not staying at the resort. Ice skating is $20 per person plus $5 for skate rental. www.scottsdaleprincess.com or 866-540-4495.
The Annual Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias and Holiday Sweet Stroll
Sedona’s most beloved holiday tradition, the Annual Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias (formerly Festival of Lights), returns Dec. 9 for its 45th year. When Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village’s bell tower tolls 5 p.m., locals and visitors alike grab their candles and wander the village’s cobblestone walkways and hidden patios, lighting 6,000 luminarias. By the time the sun sets, the village is bathed in a warm glow from all of the luminarias, making it a photographer’s paradise. The festival features live music (including a performance by the River of Life Tabernacle Choir), a visit from Santa and free hot apple cider. Luminarias in honor of cancer survivors can be purchased in Patio del Norte. Due to the popularity of the event, it’s recommended that you park in the Uptown Municipal Parking Lot (260 Schnebly Road) and take the free shuttle. Just a week later, on Dec. 16, Tlaquepaque will host its Holiday Sweet Stroll from 3 to 7 p.m. Boutique owners hand out sweet treats to shoppers. Enjoy strolling carolers, too.
Annual Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias
336 AZ-179 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
Dec. 9, 3-8 p.m. Free. www.tlaq.com or 928-282-4838.
Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion
Wondering what the holidays were like in northern Arizona at the turn of the century? Flagstaff’s Riordan Mansion State Historic Park sheds some light with holiday tours during this time of the year. The American Arts and Crafts-style mansion is decorated in period wreaths and garlands along with a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours give you a glimpse into traditions of Christmases past. On Dec. 9, the mansion will host its annual Christmas party that will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Riordan Mansion, designed by the same architect responsible for the El Tovar Hotel at Grand Canyon, was built in 1904 by the Riordan brothers, owners of Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. Timothy and Michael Riordan married Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, and the two families lived in the 13,000-square-foot duplex-style mansion. Blanche Chambers, daughter of Michael Riordan, lived in the house until her death in 1985. The east wing of the house opened to the public in 1983 while the entire house didn’t open until 2002.
Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion
409 W. Riordan Road in Flagstaff.
Thursday through Monday in December, on the hour, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (reservations recommended).
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 7 to 13
(children younger than 7 tour for free).
www.azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion or 928-779-4395.
