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Los Noches de las Luminarias
Let’s face it: The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be stressful. If you are looking for a tranquil experience, drive south to Phoenix and the Desert Botanical Garden for the 40th annual Las Noches de las Luminarias event. For 21 nights, the garden is lit with more than 8,000 luminarias (paper bags lit from within by candles) and 16 miles of twinkling lights. (It takes 90 minutes each night to light the luminarias and an additional 90 minutes to snuff them all out.) Stroll along the garden pathways listening to music by 10 entertainment ensembles performing everything from mariachi music to Delta blues to the Native American flute to holiday classics. You’ll also come upon handbell groups and light displays. Refreshments are sold at stands along the way or you can make reservations to dine at the on-site restaurant, Gertrude’s. There’s also a seasonal wine boutique selling wine by the flight, glass or bottle. This year, Los Noches de las Luminarias takes place in conjunction with an exhibit of monumental sculptures by Japanese-American artist Jun Kaneko. It just might be one of the most peaceful (and cultural) experiences you’ll have all season.
Los Noches de las Luminarias
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy. in Phoenix at the Desert Botanical Garden
Dec. 8-10, 15-17, 19-23 and 26-30, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $30 for adults;
free for children 12 and younger. www.dbg.org or 480-941-1225.
The Polar Express Train Ride
There’s something magical about witnessing Christmas through the eyes of a child, which is why Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride continues to draw passengers from around the country. Based on the eponymous children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the evening includes a train ride from Williams to the “North Pole” where Santa Claus and his reindeer await. On the train, passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to a reading of The Polar Express and meeting a cast of characters including Santa’s elves. When the train arrives at the North Pole, the man of the hour will make his way through the cars, handing out gifts. The entire ride lasts about 90 minutes. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Grand Canyon Railway, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. in Williams.
Dec. 1-4, 6-11, 13-24, 26-30 and Jan. 4-6 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $41 for adults and $31 for children, Sunday through Thursday, and $53 for adults and $43 for children, Friday and Saturday ($74 and $56 respectively on Christmas Eve).
www.thetrain.com or 800-843-8724.
Holiday Parade of Lights
The official name of the Flagstaff holiday parade, Vora Financial Holiday Parade of Lights Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce with Support from APS, might be a mouthful, but the event is a blast. More than 100 brightly decorated floats created by area businesses, nonprofits and families meander through downtown Flagstaff from Beaver Street to Aspen Avenue to San Francisco Street to Elm Avenue. The parade has been a Flagstaff tradition since 1999, but a word to the wise: Put on the long johns and bring something warm to drink. It gets really cold up there at night. Also, plan to stake out a spot along the parade route early because parking can be a challenge.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Flagstaff. Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Free.
www.flagstaffchamber.com or 928-774-4505.
