Arizona’s Christmas City, Prescott.
EXPERIENCING CHRISTMAS IN PRESCOTT
If you love the holidays or are searching for a quick getaway to a festive place, you’re in luck. Prescott is only 90 minutes from Sedona and is called Arizona’s Christmas City for good reason: This city goes all out for the holidays. Downtown Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza is all lit up for the holidays. When we last visited this city in the winter, we’ll never forget how magical it was to walk downtown when it was all aglow with colorful lights as the fresh, white snow was falling. Prescott will have holiday events galore to ring in the season. The festivities kick off with a holiday parade on Nov. 29. On Dec. 6, the city will host another Christmas parade and then children can meet Santa on the plaza starting at 3 p.m.
Arizona’s Christmas City, Prescott.
The courthouse will be lit up on Dec. 6. Fireworks will follow. On Dec. 12, hear plenty of live music all over downtown Prescott as part of Acker Night. Even if you can’t make it to any of these events, the city will be aglow all throughout December. The celebrations wrap up with a boot drop on New Year’s Eve to close out the season. Check out our holiday calendar here to see the full list of holiday events.
Arizona Snowbowl.
GREAT SKIING AND WINTER SPORTS
Flagstaff has plenty to offer winter sports enthusiasts, and many Arizona residents flock to Flagstaff to have some fun in the snow.
Arizona Snowbowl.
The Arizona Snowbowl offers skiing and snowboarding to seasoned pros and newbies alike. Snowbowl offers 777 skiable acres and a total vertical rise of 2,800. Snowbowl has 61 runs of varying degrees of difficulty and a total of eight lifts that can transport them up Humphreys Peak.
Arizona Nordic Village.
In the winter, visitors can ski or snowshoe at the Arizona Nordic Village. The Village is located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and features stunning views of the nearby mountains. The Village features over 35 miles of trails where visitors can ski, snowshoe and sled. Head over to the Flagstaff Snow Park for some snow tubing. This can be perfect for children or for those searching for a more low-key way to enjoy some fresh powder.
The North Pole Experience.
CHILDREN CAN EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAYS AT THE NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
The holidays are a magical time for children. Flagstaff just so happens to be the home of The North Pole Experience. Here, children can check out Santa’s toy workshop and revel in the magic of Christmas. First, they’ll take a ride on Santa’s Magical Trolley to the factory. Next, they can meet Santa’s Toy Soldiers and see some classic toys in the Toy Hall of Fame. Children also can create toys with elves and explore the factory. They can write their toy wish lists at the North Pole Mail Room. Finally, children can take photos with Santa and will also get a special present from the man dressed in red before departing. Northern Arizona is fortunate enough to have this special holiday experience.
The North Pole Experience.
Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel hosts the North Pole Experience and a few other holiday events. On select Saturdays in November and December, families can enjoy a Breakfast Buffet with Santa. During this special meal, diners can indulge in holiday treats along with traditional breakfast foods. The hotel’s Silver Pine Restaurant will host a special Christmas Buffet on Dec. 25. Dinner tickets for children under 4 are complimentary. Reservations are required.
The Polar Express.
TAKE A RIDE ON THE FESTIVE POLAR EXPRESS
Another Northern Arizona city that gets into the holiday spirit is Williams. Specifically, the city’s Grand Canyon Railway Hotel hosts a Polar Express train ride. Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the Polar Express transports children to the North Pole. During this 90-minute train ride, children can enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies as they listen to a special reading of “The Polar Express.” They will even receive a special gift from Santa.
The Polar Express.
This year’s journey is extra special. The 2025 season marks the 25th anniversary of this special event. In honor of the occasion, guests can book a special anniversary package that includes a hotel stay, breakfast and dinner at the on-site Fred Harvey Restaurant and Polar Express train tickets. Rates start at $125 per person.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
FIND HOLIDAY CHEER ALL OVER SEDONA
No time to venture out of Sedona? No problem. You can find plenty of holiday cheer all over town. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village will have a few special events, including a tree lighting on Dec. 5 and a Menorah Lighting on Dec. 14. If you can’t make the events, the shopping village will also be decorated for the holiday season. Look forward to holiday displays in the fountains and massive light fixtures strung up throughout the property. We personally love strolling through this shopping center at night when all the shops are closed, and the decorations are out. It’s a special moment worth cherishing. Uptown Sedona also features a light display that we also enjoy strolling through, especially as we’re finishing up our holiday shopping.
The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock.
SEDONA HOTEL HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Some Sedona hotels will honor the holidays in their own ways. The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock will feature its signature igloos available from now until mid-February. Consider cozying up to your loved ones as you dine in a clear plastic dome decked out in holiday lights on the patio of the hotel’s main restaurant, ShadowRock Tap + Table. ShadowRock will serve a special holiday menu available for the occasion. The Hilton is also offering a Festive Fireside Escape Package. This will include accommodations at the hotel’s new-ish Fire Bowl Suites along with a holiday-themed s’mores amenity (think gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark or seasonal cookies) and a special note from Santa Claus.
L’Auberge de Sedona.
L’Auberge de Sedona will be all lit up as part of its Holiday Illuminations. Guests and visitors are invited to stroll the festive grounds and can pause by a firepit to warm up as they soak up all the holiday décor. Diners who wants to venture outside of their homes for meals can head to the luxe property over the holidays. Cress on Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona will host two special dinners: one on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas Day. The meals will be “inspired by the season’s freshest ingredients and complemented by expertly curated wine selections.” Cress will also host a special New Year’s Eve celebration if you’re looking for a way to close out 2025 in a truly enchanting setting. Don’t think that only the restaurant will be serving up holiday cheer. The spa will be featuring a few seasonal treatments too.
L’Auberge de Sedona.
Guests also can book L’Auberge de Sedona’s signature Home of the Holidays package. When guests book this, they can enjoy a room with a fireplace that’s decked out in Christmas or Hannukah décor. If you’re searching for a way to accommodate a large family, consider booking the five-bedroom Creekhouse. Looking to really go all out? The hotel can host holiday parties if you want to close out the year in high style.
Modern Mountain Sedona – one of the city’s newest hotels – is offering a special Breakfast with Santa on Sunday mornings from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21. Enjoy breakfast with the man in red at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Den. Santa will be set up in front of the lobby fireplace and will be available for photo opps. Pet owners can bring their furry friends and snap a photo with Santa. West Sedona’s The Wilde Resort & Spa will have its firepits roaring outside. Consider grabbing some hot cocoa and cozying up around the fire. The spa will be offering a few holiday-themed spa treatments too. Rascal at The Wilde will be serving special holiday menus too. Ambiente’s signature restaurant, Forty1, will also serve Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners. On Christmas look forward to plates like the Eggnog Panna Cotta.
Enchantment Resort.
HOLIDAY CHEER AT ENCHANTMENT
Enchantment Resort will be hosting a slew of holiday events. The season kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 29 at the Market at 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy gourmet treats and warm beverages and can listen to live music from the Dickens Carolers from 4 to 7 p.m.
Enchantment Resort.
One of our favorite festive offerings in all of Sedona, Enchantment has its very own ice skating rink. Members of the public can use this rink if they make a reservation at the property’s restaurants. Skates are provided. Enchantment will supply complimentary hot chocolate and cider daily. Guests also can enjoy free cookies from Thursday through Saturday.
Enchantment Resort.
Enchantment is also offering a few culinary classes that are holiday themed. People can take a yule log decorating class in addition to a cornbread and sausage stuffing making class. A craft cocktail making class is also scheduled. Guests of the resort can enjoy Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners, provided they make reservations.
Amara Resort & Spa.
AMARA RESORT & SPA
Uptown Sedona’s Amara Resort & Spa is also hosting a plethora of holiday events. The resort will offer a Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner. Amara will also have a special New Year’s Eve dinner with live music. Guests also can enjoy hot cocoa and cider in the lobby. Resort guests and visitors who dine at the on-site restaurant SaltRock will be entered into a raffle where they can win a free dinner for two on New Year’s Eve.
The Pool at Amara Resort & Spa.
Amara guests can also purchase a Heavenly Peace Day Package from Nov. 24 to Jan. 31, 2026, for $450 per person. This package includes use of the spa’s amenities including the spa’s steam rooms, the hotel’s hot tub and pool and some soothing spa treatments. These include a 90-minute Heavenly Peace Massage that features a myrrh foot scrub and warm Himalayan salt stones that have been scented with aromatic cranberry balsam oil. The treatment is finished with a Plum Silk Butter to lock in moisture. The package also includes a 60-minute Pure Forest Facial that uses adaptogenic snow mushroom and one warm wellness drink.
Take A Snow Hike.
TAKE A SNOW HIKE
Fingers crossed that Sedona gets some snow this year. Seeing the red rocks all dusted with fresh, white snow is a stunning sight. If you have the time, and it’s not too icy out there, consider hitting the trails. Hiking in Sedona is always a good time, but it’s even more special after a snowfall. Check out our full archive of snow hikes. The photos are stunning.
Take A Snow Hike.
