THE NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Now until Dec. 24, 3 p.m. Thursday through Sundays
Little America Hotel (2515 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff)
480-779-9679
northpoleexperience.com
Families can take a peek inside Santa’s Workshop. Once at the North Pole, they can enjoy a plethora of activities like building toys with Santa’s elves and exploring the toy factory. Each child also receives a collectable teddy bear. Adult and child ticket prices range from $69 to $76.
HOLIDAY IGLOO VILLAGE AT THE HILTON
Now until late March of 2025
Hilton Sedona Resort (90 Ridge Trail Dr.)
928-284-4040
hiltonsedonaresort.com
Guests can indulge in a special menu and craft cocktails underneath outdoor igloos at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock from 4 to 9 p.m. nightly.
THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 Departure times vary
300 N. Broadway in Clarkdale
928-340-2740
verdecanyonrr.com
Take a train ride to the North Pole on the Verde Canyon Railroad. At the North Pole, meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and goofy elves. The train also passes by Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus Bakery. The Verde Canyon Railroad will also offer a special New Year’s Eve train ride. Ticket prices for ages 10 and younger start at $40 per person.
VIP CHOCOLATE AND WINE EXPERIENCE
Dec. 6, 4 – 7 p.m.
Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood
928-340-2740
oldtown.org/vipevent
Enjoy wine tasting and chocolate pairings from a variety of merchants in Old Town Cottonwood. Tickets costs $50 per person. Only 100 VIP tickets are available. Each purchase comes with a commemorative wine glass. On Dec. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m., guests can participate in a Chocolate Walk sans wine. Tickets cost $27 per person.
42ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE & 70TH ANNUAL COURTHOUSE LIGHTING
Dec. 7, 1 – 3 p.m.; 5 p.m.
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in Prescott
928-445-2000
arizonachristmascity.com
See a festive Christmas parade in the afternoon, and then watch as Prescott’s downtown courthouse is lit up in time for the holidays in the evening. Live music starts at 5 p.m. Come see why Prescott is called Arizona’s Christmas City.
70TH ANNUAL COTTONWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Old Town Cottonwood
928-634-7593
cottonwoodchamberaz.org
Floats and marching bands celebrate the holiday season in Cottonwood.
2024 SLEIGH WINTER MARKET
Dec. 7 – 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
City Hall Lot (211 W. Aspen Ave.)
flagstaffmarket.com
Head to Flagstaff’s City Hall Lot to find a plethora of holiday gifts from local makers. Attendees also can check out food trucks, art and specialty food.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Dec. 7, 8 – 10 a.m.
The Hub at Posse Grounds Park (525- B Posse Grounds Road)
928-282-7098
sedonaaz.gov
Families can gather to enjoy free pancakes and juice, caroling, see Santa’s stable of reindeer and meet with Santa. A sensory-friendly time slot is available from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m.
FRONTIER CHRISTMAS
Dec. 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Sharlot Hall Museum (415 W. Gurley St.) in Downtown Prescott
928-445-3122
sharlothallmuseum.org
Following the Courthouse lighting, enjoy festive décor, cookies, carols and Victorian-inspired crafts. Adult tickets cost $5. Kids 17 and younger are free.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Dec. 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sedona Heritage Museum (735 Jordan Road in Uptown)
928-282-7038
sedonamuseum.org
See a traditional tumbleweed snowman and old-time holiday décor. Enjoy hot cider and cookies, music, vintage holiday decorations, and kids can even create a make-and-take cornhusk doll. Don’t miss the sale at the museum gift shop.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & PARADE OF LIGHTS
Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Community Center Gym (51 E. Hollamon St.) and Main Street in Camp Verde
928-554-0828
visitcampverde.com
Find unique crafts and gifts from up to 45 vendors at the bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and spend the evening watching a parade along Main Street that kicks off at 6 p.m. See Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the parade, and then meet them at the gym afterwards.
ESTEBAN’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Dec. 15, 3 p.m.; Dec. 22, 3, 7 p.m.
Two locations in Prescott.
estebanmusic.com
Listen to a special performance by master guitarist Esteban along with his violinist Teresa Joy. The duo will perform at the historic Elks Theatre on Dec. 15 and at The Grand Highland Hotel on Dec. 22. Ticket prices range from $37 to $109.
Photo by Derek von Briesen.
VISIT WITH SANTA
Dec. 21, 2 – 5 p.m.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (336 AZ-179)
928-282-4838
tlaq.com
Santa will be visiting Tlaquepaque and taking photos with children. Visitors can enjoy live music, free face painting and special holiday guests.
HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING
Dec. 29, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Tlaquepaque North (313 AZ-179)
928-282-4838
tlaq.com
Attendees can watch a menorah lit up, and enjoy latkes, donuts, hot chocolate and festive music. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Judah The Maccabee, take a photo and receive gelt.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WHISKEY ROW BOOT DROP
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Palace Restaurant & Saloon (120 S. Montezuma St. in Downtown Prescott)
1-800-975-1013
bootdrop.com
Celebrate 2025 at the New Year’s Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop in Prescott. A 6-foot illuminated boot will drop at 10 p.m. and midnight. Fireworks will light up the sky after each drop. Before each drop, attendees can enjoy live music along with food.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PINE CONE DROP
Dec. 31, noon, 10 p.m. and midnight
Weatherford Hotel (23 N. Leroux St. in Downtown Flagstaff)
928-779-1919
weatherfordhotel.com
Ring in 2025 when a 6-foot-tall pine cone descends from the top of the Weatherford Hotel at three different times on New Year’s Eve. The noon drop time is perfect for families.
