Winter Wonderlands in Arizona

Winter Wonderlands in Arizona – Snowy Adventures & New Year Celebrations

December in Arizona brings a mix of festive holiday cheer and, believe it or not, opportunities for winter fun in the snow! It’s the perfect month to explore seasonal attractions up north and ring in the New Year Arizona-style. Here are some December 2024 highlights to make your month merry, bright, and maybe a little chilly (in a good way).

All Aboard the Polar Express in Williams

What: Experience the magic of The Polar Express train ride, brought to life by the Grand Canyon Railway. This beloved family tradition lets you relive the classic Christmas story – in your pajamas, with hot cocoa in hand – as you journey through the night to meet Santa Claus.

When & Where: Nightly departures from Williams, AZ (about 30 minutes west of Flagstaff) throughout late November and December (last ride is typically Dec 30). Trains leave from the historic Williams Depot in the evening (around 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. time slots).

Highlights: As the vintage train chugs into darkness, hosts in chef outfits serve you hot chocolate and cookies to the sound of the “Hot Chocolate” song (just like in the movie!). Elves onboard lead sing-alongs of Christmas carols. The train windows display scenes of wilderness until – “North Pole ahead!” – you roll into a glittering outdoor North Pole set with twinkling lights and elves waving. Santa boards the train and walks car-to-car, greeting each child (and child-at-heart) and gifting the “first gift of Christmas” – a silver sleigh bell. The wonder on the kids’ faces is priceless. On the return to Williams, everyone joins in singing “Jingle Bells” and other favorites. It’s an hour-and-a-half of pure holiday joy. Tip: This experience is extremely popular – tickets often sell out by early fall. So plan and book ahead. And yes, most families (and staff) wear pajamas, so don’t be shy joining the comfy, festive dress code!

Snow Play and Skiing in Flagstaff

What: Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to Flagstaff, Arizona’s winter wonderland, for real snow and outdoor fun. This high-elevation city (7,000 feet) often sees significant snowfall by December, turning the ponderosa pine forests into a postcard-perfect scene.

Where & What to Do:

• Arizona Snowbowl: Just 20 minutes outside Flagstaff, Snowbowl ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and scenic gondola rides. December is prime time to hit the slopes (weather permitting). New to snow sports? They have lessons and rentals to get you going. Even if you don’t ski, riding the Sunset Gondola up Mt. Humphreys is breathtaking – you’ll see snowy treetops and expansive views; some days you can even catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon on the horizon.
• Sledding & Snow Play: Flagstaff has several popular sledding spots. One local favorite is Crowley Pit off Highway 180 (near mile marker 233) – basically a big bowl that, when filled with snow, becomes sledding heaven. Bring your own sled (cheap plastic saucers from Walmart work great) and take turns zooming down the hills. The laughter (and occasional wipeouts into powder) are what winter memories are made of. There’s also a new Flagstaff Snow Park (at Fort Tuthill) that, when open, provides groomed sledding hills, snow tubing, and fire pits for a fee – worth checking if it’s operating during your visit for a more managed experience.
• North Pole Experience: For a dose of Christmas magic, the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff (based at Little America Hotel) is a hit with families. You “ride” a shuttle to the North Pole and enter Santa’s massive workshop – complete with toy factory, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and meet-and-greet with Santa. Kids can build a toy with elves and attend Elf University. It’s an immersive holiday wonderland and a great add-on if you’re making a Flagstaff weekend of it (just remember to reserve tickets in advance).

Tips: If driving up from the Phoenix area, keep an eye on weather forecasts – occasionally snowstorms can make travel tricky (carry tire chains or ensure your vehicle is AWD if heavy snow is predicted). Dress for real winter: waterproof boots, gloves, beanies, and lots of layers. Flagstaff often stays in the 30s °F during the day in December and can drop into the teens at night. However, the charm of seeing Arizona’s red rocks and cacti capped with snow is unique – bring that camera!

New Year’s Eve Arizona-Style

When December 31 rolls around, Arizona knows how to party – in our own unique ways. Here are some fun options to ring in New Year’s 2025:

• Flagstaff Pinecone Drop: Flagstaff tops our list again because of this quirky tradition. A 6-foot-tall LED-lit pinecone is dropped from the historic Weatherford Hotel in downtown Flagstaff to mark the New Year – think Times Square ball drop, but with mountain town flair. They do two drops: one at 10 p.m. for families/early birds, and another at midnight. The whole town comes out bundled up, with hot cider or cocoa in hand, to countdown together as the pinecone descends. Fireworks often follow the midnight drop, illuminating the brisk winter sky. Thousands pack the streets (which are closed to traffic) – it’s festive, free, and fun. Dress very warmly (we’re talking parkas, hand warmers in gloves, the whole deal) because late-night Flag in December is freezing. But the energy of the crowd and maybe a celebratory champagne toast keeps you warm!
• Phoenix & Scottsdale Celebrations: If you prefer a city scene, the Phoenix metro has you covered. Many hotels and resorts host New Year’s Eve galas (think fancy dinner, live band or DJ, and champagne toast included). Downtown Phoenix in recent years has had a big outdoor block party with local bands and food trucks, culminating in a midnight fireworks show amidst the skyscrapers. In Old Town Scottsdale, every bar and club is buzzing – some streets effectively turn into open-air parties with music thumping as people hop between venues. Dress code ranges from casual to cocktail depending where you go, but one thing’s for sure – you won’t be bored. Some folks get a hotel room nearby to make a night of it (and avoid driving after celebrating).
• Tucson Taco Drop & More: Tucson has embraced a fun New Year’s tradition of its own – the Taco Drop at Hotel Congress. A massive neon taco is lowered at midnight as revelers cheer (because why not celebrate with Tucson’s favorite food?). There’s also the “Midnight Toast” event downtown with live music and champagne. Lake Havasu City often has fireworks over the famous London Bridge. Prescott usually throws a Boot Drop (a giant illuminated cowboy boot is lowered) on Whiskey Row. No matter where you are, keep an eye on community calendars – Arizonans will turn just about anything into a New Year’s drop event!

Tips: New Year’s Eve is one of those nights where it pays to have a plan. If you’re going to a restaurant or event, make reservations — spots fill up fast. Same for booking accommodations if you’ll be out late in another town (Flagstaff hotels, for instance, sell out for Pinecone Drop weekend). And of course, safety first: use a designated driver or rideshare, especially in the cities where services will be plentiful but in high demand (expect surge pricing, but it’s worth it). And if you’re outdoors (Flagstaff, etc.), bring something warm for that midnight kiss – nobody wants chapped lips in the New Year!

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From magical polar train rides to snow-dusted adventures and festive midnight drops, December in Arizona offers a little bit of everything. It’s this blend of Southwest holiday charm and winter fun that makes the season special here. One weekend you can be sipping cocoa on a train to the “North Pole,” and the next you’re dancing under fireworks in the mild desert night – talk about range!

So bundle up for a northern escapade or put on your party hat in the city – either way, you’ll finish 2024 with wonderful memories and maybe a new tradition or two. Here’s to a joyous holiday season and a bright New Year ahead for all of us in Arizona.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our own Arizona winter adventures (you bet we’ll post a pic from the Pinecone Drop and our Polar Express trip!). Share your holiday fun with us too – we love seeing our community celebrate. Stay safe, stay warm, and Happy New Year, Arizona! 🎉🌵❄️

Holiday Lights in Arizona and Sparkling Events

Holiday Lights in Arizona – Sparkling Events to Start the Season

As November rolls in, Arizona begins to twinkle with the glow of millions of holiday lights. From charming downtown festivals to immersive zoo displays, the Grand Canyon State knows how to kick off the festive season in style. Here are some must-see holiday light events in late November 2024 to get you in the spirit (most continue into December, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the glow!).

Glendale Glitters – A Downtown Spectacle

What: Glendale Glitters is one of Arizona’s largest free holiday light displays, turning Historic Downtown Glendale into a winter wonderland of sparkling lights. 2024 marks its 31st year, and it’s as dazzling as ever.

When & Where: The lights turn on during a big Opening Weekend on Nov 29 & 30, 2024 (the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving) and then remain lit nightly from 5–10 p.m. through Jan 1, 2025. It’s centered around Murphy Park (58th Ave & Glendale Ave) but spans several blocks of old-town Glendale.

Highlights: Opening weekend is a party with live music, carolers, food and craft vendors, and even snow piled in one area for kids to play in (yes, real snow in Glendale!). At 6 p.m., they throw the switch and millions of LED lights covering every tree and rooftop burst on – it’s truly breathtaking. Stroll the park to see the 30-foot Christmas tree and the historic gazebo draped in lights, then wander the shops along Glendale Avenue which are all decked out. There are usually carriage rides available for a romantic trot through the lights. And don’t miss the inflatable glow slides or kids’ activities (like writing letters to Santa). If you love a classic holiday atmosphere – think small-town USA meets Candyland – Glendale Glitters is pure joy. Bundle up if it’s a cool night, grab a hot chocolate from a vendor, and soak in the scene. Best of all, other than what you spend on food or shopping, it’s free to attend.

ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo – Wild Nights & Holiday Lights

What: ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is a beloved annual tradition where the zoo grounds transform into a glittering display of animal-themed lights and holiday magic.

When & Where: Nightly from Nov 22, 2024 through early January 2025 (closed Dec 24 & 25) at the Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park (Phoenix/Scottsdale border). Hours are typically 5:30–10 p.m. It’s a separate event from daytime zoo admission.

Highlights: Imagine millions of lights shaped as lions, tigers, and giraffes… oh my! The zoo is covered in light displays – towering giraffe and elephant light sculptures, a rainbow-lit Savannah tunnel, and trees dripping in synchronized colors. Every year they add something new; for 2024 look out for an expanded “African Water Hole” display with glowing water ripples and animal lanterns. A favorite spot is the lakeside music-and-light show: every half hour, the lake comes alive with floating lights and lasers dancing to holiday songs (grab a spot on one of the viewing bridges for the best perspective). Kids will love the carousel (usually operating during ZooLights) and seeing real animals that are still awake – often the tropical birds or mountain lions are up and about in the cool night. Santa will be available for visits and photos through Christmas Eve. And don’t skip the s’mores station – you can toast marshmallows over a fire pit for a tasty treat under the stars. Tip: Buy tickets online to save a buck or two and breeze through the entrance. Weeknights are generally less crowded than weekends. And wear comfortable walking shoes – the zoo is big and you’ll be weaving through paths of wonder all night!

Prescott Courthouse Lighting – Small-Town Charm

What: The city of Prescott, Arizona’s official “Christmas City,” kicks off the holiday season with its iconic Courthouse Lighting ceremony – a tradition that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.

When & Where: Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. Festivities usually start around 5-6 p.m. (Just a smidge into December, but it’s such a marquee event we had to include it – and many folks drive up in late November to see the prep and other events.)

Highlights: The entire courthouse and the tall pine trees around it are strung with tens of thousands of lights. On Dec 7, a crowd gathers (often bundled in coats and beanies – Prescott is chilly!) to watch performances by choirs and bands, then joins in a countdown as the Mayor or a special guest flips the switch. Instantly, the whole square becomes an enchanting forest of lights and the courthouse glows with outlines of holiday colors. It’s goosebump-inducing and often accompanied by a collective “oooh!” from the crowd. After the lighting, enjoy strolling the square with a warm drink in hand. Local shops and restaurants around Whiskey Row often have extended hours and specials that night, so pop in for some holiday shopping or dinner with a view of the lights. If you have kids, the Prescott Christmas Parade typically takes place earlier that day – a daytime parade of floats and marching bands – making it a full day of celebration. Prescott really embraces the holidays, so you’ll find the whole town in a merry mood.

More Arizona Holiday Light Experiences

• Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix): For a serene and uniquely Southwestern experience, visit the Desert Botanical Garden on select nights Nov 24–Dec 31 for Las Noches de las Luminarias. Thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags line the garden trails, and delicate string lights adorn the desert plants. With soft live music (think acoustic guitar, flute, or handbell choirs) playing at various spots, an evening stroll here is peaceful and romantic. Stop by the Garden’s Ullman Terrace for a cup of hot cocoa or a prickly pear margarita and gaze at the desert skyline. (Tickets required – this event often sells out weekends, so snag them early.)
• Winterhaven Festival of Lights (Tucson): In mid-December, the historic Winterhaven neighborhood in Tucson puts on one of the longest-running neighborhood light displays in the country (since 1949!). Residents go all out decorating their homes and yards with creative themes – you might see a Star Wars Christmas house next to a Winter Wonderland with penguins and polar bears. You can walk, bike, or drive through (certain nights are drive-through only). It’s free, but they kindly ask for canned food donations for the community food bank. Bundle up, park nearby, and take a leisurely walk under the glowing trees – it’s a Tucson holiday staple.
• Light Parades & Tree Trails: Many Arizona communities host light parades or have decorated areas worth checking out. For example, Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade happens on Tempe Town Lake (usually the first Saturday of December) – see boats covered in lights floating by, plus a fireworks finale. Mesa normally has a Merry Main Street with a huge tree and a nightly lit “Elf on the Shelf” train ride for kids. And don’t forget Phoenix ZooLights’ neighbor event – the CitySkate Ice Rink and Christmas Tree in downtown Phoenix at CityScape (a large outdoor ice rink under a sparkling tree, open late Nov through Jan). Wherever you are in AZ, chances are there’s a park or street glowing with holiday cheer.

Tips for Enjoying Holiday Light Events

• Arrive Early: Popular events like Glendale Glitters opening or ZooLights prime nights can draw huge crowds. Going early not only helps with parking and avoiding traffic, but you get to see the lights right as they come on at dusk – which is a magical transition. If you’re doing an event in a smaller town (like Prescott’s Lighting), plan to get there well ahead of start time to snag a good spot and explore a bit first.
• Dress in Layers: Arizona nights in Nov/Dec can range from mild to downright cold, depending on the year and location. Phoenix might be a comfy 60°F evening or drop to the 40s. Flagstaff/Prescott will be colder – possibly freezing. Wear layers and bring that coat or extra sweater just in case. You can always peel a layer off if you’re warm from walking. And comfortable shoes are a must for walking through big displays and neighborhoods.
• Bring Cash (for Snacks/Donations): While many vendors take cards now, it’s smart to have a little cash for things like hot cocoa from a non-profit stand or a glow stick your child eyes on a vendor cart. Also, if an event is free but benefiting a charity (like Winterhaven or certain city events asking for food bank donations), contribute if you can – it’s the season of giving, after all!
• Make a Night of It: The best thing about these light events is the quality time with loved ones. Maybe start with an early dinner at a local spot (many restaurants near these events have specials or festive menus), then walk the lights, then cap it off with dessert. Take lots of photos – the lights make for great backdrops (pro tip: use night mode or portrait mode on your phone for better results, and step under a well-lit tree for the best glow). These could become cherished annual traditions, so soak up the moments.

November in Arizona marks the joyful start of the holiday season, and there’s no shortage of brilliant light displays to ignite your festive spirit. So grab a warm drink, gather your family or friends, and bask in the glow of these events. From millions of glittering bulbs to humble luminarias, each light contributes to the magic of the season.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll be sharing snapshots from these Arizona holiday hotspots all season long (expect pics of us sipping cocoa under palm trees wrapped in lights 😄). Happy holidays and happy light-hopping!