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! 🎉🌵❄️