10 Best Things to Do in Arizona During Christmas

Best Things to Do in Arizona During Christmas. Christmas in Arizona brings a distinctive blend of holiday cheer set against the backdrop of the state’s stunning desert landscapes. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the season offers a refreshing take on traditional holiday activities, allowing visitors and residents to celebrate in a festive and unique way. Imagine strolling through dazzling light displays that twinkle against the desert sky or enjoying a cosy Christmas market surrounded by the charm of southwestern crafts and local flavours.

10 Best Things to Do in Arizona During Christmas

For those seeking adventure, Arizona offers outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, or even ice skating under the sun. The state’s vibrant cities, quaint towns, and scenic spots all come alive with seasonal events, parades, and concerts that capture the warmth and joy of Christmas in a truly special way. Whether you’re enjoying the desert’s beauty or indulging in holiday traditions with a southwestern twist, Arizona provides an unforgettable holiday experience for all.

1. Explore the Enchanting Christmas Lights

Arizona’s Christmas light displays are nothing short of magical. The combination of vibrant lights against the desert’s dark skies creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Numerous places across the state offer breathtaking light displays where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo: One of the most popular events in the state, ZooLights transforms the Phoenix Zoo into a winter wonderland. With over 3 million lights decorating the zoo, it’s an evening you won’t want to miss. Visitors can stroll through themed displays, enjoy hot cocoa, and even visit with Santa Claus.
Tucson’s Winterhaven Festival of Lights: If you find yourself in Tucson, be sure to check out Winterhaven. This neighborhood goes all out each year, with thousands of twinkling lights lining the streets. The event is free to attend and offers a beautiful walk through the neighborhood, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a charming local tradition.
Lights at the Arizona State Capitol: Located in Phoenix, the Capitol’s Christmas lights show is another must-see for those in the area. With a dramatic backdrop of the state’s historic building, this light display perfectly blends festive tradition and local culture.

2. Ice Skating in the Desert

While Arizona is renowned for its warm weather, you can still enjoy classic winter activities like ice skating. Many venues across the state offer an icy escape, allowing you to glide across the rink under the warm desert skies.

Arizona Ice Rink (Scottsdale): Located in Scottsdale, this popular ice rink is a great place to cool off and have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just getting started, this rink provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the holiday season with family-friendly skating sessions and fun events.
Tucson’s Winter Wonderland: Tucson may not be known for snow, but its outdoor ice rink creates a magical atmosphere. Set up in the city’s heart, this rink lets you enjoy the winter sports experience surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes.
Skate Westgate: This outdoor ice skating rink is located in Glendale in the Westgate Entertainment District. It offers a festive setting complete with holiday music, lights, and plenty of nearby shopping and dining options to make your visit even more enjoyable.

3. Attend a Holiday Festival or Parade

No Christmas season is complete without attending a holiday festival or parade, and Arizona hosts several spectacular events during December that bring the community together in the true spirit of Christmas.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix): Every December, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is illuminated with thousands of luminarias and traditional Mexican lanterns, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy walking tours, live music, and holiday shopping.
Glendale Glitters: Glendale’s holiday celebration is one of the largest in Arizona, with over 1.6 million lights decorating the historic downtown area. This event features food vendors, live entertainment, and a Christmas parade, making it a great option for those looking to immerse themselves in Arizona’s holiday spirit.
Tucson Parade of Lights: Tucson’s Parade of Lights is a festive display of floats, bands, and dancers. It’s a great way to experience the local culture while enjoying the holiday cheer.

4. Visit Santa Claus at Various Locations

For families with young children, meeting Santa Claus is one of the highlights of the holiday season. Arizona offers a variety of places where you can meet the jolly old man himself, take photos, and share your Christmas wishes.

Scottsdale Waterfront: At the Scottsdale Waterfront, children can meet Santa and take pictures with him while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views. The area also has several festive events, making it a perfect holiday outing.
Phoenix’s Heard Museum: If you’re looking for a more unique Santa experience, the Heard Museum in Phoenix offers a chance to meet Santa surrounded by cultural exhibits. It’s a wonderful opportunity to blend holiday traditions with Native American art and culture.
Desert Ridge Marketplace (Phoenix): This outdoor shopping center allows families to visit Santa, take photos, and shop for holiday gifts. The marketplace hosts several special holiday events throughout December, making it a fun destination for all ages.

5. Experience the Snow at Arizona Ski Resorts

Arizona’s ski resorts offer the perfect opportunity to hit the slopes if you crave a white Christmas. While Arizona is often associated with deserts, the state’s mountain regions provide ample opportunities for winter sports.

Snowbowl (Flagstaff): Flagstaff’s Snowbowl ski resort is the place to be for winter sports enthusiasts. With various slopes for all skill levels, it’s ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Plus, the resort often receives a generous amount of snowfall, ensuring plenty of fresh powder for an exciting Christmas getaway.
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (Tucson): Mount Lemmon, located near Tucson, offers a smaller, more intimate skiing experience. The ski valley is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a low-key escape to enjoy the winter wonderland of the desert mountains.

6. Go Holiday Shopping at Local Markets

Arizona’s local holiday markets are perfect for finding unique gifts, homemade goods, and festive treats. Whether shopping for a special someone or looking for something to bring home from your trip, Arizona’s holiday markets provide a unique shopping experience.

Arizona Christmas Market (Phoenix): Located in Phoenix, this market features a wide range of handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, and food items. It’s an excellent spot to find something special for loved ones and enjoy holiday entertainment.
Tucson Winter Farmers Market: Tucson’s Winter Farmers Market offers locally-made products, crafts, and seasonal produce. It’s a great place to explore the creative spirit of Arizona’s artisans while picking up unique gifts and enjoying festive foods.

7. Take a Scenic Holiday Train Ride

For a truly magical Christmas experience, hop aboard a holiday-themed train ride. Arizona’s holiday train rides are filled with festive cheer and offer a fun way to enjoy the state’s beautiful landscapes while enjoying holiday traditions.

Polar Express (Williams): Based on the beloved Christmas book, the Polar Express is an unforgettable adventure. The train ride from Williams to the “North Pole” features a magical journey with hot chocolate, holiday stories, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Grand Canyon Railway (Williams): The Grand Canyon Railway offers a Christmas-themed train ride to the Grand Canyon. This special holiday journey features festive decorations, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa Claus, creating a warm and memorable holiday experience for families.

8. Enjoy Christmas at the Grand Canyon

With its awe-inspiring views, the Grand Canyon provides a stunning backdrop for the holiday season. While the weather might be cooler, the experience is unique during Christmas, as the canyon’s beauty and serenity offer a peaceful retreat.

Holiday Lights at the Grand Canyon: While there may not be snow, the Grand Canyon’s Christmas light display brings holiday cheer to the iconic natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy the canyon’s beauty while taking in holiday-themed lights, music, and activities.
Winter Hiking: If you’re looking for a more tranquil holiday, hiking along the canyon rim or even into the canyon offers a peaceful and introspective experience. The quieter atmosphere during winter makes this a special time to visit.

9. Indulge in a Festive Christmas Meal

Arizona offers a variety of dining experiences where you can enjoy a delicious Christmas meal. There’s something for everyone, from traditional holiday feasts to unique desert-inspired dishes.

Christmas Dinner at The Phoenician (Scottsdale): For a luxurious holiday experience, The Phoenician offers a festive Christmas brunch and dinner in a beautiful, upscale setting. Guests can indulge in gourmet meals, enjoy holiday-themed cocktails, and revel in the resort’s winter-themed decor.
Hacienda del Sol (Tucson): This charming resort offers a special Christmas dinner with classic holiday dishes and southwestern-inspired flavors. Guests can enjoy their meal in a cozy and intimate setting with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

10. Experience Arizona’s Christmas Spirit in Small Towns

If you’re looking for a more intimate, small-town Christmas experience, consider visiting Arizona’s charming towns, known for their unique holiday traditions.

Prescott’s Courthouse Lighting: Prescott is famous for its historic courthouse square, which is beautifully lit during the holiday season. It’s a great place to take in the Christmas spirit.
Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: Enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts while walking through this beautifully decorated village, lit with thousands of twinkling lights.

Arizona is a fantastic destination for Christmas festivities, offering a variety of activities for everyone. Whether you prefer the charm of festive lights, snow-filled mountain adventures, or unique local traditions, there’s something to make your holiday season special in the Grand Canyon State. Embrace the warmth of the desert or enjoy the winter activities – Arizona has it all this Christmas!

What are the 5 C’s of Arizona?

The 5 C’s of Arizona are five key elements that have historically shaped the state’s economy and culture. These are:

Copper: Arizona is known for its rich copper deposits, and mining has been a cornerstone of its economy for over a century. The state is one of the largest copper producers in the world.
Cattle: Livestock farming, particularly cattle ranching, has been an important part of Arizona’s agricultural sector. The state’s vast open land is ideal for raising cattle, and ranching remains a significant industry.
Cotton: Arizona is one of the top cotton producers in the United States. The state’s warm climate and irrigated lands make it perfect for growing this major agricultural export.
Citrus: Arizona is a major producer of citrus fruits, especially oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The state’s climate is well-suited for citrus farming, and these fruits are widely exported.
Climate: Arizona is known for its sunny, warm climate, which attracts tourists and supports outdoor activities. The state’s climate is also ideal for agriculture and other industries that rely on consistent sunshine.

These five elements have been essential to Arizona’s development and play a key role in today’s economy.

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