Christmas in Flagstaff & Holiday Events 2024
Christmas in Flagstaff is a magical time of year! Hidden on a mountain top at 7,000 feet and averaging over 100" of snow every year – it's life in a snow globe. Out of state visitors have a hard time believing that Arizona has its own Winter Wonderland. The average temps are in the 40Fs during the day with consistent Arizona sun, and you'll usually get a white Christmas under your feet with the warm sun on your face. Like other mountain towns, Christmas in Flagstaff truly feels like a summit oasis – even if you don't make it to Snowbowl (the local ski resort). With warm coffee and warmer locals, endless sledding hills and giant Ponderosa pines, Christmas in Flagstaff is sure to create lasting memories. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Flagstaff can be Christmas perfection. Whether you're spending Christmas in Flagstaff with friends or family, there's something festive for you to enjoy that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Here are some of Flagstaff's Favorite Holiday Activities
1. Lights at the Station
Bundle up and grab the mittens to capture the magic of the holiday lights at the station located in the heart of historic downtown. This light display is free to all during the holiday season. Be sure to take a short stroll east of the Visitor Center to the corner of Route 66 and San Francisco to the 1911 Baldwin Steam locomotive, Old Two Spot, offering a dazzling light display.
2. Sledding
Find the perfect and safest sledding hills in Flagstaff! Wondering where to take the kids sledding or tubing in Flagstaff? The whole family can enjoy playing in the snow, making snowmen have snowball fights in several of Flagstaff's snowy areas. You'll find that some of the designated snow play areas are safer with nearby restrooms, hot beverages and other recharging amenities. For a list of places to go sledding take a look at our favorites here: Flagstaff Sledding »
Please note that it is prohibited to park along the road on HWY 180.
3. North Pole Experience
Be transported through a portal to Santa's Workshop at the North Pole, where all the magic happens! Tour the entire workshop, build toys with the elves, visit the toy factory and enjoy special one-on-one time with Santa! This is an 8500-square-foot workshop, which includes Santa's Toy Hall of Fame, Santa's Toy Building Workshop, a large toy factory where all the real magic happens, Santa's Bakery with hot cocoa and cookies, Elf University, Santa's Office, "Area 47" — Santa's secret sleigh hanger, and of course, hot chocolate and cookies.North Pole Experience »
4. Holiday Lights at Little America
Come see the spectacular holiday lights at Little America Hotel covering the grounds in a stunning display for all to enjoy through January 2025.5. Polar Express
Ride the Polar Express in your pajamas, for the experience of a lifetime with your children! Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to this timeless story.
6. HOLIDAY EVENTS DOWNTOWN
Downtown Flagstaff- December First Friday ArtWalk
Downtown Flagstaff
December 6, 2024
5 - 8 pm
Breakfast with Santa
Weatherford Hotel - Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
Heritage Square
December 7, 2024
2 - 8 pm
This event is FREE, family-friendly and pet-friendly! There will be hot cocoa, s'mores, crafts, live music and more! The Tree Lighting takes place at 5:45pm. - Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Flagstaff
December 1-31, 2024 - 12 Bars of Christmas
Downtown Flagstaff
December 14, 2024
2 - 7 pm - Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Flagstaff
December 14, 2024
6 pm - 8 pm - Howlidays
Heritage Square
December 8, 2024
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
This free event offers the opportunity for pet owners to get pictures of their pets with Santa. Weather permitting, High Country Humane and Coconino Humane Association will be present with adoptable dogs and information on their respective organizations. Donations are encouraged but not required. - Winter Movie Series
The Orpheum
December 7, 14, 21, 2024
9:30 am - The Winter Movie Series is an event produced by the Downtown Flagstaff Business Alliance and The Orpheum Theater. The FREE event takes place on the first three Saturdays of December, each showing a different holiday movie to enjoy. Along with the film, the DBA will have holiday-themed crafts to enjoy before the show. Plus, the classic concessions will be available for purchase! - Saturday, December 7th: Home Alone (1990) Kick off the series with the hilarious holiday adventures of Kevin McCallister in this family favorite.
- Saturday, December 14th: Elf (2003) Laugh along with Buddy the Elf as he spreads Christmas cheer in this modern holiday classic.
- Saturday, December 21st: The Polar Express (2004) All aboard for an enchanting journey to the North Pole! Along with this magical film, expect a special surprise guest appearance that will delight audiences of all ages.
December 7, 14, 21, 2024 9 - 11 am
TICKETS »
7. Little America Breakfast with Santa
Little America HotelEnjoy a festive-filled morning with the big man himself. Reserve your tickets today for breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa. The Little America Breakfast Buffet is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on select days throughout November and December.
8. Little America Christmas Dinner
Share in the joy at Little America Hotel with a family-style take-out menu for two to four people or a prix-fix dinner in the beautiful Silver Pine Restaurant for in-person dining. Menu items will feature seasonal soup, salad, an amazing choice of entrees, and delicious dessert options including Little America’s renowned bread pudding with rum sauce.9. Bearizona Wild Wonderland
Enjoy lights and animals at this wild winter wonderland. Every Friday/Saturday/Sunday during the holiday season.Go to Bearizona ».
10. Arizona Nordic Village
Snow pack permitting, forget about malls, shopping, and holiday stress. Take your family on a snowy adventure that they'll remember for years to come! The Arizona Nordic Village is located in the Coconino National Forest just 15 miles from downtown Flagstaff. Visitors cab get away from the holiday hustle and bustle by staying in one of the large or small yurts or a log-sided camper cabin in the foothills of the San Francisco Peaks. During the winter season enjoy the well-groomed cross-country ski trails of Arizona Nordic Village. They offer over 40 km of ski trails groomed for both classic and skate-style skiing. With over 15 km of well-marked snowshoe trails, they are the perfect location for a winter hike.
Go to Arizona Nordic Village ».
11. Theatiricos Holiday Show
Elf: The Musical - November 29 - December 22, 2024
Flagstaff Holiday Event Calendar & Christmas Festivities
MORE THINGS TO EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS
2.5 Acres in the Pines w/ Game Room, Hot Tub, & Space for your family. Just 15 min from Downtown!
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures includi … More
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, visiting Flagstaff/NAU or exploring the attractions. Its 5 bedrooms, 3 baths comfortably accommodate 12 making this house perfect for large groups/families.
Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Jacuzzi | Games Provided | Private Patios/Balconies | Free Wi-Fi
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Private Patios/Balconies | Access to Trails
Rustic A-Frame - 4 Bdrms, Loft, Game Room, & Firepit.
This Flagstaff vacation rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is the perfe … More
This Flagstaff vacation rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, and visiting Flagstaff/NAU. Its 4 bedrooms, 2 baths comfortably accommodate 12.
Pet-Friendly | Private Patios/Balconies | Game Room | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Free Wi-Fi | Laundry
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Outdoor Pool | Free Wi-Fi | Concierge Services | Fitness Center | Laundry | Fireplace(s) | On-Site Restaurant | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | ADA Accessible | Groups/Meetings
Cabins & Yurts At AZ Nordic Village
In the winter season, the Arizona Nordic Village hosts a groomed trail system for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. Over 20 miles of trails offer opportunities for everybody to have a winter adventure!
Environmentally-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill
