Here Are The 7 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Arizona
Ready to embrace the holiday spirit? Or maybe you’re already in the Christmas mood because you’re one of those people who decorated their house with twinkle lights, ribbons, and mistletoe just a week after Halloween. Either way, if you’re looking for some fantastic holiday events, look no further! We have a nice list of the best Christmas towns in Arizona where it won’t be difficult to find some holiday-filled cheer throughout the month. Ready to start exploring?
The city sitting near the base of the San Francisco Peaks is bound to be one of the top winter destinations every year for its cold weather, snowy days, and lovely main street. Plus, it also doubles as the North Pole! Check out the North Pole Experience at the Little America Hotel where kids will get a chance to meet Santa Claus, work alongside the elves, and enjoy some tasty treats. Other fun activities include special holiday tours at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park where you can see lovely Victorian era holiday decorations and traditions.
Glendale Glitters is the main attraction to this West Valley city but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can find fun events and festivals happening every weekend with live music, movies, and art events all happening downtown. Learn more about all the festive events taking place when you visit the official Glendale visitor's website.
Want to wander through a Christmas village when the temperatures are a little warmer than freezing? Lake Havasu’s English village by the London Bridge is the perfect place to experience a little bit of Old World charm made even more magical by the endless lights.
This Phoenix suburb has quite a few Christmas events going on, many similar to those happening in Phoenix but on a smaller, less crowded scale. You’ll find Main Street all lit up with lights and a huge Christmas tree, plus an ice skate rink. The Temple Gardens lights and concerts will bring a more subdued holiday feeling. Head on over to the official Mesa, Arizona visitor's website for more information about what's going on this season.
When it comes to the best Christmas towns in Arizona, Phoenix certainly impresses. The number of Christmas events you’ll find in our state’s largest city is probably too large to figure out but there are plenty of festivities all over the city. You’ll find some classic things like the annual Electric Light Parade held on Central Avenue and holiday concerts, as well as the impressive ice rink set up in the CityScape development. Plus museums, businesses, churches, and even a few neighborhoods have their own holiday events all ready to go.
Designated Arizona’s Christmas City by Governor Mofford in 1989, Prescotthas been impressing families for years with their numerous light displays, a light parade, and events happening almost every day. The highlights to see here are the annual courthouse lighting and the Frontier Christmas event at the Sharlot Hall Museum.
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best Christmas towns in Arizona, Tucson definitely belongs on your radar this season. From cultural events to illuminated light displays, gallery events, musical performances, and more, Tucson truly has a little bit of everything. Find out more when you check out the official Tucson Events & Festivals page on the visitor's guide.
Hopefully, this list of the best Christmas towns in Arizona has inspired you to get out of the house and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones! Be sure to let us know some of your favorite Christmas spots in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
For even more Christmas cheer, you might want to check out the Polar Express ride in Williams, which offers a fun-filled experience the entire family can enjoy.
Address: Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Address: Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA
Address: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Address: Prescott, AZ, USA
Address: Mesa, AZ, USA
Address: Tucson, AZ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best Christmas towns in Arizona
November 19, 2021
Beth C.
What are some of the best winter attractions in Arizona?
Arizona makes for a fantastic winter getaway destination. Whether you’re traveling from a different part of the country or planning a stay-cation, you’ll be glad you spent some of the colder months here. The variety of landscapes, incredible natural wonders, cozy shops, iconic restaurants, and unique lodgings make Arizona a fantastic idea year-round. If you visit during the winter, we would recommend checking out any of the following destinations: the Mogollon Rim, the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Verde Valley, the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Superstition Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix. Learn more about these incredible winter attractions in Arizona.
Are there any winter hikes in Arizona?
You bet! Hiking is an activity that most people associate with summer; however, it’s also true that hiking in the winter can be a fantastic experience. That’s especially true here in Arizona when winter weather can actually be preferable to the brutal heat of summertime. Some of our favorite winter-time hikes in Arizona include South Mountain National Trail in Phoenix, Wind Cave Trail in Mesa, Seven falls Trail in Tucson, Tumbe Butte Trail 33 in Prescott, East Wetlands Interpretive Trail in Yuma, Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix, Agassiz Peak in Flagstaff, Bell Rock-Courthouse Butte Loop in Sedona, and the Rim Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, the Grand Canyon is one of the most epic winter destinations in Arizona. Many people assume this natural wonder is closed during the winter, so you can look forward to relatively fewer crowds and plenty of space to enjoy the park’s most iconic overlooks.
Address: Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Address: Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA
Address: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Address: Prescott, AZ, USA
Address: Mesa, AZ, USA
Address: Tucson, AZ, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
