Hiking can sometimes be all work with no reward, but not at Camelback Mountain! During the holiday season, Santa and a fully “ornamented” Christmas tree will be awaiting your arrival at the summit. What a unique family tradition to adopt! Check the ol’ Camelback Mountain Christmas Tree out this year – and be sure to get photos. You never know when this one might disappear for good. Christmas in Arizona has never been so much fun.

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Visit Camelback Mountain’s official AllTrails page to learn more. Want to amp your hiking game up? Check out AllTrails Plus – you’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it!

Have you ever hiked Camelback Mountain during the holiday season? If so, did you see Santa or the tree? What about pictures? We’d love to hear all the merry and bright details of your festive experience. What are your favorite things to do in Arizona during the winter? Let us know.

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Camelback Mountain Christmas Tree

Who decorates the Camelback Mountain Christmas tree every year?  

Despite the controversy in recent years from critics who argue the tree does more harm than good, there’s a group of caring volunteers that hike up Camelback Mountain every year with a tree and all-natural “decorations” for it. Hikers are also welcome to add “decorations” to the Camelback Mountain Christmas tree, as long as they are made of birdseed. How fun is that? Feed the birds and partake in tradition! Read about another unusual Christmas tree in Arizona.   

What is Christmas in Arizona like?  

Christmas in Arizona is a magical time, no matter which part of the state you’re in. There are lots of fun things to do for Christmas in Arizona, like:  

  • Have a white Christmas in beautiful, snowy Flagstaff and enjoy a warm fireplace and all the joy of the forest in the winter.  
  • Take part in the annual Christmas parade in a decked-out downtown Tucson, which is located in southern Arizona.  
  • Visit the town of Glendale, which is world-famous for its absolutely amazing Christmas lights display featuring millions of lights decorating the downtown area.  

Learn more about the best Christmas towns in Arizona

What are some fun Christmas traditions in Arizona?  

Arizona might be in the desert, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t chock-full of awesome traditions anyway. Some of the downright best Christmas traditions in Arizona include:  

  • Glendale Glitters – The all-lit-up downtown Glendale is so legendary that people come from all over the state to experience it. Add vendors and open shops on weekend evenings and it gets even better!  
  • Prescott – Prescott is literally known as Christmas City, USA. The whole town gets all amazingly decked out for the holidays, resulting in its being famous for how wonderful it is!  

Learn more about the best Christmas traditions in Arizona

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