Posted in Arizona
December 12, 2018
Christmas In These 9 Arizona Towns Looks Like Something From A Hallmark Movie
We’re lucky to live in such a festive state. Main Streets are lined with millions of glittering bulbs, ice-skating rinks fill downtown squares, and trains whiz through the countryside en route to Santa’s Workshop. Big cities and small towns alike in Arizona go all-out for the holiday season, and these nine celebrate Christmas like nowhere else in America.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Flagstaff is home to the North Pole Experience, where tiny tots get a complete tour of Santa's Workshop. Learn the art of toymaking from friendly elves, try some of Mrs. Claus's decadent Christmas cookies, and meet the big man in red himself. More information can be found here. Plenty of other places, like Riordan Mansion State Park, are all decked out in lights and decor as well.
Tucson's annual Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, December 15. It features brilliantly decorated floats, live entertainment, food vendors, and an entire downtown decorated for the season. Other can't-miss displays include Tohono Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Garden, and the Winterhaven neighborhood.
Arizonans flock to Tempe this time of year to see the spectacle that is Mill Avenue, a street adorned with tons of beautiful lights. There are also several holiday concerts taking place at ASU all month long!
This quirky Route 66 town is where you'll find the Polar Express Train, a famed holiday attraction taking passengers on an enchanting ride to Santa's Village. There'll be elves, story time, cookies and hot chocolate, and plenty of family photo opportunities. Plus, several historic restaurants and shops are decorated for the season!
It's no surprise that Arizona's largest city would make the list. Hundreds of festivities take place here all month long, the most notable being ZooLights, Las Noches de las Luminarias, and CityScape's ice rink.
One of the most popular towns in Arizona to visit during Christmastime, Glendale's town square gets transformed into an absolute winter wonderland. It's the largest free holiday light display in the entire state, featuring live music, tasty food, and antique shopping.
Every building in this charming English village gets set ablaze at Christmastime. Do some last-minute shopping, ice skate at London Bridge Resort, and admire all the boats decked out in lights.
Christmas is sprinkled all throughout Mesa, but Main Street is where you'll find most of the festivities. The month-long celebration includes ice skating, arts and crafts, movie screenings, and visits from Santa.
Arizona's official "Christmas City" certainly lives up to its title, with a downtown square that comes alive with millions of glittering bulbs. Activities include live performances, holiday craft fairs, and parades.
Have you ever visited any of these towns at Christmastime? What’s your favorite Arizona city to celebrate the holidays in?
To learn more about why Prescott is our official “Christmas City,” check out At Christmastime, This Arizona Town Has The Most Enchanting Main Street In The Country
