8 Winter Festivals In Arizona That Are Simply Unforgettable

Looking for some fun activities to get you out of the house this holiday season? Or maybe you need a few interesting ways to keep your kids entertained once winter vacation begins? Here are a few winter festivals in Arizona happening all throughout the chilly season that you won’t want to miss! How many of these cold-weather traditions did you already know about? Which ones are you adding to your to-do list? Let us know!

1. 12 Days of Christmas, Snowflake

This festival actually lasts for most of the month in anticipation of Christmas Day. Enjoy the annual town lighting and impressive nativity displays. The rest of the month includes a variety of Christmas programs, concerts, markets, and other activities. Festivities typically begin on December 1st and go throughout the month. The whole town of Snowflake is wonderful always, but especially so in the winter.

2. Balloon Festival & Fair, Lake Havasu City

If you are looking for something to do after the new year, definitely consider attending the annual Havasu Balloon Festival! This fun festival will not only give you a chance to see the balloons rise over Bridgewater Channel but you can also ride them and watch bi-plane shows. The Balloon Festival and Fair is a must-do for every Arizonan.

Dates: January 18th - 21st, 2024

3. Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Tempe

Celebrating more than two decades of family fun, Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights hosts a parade of motorized boats decorated just in time for the holidays.

Date: December 9th, 2023

4. Festival of Trees, Flagstaff

If nothing quite gets you into the Christmas mood like seeing a beautifully decorated evergreen then you need to stop by The Festival of Trees in Flag, where you will see dozens of these trees at the Arboretum at Flagstaff. The trees are available through a raffle and you can enjoy seeing these along with the Arboretum’s winter garden.

Dates: December 9th, 2023

5. Holidays at the Heard, Phoenix

Held annually, Holidays at the Heard brings Indigenous cultures and art into the holiday season with live performances, art demonstrations, and fresh fry bread. Yum!

Dates: December 27th-30th, 2023

6. Santa’s Hualapai Wonderland, Kingman

Located a few miles southeast of Kingman at Hualapai Mountain Park, this festival takes you into the pines for winter fun with Santa. Enjoy hay rides, cookies, and hot cocoa with the big guy for a family-friendly event.

Dates: December 9th, 2023

7. Luminaria Nights, Tubac

Luminaria Nights is one of the many luminaria displays happening around the state and shows off the beautiful, historic town. Enjoy walking the lit streets with some music and even a visit from Santa himself.

Dates: December 1st-2nd, 2023

8. Tamale Festival, Somerton

Sponsored by a group of ASU graduates, the Somerton Tamale Festival is one delicious event you need to attend! You can enjoy dozens of handmade tamales that are savory, sweet, or extra spicy, in addition to music and art. The best part is that proceeds help provide scholarships to ASU for local high school seniors.

Date: December 16th, 2023

Want to find some amazing light displays around the state? Check out our article about some jaw-dropping Christmas light displays in Arizona that are pure magic for details!