Top Christmas & Winter Holiday Events in Flagstaff for 2021

Find inspiration below for future travel to capture Flagstaff's crisp mountain air and experience the perfect landscape for lasting holiday memories and traditions.

Reminiscent of a cherished Norman Rockwell piece of art, historic downtown is adorned in tens of thousands of sparkling lights, lamp posts are decked with wreaths, and a retired steam engine provides a beautiful glistening backdrop for must-have holiday photos.

1. Lights at the Station

Flagstaff Visitor Center

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. Polar Express

Grand Canyon Railway

Based on the adventures of the classic children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the Grand Canyon Railway will take you on a journey to the “North Pole”! Departing from Williams (33 miles west of Flagstaff), this enchanting train will arrive at the “North Pole,” where Santa Claus and his reindeer merrily wait to hand out presents. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by Santa’s chefs during the train ride. Those interested are encouraged to call early to make reservations.

3. Theatrikos Holiday Show

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus: A Live Radio Play in Two Acts

Nov. 26 - Dec. 19. 2021

“Is there a Santa Claus?” eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote in a letter to the New York Sun newspaper in 1897. The newspaper’s heartfelt reply, printed on the front page and written by a reporter struggling with the death of his wife, has been part of American Christmas folklore for more than 100 years. “The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.” Based on a true story.

4. Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival

A Christmas Carol
December 10 - 19, 2021
Coconino Center for the Arts

The mission of the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, affectionately known as FlagShakes, is to faithfully portray classics of the Renaissance, as well as produce other actor-driven plays. Each Renaissance performance incorporates Elizabethan staging practices, making these plays accessible and providing a unique learning opportunity. Our performances and educational outreach enlighten our audiences and revitalize empathy. Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival is dedicated to offering exciting artistic opportunity and experience for residents of northern Arizona and visitors from around the world.

5. Christmas Dinner

Little America Hotel Flagstaff

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.

6. Holiday of Lights

Little America Hotel

Lighting up the holidays! On November 11, Little America Hotel will flip the switch and turn on millions of beautiful holiday lights covering the grounds in a stunning display for all to enjoy through January 9, 2022.

7. Holiday Events Downtown

Downtown Flagstaff

The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) sponsors free family holiday events for visitors and the community to enjoy historic downtown. Feel festive with the Winter Wonderland Luminaria Stroll, 12 Bars of Christmas and holiday shopping.