Christmas & Winter Holiday Events
The mountain air is crisp which, in part, makes Flagstaff ideal for providing 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, a retired steam engine provides a beautiful glistening backdrop for must-have holiday photos, and multiple events occur which include a very special luminaria lighting event which many consider a must-see.
Skate at the Station
Flagstaff Visitor Center
Bundle up and grab the mittens because Skate at the Station is outdoors in the heart of historic downtown and is free for all to enjoy from December 14, 2019 through January 5, 2020.
Delight in soaking up the holiday spirit as people swirl around a synthetic rink, enjoy Arizona’s Winter Wonderland and create new favorite holiday memories. After skating with your family and friends, warm up with a hot beverage served by one of our local baristas, then complete your holiday shopping, and enjoy a night out at one of the many one-of-a-kind Flagstaff restaurants. Remember to bundle up and grab the mittens for this new outdoor skating experience in the heart of downtown Flagstaff.
Access to the skating rink and skates are free and you are welcome to bring your own skates, too. The skate rink is operated by Shadows Foundation — a Flagstaff non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping those affected by life threatening diseases.
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.
North Pole Experience
Little America Hotel
The North Pole Experience is an incredible opportunity for families to visit Santa in the “North Pole” during the holiday season. When visiting Santa’s Workshop, families will be able to participate in a multitude of activities, such as building toys with the elves, touring the toy factory and meeting Santa for photos. Trips to Santa’s Workshop will depart via trolley from the Little America Hotel situated in Flagstaff’s ponderosa pine forest. Lodging accommodations can also be made through Little America Hotel. Tickets are expected to sell out early, so early reservations are encouraged. Departures: Day trips 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Evening trips 4-8:50 p.m. *Please visit website for specific dates of tours.
Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion
Riordan Mansion
The Mansion is festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours through Riordan Mansion State Historic Park include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present. Closed Christmas Day. Thurs.-Mon. in December.
Theatrikos Holiday Shows
Doris Harper-White Playhouse
Angels in Disguise
December 6-22
A relatively routine holiday celebration turns into utter chaos in this modern, comedic, and family-friendly spin on “the Christmas play,” weaving in social media, romance, the solstice, Hanukkah, and the need to put our differences aside to fully appreciate the gift of the holiday season.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
December 27-29
“Marley was dead, to begin with…”—and what happens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s mean, sour, pruney old business partner after that? Chained and shackled, Marley is condemned to a hellish eternity. He’s even given his own private tormentor: a malicious little hell-sprite who thoroughly enjoys his work. Desperate, Marley accepts his one chance to free himself: To escape his own chains, he must first redeem Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal, during which Scrooge’s heart, indeed, is opened; but not before Marley—in this irreverent, funny and deeply moving story—discovers his own.
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
December 13 - 29, 2019
Ashurst Auditorium, NAU campus
For many generations, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge has brought the humor and spirit of Christmas to life for people of all creeds. Join us for this timeless tale of the power of the human spirit to do good. Full of song and laughter and poetic truth, this faithful adaptation will bring all your favorite characters to life and will become your family’s new favorite holiday tradition!
Christmas Champagne Brunch
Little America Hotel
Little America Hotel presents a traditional Christmas Champagne Brunch with an array of options including hand-carved meats, seafood, omelets, waffles, crepes and chocolate fondue.
Christmas Champagne Brunch
DoubleTree Inn Flagstaff
Enjoy a Christmas Champagne Brunch at DoubleTree with options including prime rib, snow crab legs, and salad bar, omelets cooked to order, assorted desserts & pastries.
Holiday of Lights Festival
Little America Hotel
Starting mid-November, Little America Hotel is decorated with millions of lights to create a stunning display for their Holiday of Lights Festival.
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 Flagstaff. Plan to visit Saturdays for the winter movie series at the Orpheum. A popular event is Breakfast with Santa and purchase early because tickets are expected to sell out. There is also the Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting, downtown Luminaria Stroll and the Noon Year’s Eve event in Heritage Square.
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