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The Flagstaff Travel Guide is an annual publication featuring the accommodations, restaurants, activities and useful travel information for the Flagstaff area.
Get The GuideChristmas & Winter Holidays
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.
Top Christmas & Winter Holiday Events in Flagstaff
1. Lights at the Station
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.
- Snowflake Festival – December 10 • 12-4pm
- FREE event at the Flagstaff Visitor Center – Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (take your own or pay $1 for a polaroid), games and crafts, law enforcement toy drive (new, packaged toys only), and free goodie bags (while supplies last).
- Skate at the Station – December 10-11, 16-31 • 12-6pm
- FREE skating rink at the Flagstaff Visitor Center for the holiday season! The rink will be operated by the Shadows foundation, a Flagstaff non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping those affected by life threatening diseases. There will also be fun special events scheduled at the rink with a toy drive, food drive, and more!
2. Holiday of Lights Little America Hotel
Lighting up the holidays! In November, 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 2023.
3. Holiday Events Downtown
The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) sponsors free family holiday events for visitors and the community to enjoy the historic downtown.
Breakfast with Santa
Heritage Square • Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 9-11 am
Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
Heritage Square • Dec. 3, 3-6 pm
Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Flagstaff • December 5-23
12 Bars of Christmas
Downtown Flagstaff • Dec. 11, 2-6 pm
Holiday Parade of Lights
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce • December 10
Winter Movie Series
The Orpheum • Dec 3, 10, 17, 9:30 am
Noon Year's Eve
Heritage Square • Dec. 31 at 10am-Noon
The Great Pinecone Drop
The Weatherford Hotel • December 31, 10 pm & 12 am
Downtown Flagstaff is the place to be this holiday season!
4. Little America Breakfast with Santa
Flagstaff Enjoy a festive-filled morning with the big man himself. Reserve your tickets today for breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa. The Little America Breakfast Buffet is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on select days throughout November and December. Book your tickets today!
5. North Pole Experience
North Pole Experience
November 12 - December 24
Delight in the magic of the holiday season at Santa's enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. Join us for an unforgettable North Pole experience inside the toy factory, Mrs. Claus' Bakery, Elf University, Santa's Sleigh hanger, and family time and photos with St. Nick himself.
6. 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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff
Tis the season at Woodlands! Plan your Holiday 3-Course Dinner at Woodlands located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff, just off Historic Route 66! Rekindle family connections and celebrate together to make the day perfect. Traditional Christmas offerings are accompanied by an assortment of decadent desserts. Sunday, December 25, 2022 from 4pm - 9pm. Reservations are required. Please call 928-773-8880. Happy Holidays from the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff.
7. Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
The Gift of the Magi
December 8 - 18, 2022
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 opportunities and experiences for residents of northern Arizona and visitors from around the world.
8. Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway
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.
9. Theatrikos Holiday Show
Miracle on 34th Street
November 25 - December 18, 2022
When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer defends him by arguing in court he is the real thing—thus exemplifying the true magic of the season.
**Masks are strongly encouraged but not required, except on Sundays.**
