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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
>>> Check back soon for more 2026-27 events!
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 5, 2026 from 10am–1pm
Join us for a FREE magical morning full of cheer, creativity, and community!
Pictures with Santa (take your own or pay $1 for a polaroid), kids crafts, Christmas art market, and toy drive (new packaged toys only)!
Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
Heritage Square
December 5, 2026
2:30 - 7 pm
This event is FREE, family-friendly, and so much FUN!! There will be hot cocoa, s'mores, crafts, live music and MORE! The Tree Lighting takes place at 6:15pm. Make sure to stick around and grab a selfie with Santa!
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 2027.
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.
December First Friday ArtWalk
Downtown Flagstaff
December 4, 2026
5 - 8 pm
Don't miss this opportunity to find unique and beautifully crafted gifts while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere of the First Friday Art Walk in December.
Howlidays
Heritage Square
TBA 2026
Downtown Flagstaff is embracing the season of giving with our fourth annual Howlidays Pawp-Up! Dress up your dogs and “pawp” downtown to take a family photo with Santa in Heritage Square. Donations will be taken at the event and online which will be divided between High Country Humane and Coconino Humane Association. Both local shelters will be in attendance at the event.
Breakfast with Santa
Weatherford Hotel
TBA 2026
Breakfast with Santa is a series of three events put on by the Downtown Flagstaff Business Alliance and The Weatherford Hotel. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and Christmas tunes. Santa will be there and will read a Christmas story and lead a sing-a-long. Guests are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire or wear cozy pajamas to look festive for photos with Santa.
Find the link for tickets here!
Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Flagstaff
TBA 2026
Local businesses will decorate their windows, and the public can vote for their favorites through the Downtown Flagstaff website. It’s a great way to enjoy some festive spirit and support local businesses!
12 Bars of Christmas
Downtown Flagstaff
TBA 2026
Take a day off from the stress of the holiday season and treat yo' self! This isn't your average pub crawl... Bust out your Christmas attire, ugly sweaters, Santa gear, and get ready for a jolly good time.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Flagstaff
TBA 2026
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
This annual extravaganza brings the community together in a dazzling display of lights, floats, and festive cheer. Families, friends, and visitors line the streets as the parade winds through downtown Flagstaff. It's a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season, filling the air with joy and excitement.
Winter Movie Series
Orpheum Theater
TBA 2026
The Downtown Flagstaff Foundation and The Orpheum Theater proudly present the Winter Movie Series - FREE For All Ages! Experience the magic of the holidays on the big screen all season long. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early, grab some concessions, and settle in for a cozy morning at The Orpheum Theater.
Noon Year's Eve
Heritage Square
December 31, 2026
10 am - Noon
Ring in the New Year with a FREE and family-friendly event! Kick off this event with a selfie-station, cookie decorating, crafts and more! At noon this event will feature a pinecone drop and a sparkling apple cider toast to cheers to the new year! This event is presented by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance with a HUGE thank you to the Weatherford Hotel for the noon pine cone drop! This event allows families to ring in the New Year without having to stay out till midnight! With crafts and fun activities all day until 5 p.m. this is a can't miss event!
The Weatherford Hotel's Great Pinecone Drop
The Weatherford Hotel
December 31, 2026
10 pm & 12 am
Take to the streets and marvel at the excitement the town of Flagstaff brings on this wintery night! Show up, bring some family and/or friends, and enjoy New Year’s Eve Flagstaff style! Another option is to stay at the Weatherford Hotel or get a reservation at one of their many dining rooms. It's a great opportunity to have a "front row seat" to the drop as you watch it descend from the very balcony you're standing on!
4. Little America Breakfast with Santa
Flagstaff Enjoy a festive-filled morning with the big man himself December 18, 19, and 20. Reserve your tickets today for breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa. Additionally, the Little America Christmas Buffet will be served from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Book your tickets today!
5. North Pole Experience
North Pole Experience
Little America Hotel
November - December 2026
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
DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff
Friday, December 25, 2026
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. Reservations are required. Please call 928-773-8880. Happy Holidays from the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff.
7. Theatrikos Holiday Show
A Christmas Carol
November 19 - December 20, 2026
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. This music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic, with familiar characters, ghosts and a children’s ensemble in the spirit of the holidays.
8. The Polar Express, Grand Canyon Railway, and Hotel
Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway
November 6 - January 3, 2027
Based on the classic children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, 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.
Grand Canyon Railway also offers the Ultimate Polar Express experience, which allows families and businesses to rent an entire train car for a private trip to the North Pole! This experience is highly customizable and is the perfect way to make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Polar Express
Ultimate Polar Express
9. Grand Canyon Deer Farm
TBA 2026
The Grand Canyon Deer Farm transitions into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas season! Come take photos with Santa on select days and see his reindeer everyday (included with admission). Also, you can support our animals by getting your holiday gifts at the winter wonderland gift shop. We hope to see you this winter season.
Zoo Hours: 10am - 5pm