Christmas & Winter Holidays

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

December – January

Flagstaff Visitor Center
1 East Route 66

An ol’ fashion holiday is only complete with free skating in downtown adjacent to the historic train station. A synthetic rink provides a setting certain to make family memories and skates are provided free of charge.

Polar Express

Grand Canyon Railway
thetrain.com/special-events/the-polar-express

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
northpoleexperience.com

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
azstateparks.com

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.

Christmas Champagne Brunch

Little America Hotel
flagstaff.littleamerica.com

Traditional Holiday Champagne Brunch with an array of options including hand-carved meats, seafood, omelets, waffles, crepes and chocolate fondue.

Christmas Champagne Brunch

Double Tree Inn Flagstaff
doubletree3.hilton.com

Enjoy a Holiday Champagne Brunch 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
flagstaff.littleamerica.com

Starting mid-November, Little America Hotel is decorated with millions of lights to create a stunning holiday display.

Holiday Events Downtown

Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance
downtownflagstaff.org

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.

WINTER FESTIVITIES

DECEMBER-FEBRUARY

*Please visit event websites for date, time and location

The Polar Express
thetrain.com/special-events/the-polar-express

Based on the adventures of the classic children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the Grand Canyon Railway is taking you on a journey to the “North Pole!” Departing from Williams, this enchanting train will arrive at the “North Pole,” where Santa Claus and his reindeer will merrily be waiting 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
northpoleexperience.com

The North Pole Experience is an incredible opportunity for families to visit Santa in the “North Pole” during the Christmas 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. *Please visit website for specific dates of tours.

Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion
azstateparks.gov

Holiday Champagne Brunch
flagstaff.littleamerica.com

The Little America Hotel hosts its traditional Holiday Champagne Brunch with an array of tantalizing options including hand-carved meats, seafood, omelets, waffles crepes and chocolate fondue.