Top
Featured image BLOGS FlagstaffHolidayEvents
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village Festival of the Lights and Holiday Sweet Stroll. Photo credit, Derek von Briesen
By Lauren Wong

The growing chill in the air and shortening days are signs that the holiday season is right around the corner. Bundle up with your coziest sweater as holiday music takes over the radio. It’s time to dig up those boxes in storage, dust off the cobwebs, put up those twinkling lights, and get yourself in the holiday spirit. 

Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, there’s plenty of events to check out that are coming to and around Flagstaff. With so many choices, there’s bound to be something to bring out that holiday cheer in you. For information on additional events visit your community website.

When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Nov. 13 

Where: Sedona United Methodist Church, Sedona
Cost: Free entry, donations from sale benefit the Outreach Ministries at the church

Don’t miss this year’s Holiday Boutique located in the church’s parking lot. Full of handcrafted gifts from over 20 artists and crafters of the church’s congregation and community members, there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye. At the event you can find everything from hand painted silk scarves, fused glass, hand sewn items, jewelry, pottery, and original photography metal prints, to unique handmade cards and more. 

“The Story of our Cross” pendants and magnets will be for sale at the event. These handmade crosses are painted and part of a numbered series. A crafted replica of crosses found in the church sanctuary, these pendants can be worn or displayed as a symbol of your faith.

When: 4 - 8 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff
Cost: Free

Come out to support local Black Owned and managed Businesses. Find some uniquely crafted artisan gifts to put under the tree this year. Featuring music, refreshments, fair-trade items, and food, get into the holiday spirit while also giving back to your community. If you’re a Black Owned/Managed Business or Artist and are interested in participating, reach out to southsideflagstaff@gmail.com or call (928) 226-7566. 

When: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Flagstaff Subaru, Flagstaff
Cost: $10

Brought to you by the Shadows Foundation, Flagstaff Subaru, and the Hallows Team Wallick and Volk, immerse yourself in holiday lights without leaving the warmth of your car. The $10 car fee will go in support of the Shadows Foundation and toys will be collected for the “Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Toy Drive.”

This “drive through” event showcases over 49 holiday exhibits. From decorated trees, giant candy cane poles, to a tunnel of dancing lights (synchronized to some holiday music favorites), you’ll get to see it all. Don’t worry about mailing in your letter to Santa Claus this year because he will be making a special appearance alongside Mrs. Claus and their elves to collect your letters. He won’t send you home empty handed so kids can look forward to a treat waiting for them at the end of the Candy Cane Lane. Don’t forget to fill out the voting form to tally up points for your favorite exhibit!

When: Nov. 13 - Dec. 26 (on select days)
Where: Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
Cost: $36 - $59 (price varies by day and time)

Hop aboard one of Santa’s Magic Trolleys for a mystical journey that starts on Little America’s 500 acres. With over a million Christmas lights, this forested area will be transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. 

With the final destination being Santa’s Grand Workshop, your first stop will be at Santa’s famous Toy Hall of Fame. Once you’re here become the elves left-hand man as they build toys for children all over the world. Next, you’ll stop at Santa’s Factory and Mrs.Claus’ Bakery to enjoy some hot cocoa and treats before heading over to Elf University. Here you get to earn your special elf diploma! With your new diploma in hand, hop back on the train to make your way to the North Pole mail room. Write a letter to Santa, tour his top secret sleigh hanger, and even see his newest sleigh! Finally, hop aboard the North Pole train and arrive at your destination, Santa’s Grand Workshop. 

Families will get complimentary photos after spending time with St. Nick, and each child will go home with their own 2021 Commemorative NPX teddy bear. This is the ultimate experience for families and kids of all ages.

northpoleex1
northpleex3
northpoleex2
Photo credit, North Pole Experience
Shadows Foundation Holiday Candy Cane Lane. Photo credit, Karen Stanley
When: Members Preview, 9- 10 a.m. Dec. 11, other guests 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12
Where: Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff
Cost: Free

Browse among an immensely, vast variety of arts created on the Colorado Plateau. At the market you can expect to find everything from traditional weavings to contemporary paintings. The Winter Art Market is a perfect place to bring home some rare finds for your friends and family. If you’d like to display your art at the event, reach out to coordinator Darvin Descheny at ddescheny@musnaz.org.

Photos from the 2019 Winter Market. Photo credit Museum of Northern Arizona.
When: 3 - 8 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, Sedona
Cost: Free
tlaque4
Festival of the Lights. Photo credit, Derek von Briesen

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Festival of Lights, which began 45 years ago, is coming back this December. Visit Santa, enjoy some free cider, and listen while the River of Life Tabernacle Choir puts on a beautiful, festive, performance. When the bell sounds at 5 p.m. watch as the lighting of 6,000 luminarias begins in the village’s courtyards and walkways. 

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Downtown Flagstaff
Cost: Free
2019 holiday parade photos
The 2019 Holiday Parade. Photo credit, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, the Vora Financial Group, and the Flagstaff community are bringing back the annual Holiday Parade of Lights. If you’re looking to get involved, pay the $75 register fee and apply on their website to be featured. Otherwise, if you’re looking to relax, sit back as 100 floats full of lights, music, and animals make their way through Historic Downtown Flagstaff. 

When: 3 - 7 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, Sedona
Cost: Free

Designed to transport you into the world from A Christmas Carol, check some items off your shopping list at Sedona’s Art Village during their Holiday Sweet Stroll. Decked out in lights and decorations, Santa will be eagerly waiting to meet all the younger guests. Music will fill the air as carolers, dressed in finery from Dickens era, sing all your favorite traditional holiday songs. As you shop your way throughout the evening, be sure to keep an eye out for the Grinch, likely lurking throughout the courtyards.

Filled with a large variety of unique gifts and treats, many of the village shops will be offering discounted offers and special give-a-ways.