Christmas in Flagstaff & Holiday Events
Your complete guide to holiday events, Christmas lights, sledding hills, and family-friendly things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona, this December.
Perched at 7,000 feet amid ponderosa pines, Flagstaff becomes a snowy wonderland every December. With an annual average of about 100 inches of snowfall, bluebird skies, and daytime highs in the 40s, visitors can often enjoy a white Christmas with sunshine on their faces. Cozy cafés, friendly locals, and easy access to outdoor fun make Flagstaff one of the best places in Arizona to celebrate the holidays.
Quick Facts
- Elevation: ~7,000 feet
- Typical Dec highs: low–mid 40s °F
- Snowfall: ~100” annually
- Closest ski area: Arizona Snowbowl
Top Christmas Things to Do in Flagstaff 2025
- 1. Lights at the Station – Downtown Holiday Lights (Free), Stroll the historic train depot and visitor center to see festive light displays. A short walk away, the 1911 Baldwin Steam Locomotive “Old Two Spot” shines bright at Route 66 and San Francisco Street—perfect for holiday photos.
- 2. Sledding & Snow Play Areas-Families can build snowmen, go tubing, and enjoy snowball fun at designated snow-play locations with restrooms and warm drinks.
- 3. North Pole Experience – Santa’s Workshop- Step through the portal to an immersive 8,500-sq-ft workshop with elves, toy building, Santa’s Bakery, Santa’s Office, and “Area 47” sleigh hangar—plus cocoa and cookies.
- 4. Holiday Lights at Little America Hotel (Nightly through Jan 2026)- Wander the glowing forest paths and photo spots across Little America’s grounds—one of Northern Arizona’s brightest holiday displays.
- 5. Polar Express – Grand Canyon Railway (Williams, AZ) - Wear pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and ride to the “North Pole.” Santa boards with a keepsake for each child—one of the most popular Christmas activities near Flagstaff.
- 6. Bearizona Wild Wonderland (Weekends in December) - See sparkling lights among wildlife exhibits in nearby Williams—a festive blend of nature and holiday cheer.
- 7. Arizona Nordic Village – XC Skiing, Snowshoeing & Yurts - Just 15 miles from downtown, enjoy 40+ km of groomed cross-country trails, 15+ km of snowshoe routes, and cozy yurts or cabins in the Coconino National Forest.
- 8. Theatrikos Holiday Show 2025: “Elf: The Musical” (Nov 28–Dec 21) - Laugh-out-loud, family-friendly theater in downtown Flagstaff that captures the joy of the season.
- Sledding & Snow Play: Use designated areas with facilities; pack waterproof gloves, traction footwear, and extra layers.
- Driving & Parking: Arrive early on snow days; check road conditions; no parking along HWY 180 shoulders.
- Tickets & Reservations: Polar Express, North Pole Experience, and holiday dining often sell out—book in advance.
- Day Trips: Consider Grand Canyon South Rim or Williams for Bearizona and the railway.
Flagstaff Holiday Events Calendar – December 2025
| Date | Event | Location | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2025 (Fri) | First Friday ArtWalk | Downtown Flagstaff | 5:00–8:00 PM | Galleries, music, shopping under twinkling lights. |
| Dec 6, 13, 20 (Sat) | Breakfast with Santa – Weatherford Hotel | Weatherford Hotel | 9:00–11:00 AM | |
| Dec 6 (Sat) | Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting | Heritage Square | 2:00–8:00 PM | Free family event; tree lighting at 5:45 PM. |
| Dec 1–31 | Downtown Window Decorating Contest | Downtown Flagstaff | All month | Self-guided holiday window stroll. |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | 12 Bars of Christmas | Downtown Flagstaff | 2:00–7:00 PM | Festive bar crawl with holiday cocktails. |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | Holiday Parade of Lights | Downtown Flagstaff | 6:00–8:00 PM | Glowing floats, marching bands, and Santa. |
| Dec 7 (Sun) | Howlidays – Pet Photos with Santa | Heritage Square | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Free event; local humane groups on site (weather permitting). |
| Dec 6, 13, 20 (Sat) | Winter Movie Series | The Orpheum Theater | 9:30 AM | Free family films: Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express. |
Holiday Dining at Little America Hotel
Breakfast with Santa
Festive breakfast buffet and photos with Santa on select weekends in November and December 2025. Reserve early.
Christmas Dinner at Silver Pine
Elegant prix-fixe holiday menu or family-style takeout for two to four guests—don’t miss the famous bread pudding with rum sauce.
Plan Your Christmas Trip to Flagstaff
MORE THINGS TO EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS
Peaks & Pines 5-BR House
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures includi … More
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, visiting Flagstaff/NAU or exploring the attractions. Its 5 bedrooms, 3 baths comfortably accommodate 12 making this house perfect for large groups/families.
Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Jacuzzi | Games Provided | Private Patios/Balconies | Free Wi-Fi
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Private Patios/Balconies | Access to Trails
Cross Country Skiing, Cabins, & Yurts at Arizona Nordic Village
In the winter season, the Arizona Nordic Village hosts a groomed trail system for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. Over 20 miles of trails offer opportunities for everybody to have a winter adventure!
Environmentally-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Outdoor Pool | Free Wi-Fi | Concierge Services | Fitness Center | Laundry | Fireplace(s) | On-Site Restaurant | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | ADA Accessible | Groups/Meetings
Nakai Trail 4-BR A-Frame
This Flagstaff vacation rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is the perfe … More
This Flagstaff vacation rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, and visiting Flagstaff/NAU. Its 4 bedrooms, 2 baths comfortably accommodate 12.
Pet-Friendly | Private Patios/Balconies | Game Room | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Free Wi-Fi | Laundry
Local Business Spotlight
