New Year's Eve in Flagstaff
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the mountain magic of Flagstaff, Arizona! From the famous Pine Cone Drop to snowy adventures at Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff is the ultimate place to ring in the new year with family and friends.
The Great Pine Cone Drop at the Weatherford Hotel
Flagstaff’s most iconic New Year’s Eve event returns for 2026 — the Great Pine Cone Drop at the historic Weatherford Hotel. Each year, thousands gather in downtown Flagstaff to countdown the final seconds of the year as the giant illuminated pine cone descends from the hotel’s top balcony.
- Drop Times: Noon (Kid-Friendly), 10:00 PM (Family), and 12:00 AM (Midnight Celebration)
- Location: Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St., Downtown Flagstaff
- Cost: Free event, open to the public
- Parking: Free city parking garages and lots; arrive early for best spots
- Insider Tip: Dress warmly! Flagstaff temps average in the 20s–30s°F during the celebration.
The Pine Cone Drop has become a beloved Northern Arizona tradition. The early 10 PM drop lets families celebrate and still get a good night’s sleep before hitting the slopes or trails on New Year’s Day. The midnight event features fireworks, live music, street dancing, and plenty of local cheer.
Other New Year’s Eve 2026 Events in Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s downtown nightlife and mountain-town charm combine to create an unforgettable celebration. Here are other fun ways to welcome 2026:
- Masquerade Ball – Dance and DJ parties at local breweries and venues, many with no cover charge.
- New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials – Fine dining at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro or cozy family meals at Beaver Street Brewery.
- Live Music at the Orpheum Theater – Celebrate with local bands and regional acts ringing in the new year.
- Family Noon-Year Celebration – Kid-friendly countdown at Flagstaff Aquaplex with crafts, music, and games.
- Downtown Ice Skating – Seasonal outdoor rink open late for New Year’s fun.
Top 10 Family Things To Do in Flagstaff During New Year’s Week 2026
After the countdown, start the new year off right! Whether you want snow adventures, stargazing, or cozy fireside fun, here are the top family-friendly experiences to enjoy in Flagstaff and nearby:
- Flagstaff Snow Park – Enjoy snow tubing, sledding, and cocoa by the fire at Fort Tuthill County Park. Visit Website
- Arizona Snowbowl – Hit the slopes or take a scenic gondola ride at one of Arizona’s top ski resorts. More Info
- Lowell Observatory – Gaze at the stars where Pluto was discovered; great family programs daily.
- Downtown Route 66 Walking Tour – Explore murals, local shops, and classic neon signs along historic Route 66.
- Walnut Canyon & Sunset Crater – Short winter hikes with incredible views and historic dwellings.
- Mother Road Brewery – Parents can sample craft brews while kids enjoy pizza and soft pretzels in a relaxed setting.
- Grand Canyon Day Trip – Just 80 miles north, the South Rim is a perfect snowy New Year’s adventure.
- Arizona Nordic Village – Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or spend the night in a cozy yurt or cabin.
- Jay Lively Ice Arena – Public skating sessions all week long.
- Stroll Downtown Flagstaff – Soak in the holiday lights, snow-dusted streets, and mountain-town magic.
PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Private Patios/Balconies | Access to Trails
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
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
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 | Holiday Specials
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 | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Holiday Specials
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn!
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn! is located in Flagstaff, just 2.6 miles from The North Pole Experience and 5.3 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds. This apartment provides accommodations with a balcony. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests.
Wi … More
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn! is located in Flagstaff, just 2.6 miles from The North Pole Experience and 5.3 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds. This apartment provides accommodations with a balcony. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests.
With free Wifi, this apartment offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance.
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Great View | Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott
Free Hot Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi | Fitness Center | Whirlpool Tubs | Indoor Pool | Business Center | Pet-Friendly | Downtown
Bespoke Inn - Flagstaff
Bespoke Inn raises the bar with the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities at this boutique inn. This historic property, built-in 1894 and formerly known as the Inn at 410, has been fully renovated into a modern masterpiece.
Located in the heart of Flagstaff’s thriv … More
Bespoke Inn raises the bar with the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities at this boutique inn. This historic property, built-in 1894 and formerly known as the Inn at 410, has been fully renovated into a modern masterpiece.
Located in the heart of Flagstaff’s thriving downtown, Bespoke Inn is the premier place to stay for a curated boutique experience. Fine Dining, unique shops, and award-winning restaurants are all within walking distance. Within a short drive, you’ll be skiing, hiking, and experiencing the many vibrant outdoor experiences that Flagstaff has to offer.
Pet-Friendly | Downtown | Free Hot Breakfast | Free Continental Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi
Rock Climbing & Indoor Bouldering Gym
Family-Friendly | Self Guided | Professionally Guided | Groups/Meetings
Weatherford Hotel
On-Site Restaurant | Free Wi-Fi
Rodeway Inn Downtown
Free Wi-Fi | Free Self-Parking
Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour
Once a part of the Wild Wild West, Flagstaff has a rich history of railroad expansion which brought about a number of colorful characters to the region. Discover the history of this desert city on a guided tour of downtown and learn about the city’s rapid growth during the 1800s. Listen … More
Once a part of the Wild Wild West, Flagstaff has a rich history of railroad expansion which brought about a number of colorful characters to the region. Discover the history of this desert city on a guided tour of downtown and learn about the city’s rapid growth during the 1800s. Listen to ghostly tales of past residents as you follow your guide to several haunted locations.
Family-Friendly | Downtown