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.
Pine Cone Drop at Weatherford Hotel Flagstaff

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:

  1. Flagstaff Snow Park – Enjoy snow tubing, sledding, and cocoa by the fire at Fort Tuthill County Park. Visit Website
  2. Arizona Snowbowl – Hit the slopes or take a scenic gondola ride at one of Arizona’s top ski resorts. More Info
  3. Lowell Observatory – Gaze at the stars where Pluto was discovered; great family programs daily.
  4. Downtown Route 66 Walking Tour – Explore murals, local shops, and classic neon signs along historic Route 66.
  5. Walnut Canyon & Sunset Crater – Short winter hikes with incredible views and historic dwellings.
  1. Mother Road Brewery – Parents can sample craft brews while kids enjoy pizza and soft pretzels in a relaxed setting.
  2. Grand Canyon Day Trip – Just 80 miles north, the South Rim is a perfect snowy New Year’s adventure.
  3. Arizona Nordic Village – Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or spend the night in a cozy yurt or cabin.
  4. Jay Lively Ice Arena – Public skating sessions all week long.
  5. Stroll Downtown Flagstaff – Soak in the holiday lights, snow-dusted streets, and mountain-town magic.
Pro Tip: Book hotels early — the Pine Cone Drop weekend sells out fast! Check out local lodging like Little America Hotel, Weatherford Hotel, or Village Camp Flagstaff.

BOOK YOUR STAY NOW


PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

3 different homes in Flagstaff to choose from! Enjoy friendly wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a rustic setting from the comforts of your own vacation home in a quality mountain town. Each home is specially selected for its uniqueness, views, comfort and enhancement of your vacation expe
3 different homes in Flagstaff to choose from! Enjoy friendly wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a rustic setting from the comforts of your own vacation home in a quality mountain town. Each home is specially selected for its uniqueness, views, comfort and enhancement of your vacation experience. You'll find each one comfortably furnished - especially the beds, for your ultimate rejuvenation.

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

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.


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

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.


Little America Hotel Flagstaff

Little America is truly one of the best Flagstaff hotels. From our 500-acre private forest to our friendly, knowledgeable concierge staff, Little America exemplifies the adventurous spirit and hospitality of Grand Canyon area Flagstaff hotels.
9.2
2972 reviews

Cross Country Skiing, Cabins, & Yurts at Arizona Nordic Village

Stay in a yurt or cabin at the AZ Nordic Village, a premier outdoor recreation destination just north of Flagstaff. Perfectly situated in the cool pine and aspen forests at 8,000 ft of elevation between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park, the Village offers rustic cabin and yurt rent
Stay in a yurt or cabin at the AZ Nordic Village, a premier outdoor recreation destination just north of Flagstaff. Perfectly situated in the cool pine and aspen forests at 8,000 ft of elevation between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park, the Village offers rustic cabin and yurt rentals year-round, and summer campsites that are RV-friendly. Frontcountry yurts and cabins are available for those seeking easy access, and five backcountry yurts offer solitude and natural settings with more comforts than a typical backpacking adventure. Many miles of hiking and biking trails leave right from the Village, and there are numerous other activities nearby, including the Lava River Cave, Red Mountain, Arizona Snowbowl, the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and many other hiking and biking trails.

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!

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

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.


Residence Inn by Marriott

Discover the perfect home away from home at the Residence Inn by Marriott® located in the heart of beautiful Downtown Flagstaff. Surrounded by great restaurants and breweries in a bustling local area, our neighborhood provides convenient access to Northern Arizona University, the Flagstaff
Discover the perfect home away from home at the Residence Inn by Marriott® located in the heart of beautiful Downtown Flagstaff. Surrounded by great restaurants and breweries in a bustling local area, our neighborhood provides convenient access to Northern Arizona University, the Flagstaff Medical Center, Lowell Observatory, and Arizona Snowbowl. You’ll thrive during your stay with the conveniences you need. Relax and unwind when you want. And stay focused and productive when it's essential. At Residence Inn, we'll make sure you thrive during your stay.

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

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.


Rock Climbing & Indoor Bouldering Gym

Flagstaff Climbing Center is located in historic downtown Flagstaff. The center features over 6500 square feet of widely varied climbing terrain to suit all abilities and climbing styles. Guides are available to hire for outdoor climbing trips. Choose from several areas around Northern Ari
Flagstaff Climbing Center is located in historic downtown Flagstaff. The center features over 6500 square feet of widely varied climbing terrain to suit all abilities and climbing styles. Guides are available to hire for outdoor climbing trips. Choose from several areas around Northern Arizona including Sedona.

Weatherford Hotel

The Weatherford Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Flagstaff, serving as the home of three pubs & grills, offering catering services, and venues for events. Rich in history and located in the heart of downtown, it is one of the most popular hotels in Flagstaff for visitors, wedding
The Weatherford Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Flagstaff, serving as the home of three pubs & grills, offering catering services, and venues for events. Rich in history and located in the heart of downtown, it is one of the most popular hotels in Flagstaff for visitors, wedding parties and events alike, seeking a unique historic experience with charming hospitality.

Rodeway Inn Downtown

Near Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff, Arizona city center, this hotel offers convenient services and amenities such as free wireless high-speed internet access in all guestrooms. Grand Canyon National Park is 75 mi from the property. Rodeway Inn Downtown Flagstaff features guest
Near Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff, Arizona city center, this hotel offers convenient services and amenities such as free wireless high-speed internet access in all guestrooms. Grand Canyon National Park is 75 mi from the property. Rodeway Inn Downtown Flagstaff features guestrooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, and microwaves. After a restful night's sleep, guests can begin the day with complimentary coffee, tea and juice at this pet-friendly hotel. Orpheum Presents is 5 minutes' walk from Downtown Flagstaff Rodeway Inn. Knob Hill Ranger Station is 15 minutes' drive from the property.

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

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.

  • Hunt for ghosts as you explore downtown Flagstaff
  • Listen to eerie tales of colorful western characters
  • A central meeting point makes for a seamless experience
  • A small group means more attention from your guide

  • MORE THINGS TO DO IN FLAGSTAFF

    More New Year's Eve Info