Holiday Wanderlust

    Holiday Wanderlust
    From Prescott’s historic courthouse lighting to Lake Havasu’s floating parade of lights, Arizona’s most enchanting holiday celebrations await beyond the Valley in charming towns where authentic traditions create extraordinary December memories. // Photo by Bill Morrow

    Arizona’s Festive Towns Beckon

    Writer Joseph J. Airdo

    Arizona’s most enchanting holiday experiences await beyond the Valley of the Sun in charming towns and mountain communities where authentic festive traditions transform ordinary December evenings into extraordinary memories.

    Mountain Magic and Historic Charm

    Photo Courtesy of Coconino National Forest

    In Prescott, officially designated “Arizona’s Christmas City” since 1989, Dec. 6 brings the town’s 42nd annual Christmas parade followed by the 70th annual lighting of the historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza — transforming the Victorian-era courthouse into a glowing centerpiece that has drawn families for seven decades.

    Flagstaff embraces its winter wonderland identity with dual celebrations: Winter Wonderland at Heritage Square on Dec. 6, featuring hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts and the official tree lighting, followed by nearly 100 illuminated entries parading through historic downtown from 6–8 p.m. Dec. 13, creating a river of light against snow-dusted pines.

    Payson delivers an ambitious Dec. 13 holiday trifecta: Winter Wonderland festivities beginning at noon at Green Valley Park with festive inflatables and an ice rink; the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. near the Zane Grey Museum; and an electric light parade at 6 p.m. down historic Main Street, featuring both Santa Claus and Arizona’s legendary Mogollon Monster.

    Artistic Celebrations and Desert Luminarias

    Sedona’s red rocks provide a dramatic setting for dual celebrations at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village: a tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5 from 5–7 p.m. featuring refreshments, local entertainment and Santa visits, culminating with the Festival of Lights on Dec. 13 from 3–8 p.m., when 6,000 luminarias create an otherworldly glow against adobe architecture.

    Historic Tubac continues this ancient Southwestern tradition during Luminaria Nights on Dec. 5–6 from 5–9 p.m., when thousands of candles guide visitors through the artists’ village alongside live music, local treats and visits with Mrs. Claus.

    Desert Town Celebrations

    Photo Courtesy of BHB Event Management

    Wickenburg’s unique Dec. 6 walking celebration invites visitors to meander through shops, restaurants and street markets from 5 p.m., enjoying musical performances before the 7 p.m. Christmas tree lighting at Stone Park. Festivities continue Dec. 12 with the town’s 29th annual Christmas Parade of Lights from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

    Tucson’s Dec. 6 holiday extravaganza begins with a 4 p.m. festival at Armory Park and culminates with the 30th annual Downtown Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. — Southern Arizona’s largest holiday parade, featuring more than 1,200 participants through the historic downtown core.

    Unique Arizona Adventures

    Arizona offers extraordinary holiday experiences found nowhere else. Verde Canyon Railroad transforms its Clarkdale depot into a miniature Birds-Eye Village through Dec. 24, where children don eagle wings to soar through tiny houses before boarding “The Magical Christmas Journey.” Williams brings the beloved “Polar Express” to life aboard the Grand Canyon Railway through Dec. 30, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and Santa’s personal gifts.

    Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel delivers the ultimate North Pole experience through Dec. 24 with Santa’s Grand Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery and Elf University — an interactive adventure transporting visitors directly to Christmas headquarters.

    Waterside Wonders

    Arizona’s most unique holiday celebration unfolds on Lake Havasu City’s water during the 39th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Dec. 6 from 7–9 p.m., when decorated vessels glitter through the Bridgewater Channel beneath London Bridge while the nearby resort blazes with more than 500,000 lights through the new year.

    From mountain snow to desert luminarias, Arizona’s holiday celebrations offer authentic regional traditions that create lasting memories far beyond the Valley’s borders.

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