These Are the Best Christmas Attractions to Visit in Arizona

When people think of Arizona, a snowy white winter is not the first thing that comes to mind. Hot deserts, canyons, and cacti are typically closer to the top. Well, Arizona is home to more than just deserts. Drive a few hours north to Flagstaff, and you’ll hit snow. When it comes to Christmas, Arizonans don’t skip out on this cold holiday.

There are many things to do in Arizona to celebrate this festive season. From light shows to zoos and botanical gardens to lantern festivals; Arizona has it all. Here is a list of some of the best Christmas attractions in the great Grand Canyon State.

The North Pole Experience, Flagstaff, Arizona

There is such a thing as a white Christmas in Flagstaff, Arizona. This town is located in northern Arizona, where you can hop on a train to visit Santa. This adventure begins in the small town of Williams. Here, you hop on a train, taking you to the North Pole.

The North Pole Experience in Flagstaff takes guests to Mrs. Claus’ bakery, the toy factory, Santa’s workshop, and even an elf university. Families can experience making toys with the elves, visiting Santa’s mailroom, and even his top-secret Area 47. The tour lasts about an hour and 35 minutes and runs during the day and in the evenings too.

Visit the Christmas City, Prescott, Arizona

Arizona’s Christmas town always has plenty to offer around the holidays. Starting with their annual tree-lighting ceremony in front of the courthouse. The resort on the top of the hill boasts a rather impressive gingerbread village that local businesses and schools enter into with their homemade gingerbread scenes.

Over one million holiday lights are wrapped around every corner of the town square. You can view these as you hop into one of the horse-drawn carriages that will parade you around the town. At the Sharlot Hall Museum, you can learn about historic Christmas traditions, including late-nineteenth-century Christmas customs and how inhabitants spent the season.

Vertuccio Lights at the Farm, Mesa, Arizona

This farm is open year-round to guests and families of all ages. There is produce picking in the summer and a corn maze to traverse through in the fall. Just recently, a Christmas light display was added.

This attraction is one of Arizona’s biggest walk-through holiday spectacles and is aptly named “Lights at the Farm.” They use over two million LED lights are used each year. In addition to that, the lights are synchronized to dance along with popular Christmas songs throughout the day.

Zoolights, Phoenix, Arizona

Each year, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into a lighted winter wonderland. Approximately two and a half million lights are used each Christmas for this massive display. Different types of animal lanterns and displays are also put up to add to the festivities.

While guests walk around, kiosks are set up with holiday snacks, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider for everyone to purchase and enjoy. For an additional charge, there is also a polar slide for kids to play on, reindeer for children to visit, and even Santa stops by to take pictures.

Lantern Festival, Phoenix, Arizona

Be sure to head to North America’s largest light and lantern festival this Christmas Season. This spectacle is at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in December and into the New Year. Featuring over 10 million lights and 65 displays, the Lantern Festival is not something guests should miss.

Lights of the World showcases different cultures and civilizations from around the world. Surprises are around every corner, such as daily performances, handmade art, and maybe even dinosaurs.

Luminaria Nights at the Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona

Every year, during December, the Botanical Garden transforms. The venue hosts Las Noches de la Luminarias, a Southwestern-inspired tradition, creating a desert wonderland. Musical performances and a variety of entertainment await guests this holiday season. Food, beverage, and bar options are also available at an additional cost.

This season, guests will also enjoy Fernando Botero: El Maestro as they view paintings, drawings, and even some sculptures. This experience fills up quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance for one of the weekends in December.

Glendale Glitters, Glendale, Arizona

In historic downtown Glendale, near Murphy Park, you can see the infamous Glendale Glitters. A light display happens every evening from 5 pm to 10 pm during the holiday season. Throughout December, many other holiday events happen as well.

The first Saturday of December marks the annual Hometown Christmas Parade. Local theatre groups will take the stage to perform for spectators every weekend. The city also offers horse-drawn carriage rides, concerts, and food leading up to Christmas.