Special events and festivals are something we always look forward to even when we aren’t traveling, especially in the Sedona area. There is something unique about our region of the world, and that uniqueness is reflected in the quality of those events. When you combine a fun time out on the town with the comfort and style found in our Sedona.Org seasonal sanctuaries, well, you can expect a vacation that will offer a memory highlight reel you will never stop reviewing! This guide to the top winter events in Sedona promises to ensure your getaway will be a dream come true. Enjoy!
The Magical Christmas Journey, Every Weekend in December, Verde Canyon Railroad
The weekend starts on Thursday in December and a short drive to the Verde Canyon Railroad will start the holiday season with a bang! Located at 300 N Broadway in nearby Clarkdale, this real live version of the Polar Express (without the drama that made the movie weird) offers a visit to the North Pole aboard a train all decked out in its holiday finest. Santa’s elves make the journey exciting and fun, and as the train heads down the private tracks that lead to Santa’s home, the excitement builds to stratospheric levels! As your children meet with the Clauses, (Yes, Mrs. Claus is there too!) you can rest easy in knowing that you gave your children one of the greatest gifts of all: the gift of magic.
Festival of Lights, December 11, 3-8 PM in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Even without the Festival of Lights, Tlaquepaque should definitely be at the top of your Sedona winter vacation itinerary, offering shops, galleries, and restaurants that will be an integral part of your activities during your time in Sedona. Add in the Festival of Lights, however, and you bring the excitement to a whole new level of wow! Featuring the lighting of over 6000 luminarias, (a traditional southwest holiday decoration made from paper bags, sand, and candles) live music, free cider, and of course, a visit from everyone’s favorite jolly old elf, Santa Claus, this seasonal event is guaranteed to kick start your holiday spirit!
Holiday Sweet Stroll, December 18, 3-7 PM in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
It could be that Tlaquepaque is the heart of everything Christmas, and that is A-OK with us! The village tucked away behind stuccoed walls is where you will find this next holiday event, the Holiday Sweet Stroll. Carolers dressed in Victorian era clothing stroll from shop to shop, singing your favorite Christmas songs and spreading the cheer as you get some last-minute shopping in, enjoying the sweets and discounts available in most of the stores. Although shopping is generally not a hobby enjoyed by your children, the opportunity for a meet and greet with Santa and the possibility of running into the Grinch will serve as an incentive for your youngest traveling partners to join in the fun!
Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Show, January 1st and 2nd in Sedona Vista Village
If you aren’t tired of shopping after the holidays, (or even if you are) a visit to the Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Show is the perfect way to start out the new year! Offering gifts, crafts, produce and so much more, it is the perfect way to take a part of the Sedona spirit back to your hometown. If you have more gifts to exchange when you do get back, who is going to know that you waited until after Christmas to purchase them?
Sedona International Film Festival, February 19-27 at the Mary D Fisher Theater in Sedona
Although the Sedona International Film Festival has not been around as long as Sundance, (28 years versus 43 years) this festival is a long-running and well-respected one, celebrating independent films, their stars, directors, and writers. Offering 170 films in a variety of genres to be viewed and judged, this year they have added family movies and a green/sustainable film series, ensuring that there will definitely be a topic or movie that appeals to all who are considering including the Sedona International Film Festival in their vacation itineraries. Featuring a special gala, special dinners, and of course, a final awards ceremony at the end of the festival, movie lovers will be able to lose themselves in the magic of Hollywood during their unforgettable Sedona adventures!
Always Something Fun Going On
The magic that is inherent in Sedona will take up residence in the empty parts of your soul, and whether you are visiting for the first time or the millionth time, Sedona will always feel like home. Spend your days taking part in festivals and events in Sedona and your nights feeling luxurious when you choose Sedona.Org for your Sedona winter escape. Reserve yours today!
