Sedona is the most colorful city in the state of Arizona, with its red rocks attracting travelers from all over the world and as surprising as it may seem, during the Christmas season it gets even more colorful. The holiday light scene in our red rock town rocks, (forgive the pun) and as you start planning a Christmas vacation in one of the most beautiful cities in the state, we at Sedona.Org want to make sure you don’t miss out on one single magical moment. Read on for our guide to where to see the Sedona Christmas lights and displays during your fabulous December adventures in Arizona.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village, December
Tlaquepaque is always a popular place to visit for visitors and our hometown residents, but at Christmas, it may be difficult to leave. The walled shopping village offers Christmas around every corner, from the super-sized Christmas tree that greets guests when they first enter its courtyard, to the shops all decked out in their best holiday decorations, it may feel like you have entered a much warmer version of the North Pole. Our most favorite part of the holidays at Tlaquepaque, however, is the lighting of the luminarias placed along the paths of the walled village. A tradition that originated centuries ago in Mexico, the lanterns were used to lead the way to midnight mass, but today, they just add a glow to our holiday celebrations, with over 6000 being lit in the shopping village. Also offering costumed carolers, free cider, and of course, a visit from Santa, this event never fails to amaze. The date for this year’s festivities hasn’t been announced yet, but we suspect it will be held on December 7th.
The Magical Christmas Journey, Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, November 29th through December 24
The magic of Christmas is magnified with the Magical Christmas Journey offered by the Verde Canyon Railroad in nearby Clarkdale. Taking riders to the North Pole aboard a colorful lighted train, the adventure begins with more luminarias lighting up the paths of the train depot and ends with very happy and tired children. Flurry the bald eagle, Princess Noel, and a tiny Christmas village have become an integral part of the experience, but it is the ride that your kiddos will never forget. Santa’s elves will keep you and your family entertained during the journey, and seasonal cocktails will keep parents happy, while the illuminated mystical tunnels that magically end up on Santa’s private tracks at the North Pole will enchant passengers of all ages. The ride continues past Santa’s workshop, Mrs. Claus’s Bakery, the Reindeer Flight School, and our personal favorite, the Ugly Sweater factory, stopping to allow the big man to climb aboard, where he will meet all the children and provide a gift to each.
Camp Verde Parade of Lights and Christmas Craft Bazaar, December 14
The Craft Bazaar offers a fantastic way to finish up (or start, for the procrastinators in our midst) your holiday shopping, offering hand crafted items that will cement your reputation as gift giver extraordinaire, but it is the Parade of Lights that will enchant and delight your family. The procession of lighted floats, local dignitaries riding in classic cars decorated for Christmas, and with the star of the show, Santa Claus, holding the anchor position, this exciting parade ends with a Santa meet & greet that your kids will never forget. Entry to the bazaar and viewing the parade are both free, ensuring this activity will fit into all vacation budgets, even at this very expensive time of year.
The Sedona Christmas Shops
Tlaquepaque isn’t the only shopping center in town decorating for the holidays and no matter which part of Sedona you may be exploring, Uptown or West Sedona, the shops of Sedona will be decorated with colorful lights inside and out and many will offer wonderful sales that will help you with your vacation budget even further!
Welcome to the Neighborhoods
Just as in your own hometown, the neighborhoods of Sedona will gather together and turn their homes into Christmas cottages. Offering synchronized light and music shows, cheerful inflatables, and families like yours that revel in the holiday spirit. You probably won’t experience a white Christmas in Sedona (or you might, it has happened before) but the nights will be chilly enough that carrying a thermos of hot cocoa with you as you drive around looking at the lights will sound like a truly excellent idea.
Christmas with Sedona.Org
Find your comfort and joy at home with Sedona.Org, offering luxurious comforts and serene experiences that will never be forgotten. Reserve your favorite Christmas cottage today and enjoy a Christmas filled with thrills, fun, and Christmas lights that will bring a sparkle to your eyes!
