10 Things to do in Sedona at Christmas

Arizona is a popular destination during the holiday and vacation periods, especially since it is traversed by the popular Route 66, which is a tourist destination in its own right. In the heart of the state, halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, is Sedona, a popular place for intermediate stops at Christmas time, especially for the number of attractions on offer during the holiday season.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona at Christmastime include attending the Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, discovering the city's decorated trails, attending Christmas mass at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, taking a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad, exploring Christmas in the Park at the local museum and touring the Scottsdale Christmas Fair.

Immersing yourself in the magic of the holiday season in Sedona becomes even more enchanting when you attend the Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This annual festival, held throughout the month of September, is an experience that will transport you to a world of sparkle and holiday cheer amidst the town's festive surroundings.

The cobblestone streets of the old Tlaquepaque market are illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The air is filled with a Christmas spirit as the lights twinkle in the courtyards and alleyways, illuminating the shops and galleries that house works by local and regional artists. This is an incredible opportunity to enjoy the art and unique creations of Sedona's artistic community in a festive context.

The Festival of Lights is not only about the glittering decorations, but also offers a variety of entertainment. Live musicians, choirs and performances in the streets and plazas add a celebratory musical tinge to the event. You can stroll around while listening to carols and festive tunes, creating an immersive experience for all the senses in one of the best things to do at night in Sedona.

This festival is also an opportunity to find unique gifts and special crafts for your loved ones. Tlaquepaque's shops and galleries present a wide range of options, from jewellery and art to decorative items and clothing. You can get to this ancient market by public transport or on Sedona's tour buses.

For one of Sedona's signature Christmas experiences, you can't miss out on exploring the town's decorated trails, offering an experience that combines the natural beauty of the surroundings with the festive spirit of the holiday season. As you take to the trails, you' ll find yourself surrounded by the serenity of the wilderness as the lights and decorations add to the magic of the hike.

Popular trails like the Bell Rock Pathway and Cathedral Rock Trail are transformed into festive routes that allow you to admire the holiday lights and decorations while marvelling at Sedona's iconic rock formations. The contrast between nature and decorations creates a unique atmosphere that reflects the essence of the season, which you can discover on hiking, jeep or ATV adventure tours.

Traversing these decorated trails is also an opportunity to enjoy the stellar views of the Sedona desert at night. With light pollution reduced to a minimum, the stars shine brightly in the night sky, adding a magical tinge to your experience. If you have a torch with you, you can enjoy a safe hike while reveling in the serenity of your surroundings.

In addition to being a visually appealing activity, hiking the decorated trails is a great way to enjoy the holiday season while staying active and connected to nature. Whether you choose to hike alone, as a couple or in a group, each step will bring you closer to Sedona's natural beauty and allow you to celebrate Christmas in a unique and memorable way.

Christmas in Grand Canyon National Park is an experience that combines the natural majesty of one of America's most famous tourist destinations with the holiday spirit in an unforgettable way. The Grand Canyon is about a 2-hour drive from Sedona and the drive is also very beautiful, especially if you plan to visit the city in winter, when snow often takes over the roads, creating a very special environment.

Touringthe Grand Canyon at Christmas time will give you the opportunity to experience the amazing scenery of the Grand Canyon in a unique way. As you walk along the trails and view the towering rock formations, you can feel the grandeur of nature.

During the holiday season, the Grand Canyon often offers special activities and events for visitors. From themed tours to festive performances, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Christmas cheer as you explore this iconic national park. In addition, visitor centres and observation areas may be festively decorated, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoying a holiday meal at the Grand Canyon is also a memorable experience. The park's restaurants and cafes often offer special seasonal dining options, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the panoramic views of the canyon. You can also visit Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, which are also located in northern Arizona.

Taking a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad Christmas train allows you to lose yourself in a magical journey through time and Arizona's landscape. During the holiday season, this historic train transforms into a festive oasis in the middle of the desert, offering a unique and enchanting experience for people of all ages.

As the train winds through the canyon, panoramic views of the red rock formations and desert landscape merge with the holiday decorations adorning the cars and the train itself. The combination of natural beauty and festive atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience as you immerse yourself in the history and spirit of Christmas.

During your ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad, you can expect to enjoy live on-board entertainment, such as festive music and informative storytelling about the region. The opportunity to listen to stories while admiring the sights and enjoying entertainment for all ages is one of the best things to do with kids in Sedona.

In addition, one of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to observe Sedona's beauty at sunset, which you can discover on some of the city's best tours. As the sun sets and the Christmas lights come on, you can watch the rock formations and landscape transform in the golden light and pink hues of the sunset.

Participating in Christmas mass at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is an experience that combines spirituality and natural beauty in a local way. This iconic chapel, located atop a rocky hill with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offers a unique and poignant setting for celebrating Christmas.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a special place any time of year, but during Christmas it takes on an even deeper meaning. The serene and contemplative atmosphere of the chapel merges with the spirit of the holiday season, creating a space for spiritual connection and reflection amidst the natural majesty of Sedona. From there you can also participate in a stargazing tour.

If you plan to visit Sedona in December, you can attend Christmas mass in the chapel, allowing you to be part of a special celebration. The atmosphere and sweeping view of the desert frame the experience, making it one of the best Christmas Eve activities. Christmas songs and the message of the Mass merge with the beauty of the surroundings, creating a moment of connection and gratitude.

In addition to the Mass itself, the chapel also offers a place for personal contemplation and appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Before or after mass, you can walk around and take a moment to absorb the tranquillity of the desert and the majesty of the red rock formations stretching towards the horizon.

Enjoy a holiday dinner at Sedona's restaurants, an experience that combines culinary delight with the festive atmosphere of the season. The city offers a variety of options for celebrating Christmas with friends and family, and for savouring a special meal amidst the backdrop of rock formations and the desert.

One place to consider is the Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which offers panoramic views and a fine dining experience. Here you can indulge in a dinner that fuses Latin and local flavours, while gazing at the mountainous skyline that is tinged with the colours of the sunset.

Another option is the L'Auberge de Sedona, which offers an elegant ambience and a unique dining experience at its Cress on Oak Creek restaurant. Situated next to Oak Creek, this place allows you to enjoy fine dining while listening to the murmur of the water and being surrounded by natural beauty.

The downtown Sedona area, in places like 89A Street, is filled with charming restaurants offering festive dining. From local cuisine options to restaurants with international influences, you'll find a variety of flavours to suit every taste.

Visiting the WestWorld Scottsdale Christmas Fair from Sedona will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a festive event in a place full of fun and entertainment.

The distance between Sedona and Scottsdale is about a 2-hour drive, but if you don't have your own transportation, you can also consider options such as bus or rideshare services to get you there, as the experience is well worth it.

At the WestWorld Christmas Fair you'll find a variety of festive activities, from sleigh rides to live entertainment and shopping opportunities at the Christmas market. The twinkling lights, festive decorations and joyful spirit create an exciting atmosphere for all ages.

In addition to the attractions, the Christmas Fair also offers culinary options and treats to sample. From holiday dishes to sweets and snacks, you'll have the opportunity to savour festive cuisine as you explore the event. If you plan to visit Sedona in January, you'll be able to attend the closing of the fair, which usually coincides with Epiphany.

Exploring Christmas in the Park at the Sedona Museum is a delightful way to soak up the holiday spirit while marveling at the traditions and culture of the region. This annual event, held each year in December, transforms the museum into a holiday haven that celebrates the season in a unique and meaningful way.

The Christmas in the Park event offers a magical experience for people of all ages. The festive atmosphere meets the beauty of Arizona's natural surroundings, creating an environment that invites you to explore and celebrate. Holiday decorations and exhibits fill every corner of the museum, making it a great place to visit with children in Sedona during the last month of the year.

During your visit, you can admire exhibits that reflect local and regional holiday traditions. From arts and crafts to cultural presentations, this event is an opportunity to connect with the roots and customs of the community. You'll find exhibits that highlight the history and celebrations unique to the season in and around Sedona.

In addition to exhibits, Christmas in the Park often includes interactive activities and special events. Whether you're looking to participate in creative workshops or enjoy live performances and festive music, you'll find a variety of activities that will enrich your experience and connect you with the holiday spirit.

If you want to tour one of Arizona's most special Christmas Eve sites, you can't miss the Gingerbread Village. This annual tradition transforms historic downtown Prescott into a miniature gingerbread village, where every building and structure is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a good dose of imagination.

Located on Prescott's Courthouse Square, about a 50-minute drive from Sedona, the Gingerbread Village exemplifies the artistic prowess of the local community. Gingerbread structures, icing and a variety of candies combine to create architectural replicas of landmark buildings, Victorian homes and historic monuments. Each piece is an edible work of art that draws the admiration of young and old alike.

A visit to the Gingerbread Village is more than a visual experience; it is also an opportunity to get into the festive spirit. The aroma of gingerbread and sweets permeates the air, evoking the most characteristic memories of Christmas. This exhibition runs from the last days of November until the first days of January.

In addition, the Gingerbread Village in Prescott not only offers an opportunity to admire the creations, but also to participate. There you can vote for your favourite structures and appreciate the skill of the contestants.

Discovering Mesa's Merry Main Street and enjoying the ice skating rink is an experience that will immerse you in the heart of the region's holiday spirit in an atmosphere full of charm and fun. Mesa, located about a 30-minute drive from Sedona, becomes a destination like no other during the holiday season, with its Main Street transformed into a winter wonderland.

The ice skating rink is the highlight of Merry Main Street. This attraction offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to glide across the ice, set against a backdrop of Christmas lights and festive music.

In addition to the ice rink, Merry Main Street offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. From train rides to live shows and synchronized light displays, every corner of Main Street is filled with activities celebrating the holiday season. Local shops and restaurants also take part in the celebration, offering festive shopping and dining options.

The charming atmosphere of Merry Main Street also extends to the holiday décor that adorns Main Street. If you plan to visit Sedona in November, you can attend the opening of this event, which usually takes place during the last few days of the month.