Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the holiday season as we take a journey through a series of heartwarming events in Arizona’s charming towns. From the twinkling lights of Snowflake’s Town Lighting Ceremony to the joyous arrival of Santa Claus at The Shoppes in Show Low, and the dazzling Show Low Shines Christmas Parade, these celebrations are bound to fill your heart with holiday cheer.
And don’t miss the Pinedale Bridge Lighting and Santa’s visit, where hot chocolate, cider, and cookies await. Join us as we explore the magic of these community gatherings that bring together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Arizona’s picturesque towns.
Apache Junction
Join Apache Junction Parks & Recreation on December 2nd for a FREE award-winning downtown event at Flatiron Park from 3pm-6:30pm. Enjoy family-friendly activities, including Santa, vendor booths, arts, crafts, games, music, inflatables, and food. The evening culminates with the Annual Holiday Light Parade at 7pm, following the tree lighting at 6:30pm. Please note road closures from Idaho to Ironwood and use alternative routes due to pedestrian traffic. Parking is available in the dirt lots east of the Park, avoiding designated business areas. For more details, refer to the provided maps.
Cave Creek
Join us for Western Holidays at Stagecoach from December 8-10, a family-friendly holiday celebration. Admission is free with a toy or food donation to Operation Santa Claus. The Yuletide Market features local artists with handcrafted holiday goods, perfect for gift-giving. Children can enjoy singing, dancing, face painting, ornament making, and more. There will be live music, a tractor parade, and a balloon glow (weather-dependent) on Friday and Saturday nights, with the balloon glow at 5:30pm on Saturday. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus will be available for pictures and storytelling. Adults can relax in the beer and wine garden. Event hours: Friday 2pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-4pm at 7100 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek. Bring your friends and family for a memorable holiday experience. For more information, call 480-282-4370 or click here.
Payson & Pine
Join us on November 24th for the Annual Swiss Village Christmas Lighting, a family-friendly event featuring FREE crafts, music by DJ Craig, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, food and craft vendors, face painting, raffle drawings, balloon twisters, train rides, bounce houses, and holiday deals at Swiss Village Shops. It’s a fantastic way to kick off your holiday weekend with fun for the whole family. Admission is FREE. Contact 602-558-7943 for more information.
From November 24th to December 18th, visit Santa’s Workshop at The Rusty Pine Cone. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy FREE hot cocoa, take photos, and explore a special shopping area for kids guided by Santa’s helpers. Open every Saturday from 11AM to 3PM and every Sunday from 12PM to 2PM at 3788 N AZ HWY 87, Pine. For details, call 612-467-9959 or click here.
On December 3rd, don’t miss the Electric Light Parade, an annual Main Street Parade that turns Historic Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland! Winter Wonderland festivities run from 1PM to 5PM, including the Christmas Tree lighting at 5:30PM, and the electric light parade starts at 6PM. Witness illuminated floats and celebrate the season with this year’s theme: The ’73 Jubilee.
Globe
From November 24th to December 30th, experience the brilliance of Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden. Step into a desert wonderland illuminated by sparkling luminarias and twinkling holiday lights. As you stroll along the Garden’s iconic trails, enjoy musical performances, entertainment, and festive delights for a memorable evening. Don’t miss the chance to explore “Fernando Botero: El Maestro” in the Garden and Dorrance Hall, where vibrant paintings, drawings, and monumental sculptures harmonize in a burst of color and beauty. This enchanting event takes place on select nights, so be sure to verify event details. Visit Dbg.org for more information.
White Mountains
On December 1st, Snowflake welcomes the holiday season with its traditional Town Lighting Ceremony, the arrival of Santa Claus, live entertainment, and complimentary cocoa for all to enjoy.
From December 1st to 2nd, join Santa at The Shoppes and support local businesses while making cherished memories with your children. Explore holiday gift items, listen to music, savor delectable treats, and take part in the festivities from 10am to 4pm. Santa will make a special appearance at noon on Saturday at Show Low Elks Lodge, 805 E Whipple St. Admission is free, and candy canes await the little ones!
Mark your calendar for December 2nd to witness the Show Low Shines Christmas Parade at 6:00 P.M. The parade, featuring beautifully illuminated floats reflecting this year’s theme, “Snow Much Fun,” will travel along the Deuce of Clubs from Central to White Mountain Road. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Santa! If you’d like to participate, applications are available at the Show Low Family Aquatic Center (1100 W. Deuce of Clubs) or online at www.showlowaz.gov. For more details, please call (928) 532-4141.
On December 9th, the Pinedale Bridge Lighting will illuminate the night around 6pm, followed by Santa’s visit at the Pinedale Arizona Community Center. Warm up with hot chocolate and cider, and savor delicious cookies at 1264 Pinedale Rd, Pinedale. For additional information, contact 928-739-1717 or visit pinedaleheritage.org
Williams
From November 9th to December 30th, step into a storybook world as you embark on a magical journey aboard The Polar Express in Williams this holiday season. The Grand Canyon Railway has transformed the train into the Polar Express, bringing to life the beloved classic by Chris Van Allsburg. Families can enjoy cookies, sip on hot chocolate, and sing carols as part of this enchanting experience. Choose from 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM train departures (3:30 PM on select dates). Packages are also available, including meals and hotel stays. Head to Grand Canyon Railway at 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, or call 800-222-6966 for more information. Visit thetrain.com for details.