Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…Flagstaff is reminiscent of a cherished Norman Rockwell piece of art with its historic downtown adorned in tens of thousands of sparkling lights, lamp posts decked with wreaths, and a retired steam engine providing a beautiful glistening backdrop for must-have holiday photos. Locals and visitors have much to enjoy and discover this holiday season to capture holiday cheer and the spirit of giving.
Experience Lights at the Station and Giving Advent Box
Now is the time to bundle up and grab the mittens to experience Lights at the Station located in the heart of historic downtown at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Route 66). While enjoying the lights, please consider donating a non-perishable food item at the Visitor Center’s Giving Advent Box. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 20, and the collection benefits the Flagstaff Family Food Center, which is anticipated to help thousands of families in need this holiday season. This is also a great family project and Flagstaff Local-My Actions Matter encourages all to join the fun and participate in this holiday activity by making your own decorated Giving Advent Box filled with a variety of non-perishable goods to be delivered to 1903 N. 2nd Street. And, take the Flagstaff Local pledge at flagstafflocal.com to support our community pillars: Donate, Shop Flagstaff, Be Eco-Friendly, Volunteer, Mentor, Vote and Support Education.
Little America Light Spectacular Drive-Thru
A local favorite is visiting Little America Hotel to capture millions of beautiful holiday lights from your vehicle. If you park and walk, remember to dress warmly and wear your mask. Enjoy the stunning display of holiday lights covering the hotel grounds through Jan. 10.
Holiday Dining
Delight in a festive holiday meal this season with loved ones, whether it’s for carry-out or in-person dining. Little America Hotel, 2515 E. Butler, is offering Christmas dinner with a family-style, take-out menu for two to four people or a prix-fix dinner at the beautiful Silver Pine Restaurant for in-person dining. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1175 W. Route 66, is offering an amazing Christmas plated dinner at the lovely Woodlands Restaurant (reservations required). Also, check out local favorites Tourist Home All Day Café or Simply Delicious Café Daily Fare for special pre-order holiday menus with all the trimmings.
Winter Wonderland in Downtown
Celebrate the season’s wonders, make new memories and feel festive in downtown Flagstaff with the Winter Wonderland Luminaria Stroll, 12 Bars of Christmas, Santa Sightings and holiday shopping. The Luminaria Stroll is back for its 5th year on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. with the tradition of strolling along glowing streets in Downtown Flagstaff (six feet apart… of course!). This year, the 12 Bars of Christmas pub-crawl will be offered over 12 days from Dec. 12 – 24. The festive drink specials are from some of your favorite local bars and restaurants such as Altitudes Bar and Grill, Collin’s Irish Pub and Majerle’s Sports Grill – with ugly sweaters encouraged!
Performing Arts in the Holiday Spirit
Enjoy the 2020 season finale of the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival with the famous Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Productions of the show begin in December at Coconino Center for the Arts, and patrons decide on how they would like to attend (in-person or online.) Did you know? The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is presenting Home for the Holidays, an online gala on Dec. 12 sponsored by Nackard Pepsi and Tinderbox Kitchen. The gala is designed to bring us together virtually and celebrate the season with holiday music videos with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s talented musicians and special guests. Register online at flagstaffsymphony.org/holidays.
Are Family Members Visiting?
Relatives or friends in town and need a little extra space? When they book Flagstaff accommodations, and present their “treat voucher” or hotel receipt from the night(s) before to the staff at the Visitor Center, 1 E. Route 66, they will receive a Winter Wonderland Pop for visiting responsibly. The offer is valid Nov. 27 – Jan. 15. Supplies are limited and restrictions apply.
Flagstaff is Arizona’s official winter wonderland, with an impressive average of 100 plus inches of snowfall each year. Be prepared and know where to go safely and responsibly for winter recreation with an official Snowplay map available at discoverflagstaff.com or the Flagstaff Visitor Center. And, there is also a snowplay hotline: just call 1-844-256-SNOW.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the new year and celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of the Weatherford Hotel’s VIRTUAL-ONLY Great Pinecone Drop. This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration exemplifies a local symbol of hope and prosperity that may be more meaningful than ever before as we ring in 2021. Watch the Great Pinecone Drop online at pineconedrop.com.
Stay, Play, Distance & Mask Responsibly
At Discover Flagstaff, we sincerely thank you for supporting local businesses and enjoying Flagstaff. Remembering the small act of wearing a mask or social distancing is a big deal and it is greatly appreciated. Please adhere to required CDC healthcare guidelines, business recommendations and varied hours. Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com. FBN
By Meg Roederer