14 Fun Things to do this Holiday Season in Northern Arizona
2. Prescott Valley of Lights
Every year, Prescott “Arizona’s Christmas City,” hosts a fabulous drive through light show known as the Valley of Lights. I’ve been to numerous drive thru light shows, however, Prescott has outdone them all with this spectacular display! And, best of all, it is completely free ($5 donations are appreciated)!
During the mile long pathway, you will drive under snowflake and candy cane themed tunnels and enjoy festive displays of favorite characters like the Peanuts gang and The Grinch. Local Prescott and Arizona themed designs like cacti and cowboys really give the show a unique local touch. All the fun can be had from the comfort of your warm car. There are so many lights and every display has been nicely organized, rather than simply thrown around.
Be sure to take the time out for this gorgeous display if you find yourself visiting Prescott. There are many other worthwhile holiday activities in town, so you definitely will not be wasting your time! It won’t take up much of your time, yet it is sure to be a memorable experience.
Read more about fun Christmas events in Prescott.
Location: Fain Park (2200 N 5th St, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314)
Dates: Thanksgiving-December 30th, from 6-10pm
Admission: Free, although donations are accepted, $5 suggested
3. Holiday Lights at the Little America Flagstaff
Each year, the pine covered grounds of Flagstaff’s Little America hotel sparkle with over a million colorful lights. As you stroll around bundled up with a hot chocolate, you will be treated to a fantastic, free light display. This is the most colorful display in Northern Arizona for sure! There’s really no reason not to check it out as it’s festive, free, and fun!
Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the Little America Restaurant where you can enjoy more views of the festive display. While the display is great, the popular Champagne holiday brunch was a real let down! Skip the holiday buffets, but make sure to check out the lights! Check out more pictures from Holiday Lights at Little America.
Location: 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Dates: The show runs nightly from mid November – New Year’s
Admission: There is no fee to stroll the grounds
4. The “World’s Largest Gingerbread Village” at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center
The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is home to a massive annual gingerbread display entitled the “World’s Largest Gingerbread Village.” Not sure why they named it so as the real honor goes to Jon Lovitch and his incredible display at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New York (2015 marks his 3rd year in the Guinness World Records). Nevertheless, it is a very attractive display, with each of the houses being creative and beautifully constructed. Creative entries have included a rustic style log cabin design, a fantastic theme park creation, and a house inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Location: 1500 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301
Dates: Thanksgiving weekend – New Year’s
Admission: There is no fee to view the village
