There are plenty of appealing options for those seeking to spend their holidays enjoying the excellent atmosphere and beautiful seasonal setting Arizona provides. Many towns and cities in Arizona are known for offering engaging and family-friendly holiday experiences. Let’s explore what these festive communities provide.
Mesa
Mesa is a major Arizona city famed for its gorgeous outdoor settings. With year-round warm weather and a scenic desert landscape, it is a hotspot for visitors during the winter looking to escape the cold. Mesa is known for its fun holiday traditions. The Hanukkah Menorah Lighting is a big event in which a menorah is lit up in front of a large crowd on all days of the holiday. There are fun Kwanzaa celebrations throughout the city, including events hosted by the East Valley Kwanzaa Committee. And Merry Main Street is a massive Christmas event downtown with Santa, an artificial ice rink, a huge tree, and much more.
Sedona
Sedona is a popular tourist destination known for its rare beauty, with scenic canyons and otherworldly red-rock buttes. Sedona, a vibrant little community, is an excellent visit at any time of the year, and there is much to enjoy during the holidays. Festive, family-friendly events like the Sedona Tree Lighting and the Sedona Trolley make for a holiday to remember. There are also Hanukkah events throughout the city, like a menorah lighting and a festive celebration at the Jewish Community of Sedona and Verde Valley Synagogue.
Tucson
Tucson is a significant Arizona city known for its scenic desert settings and vibrant Southwest culture. It has a mountainous backdrop that makes it a nature lover’s paradise, and during the holiday season the city comes alive with events. The Downtown Parade of Lights is a festive tradition with brightly lit holiday floats celebrating the best time of year. There are holiday concerts, like the Christmas at San Xavier Annual Concert, and community events, like the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair.
Prescott
Prescott is a scenic Central Arizona community known for its Wild West history. It has many fascinating museums commemorating the town’s incredible past. It is also a hub for holiday fun, with seasonal events that bring out the crowds. The Prescott Holiday Light Parade and Bonfire Festival is an enjoyable family-friendly spectacle with incredible light displays. Prescott also has a terrific theater scene, and there are live shows throughout the holidays, including a local presentation of the holiday classic, Elf. There are also holiday craft events like the Wintry Christmas Rock Painting.
Glendale
Glendale is another large Arizona city near Phoenix, known for its top-notch shopping and delectable food scene. Glendale’s many malls and locally-owned shops are the perfect spots to find your season’s gifts. Glendale Glitters is a holiday event in which the city is lit up with lights, making it a festive setting for a family getaway. The Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade is a major event with music and floats. It is the ideal family-friendly way to enjoy the season.
