Sedona Christmas Lights 2024-2025

Sedona proves that Christmas doesn't need to be snowy or icy to create memories. The city offers plenty of options to get into the holiday spirit. You can stroll across the shimmering Uptown Sedona, ride on Verde Canyon Christmas Train, or enjoy a road trip to the nearby Prescott, famed for some of the best Christmas lights in Arizona.

Uptown Sedona

Uptown Sedona transforms into a holiday wonderland from late November through December, with Jordan Road and Apple Avenue as key routes to explore. Don’t miss the festive decorations at Chipotle, Canyon Breeze Restaurant, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, and Bearcloud Art Gallery. The crown jewel of the season is Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where you can marvel at a grand Christmas tree, beautifully lit sycamore trees, sparkling fountains, and the Church at Tlaquepaque, all adorned with enchanting lights.

Verde Canyon Railroad's Magical Christmas Journey (November 29–December 24, 2024)

A great option to soak up Christmas lights with kids is the Magical Christmas Journey by the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Christmas Train takes you on a one-hour round trip, starting from Clarkdale depot (a 30-minute drive from Sedona) and featuring the illuminated mystical tunnel, Santa's Village at the North Pole, and loads of seasonal entertainment.

Magical Christmas Journey Route

The Magical Christmas Journe to the North Pole starts at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale. Here, Flurry, a real bald eagle, welcomes children and offers "wing-flapping" lessons before they explore a charming miniature village with ten tiny houses. Kids can don eagle wings and experience the world from Flurry’s perspective. Onboard, elves entertain while car attendants, dressed in festive outfits, serve seasonal drinks. The one-hour round-trip takes passengers into the dark of night, through a mystical illuminated tunnel, and onto "Santa’s private tracks." At the North Pole, the train is greeted by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and cheerful elves amidst a dazzling array of life-size buildings adorned in holiday splendor.

Tickets & Schedule

Passengers on The Magical Christmas Journey™ can enjoy both open-air viewing cars and comfortable indoor seating with a single ticket. Trips run from early December through Christmas Eve, with departures at 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7 pm. Admission prices range from $40 to $50 for children and $60 to $70 for adults.

Sedona Christmas Festival of Lights (December 2024, TBA)

The Festival of Lights in Sedona is an annual event featuring live entertainment, music, and the lighting of over 6,000 luminarias. Held at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, the event runs from 3 pm to 8 pm, with the luminaria lighting beginning at 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy performances, a visit from Santa, and complimentary cider. The River of Life Tabernacle Choir is a highlight, and luminarias can be purchased to honor cancer survivors through the American Cancer Society. Admission is free.

Prescott, Arizona's Christmas City

If you're into a festive road trip, drive to Prescott, famously known as Arizona's Christmas City. Start your adventure with the dazzling Christmas lights of the downtown Yavapai County Courthouse. Later, behold the brilliance of Gingerbread Village, held annually at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. The show spreads holiday cheer from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Day. Prescott is situated 67 miles (108 km) southwest of Sedona and is absolutely worth a 3-hour round-trip.