Believe it or not, Arizona isn’t all desert heat—when winter arrives, snow blankets mountains, pines, and high-elevation towns across the state. From snowy slopes and scenic drives to festive holiday events, there’s plenty to enjoy in the cooler months. Explore these winter destinations to see where snow settles and discover the seasonal activities that make each spot a perfect winter escape.
Sedona
Winter in Sedona brings cool days, soft sunlight, and the occasional snowfall that briefly brightens the red rocks. Snow rarely lingers in town, but higher elevations near Oak Creek Canyon and the Mogollon Rim often keep their dusting longer. Even without steady snow, the season feels calm and relaxed, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives and time outdoors.
Winter Activities in Sedona
Verde Canyon Railroad – Magical Christmas Journey
Dates: Nov. 27 – Dec. 24, 2026
Location: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ
During winter, the Verde Canyon Railroad becomes a festive escape just 30 minutes from Sedona. On select dates through Christmas Eve, the “Magical Christmas Journey” carries passengers on a storybook ride to the North Pole, complete with holiday decorations, cheerful characters, and a visit from Santa. The train winds past snow-dusted cliffs and quiet desert landscapes, offering plenty of time for photos and soaking in the seasonal charm. The crisp winter air makes the open-air cars especially pleasant, turning the ride into a relaxed, holiday-themed adventure.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Tlaquepaque North
Dates: Dec. 4, 2026
Location: Tlaquepaque North, Sedona, AZ
Sedona kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting, co-sponsored by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. Locals and visitors gather as a 26-foot Christmas tree comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights. The evening also features Santa’s arrival, activities for kids, complimentary hot chocolate, and performances from local entertainers.
Dates: Dec. 5, 2026
Location: 525-B Posse Grounds Rd, Sedona, AZ
The City of Sedona Parks and Recreation hosts its 16th annual Breakfast with Santa, turning The Hub into a holiday wonderland. Kids can meet Santa and his elves, play games, and listen to carolers, while everyone enjoys a free breakfast of pancakes, cocoa, and juice (served until 9:45 a.m.). A sensory-friendly time slot from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. welcomes families with members who have light and sound sensitivities.
Geminid Meteor Shower
Dates: Dec. 13 – 14, 2026
Sedona’s famously dark skies make it one of Arizona’s best places to watch the Geminids, one of the strongest meteor showers of the year. At its peak, the shower can produce 100 or more bright, colorful meteors and fireballs per hour. Bundle up, find a dark viewing spot in a permitted area, and give your eyes time to adjust.
Dates: Dec. 19, 2026
Location: 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ
The Sweet Stroll brings an evening of late-night holiday shopping to Tlaquepaque, complete with carolers and photos with Santa. Stick around for the luminaria lighting at 5:00 p.m., when the village glows with candlelight.
RunSedona Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Walk
Dates: Feb. 6, 2027
Location: Starts near West Sedona and Dry Creek Road, Sedona, AZ
The 22nd annual RunSedona sends runners and walkers along scenic out-and-back courses through Sedona’s red rock landscape. The half marathon starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:15, the 5K at 8:25, and an untimed, family- and dog-friendly 5K Walk at 8:30, complete with a Paws Walk costume contest.
Location: W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ
West Fork Trail becomes quieter and cooler in the winter months. Icicles collect along the canyon walls, and the creek moves steadily beneath pockets of frost, giving the area a more subdued feel than in warmer seasons. The trail is easy, making for a crisp, scenic walk with no steep climbs.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Location: 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ
Sedona’s artistic side really shines during the holidays. Tlaquepaque glows with seasonal décor, luminaries, and festive events that turn the outdoor walkways into a charming holiday stroll. The galleries, boutiques, and small cafés feel especially inviting this time of year, making it easy to spend hours wandering, browsing, and taking in the atmosphere.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is Arizona’s snow capital, with about 100 inches of snow each year and chilly nights that often dip below freezing. Snow settles on the tall pines and rooftops, while the San Francisco Peaks draw visitors for winter adventures. Even on milder days, the crisp air reminds you that this is a place that truly lives through all four seasons.
Winter Activities in Flagstaff
Dates: Nov. 30, 2026
Location: Downtown Flagstaff
A week-long holiday scavenger hunt for kids. Search for snowflakes hidden throughout downtown businesses and see how many you can find. It’s an easy, festive way to explore downtown’s shops while keeping little ones entertained, with plenty of cozy cafés to duck into along the way.
Dates: Dec. 1 – 31, 2026
Location: Downtown Flagstaff
Downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive window displays. Stroll through downtown, check out the decorations, and vote online for your favorite to help crown this year’s winner. Grab a hot drink and make an evening of it, since the displays are especially charming once the holiday lights come on.
Dates: Dec. 5, 2026
Location: 1 E Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ
The Flagstaff Visitor Center kicks off the holiday season with its annual Snowflake Festival. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (snap your own photos for free or grab a Polaroid for $1), then dive into holiday crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, and festive games. A holiday art market featuring local vendors and artisans makes it easy to cross a few gifts off your list, and guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the local toy drive.
Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
Dates: Dec. 5, 2026
Location: 22 E. Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
The official kickoff to the holiday season, featuring an afternoon of festivities and family fun, with Santa lighting the downtown tree. It’s a perfect way to start a holiday visit, and for many local families, it’s a can’t-miss tradition.
Dates: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2026
Location: 15 W. Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
Free, family-friendly holiday movies at the Orpheum Theater. Bring the family and settle in for some holiday movie magic. The historic Orpheum makes a cozy setting on a chilly winter night, and it’s an easy way to warm up after a day in the snow.
Dates: Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 2026
Location: Local coffee shops
Santa makes his way around downtown coffee shops for special story times. Grab a warm cocoa or coffee and enjoy holiday stories with Santa. It’s a sweet, low-key morning outing that younger kids will love.
Dates: Dec. 7, 2026
Location: 15 W. Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
Celebrate the holidays with your four-legged friends. Snap pet photos with Santa while supporting High Country Humane. Dress your pup in their festive best and walk away with a holiday-card-worthy photo for a good cause.
Dates: Dec. 12, 2026
Location: Downtown Flagstaff
For a more social night out, grab your friends for Downtown Flagstaff’s holiday bar crawl, featuring festive drink specials, karaoke, and plenty of holiday cheer. Each stop adds its own twist to the night, making it a memorable way to experience downtown’s bar and restaurant scene.
Dates: Dec. 31, 2026
Location: 22 E. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ
Ring in the New Year with a family-friendly celebration downtown, featuring the Weatherford Hotel’s famous Pinecone Drop. Celebrating at noon means kids can join the countdown without staying up past bedtime.
Dates: Opening – Nov. 20, 2026
Location: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
Arizona Snowbowl is Flagstaff’s centerpiece during winter. Skiers and snowboarders fill the mountain, and the mix of beginner-friendly slopes and advanced runs makes it accessible for every type of visitor. Gondola rides offer wide views of the surrounding peaks, and the ski lodge atmosphere adds a comforting warmth after hours spent outside.
Dates: Opening – Dec. 12, 2026
Location: 2446 Ft Tuthill Lp, Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff Snow Park is a favorite for families, with tubing lanes and gentle hills that keep snow play going all day. Fire pits and seating areas give parents a chance to unwind while kids race down the slopes, and the park’s focus on easygoing outdoor fun makes it a hit for visitors of all ages.
Pinetop
When winter hits Pinetop, snow blankets the pine forests and rooftops, turning the White Mountains into a chilly retreat. Daytime highs sit in the 40s, but the high elevation makes it feel colder. Storms can arrive fast, and plow crews keep roads clear, so warm layers and sturdy shoes are a must.
Winter Activities in Pinetop
Dates: Anticipated Opening – Dec.11, 2026
Location: 200 Highway 273, Greer, AZ
Just 40 minutes from Pinetop, Sunrise Park Resort anchors the region’s winter season. With terrain for both beginners and seasoned skiers, the mountain welcomes all skill levels. Lessons, rentals, and a variety of runs make it easy to spend the day outside, while wide views across the White Mountains add a sense of openness that sets Sunrise apart from other regional ski areas.
Sledding in Greer
Families often make their way to Greer, where open hills and quiet valleys create ideal sledding opportunities. After fresh snowfall, the landscape becomes a patchwork of smooth slopes that invite hours of play. The drive itself can feel like its own scenic experience as the snowy forest thickens with each mile.
Winter Scenic Drives
The White Mountains come alive in winter, and scenic drives highlight snow-dusted peaks and dense pine forests. Routes like Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive, Mogollon Rim Road, and the loop around Pinetop-Lakeside showcase rolling hills, quiet forests, and occasional wildlife, making for a peaceful winter outing.
Mt. Lemmon
Mt. Lemmon, located just outside Tucson, transforms the surrounding desert into a true winter landscape, often seeing up to 180 inches of snow each year. Chilly temperatures and sudden weather changes make layers essential. When the snow sticks, the mountain feels like a quiet alpine retreat far removed from the desert below.
Winter Activities in Mt. Lemmon
Location: 10300 Ski Run Rd, Mt. Lemmon, AZ
Ski Valley becomes the mountain’s main attraction once winter hits. The runs range from approachable to moderately challenging, and the lift rides offer panoramic views of snow-covered slopes that stretch toward Tucson’s desert floor. Visitors can rent equipment on the mountain and spend the entire day taking advantage of the cool temperatures and steady snowfall.
Sledding Spots
Winter storms also open up several sledding locations across the mountain. Areas near Inspiration Rock and the route toward Rose Canyon Lake become busy with families looking for simple outdoor fun. After significant snowfall, the hills fill with visitors eager to take advantage of the fresh powder.
Location: 12856 N Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, AZ
At the top of the mountain, the small community of Summerhaven offers shops, treats, and warm indoor spaces that provide a break from the cold. The slower winter pace and cozy storefronts make it an inviting stop after time spent outdoors.
Scenic Drive Up the Mountain
Even if you’re not planning to ski or sled, the drive up Mt. Lemmon is an experience in itself. The landscape shifts dramatically—from desert saguaros to alpine forests—creating one of Arizona’s most striking seasonal transitions. Snow at the top adds a wintry touch to an already impressive route.
Williams
Just about two and a half hours north of Phoenix, Williams is an easy winter getaway from the Valley. Winter here brings chilly temperatures and frequent snow that settles across rooftops and pines. Along historic Route 66, the town takes on a timeless mountain charm, with streets that feel calmer and cozier. The snow highlights the classic architecture and natural beauty, giving the whole area a festive, small-town feel.
Winter Activities in Williams
Dates: Nov. 6, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Location: 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ
One of Williams’ most anticipated events each winter is the Polar Express on the Grand Canyon Railway. Families board the train in pajamas, hold onto their “golden tickets,” and ride through the night as the story unfolds around them. The experience blends nostalgia with holiday magic and remains a beloved tradition for many.
Location: 700 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park keeps the winter energy high with tubing lanes, snow play areas, and a twisting mountain coaster that snakes down the hillside. It’s a lively spot for families, friends, or anyone looking for a mix of adrenaline and snowy fun.
Winter Hiking
The forests around Williams remain inviting in winter, with trails that wind through snow-dusted landscapes. The Sycamore Falls Trail, a half-mile loop to seasonal waterfalls, is a favorite when conditions allow. The quiet trails offer a perfect chance to soak in the peaceful winter scenery.
Payson
Only about 90 minutes from Phoenix, Payson is one of the quickest ways to trade desert sunshine for pine-scented mountain air. Winter here brings cooler temperatures and the occasional snow, turning the forests and hills into a serene, wintry landscape. The crisp mountain air and soft snowfall create a distinctly seasonal atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
Winter Activities in Payson
Dates: Dec. 12, 2026
Location: Historic Main Street in Payson, AZ
The Genuine Ice Rink opens from mid-December through early January, offering a classic winter experience for visitors of all ages. Skaters circle the rink as music plays in the background, and the festive atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot for families and couples.
Winter Wonderland & Electric Light Parade
Dates: Dec. 12, 2026
Location: Historic Main Street in Payson, AZ
Downtown Payson comes alive with color for the Winter Wonderland & Electric Light Parade. Floats, dancers, performers, and local groups bring charm to the streets, making it one of the town’s signature seasonal celebrations.
Winter Hiking and Snow Play
Payson’s surrounding forests offer a quiet winter escape, with snow-dusted trails perfect for a crisp hike. When snow falls, the higher elevations near the Mogollon Rim, including areas around Woods Canyon Lake, provide ideal spots for sledding, snowshoeing, and building snowmen, making the season feel playful and full of adventure.
Prescott
Prescott embraces winter with crisp temperatures, occasional snowfall, and a historic downtown that feels especially warm and festive when decorated for the holidays. The town offers a cozy winter atmosphere, perfect for strolling the streets, enjoying seasonal events, and soaking in the charm of this mountain community.
Winter Activities in Prescott
72nd Annual Prescott Courthouse Lighting
Dates: Dec. 5, 2026
Location: 117 W. Goodwin St, Prescott, AZ
The Courthouse Lighting is one of Prescott’s most beloved holiday traditions. Crowds gather on the historic Courthouse Plaza as the trees and grounds light up for the season, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
Prescott Valley Winter Spectacular
Dates: Dec. 5, 2026
Location: 7501 Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley, AZ
Just a short drive from downtown Prescott, the Winter Spectacular in neighboring Prescott Valley celebrates the season with music, performances, and community gatherings, making it a festive outing for the whole family.
38th Annual Acker Night Musical Showcase
Dates: Dec. 11, 2026
Location: Downtown Prescott
Acker Night blends music and community, filling stores, sidewalks, and plazas in historic downtown Prescott with performances from local artists. People move from shop to shop, enjoying live music, refreshments, and the shared excitement that defines the town’s December atmosphere.
Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop
Dates: Dec. 31, 2026
Location: 120 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ
On New Year’s Eve, Whiskey Row hosts its 16th annual Boot Drop, featuring a giant illuminated boot that descends at midnight. The event blends small-town charm with lively energy, creating a memorable way to ring in the new year.
Winter Hikes
Forests, lakes, and rocky outcrops around Prescott stay inviting through the winter months. Hikes to Thumb Butte, the Granite Dells, and along the Peavine Trail offer panoramic views, peaceful winter landscapes, and crisp mountain air. Even shorter walks feel refreshing, while longer trails let you fully enjoy the quiet beauty of the season.
No matter which winter destination calls to you—mountains, small towns, or the desert—there’s a GoodNight Stay home ready to make your trip comfortable, cozy, and memorable.
This season, our Arizona Black Friday Sale makes it even easier to plan your escape. Every destination on this list is within a few hours’ drive of Phoenix, so a snowy weekend in a cozy GoodNight Stay home is closer than you think. Book by December 31, 2026, and save 20% on eligible homes with code BFWINTERAZ20 or 15% with code BFWINTERAZ15. Valid for reservations between November 1, 2026, and January 17, 2027 (excluding December 31, 2026; minimum stay requirements apply).
Wherever your winter adventures lead, start them with a stay that feels like home!
