The joy we find in the winter season here in Sedona is often transferred to the special events that only occur during this time of year, and your Arizona journey will be enriched when you take the time to experience them! Spend your days playing, listening to live entertainment, and perhaps even getting in touch with your dreams and desires, and each night when you come home to Stay Sedona, you will feel the comfort and magic of Sedona surrounding you. Every one of the festivals and winter events in Sedona we describe below are destined to take your southwestern escape to the next level of wonderment!
Santa’s Tree Lighting and Visit, December 3-5, Tlaquepaque North
Even though winter has not technically arrived by December 3rd, the arrival of Santa always serves as the kick-off to the season, so why not just go with it as you take a little shopping time for yourself and a little magic time for your Santa believing children! Sing along with the Christmas carols being performed live, (It is still early enough in the season that you won’t be tired of the music quite yet!) enjoy the refreshments being offered and watch your child’s eyes light up as they meet with Santa in a Christmas fantasy land. Winter starts on December 3rd in Tlaquepaque North and there is no better introduction to the season than this special event!
The Magical Christmas Journey, December 3-24, Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale
Clarkdale is one of our favorite wine towns, but it is also home to the Verde Canyon Railroad and this magical train experience. The month of December is set aside for weekend visits to the North Pole on a set of secret tracks only known by the conductor of the train. The depot, located at 300 N Broadway, is decorated for the season, and the train itself is decked out in Christmas lights that will shine brightly through the night. Once the festive coach and cars reach the North Pole, Santa comes aboard and spends the trip back to the depot passing out gifts and meeting with each child. This magical event is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Arizona visit!
Oak Creek Arts & Crafts Festival, December 17, 9-5 in Sedona Vista Village
Not every winter event has to be about Christmas, and although the music may be seasonal, the treats may be holiday-esque, and the opportunity to purchase Christmas décor will happen, the Oak Creek Arts & Crafts Festival is simply a place to enjoy, honor, and buy the wares of local artists! It is the perfect way to pick up last-minute gifts for those who aren’t lucky enough to accompany you on your Southwestern adventures in our mystical hometown. Pick up a painting that vibrates with the electricity of the vortexes, a pair of crystal earrings that will give you peace and tranquility as they dangle from your ear lobes, or thrill your father-in-law with an authentic Western belt buckle, handcrafted from silver and adorned with local turquoise. The sunny beauty of red rock country will appear even more so when enjoyed with a special gift, a bag of kettle corn, and the kindness of the artisans who live to create beautiful pieces just for you!
Winter Solstice Sadhana, December 19th at the Sedona Crystal Temple
Celebrating the ACTUAL arrival of winter, this intimate event offers 9 hours of meditation, healing, chanting, and journaling. Get in touch with your innermost Self and possibly learn some new ways to calm your soul as you give it what it needs. Using sound for healing and peace, the Winter Solstice Sadhana is designed to help participants find the ultimate expression of their life as they are living it now. As the holiday season forces us into a frantic and stressful time of never-ending chores and worries, taking the time to step back, breathe, and release all the frustration is much needed!
Sedona Winterfest, January 10th
The details are still being ironed out right now, but Sedona Winterfest is destined to be your favorite event of the year! Held AFTER the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and designed to celebrate the beauty of January, this unique event offers live musical performances, educational opportunities for students, and a host of other exciting activities, guaranteed to become the highlight of your Sedona adventures.
Peace Found
Vacations are supposed to be restful, but we tend to rush from place to place, determined to experience all, see all, and buy all that we see, afraid that if we slow down we will miss something important. When you choose Stay Sedona for your vacation sojourn, however, the quiet luxuries and creature comforts will entice you to linger a little longer over your morning coffee, nap a little more, and relax in ways you haven’t been able to do in so very long. Contact us to reserve your favorite escape today! Check out our Sedona villas here.