Arizona uniquely celebrates Christmas, merging traditional traditions with its particular desert flair. Phoenix, the state’s busy metropolis, and the entire state provide a friendly and colorful Christmas atmosphere. The Christmas spirit takes on a special Arizona touch, from bustling holiday markets to spectacular desert-themed décor, enjoying the desert demography, and more. Let’s have a look at the top 8 activities Arizona citizens do to celebrate christmas.
1. Visiting Holiday Market
Beautifully combining local talent with seasonal zeal, Arizona’s holiday markets are a sight to see. In Phoenix, Arizona, the “Merry Copa Holiday Festival” showcases the talents of local artisans and artists against the breathtaking backdrop of the Copa Mountains. Take a stroll past rows of booths offering scented Christmas treats, southwestern-themed trinkets, and handcrafted ornaments.
A second well-attended holiday market is the Phoenix Convention Center’s Phoenix Christmas Market. At this market, you can find over 200 vendors selling everything from gourmet food and drinks to unique handmade decorations and crafts.
The market offers a great chance to get one-of-a-kind presents while also capturing the spirit of Arizona’s creative community via its unique wares.
2. Holiday Decorations
Phoenix becomes a desert wonderland for the holidays, with traditional Christmas trees and cacti sharing the spotlight. Driving through Ahwatukee or Arcadia, you’ll notice an odd juxtaposition of festive décor and arid landscapes. Christmas lights adorn homes and businesses in Phoenix and around the state, along with wreaths made of cacti and other desert plants, inflatable snowmen, and reindeer.
One of the most well-liked holiday decorations in Arizona is the “Snowflake Light Installation” at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. This presentation uses over 30,000 LED lights shaped like snowflakes and other winter-themed decorations. Guests may meander through the garden and take in the breathtaking show while enjoying hot chocolate and other holiday treats.
3. Christmas Parades
The whole family will appreciate the lovely Christmas parades that Phoenix and other Arizonan cities host. One of the biggest Christmas parades in the state takes place in Phoenix and features enormous balloons, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
The parade ends at the Arizona Capitol after passing through downtown Phoenix. One of the biggest of its kind in the nation, the APS Electric Light Parade fills the streets with an amazing light show. Huge floats with intricate designs make their way through the city while being led by dance companies and marching bands.
Another well-known Christmas parade is the Tempe Festival of Lights, which has holiday-themed performances, marching bands, and floats. This parade is a great way to start the Christmas season and it happens right in the heart of Tempe’s downtown.
4. Desert Christmas
Christmas in Arizona is unlike any other, thanks to the state’s embracing of its desert climate and its distinctive customs. For instance, during Las Noches de las Luminarias, the Desert Botanical Garden is turned into a mesmerizing sea of glittering luminarias, creating an atmosphere of serenity and joy. Nighttime tourists are escorted by the calming light of countless lanterns as they explore the breathtaking desert landscape.
At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s yearly Christmas at the Princess event, guests may enjoy a four-story singing tree, ice skating, and a holiday train ride through the resort’s beautiful gardens, among other festive pursuits.
A second traditional desert holiday tradition is the “Snowplay” in Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl. Many winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, are available at this ski resort. Hot chocolate and other seasonal treats are available at the base lodge as well.
5. Winter Christmas
The winters in Arizona are warm, with highs and lows averaging 40–70°F (4–20°C) in December. As a result, you may enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest without suffering through the scorching summer heat. Although the state might not see a snowy Christmas, it more than compensates with pleasant weather and sunny days. All of this prepares the way for a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration that welcomes the balmy desert air and provides a lovely setting for outdoor get-togethers.
6. Skiing and Snowboarding
Arizona’s northern mountains turn into winter wonderlands while the lowlands remain comfortable. Snow lovers are invited to Flagstaff, which is only a few hours away from Phoenix, to enjoy its breathtaking alpine skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Two of the state’s ski areas are the Sunrise Park Resort in Greer and the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. These resorts provide lessons for people who are new to the sport, equipment rentals, and trails for all skill levels, from novice to expert.
7. Family Events and Traditional Dinner
While some plan or attend family gatherings like picnics or barbecues, many families attend religious services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Some families also take pleasure in more traditional Christmas traditions, including putting out cookies for Santa, movie gathering, hanging stockings, and decorating the tree.
For Christmas dinner, many people in Arizona still eat the same old things: turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes. Nevertheless, as a result of the state’s rich cultural heritage, tamales, posole, and empanadas are staples in the holiday feasts of many families.
8. Outdoor Adventures and Traditions
Arizona offers a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the Christmas season, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. In the state’s picturesque parks and natural areas, hiking, riding, and bicycling are popular pastimes. Some participate in holiday celebrations like Tucson’s Christmas Parade or Phoenix’s Parade of Lights.
An exclusive event in Arizona is the “Luminaria Run,” which takes place in Tucson’s historic district. With music and candles in hand, participants sprint through the lit streets decked up for the celebration. A well-liked custom is the “Snowplay” in the Arizona Snowbowl, where visitors may partake in winter activities like tubing, sledding, and other activities in the snow-covered mountains.
In Arizona, customs transcend bright lighting. The Desert Botanical Garden’s Luminaria Nights are a lovely fusion of tradition and innovation, as the garden is illuminated by the calming light of luminarias. When these paper lanterns are thoughtfully placed throughout the yard, they create a serene atmosphere that invites visitors in.
Takeaway
Arizona’s Christmas is a one-of-a-kind combination of tradition and desert charm, exemplified by crowded holiday markets, breathtaking light displays, and a fusion of classic and culturally influenced feasts. The state promotes diversity and innovation, from snow-kissed mountains to luminaria-lit gardens. Arizona’s Christmas is a monument to the state’s versatility, flawlessly blending desert warmth with conventional traditions. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that embodies the state’s identity and welcomes everyone to enjoy the enchantment of Christmas in a distinctly Arizona way.
