She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Christmas lights in Sedona aren’t your average holiday display – unless you consider illuminated red rocks and glowing vortexes typical festive fare.
As someone who once got lost searching for Christmas lights in Sedona’s winding roads, I can tell you that this magical town takes holiday decorating to metaphysical levels.
I’ve spent three holiday seasons here, watching tourists attempt to capture the perfect photo of Cathedral Rock wrapped in festive lights, only to be upstaged by a spontaneous meditation circle forming nearby.
Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, a first-timer or a seasoned Sedona enthusiast, this guide will lead you through the most enchanting holiday light displays in the Southwest’s spiritual capital, where even the crystals dress up for Christmas.
Grab your hiking boots (and maybe your aura camera) – we’re about to embark on a uniquely Sedonian holiday adventure.
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SEDONA IN WINTER – 29 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO AND SEE
SEDONA IN DECEMBER – 21 BEST THINGS TO DO!
Sunrise in Sedona – 19 Best Spots For Your Bucket list
SEDONA IN JANUARY – 15 FUN THINGS TO DO
CHRISTMAS IN SEDONA – 11 FUN THINGS YOU MUST DO
15 SEDONA SWIMMING HOLES TO COOL OFF IN THE HEAT
6 Sedona Hot Springs For a Relaxing Soak
10 BEST KAYAKING IN SEDONA SPOTS TO COOL OFF
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SEDONA
VISIT THIS ARTS AND CULTURE SHOPPING VILLAGE
If Sedona’s holiday spirit had an epicenter, it would be Tlaquepaque (try saying that three times fast).
Located on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque is a year-round top attraction in the city, but it is known for its signature event, including special Christmas lights in Sedona.
This Spanish-style arts village becomes a southwestern fairytale during the holiday season.
This 50+ years old tradition is anticipated by locals and tourists alike as Tlaquepaque transforms into an even more enchanting winter wonderland.
The Tlaquepaque arts and shopping district has been the central attraction to admire Christmas lights in Sedona as the area comes alive with over 6000 luminaries.
These luminaries are icons for holidays in the Southwest, traditional paper-bag lanterns with candles set in sand.
The festivities begin after Thanksgiving, as the village basks in thousands of lights and kicks off the season with a Tree Lighting on Dec. 6.
Once the tree lights up, the festivities will begin with a visit from Santa, live music and other entertainment.
The Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village is one of Sedona’s most well-loved areas for its many boutiques and shops selling regional and hand-crafted goods.
Listen to choirs, and get your kids to meet Santa after the parade.
Pro tip: Visit at dusk when the lights first come on – it’s pure magic, and yes, I may have teared up a little my first time (blame it on the vortex energy).
Opening hours – 11 AM to 7 PM
CHECK OUT TINSEL TOWN
One of the fun-filled attractions to enjoy during Christmas in Sedona with your family is the Posse Grounds Park Remadas.
Located in the western part of the city, experience the magical walk-through Tinsel Town light display at Posse Grounds Park, where you watch dancing trees to many Christmas songs.
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Opening hours – Thursday through Sunday evening in December, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
SEDONA HERITAGE MUSEUM
Often overlooked, Sedona Heritage Museum, a historical gem on Jordan Road, transforms its pioneer-era buildings into a vintage Christmas spectacle.
The old apple barn, wrapped in warm white lights, offers a perfect photo op that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’ve time-traveled.
STROLL IN THE UPTOWN
One of the must-stops while enjoying Christmas lights in Sedona is the Uptown.
Uptown Sedona transforms into what locals affectionately call “Red Rock Winter Wonderland,” where twinkle lights compete with starlight for attention.
The Uptown is luxuriously lit up between late November and throughout December, including Jordan Road and Apple Avenue.
Head to Canyon Breeze Plaza in Uptown Sedona between 5 PM to 7 PM to watch the lighting of the community’s 20’ tree and Santa’s arrival.
Shop for your favourite souvenirs, and enjoy hot cocoa or cider and cookies.
ATTEND THE VERDE VALLEY’S MOST DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY PARTY
Why settle for ordinary holiday shopping when you can browse handcrafted treasures while sipping hot cocoa in the heart of Camp Verde?
The Camp Verde Parade of Lights and Craft Bazaar isn’t just another small-town festival – it’s where holiday magic meets Arizona charm, and where last-minute shoppers become gift-giving legends.
Trust me, your reputation as the family’s most thoughtful gift-giver is about to get a serious upgrade.
With local artisans displaying their finest works, from hand-tooled leather goods to desert-inspired jewelry, you will be spoilt for some exquisite presents to take home.
But the real show-stopper? The Parade of Lights. Forget what you know about ordinary holiday parades – this is where small-town Arizona shows off its festive flair.
Local dignitaries cruise by in classic cars that would make any car enthusiast weak in the knees, each vehicle dressed up in enough lights to be visible from space (okay, maybe not quite, but close enough).
The floats? They’re like rolling winter wonderlands, except with the occasional cactus thrown in for good measure.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, who should appear but the big man himself? Santa brings up the rear of this twinkling procession, and unlike those mall Santas who disappear faster than cookies on Christmas Eve, this Santa sticks around for a proper meet-and-greet.
Kids get face time with Father Christmas that’s longer than a TikTok video – now that’s what I call a holiday miracle.
Both the bazaar and parade are completely free, which in today’s economy is rarer than finding a parking spot at the mall in December.
It’s like getting an early Christmas present from Camp Verde itself.
HEAD TO SCHNEBLY HILL VISTA POINT
Besides being one of the popular Sedona sunset spots, Schnebly Hill Vista Point is also one of the best places to enjoy Christmas lights in Sedona.
While not an official light display, park here after your light-touring adventure to see all of Sedona’s Christmas lights twinkling below.
On clear nights, you can spotlights from both Uptown and West Sedona, creating a holiday light show that rivals the starscape above.
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CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS
Speaking of spiritual meets spectacular, the Chapel of the Holy Cross deserves its own paragraph.
Perched among the red rocks, this architectural marvel gets dressed up in subtle yet stunning holiday lights that complement rather than compete with its natural surroundings.
Fair warning: the drive up can be adventurous after dark, but the view of the valley’s twinkling lights below is worth every hairpin turn.
HOP ON THE VERDE CANYON RAILROAD CHRISTMAS TRAIN
If you plan a trip to enjoy Christmas in Sedona with your kids, this is one of the activities I highly recommend(and it is my favourite too).
Verde Canyon Railroad Christmas Train is one of the best journeys for your kids and the kid in you to soak up Christmas lights.
The Magical Christmas Journey by the Verde Canyon Railroad, takes you on a one-hour round trip, starting from Clarkdale depot (a 30-min drive from Sedona).
The trips run from early December through Christmas Eve.
You will have a fantastic time journeying in the illuminated mystical tunnel to Santa’s Village in the North Pole.
The train ride is packed with entertainment for kids and adults, plus unique open-air viewing cars.
Kids can meet many comic characters, including a Christmas princess before meeting Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus.
AIRPORT MESA DISPLAY
The Sedona Airport steps up its game during the holidays.
The mesa-top location offers a unique vantage point where you can see lights sparkling across the entire valley.
Pro tip: The airport restaurant sets up a special holiday light display that’s visible from the famous Airport Mesa lookout point.
BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR SEDONA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Want to explore like a local? Head to these residential areas for some truly unique displays:
West Sedona: Where traditional meets metaphysical. Expect to see light-up peace signs next to nativity scenes.
Chapel Area: Some of the most expensive homes in Sedona show off with professionally installed displays.
Coffee Pot Rock Area Neighborhoods
The residential areas near Coffee Pot Rock deserve special mention.
These high-end homes often feature elaborate displays that incorporate the natural rock formations into their light designs.
Drive slowly through Sanborn Drive and Coffee Pot Drive for some of the most creative residential displays.
WHEN TO VISIT TO ADMIRE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SEDONA
The official lighting season typically runs from late November through early January.
But here’s an insider tip: visit mid-week in early December. You’ll avoid the weekend warriors and still catch all the sparkle.
WHERE TO WARM UP?
After your light-viewing adventure, head to one of these cosy spots:
- Mariposa (for fancy hot chocolate with a view)
- Indian Gardens (for the best hot cider in town)
- ChocolaTree (for vegan hot drinks that somehow taste better than the regular ones)
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA?
APARTMENTS AND LUXURY HOTELS
A Sunset Chateau – This bed and breakfast features an outdoor pool and hot tub, A fully equipped kitchenette and stunning mountain views from select rooms.
Hiking is possible in the nearby area. A Sunset Chateau is highly loved by families and couples. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Junipine Resort – Offering apartments with a full kitchen and a living room with a fireplace, this resort boasts rustic elegance. Close to the creek and many attractions, it is one of the best places to indulge. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Enchantment Resort – If you want a luxurious experience, check out Enchantment Resort, known for its spectacular vistas of Boynton Canyon.
Enjoy luxurious delicacies and outdoor activities, besides enjoying the comforts of suites and villas with private balconies. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset Villa – Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset villa offers access to a balcony and free private parking. It is one of my favourite recommendations for its rich exteriors and comfortable villas. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Sky Ranch Lodge – Sky Ranch Lodge provides spacious accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a bar. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
El Portal Sedona Hotel – El Portal Sedona Hotel is 20 20-minute drive from Red Rock State Park. You can also enjoy a spa bath, which is also featured in some rooms. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Matterhorn Inn – Matterhorn Inn provides excellent accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property. The 4-star hotel has mountain views. Check here for the latest prices and deals.
If you are looking for a B&B, I recommend Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast, which features accommodation with free WiFi, barbecue facilities, a shared lounge and free private parking. They have excellent reviews and great prices. Click here for more details.
MID-RANGE HOTELS
Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit – Situated in the Sedona Plateau and offering stunning views of the Arizona desert, Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit features studios and one and 2-bedroom suites. Check out their reviews and prices here. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
Sugar Loaf Lodge – Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub, Sugar Loaf Lodge is one of the top-rated hotels. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.
MAP OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SEDONA
Christmas lights in Sedona offer something you won’t find anywhere else – a unique blend of holiday cheer, spiritual energy, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast or just looking for a unique winter experience, Sedona’s festive displays against the backdrop of those magnificent red rocks create memories that’ll last long after the lights come down.
Have you experienced Christmas lights in Sedona? Share your favorite spots or magical moments in the comments below.
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