Winter Adventures: Events and Activities to Make this Season Special

Every season in Flagstaff makes me feel lucky to call this place home, but winter holds a fond place in my heart because there are so many opportunities to view the magic of snow, frosty air, and the holidays through the eyes of my children. I’ve complied a list of some of my family’s favorite events and activities below. Comment to tell me yours!

Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting- Heritage Square, Dec. 3^rd Starting at 3:00 p.m.

This event is such a fun way to kick off the season! Get there right on time to enjoy hot cocoa, cookie decorating, crafts, music, and lots of photo opportunities with all the beautiful decorations downtown. When Santa shows up to help our town officials light the tree in Heritage Square, the kids get super excited. Make a whole day out of it with Breakfast with Santa at the Weatherford Hotel from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Little America Hotel– Holiday Lights and the North Pole Experience, Starting Mid-November

I always take the kids to see this wonderful light display. We like to park and walk through the property, as there is so much to take in, and get a treat from the giftshop on the way out. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant that offers holiday dinners and Breakfast with Santa. This year we are thinking about purchasing tickets to their highly-rated North Pole Experience, where children get to go inside Santa’s workshop.

Write a Letter to Santa at Viola’s

This local nursery does a wonderful job of setting up photo opportunities for children and adults! They always offer a gorgeous selection of seasonal plants for purchase, and they have two venues you can rent out if you’re looking to host your own event.

Pottery Painting and Toy Shopping at Babies to Kids

Keep a lookout for their events and sales. I love their selection of holiday pottery for kids and grownups to paint, their ornaments, and of course all of the fun toys they keep in stock. The owner of this local gem does a great job of attending trade shows in order to bring the most educational, innovative toys right here to Flagstaff. They also giftwrap for a small fee, which I especially appreciate!

Winter Movie Series at The Orpheum Theater

This free series includes a craft at 9:30 a.m. before the movie begins at 10:00 a.m. I’ve taken my toddlers a few times, and we always enjoy ourselves even if we don’t make it through the whole movie. This year they are showing Home Alone on Dec. 3^rd, Elf on Dec. 10^th, and Polar Express on Dec. 17^th.

This year they are also hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. where folks can purchase goods from local artists and sellers.

Miracle on 34^th Street at Theatrikos, Weekend Performances Nov. 25^th – Dec. 18^th

The former theatre kid in me can’t resist this one! The folks at Theatrikos always deliver a great show. My son had an amazing experience at their summer program, so I can’t wait to take him to see a “big show.” Their Sunday matinee’s at 2:00 p.m. are great for families, and their 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances would make a cool date night.

Get in the Spirit at Warner’s Nursery

My family loves the trees at Warner’s! They have all sorts of seasonal plants like the Christmas Cactus, and their staff is very knowledgeable about our local climate. Their decorations and events are some of my favorite in town. It is so cute to watch the kids push their little child-sized shopping carts around, and I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy their café.  

Share your favorite local events and activities with us in the comments.