Arizona's 9 Most Festive Downtowns For The Holidays
When you think of a white Christmas, Arizona might not be the first place that comes to mind. But these charming towns across the state prove that holiday magic has nothing to do with your zip code and everything to do with community spirit. From historic mining towns draped in twinkling lights to Route 66 communities where vintage neon signs glow beside holiday decorations, Arizona's small downtowns transform into winter wonderlands that rival any snowy New England village. Locals here take the holidays seriously; courthouse squares sparkle with thousands of lights, main streets host festive parades, and the scent of hot chocolate mingles with the pine-scented air. Whether you're looking for German-style Christmas markets, magical train rides to the "North Pole," or simply a place where everyone gathers to celebrate the season together, these nine Arizona towns deliver holiday cheer in authentic, memorable ways that'll have you planning a return visit before December even ends.
Prescott
There's a reason Prescott officially earned the title of "Arizona's Christmas City." This town doesn't just celebrate the holidays; it practically lives for them. The historic Courthouse Plaza becomes the beating heart of the festivities. When those lights flip on during the annual Courthouse Lighting ceremony, you'll understand why thousands gather here year after year.
The lighting ceremony takes place on the first Saturday of December, and it's an event where locals arrive hours early to secure their favorite viewing spots. Thousands of multi-colored lights transform the Yavapai County Courthouse and surrounding trees into something straight out of a storybook. The following weekend brings Acker Night Musical Showcase, where dozens of musicians take over the streets and shops of downtown, filling the air with everything from carols to country music. Suppose you want to experience a traditional German-style holiday market. In that case, the Christkindlmarket at Courthouse Plaza features over twenty vendors selling handmade gifts, as well as mulled wine, German food, and a carousel that kids will absolutely love. The historic Whiskey Row saloons get into the spirit too—stop by Jersey Lilly Saloon for views of the lit-up courthouse from their balcony, or warm up with drinks at Hassayampa Inn, where the elegant Peacock Room and cozy Glass Bar make perfect holiday meeting spots.
Williams
This Route 66 town becomes a living, breathing Christmas card when winter arrives, and the main attraction is something most kids dream about—a train ride to the North Pole. Williams knows how to blend nostalgia with holiday magic, and downtown delivers both in spades.
The Polar Express aboard the Grand Canyon Railway runs throughout December, taking families on a journey complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa himself boarding the train. It's the kind of experience that creates memories kids talk about for years to come. Downtown Williams gets decked out with lights strung along Urban Route 66, where vintage neon signs glow alongside holiday decorations, creating a unique blend of Americana and Christmas cheer. The town hosts both a Christmas parade and a holiday light parade, usually around Thanksgiving weekend, bringing the community together in that small-town way where everyone knows everyone. For meals, Historic Brewing Barrell House serves up craft beers and burgers, while Station 66 offers wood-fired pizzas that taste even better when you're warming up after walking the festive streets.
Tombstone
The town "too tough to die" shows its softer side during the holidays, when the famous dirt streets of this Old West legend get transformed with lights and Victorian-era decorations. Tombstone knows how to throw a Christmas celebration that feels authentically rooted in its Wild West heritage while still bringing plenty of festive cheer.
The Christmas Holiday Light Parade takes over Allen Street in early December, featuring horse-drawn carriages, floats, and yes, Santa arriving on a stagecoach instead of a sleigh. Shop owners along the historic streets deck out their stores with traditional decorations from the 1880s, including wreaths, bells, and candles that evoke the heyday of Tombstone. Walking down the wooden plank sidewalks past buildings like the Crystal Palace Saloon and Big Nose Kate's Saloon, when they're decorated for Christmas, creates a wonderful time-warp feeling. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park hosts special holiday programming, and the whole town embraces the season in a way that feels uniquely Tombstone, a blend of gunslinger grit and holiday warmth. The combination of authentic Wild West history and genuine small-town Christmas spirit makes this place feel like nowhere else you'll visit during the holidays.
Cottonwood
In the heart of Arizona's Verde Valley wine country, Cottonwood combines Old West charm with modern wine culture, and during the holidays, it adds a healthy dose of chocolate to the mix. This town has been throwing the same Christmas parade for nearly seventy years, which tells you something about how seriously locals take their traditions.
The Old Town Chocolate Walk has become legendary; merchants, tasting rooms, and restaurants throughout historic downtown offer handcrafted chocolates to ticket holders, transforming the entire area into a chocolate lover's paradise. It's the kind of event where you can savor amazing treats while browsing through galleries and shops decorated for the season. The Christmas parade itself brings together the entire community, featuring floats, vintage tractors, and people dressed in period clothing, as they celebrate the town's heritage. Old Town maintains its authentic feel with buildings that recall its frontier past, now housing wine-tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants. For dinner, Pizzeria Bocce Patio Bar serves excellent pizza and local beers, while Poquito Loco offers tacos and an impressive selection of tequila. The nearby Blazin' M Ranch even hosts a Holiday Hoedown, because where else are you going to find a Christmas-themed Western ranch experience?
Jerome
Perched dramatically on the side of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is already one of Arizona's most photogenic towns, and when you add holiday lights to those winding streets and historic buildings, it becomes downright enchanting. This former mining town-turned-artist colony knows how to celebrate Christmas in style.
Explore the art galleries and boutiques along Main Street, such as the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, which is filled with locally crafted gifts and artwork. Sip on a seasonal cocktail at the haunted Spirit Room, a landmark that embraces its spirited past. For a truly unique experience, enjoy a festive dinner at The Asylum Restaurant, located inside the Jerome Grand Hotel, where the panoramic views of the Verde Valley are as much a draw as the cuisine. The combination of mining history, a thriving arts scene, and a mountain setting makes Jerome feel like you've discovered a secret, a place tourists haven't quite caught on to yet.
Bisbee
Tucked into the Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, Bisbee's colorful Victorian buildings and winding staircases make it one of the state's most distinctive towns any time of year. Add holiday lights and the occasional snowfall, and you've got something really special.
The Festival of Lights in downtown Old Bisbee features food vendors, craft vendors, and a community gathering that showcases the town's creative and close-knit character. Catch a festive performance or a classic holiday film at the beautifully restored Bisbee Royale. The heart of the action is Brewery Gulch, where you'll find historic saloons like the Old Bisbee Brewing Company for award-winning beers and quirky shops like Optimo Custom Hatworks, all decked out in their holiday best. The Copper Queen Hotel hosts a Christmas Craft Show, featuring cookies, hot chocolate, and appearances by Santa, in its historic setting, where miners once celebrated their own holidays over a century ago. The town's strong arts and music scene means you'll find unique gifts in galleries and shops along Main Street, and the whole place has that quirky, authentic vibe where artists and longtime locals mix easily. When snow dusts those colorful buildings, Bisbee genuinely looks like somewhere a Hallmark movie should be filmed.
Sedona
The red rocks provide a backdrop unlike anywhere else on earth, and when Sedona adds holiday magic to that natural beauty, the combination is pretty unforgettable. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village becomes the centerpiece of Sedona's holiday celebrations, transforming into a festive wonderland.
Stroll through the courtyards where the sound of carols drifts from galleries and shops, and you'll find unique Southwest-inspired gifts at places like Adorn Collection and colorful kitchen items at Cucina Sedona. Tlaquepaque hosts special holiday events throughout December, and the entire village takes on a cozy, intimate atmosphere where you want to linger over a meal and soak it all in. Just south in nearby Clarkdale, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a Magical Christmas Journey, featuring a miniature Christmas village, lights, and a festive atmosphere as the train winds through the stunning Verde Canyon. The town's restaurants and galleries all embrace the season, making it easy to spend a full day wandering, shopping, and enjoying the unique combination of natural beauty and holiday spirit.
Clarkdale
This historic copper smelter town in the Verde Valley has reinvented itself as a charming destination, and during the holidays, it offers one of Arizona's most magical experiences. Clarkdale may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to festive celebrations.
The undisputed highlight is the Verde Canyon Railroad's Magical Christmas Journey. This immersive experience takes families on a magical ride complete with hot chocolate, caroling, and a visit from Santa himself. Before or after your train ride, warm up at the Copper Spike Café, the depot's own restaurant, known for its hearty meals and decadent holiday-themed cupcakes. For a unique local gift, visit the Arizona Copper Art Museum, where stunning copper creations and historic artifacts gleam with extra festivity. Cap the evening by enjoying a special holiday cocktail or a glass of Arizona wine at the 10-12 Lounge, all while the vintage train waits under a canopy of twinkling lights.
Cave Creek
This Wild West town, located northeast of Phoenix, maintains its cowboy character year-round, but during the holidays, it adds a festive twist to that frontier spirit. Cave Creek doesn't do Christmas like anywhere else. This is where you'll find holiday celebrations with a distinctly Western flavor.
The town's main streets get decorated with lights, and local businesses along Cave Creek Road embrace the season while keeping that authentic cowboy feel. Embrace the spirit at Frontier Town, a living-history wild west town where holiday events often include visits from a cowboy Santa and festive shootout reenactments. For dinner and a show, you can't beat Harold's Cave Creek Corral, a local institution where the steaks are prime and the holiday cheer is served up with live country music. Discover one-of-a-kind Southwestern gifts and decorations at the Cave Creek Museum, which showcases the area's rich history of mining and ranching.
These nine towns prove that holiday magic doesn't require snow-covered rooftops or freezing temperatures—though several of these places deliver both. What makes Arizona's festive downtowns special is how seriously these communities take the holidays, creating traditions that bring people together year after year. From courthouse squares lit by thousands of bulbs to trains carrying kids to meet Santa, from chocolate walks through wine country to Old West streets transformed with Victorian decorations, these towns have found their own authentic ways to celebrate the season. The combination of historic buildings, dramatic landscapes, and genuine small-town spirit creates holiday experiences that feel real and meaningful rather than manufactured and touristy. So skip the crowded city celebrations and head to one of these charming downtowns, where the holiday spirit feels genuine, the decorations are impressive, and you might just start your own annual tradition of coming back each December.
