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Everyone has a favorite version of Christmas. It could be something likea Norman Rockwell painting with wreaths and fresh-cut trees. Or perhaps a train ride from a favorite picture book. Or a display dripping with so many lights that Vegas would be jealous.
All those possibilities and more are available during the holidays across Arizona. Here are some out-of-town delights to get you into a Christmas state of mind.
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Williams
Thank goodness the Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Expresstrain ride is based on the charming picture book and not the somewhat creepy animated film. Guests on the one-hour journey enjoy treats as well as a reading of the children’s tale. St. Nick hops aboard at the North Pole and presents younger passengers with the story’s iconic bell. Reserveearly –it's one of the train's most popular events.
Details: 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. dailythrough Jan. 6. Check website for availability. Williams Depot, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.$18-$37. 800-843-8724, www.thetrain.com.
Flagstaff
Children love visiting Santa’s workshop at the North Pole Experience, and not once do they ask, “Hey big man, shouldn’t you be working instead of showing a bunch of kids around?” Here’s the thing: St. Nick’s gift is knowing how to delegate.
Hop aboard the trolley outside the Little America hotel and enjoy a ride through a magic portal to Santa’s Workshop, set in an area remarkably similar to the pine forest of northern Arizona. Tour the workshop and help elves build a few toys –fun for kids, cheap labor for Santa. The tour includes Elf University and the super-secret Area 47 Sleigh Hangar.Once your 90-minute experience is over, stroll through the hotel’s property that's draped in a million lights.
Details:Through Dec. 31. Little America,2515 E. Butler Ave. $38-$55, $32-$49 for ages 18 months-17 years.480-779-9679, www.northpoleexperience.com.
Curious how people decorated their homes at the turn of the 19th century? Here’s a hint: no LED lights or motion ornaments. Visitors to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will enjoy wreaths, garlands, a towering fir tree and other old-timey holiday delights. Tours are offeredthrough Jan. 2. Reservations are advisable.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and onChristmas. 409 W. Riordan Road. $10, $5 for ages 7-13. 928-779-4395, azstateparks.com/Parks/RIMA.
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Prescott
Take a walk around Courthouse Plaza and you’ll know why this is Arizona’s official Christmas City. The lights, luminarias and overall feel of the holiday season will beat down the Scrooge in anyone. If all this happens to put you in a gift-buying mood, the merchants aren’t going to argue. Don't miss the annual parade and official lighting,
If you have time, stroll along Mount Vernon Avenue where many of the stately Victorian homes are dressed up for the holidays. Pack a thermos of hot cider or hot chocolate to ward off the chill.
Details:Dec. 3. 1 p.m. parade, 5-7 p.m. lighting ceremony.Downtown Prescott. Free. www.visit-prescott.com.
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It takes a gingerbread village to raise the Christmas spirit. The baked-good downtown is the centerpiece of the Prescott Resort’s ode to the holidays. All are invited to enjoy the gingerbread goodness as long as no one goes Hansel and Gretel on it. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the village this year, the resort is adding an ice-skating rink for all to enjoy.
Details:Through Jan. 9. Prescott Resort & Conference center, 1500 E. State Route 69. Free to see the gingerbread village. Skating costs$10 per hour. www.prescottresort.com. For skating reservations, call 888-974-3951.
If you prefer your Christmas to be a bit more indoorsy, check out the Holiday Light Attraction at Prescott Gateway Mall. Stroll through themed rooms adorned with a half-million lights. Department56 collectors will appreciate the large miniature village comprised of dozens of holiday-themed buildings.
Details: Gateway Mall, 3250 Gateway Blvd.$5 donation suggested. 928-848-4182.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Valley of Lights. Set in Prescott Valley'sFain Park, this 1-mile drive features a galaxy of twinkling lights and animated displays.
Details:6-10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30.Free; donations accepted. 2200 N. FifthSt.928-772-8857,www.pvchamber.org.
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Sedona
The red rocks are gorgeous any time of year, but they’re stunning after a snowstorm when ledges are layered in white frosting.Even if you’re not lucky enough to experience a white Christmas, Sedona has other events to get you into the mood.The spirit starts rolling when Santa drops by to meet kids and take wishes when the town’s 20-foot tree is officially lit.
Details: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2.Canyon Breeze Plaza, Uptown Sedona. Free. www.sedonamainstreet.com.
Sedona'smost popular holidayevent may well be the Festival of Lights in Tlaquepaque’s courtyard. Volunteers spend hours placing and lighting 6,000 luminarias throughout the marketplace. The effect is magical. Sip hot cider, listen to a choir and take a selfie with Santa while sharing your Christmas list.
Details: 3-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179. Free. 928-282-4838, www.holidaycentralsedona.com.
Tlaquepaque also is hosting Tinsel Town, a reimagined version of the elaborate Red Rock Fantasy light display formerly held at Los Abrigados. Vendors and exhibitors will drape the marketplace with thousands of lights.
Details: Dusk-9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 1-Jan. 1.Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179. Free.www.tlaq.com.
Marana
What’s the difference between a gingerbread house and a dine-in gingerbread room? About 856 pounds of sugar, 350 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of ginger powder and … well, you get the idea.The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain just north of Tucson has once again baked and assembled a gingerbread house large enough to host a feast. Its fresh scent fills the lobby, and if that inspires you to want to dine within, you may enjoy a private lunch or dinner for $250-$400, plus the cost of the meal. Servers hope you enjoy a gingerbread cookie for dessert rather than snapping off a bit of the mantle.
Details:Through Dec. 26. Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana. 520-572-3401,www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/arizona/dove-mountain.
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Lake Havasu City
The English Village may not be as vibrant as it once was, but it still looks gorgeous when outlined in holiday lights, as does the London Bridge. The beauty of the Festival of Lights doubles thanks to the reflection off the lake. Masters of balance may want to strap on some skates for a spinaround the ice rink outside the London Bridge Resort, then embrace your commercial Christmas side with quality time on Santa’s lap.
Details: 6-10 p.m. nightly, through Jan. 1. Santa appears 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Skating hours vary. English Village and London Bridge Resort, Lake Havasu City. Free to see the lights; skating costs$8-$10. 928-855-0888, www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/1480, www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/1320.
Find a spot along the shore near London Bridge to enjoy the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. All manner of watercraft float by, manyboasting hundreds of lights or possibly(like last year) an air-guitar-playing Santa.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3. Lake Havasu. Free.lbycboatparadeoflights.com.
Jerome
See Jerome in a different light when businesses and residents drape the mining town in holiday joy. The mining town offers a funkier side of Christmas as residents march to the beat of a different little drummer boy. Some of the shops are more brightly decorated than others, and enjoy what residents have done as you drive along the mountain. Look for peace signs, a common holiday theme.
Details:928-634-2900, jeromechamber.com.
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Tucson
Bring a camera and take the perfect photo for next year’s Christmas card at Tohono Chul Park. More than a million lights adorn an unforgettable Southwest scene of saguaros, paloverde trees and other desert natives. Follow the luminaria-lined paths throughthe gardens and pause to enjoy the musicians and artists who perform along the way. Telescopes also will available for an unmatched view of the heavens.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-9,9-10 and16-17. $16, $3 for age 12 and younger. 520-742-6455, www.tohonochulpark.org.
Globe
An 800-year-old Salado Indian village takes on an ethereal glow when 2,200 luminarias flicker along the walls atthe Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum. The Yellow Bird Dance Group performs, and food vendors will be on hand.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. 1324 S. Jessie Hayes Road, Globe. Free. Shuttle parking available at 550 S. Broad St. 928-425-0320, www.globeaz.gov/visitors/besh-ba-gowah.