10 Things to Do in Sedona in December

If you're planning to visit Sedona in December, you'll find yourself not only at the beginning of winter in Arizona, but also with the right weather to enjoy some of the city's best activities. Plus, the destination's holiday spirit will surprise you with a calendar full of activities and you can say goodbye to the year by enjoying the local attractions.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona in December include taking an adventure tour of the surrounding desert, enjoying the Festival of Lights, discovering northern Arizona's snowy landscapes, celebrating New Year's Eve in the city's restaurants, attending the destination's popular concerts and visiting the Red Rock High School flea market.

Taking an adventure tour to the Sedona Canyon in December is an experience that allows you to explore the Arizona desert in a unique season. December is an ideal month to visit the canyon, as daytime temperatures tend to be milder and more pleasant, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities without the extreme heat of summer.

One of the most popular activities in the Sedona Canyon in December is hiking. The numerous nature trails that wind through the canyon offer opportunities to explore the fascinating geology and spectacular colours of the rock formations. In addition, the desert vegetation takes on a greener, more vibrant hue after the autumn rains, adding a special touch to the landscape.

Jeep and ATV tours are other exciting ways to discover the canyon in December. Expert local guides will take you through rugged trails and rugged terrain, giving you a unique perspective of the landscape and its geological features as you take part in some of the best tours in Sedona.

An exceptional experience during the month of December is to visit northern Arizona where snow combines with the unique appeal of the desert. The idea of the desert often conjures up images of burning sand dunes and thorny cacti, but if you visit Sedona in winter, you'll discover how this region transforms into a landscape of contrasts.

Antelope Canyon, located in the Antelope Canyon Navajo Reservation, is famous for its narrow passages carved by wind and water over thousands of years. During the winter, this site is a must-see destination to discover this climatic phenomenon. Here you can see how a layer of snow covers the rocky ridges and the canyon floor, creating a sieve between the pure white of the snow and the warm colours of the rock formations.

The shadows and light filtering through the openings create stunning visual effects that make visiting Antelope Canyon even more spectacular this season.

The snow in the wilderness also adds a dimension of tranquility and serenity to the experience. You can explore the canyon in a quieter, more contemplative environment, away from the summer heat and crowds that tend to visit the region at other times of the year. For similar activities, you can also take a tour of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Participating in New Year's Eve mass at the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a spiritual and moving experience that provides a unique way to welcome the new year in Sedona. This small chapel, perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views of the area's rocky skyline, offers a serene and contemplative setting to welcome the new year.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a historically and spiritually significant place in the region. Built in the 1950s by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, this chapel of modern architecture is known for its simplicity and beauty.

Inside, a huge window allows attendees to gaze at the impressive red rock formations while participating in the New Year's Eve mass, creating a special connection between nature and spirituality.

The New Year's Eve mass at the Chapel of the Holy Cross attracts visitors and locals alike. The peaceful atmosphere and the soft sound of music and prayers invite reflection and gratitude on the last night of the year. You can reach this site by private transport or on Sedona's tour buses, which include a stop at the base of this church.

If you're planning to visit Sedona with kids and want to discover one of the city's main events, you can't miss Christmas in the Park at the Sedona Museum. This experience will transport you into a world of enchantment and festive spirit in an annual event that combines the beauty of the wilderness with the holiday season, creating a special experience for visitors of all ages.

The Sedona Museum is transformed into a fairytale setting during Christmas in the Park. The museum grounds are filled with festive lights, decorations and themed scenery reminiscent of Christmas. Outdoor sculptures and works of art are illuminated with colour and twinkling lights, creating an unmissable atmosphere that captivates all in attendance.

This event is not only a feast for the eyes, but also offers activities for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy live musical performances, storytelling and interactive Christmas-related activities. In addition, the Sedona Museum often hosts temporary exhibits that complement the experience, making the visit even more enriching.

If you want to discover Sedona's artistic profile, you can 't miss the city's December musical concerts. One of the iconic venues for these shows is the Sedona Performing Arts Center Theatre. Here you'll find events spanning genres such as classical, jazz and folk, as well as seasonally themed performances.

The Church of the Red Rocks is another popular venue for holiday concerts in Sedona. This church building features sacred music recitals and local choirs performing carols and traditional Christmas music. The acoustics and atmosphere of this venue create a unique atmosphere for enjoying music at this time of year.

In addition to these venues, you'll also find outdoor concerts in plazas and parks, often featuring live music and family-friendly activities, such as the Christmas tree lighting concert at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

Touring the Sedona Festival of Lights at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village during the month of December is an experience that will soak you in the festive spirit of the city. This annual event, held in the heart of Sedona, transforms the quaint village into a fairytale setting, where twinkling lights and festive décor create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, known for its Mexican-inspired architecture and collection of unique craft shops, comes alive during the Festival of Lights. The site is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the trees and buildings, creating a dreamy atmosphere that will get you in the holiday spirit.

At the Sedona Festival of Lights you can browse the shops and boutiques for unique handcrafted gifts and artwork by local artists. In addition, the festival often features live music, street performances and opportunities to interact with artisans showcasing their skills.

During this experience, Tlaquepaque's restaurants and cafes offer delicious festive dishes and beverages, as well as other year-round offerings in Sedona, as this is an event that is not limited to just Christmas Eve.

Attending the Sedona Festival of Christmas Trees in December is an experience that will allow you to discover the joy and attractions of the holiday season. This annual event is a feast for the senses that combines artistic creativity with festive generosity, as well as providing the best backdrops for some of the best photographs of your trip.

This event brings together the local community and visitors from far and wide to admire a display of imaginatively decorated trees. Each tree, sponsored by local businesses and charities, is a unique work of art reflecting the diversity and creativity of the region's communities.

From traditional trees decorated with classic ornaments to extravagant southwestern-inspired creations, you'll find the best Sedona Christmas displays here.

In addition to the tree display, the festival often features a variety of activities and entertainment. Enjoy live music, Christmas choir performances and the chance to meet Father Christmas in person.

Marvel at Sedona Northern Lights is an experience that will transport you to a panoramic light show. This show combines the vastness of the night sky with the red canyons that surround the city and is part of a local custom of staging light shows.

This event takes place in December and during this time of year, Sedona becomes a natural canvas for a dazzling light show. Sedona's clear skies provide a perfect backdrop for the lights to dance and reflect off the rock formations, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere, which is also one of the best nighttime activities to do in this destination.

The Sedona Northern Lights experience often includes music and visual storytelling, which adds a special touch to the evening.

You can enjoy the show from several vantage points in the city, such as Sedona Cultural Park or Sedona Red Rock High School, which allows for a panoramic view of the lights and the surrounding landscape. These sites can also be toured on the Sedona Sightseeing Bus, which is part of one of the city's best tours.

Celebrating New Year's Eve at Sedona restaurants is a great way to welcome in the new season while enjoying the delicious local cuisine and picturesque setting of the southwestern United States. This destination abounds with dining options offering special dinners and festive events for an unforgettable evening.

One of the popular places to celebrate this event is the Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which offers a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views of the region's rocky landscape. Its Latin-inspired dishes are a delight to the palate and its elegant ambience creates the perfect setting for a special evening.

Another outstanding choice is Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, known for its authentic Italian cuisine. They offer New Year's dinners that include international dishes and a selection of exceptional wines to accompany them. Plus, its cosy and romantic atmosphere makes it a lovely place to toast the new year in style.

If you're looking for a more casual and relaxed experience, The Hudson restaurant, with its rustic yet modern ambience, is an excellent choice. They offer a variety of delicious options and creative cocktails to celebrate in a casual yet elegant way.

Visiting the Red Rock High School Christmas Market in Sedona in December is a charming tradition that will get you in the festive spirit of the season. Hosted by the local high school, the market offers visitors and the community a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas in an authentic and welcoming way.

The market offers an event filled with festive activities for the whole family. Stroll through the stalls decorated with handmade crafts, unique gifts and delicious homemade treats. It's also an opportunity to support students and the local community, as many of the products on sale are made by students and their families.

One of the most special aspects of this flea market is the warm and friendly atmosphere created between visitors and vendors. You can interact with the locals, learn about Sedona's culture and traditions, and soak in the authenticity of the holiday season.

The Red Rock High School Christmas Market also often offers additional activities such as live music, holiday choir performances, and the chance to meet Father Christmas in person. All of this creates a complete Christmas experience that will make you feel part of the local community while you enjoy the festivities in one of the best overnight activities in Sedona.

Temperatures in Sedona in December are cool and pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit this picturesque town. During the day, temperatures usually range from 10° to 15°, providing a mild and comfortable climate for outdoor activities such as canyon hikes and sightseeing tours.

The combination of cool temperatures and winter scenery creates an enchanting atmosphere in December. On the other hand, the city is often decorated with Christmas and holiday lights, which adds a special tinge to the experience. Also, while it's not the ideal season, during the winter in Sedona you can also take part in popular stargazing tours.

Tourism in Sedona in December tends to be moderate compared to other months of the year, making it part of the off-season, unlike if you plan to visit the city in July or during the spring when you'll find a larger number of visitors.

However, the holiday season attracts visitors looking to experience Sedona's festive atmosphere, especially in the week between Christmas and New Year's. During this period, visitors may find that the city's holiday crowds are more likely to be crowded. During this period, hotels and restaurants may be in higher demand, and certain festive activities, such as the Christmas market and Christmas concerts, may attract more tourists.

Overall, however, December is an ideal time to visit Sedona if you prefer a quieter experience and want the opportunity to enjoy the rocky landscape in a serene and festive setting.

Prices in Sedona during the month of December tend to be more affordable compared to the peak summer and fall seasons. Since December is considered part of the off-season, hotels, accommodations and tourist activities tend to offer more competitive rates. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy a high quality experience without breaking your budget.

In addition to the more affordable prices, December also often offers discounts and specials at local restaurants and shops, especially during the holiday season in town. Many establishments in Sedona join in the holiday spirit by offering promotions and sales, making it a great time to shop for gifts and take advantage of the economic benefits of the off-season.

Despite the imminent arrival of winter, the temperature is pleasant and stable in December in Sedona, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Safe hiking shoes
• Mountain coat
• Light jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Wool jumpers
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight trousers