Experience the High Country Holidays in Flagstaff

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ.  – As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, so are the holiday preparations, and the City of Flagstaff is ushering in another festive season of High Country Holidays.

Visitors can shop among the twinkling lights and beautiful decorations in Historic Downtown Flagstaff, or just enjoy the cool mountain air and a cup of hot cocoa by a roaring fire. The High Country Holidays in Flagstaff are defined by the festive events that celebrate the spirit of the season. Here is a sampling of the events that have become family favorites:

•   November 26 - Holiday Lights Festival, Little America Hotel: This annual tradition for the entire family kicks off the holiday season with local entertainment, complimentary cider and cookies, a visit from Santa Claus and much more. 3:00-9:00 p.m.; free. The lights remain on display nightly through the holiday season. www.littleamerica.com/flagstaff

•   Through December – Holiday Tours, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Guided tours of the Mansion festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree. Reservations are recommended. Closed Christmas Day. www.azstateparks.com

•   December 3 – Winter Wonderland, Wheeler Park in Downtown Flagstaff: The holiday lights are coming back to Wheeler Park. Mayor Presler and Santa Claus will flip the switch to this spectacular show of lights. Children can visit with Santa and ride the holiday train to the library for more activities. 5:30-8:00 p.m.; free. www.flagstaff.az.gov

•   December 11 – Northern Lights Holiday Parade, Downtown Flagstaff: This holiday tradition features marching bands, floats lit up with hundreds of holiday light, and Jolly Old St. Nick himself. 6:00 p.m.; free. www.flagstaffchamber.com

•   December 16-18 – The Nutcracker Suite in Modern Bare Feet, NAU Clifford E. White Theater: A Flagstaff tradition, but not traditional. Tchaikovsky’s music with modern dancers, including authentic ethnic dances. 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at *2 p.m. www.canyonmovementcompany.org

•   December 31 – Great Pine Cone Drop, Weatherford Hotel: A fun event for all ages. DJ on the balcony with colorful light show and fireworks at both drops. The pine cone will drop at 10 p.m. and again at midnight. www.weatherfordhotel.com

A full holiday calendar of events can be found at www.flagstaffarizona.org/holidays. For more information, suggestions and weather conditions call the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 928-774-9541 or toll free at 888-697-7778.

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The mission of the Flagstaff CVB is to develop, promote and maintain Flagstaff as a year-round visitor destination with professional services that will benefit the community economically, environmentally and socially.