Preps for Christmas in Arizona: 5 Tips for a Festive Holiday

Planning your preps for Christmas in Arizona? This guide from Teeholic will help you embrace the holiday spirit with unique Southwestern charm, local traditions, practical tips, and details about Arizona’s top Christmas events.

Top 3 Biggest Christmas Events in Arizona

To have the most completed preps for Christmas in Arizona, these key events are the very first things that you should notice.

1. Glendale Glitters (Glendale)

As Arizona’s longest-running holiday lights display, Glendale Glitters transforms downtown Glendale into a festive wonderland. The key highlights of this event include:

• 1.6 Million LED Lights: Spread across 16 blocks, creating magical photo opportunities.
• Live Entertainment: Watch local choirs, bands, and dance performances.
• Shopping and Dining: Explore artisan markets and try seasonal treats like cinnamon churros or spiced hot cocoa.

2. Prescott Courthouse Lighting and Christmas Parade (Prescott)

Dubbed “Arizona’s Christmas City,” Prescott’s holiday celebrations are a must-visit. There are many wonderful things that you shouldn’t miss:

• Courthouse Lighting Ceremony: Marvel at over 100,000 lights draped across the historic courthouse and surrounding trees.
• Community Parade: Witness floats, marching bands, and Santa himself.
• Local Shopping and Dining: Discover unique gifts and hearty holiday meals in the charming downtown area.

3. Polar Express Train Ride (Williams)

This event will bring many outstanding ideas to your preps for Christmas in Arizona. Perfect for families, the Polar Express Train Ride brings holiday magic to life with:

• Live Reenactments: Staff in costumes narrate the classic Christmas tale.
• Hot Cocoa and Cookies: Served onboard while guests relax in their PJs.
• North Pole Stop: Meet Santa Claus and receive a keepsake gift.

Tip #1: Arizona-Specific Christmas Preparations

Climate Considerations for Christmas

Arizona’s warm winters make holiday preparations distinct and exciting. If you’re planning to attend outdoor events like Glendale Glitters or the Prescott Courthouse Lighting, consider dressing in layers. Evenings can get chilly, so pack a light jacket or shawl to stay comfortable while enjoying the festive atmosphere. On occasions like these, don’t miss the opportunity to dress up in Christmas style!

For outdoor décor, choose durable, weather-resistant lights and ornaments to replicate the brilliance of Glendale’s 1.6 million LED lights. Include desert-friendly plants like cacti wrapped with twinkling lights for a local flair inspired by these events.

Southwestern Holiday Traditions

Embrace traditions that make Arizona’s Christmas unique. Luminarias, a key feature of the Prescott Christmas Parade and other Southwestern events, can be added to your yard décor to create a warm, inviting glow. If attending Las Posadas reenactments or other local cultural celebrations, prepare a traditional Southwest-inspired menu with tamales and pozole for a post-event feast.

Tip #2: Decor Trends and Tips in Arizona

Indoor Decorations

Bring the Southwest indoors by using natural elements inspired by the Prescott Courthouse Lighting, where rustic holiday themes often shine. Incorporate garlands made of native Arizona foliage and ornaments crafted by local artisans available at Glendale markets.

Outdoor Displays

Use Glendale Glitters as inspiration for your yard displays. Focus on layering LED lights and arranging luminarias to mirror the glowing streets of Glendale. Don’t forget to secure your décor to withstand Arizona’s occasional gusts. If you’re heading to any outdoor events, take cues from these displays to enhance your holiday outfit—choose something that complements the lights for those Instagram-worthy photos.

Sustainable Decorations

Many Arizona events, like the Prescott Christmas Parade, emphasize community values, including sustainability. Repurpose decorations or create DIY items such as ornaments made from dried orange slices or cactus cuttings to reduce waste. Look for solar-powered lights to decorate sustainably, while also benefiting from Arizona’s abundant sunshine.

Tip #3: Christmas Shopping: A Must-have Preps for Christmas in Arizona

Shopping is an essential part of preparing for Christmas, and Arizona offers an abundance of options that combine festive fun with the opportunity to find unique gifts. Whether you’re seeking handcrafted items or the perfect stocking stuffers, these shopping experiences will make your holiday prep both enjoyable and productive.

One of the highlights of Glendale Glitters is its vibrant vendor market, where artisans and small businesses showcase their best holiday goods. This is the perfect place to find unique gifts like handcrafted jewelry, ornaments made with a Southwestern twist, and locally sourced goods like honey or spices. These items not only make thoughtful presents but also reflect the charm of Arizona’s culture. For foodies on your list, you’ll find stalls selling specialty snacks, spiced cider, and festive baked goods that are sure to please.

*Pro Tip: Go early in the evening to enjoy the lights while shopping. Vendors often offer exclusive early-bird deals or discounts on bulk purchases.

While malls like Scottsdale Fashion Square and Arizona Mills offer a range of gift options, consider attending the Polar Express Train Ride in Williams to pick up souvenirs for children. This enchanting journey includes stops where you can purchase themed souvenirs like holiday mugs, books, and toys inspired by the story of “The Polar Express.” These keepsakes make wonderful gifts that children will treasure for years. Combine shopping with an unforgettable family outing, and let the holiday spirit guide your choices.

Tip #4: Planning Christmas Activities in Arizona

This part is one of the most important parts in the preps for Christmas in Arizona. Arizona’s biggest holiday events offer endless ways to celebrate Christmas outdoors:

1. Glendale Glitters (Glendale): Experience the beauty of over 1.6 million LED lights. Stroll the streets with a warm drink, enjoy live entertainment, and shop at artisan stalls.
2. Prescott Courthouse Lighting and Christmas Parade (Prescott): Soak in the charm of Arizona’s “Christmas City” with a stunning lights display and festive parade floats.
3. Polar Express Train Ride (Williams): Delight your family with a magical journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and Santa Claus.

When preparing for these events, bring essentials like comfortable walking shoes for Glendale’s expansive display, a blanket for Prescott’s cooler evenings, and pajamas for the Polar Express experience!

Many event venues, like Prescott, feature local eateries offering holiday menus. After the Courthouse Lighting, you can enjoy a festive dinner at a local restaurant to warm up. Alternatively, bring a taste of the Southwest home by incorporating dishes inspired by Arizona’s Christmas events into your potluck or dinner party.

And how about preps for Christmas with family-friendly activities?

Family activities centered on these events make for memorable traditions:

• Host a “Glendale Glitters Night” at home by setting up a similar lights display in your backyard.
• Encourage kids to make parade-inspired crafts, like paper floats or glittery decorations, after attending Prescott’s Christmas Parade.
• Recreate the magic of the Polar Express at home by reading the book and serving hot cocoa while reminiscing about the train ride.

Tip #5: Budget-Friendly Christmas Preparation Tips

🎍DECORATIONS: You can create DIY decorations inspired by events like Glendale Glitters and Prescott’s Parade. For example, mimic luminarias seen in these events by crafting them at home with paper bags, sand, and battery-operated candles.

🎁GIFTS: While shopping at local markets during Glendale Glitters or Prescott’s Courthouse Lighting, look for budget-friendly gifts such as handmade candles, desert-themed jewelry, or locally produced food items like prickly pear jam. Pair these with handwritten notes for a personal touch.

Christmas-themed apparel is also a great idea to become meaningful gifts. With cuteness, ease to use for everyone, your gift will bring a Christmas atmosphere to fill the neighborhood. Why don’t you check out Teeholic’s Christmas-themed closet?

Preps for Christmas in Arizona means blending festive traditions, attending unforgettable events, and incorporating the unique Southwestern charm into your celebrations. From dazzling lights at Glendale Glitters to the enchanting Polar Express Train Ride, Arizona offers magical experiences for everyone.

Get started on your preps for Christmas in Arizona today by visiting one of these iconic events and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Have your own Arizona Christmas tips or traditions? Share them in the comments and explore more holiday inspiration on our website!