Celebrating the Holidays in Sedona is Magical

It’s hard to believe that December is already upon us. The chilly weather affords the perfect opportunity to snuggle up around a cozy fire or bundle up and take a stroll to gaze at holiday lights. However you enjoy this time of year, the holiday season in Sedona is magical. Twinkle lights and sparkly displays amongst a red rock backdrop, holiday shopping for unique gifts with friends, delicious warm food & drinks and jolly music all bring the holiday spirit to life in this quaint city.

Below are a few upcoming holiday events that we recommend you check out while visiting Sedona during the winter season:

THROUGH DECEMBER 31:
OLD-TIME ORNAMENT MAKING ACTIVITY
Where: Sedona Heritage Museum; Uptown Sedona
When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaMuseum.org
928-282-7038
Every age can enjoy making holiday ornaments at the free activity table.  Make small gifts, adornments for holiday packages or trees and wreaths, or just spend some quality time with family or friends. This is a ‘make & take’ activity to do on your own, though instructions and samples are provided.

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DECEMBER 3-5:
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village; Uptown Sedona
When: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tlaq.com
928-282-4838
Come and Experience the Holiday Trees at Tlaquepaque. This premiere holiday event at Tlaquepaque begins on December 3, and continues until December 5, The Festival of Trees. Area artists and galleries will have over 45 art-inspired trees fully decorated in fun and exquisite ways. Kick of your holiday season with a beautiful themed tree already pre-decorated. Trees will be on display and up for silent auction Calle Independencia. Proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots, Marines Helping Marines, Yavapai Food Council, Sedona Public Library and College Scholarship funds.

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DECEMBER 3 – JANUARY 3:
TINSEL TOWN
Where: Posse Grounds Park Remadas; West Sedona
When: Thursday through Sunday evening in December, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaAZ.gov/Parks
928-282-7098
Enjoy a walk through the picnic area at the park while it is lit up with animated lights and decorations all created by Sedona businesses, organizations and community members like you.

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DECEMBER 4:
SEDONA’S TREE LIGHT & SANTA VISIT
Where: Canyon Breeze Plaza; Uptown Sedona
When: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaMainStreet.com
[email protected]
928-204-2390
Come watch the lighting of the community’s 20’ tree and Santa’s arrival. Let your youngsters tell Santa all their hopes and dreams. All the while, hear seasonal favorites from local carolers and youth music groups, and enjoy hot cocoa or cider and cookies. This free family event is presented by Sedona Main Street Program with Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and the City of Sedona to start the holiday season.

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DECEMBER 4:
FIRST FRIDAY IN THE GALLERIES: HOLIDAY EDITION
Where: Participating Sedona Galleries
When: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaGalleryAssociation.com
928-554-7840
On the first Friday, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. This event gives locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. The Sedona Trolley provides free transportation to venture from art gallery to art gallery. Please refer to the map here for all the trolley stops on the art gallery loop.

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DECEMBER 4-6:
BARBARA BRIGHTON: ‘TO BROADWAY WITH LOVE’
Where: Mary D. Fisher Theatre
When: 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.,
Cost: $15
SedonaFilmFestival.org
928-282-1177
World-renowned star of stage and TV Barbara Brighton brings her acclaimed “To Broadway With Love” Holiday Show to Sedona when she performs live, onstage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be three performances December 4-6, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Brighton’s show will feature Barbara performing songs from several top Broadway musicals including “A Chorus Line”, “Sunset Boulevard”, “Hello Dolly” and “Chicago” along with a mini-tribute to Barbra Streisand, as well as some comedy segments of Joan Rivers.

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DECEMBER 4-13:
SEDONA RESTAURANT WEEK: HOLIDAY EDITION
Where: Participating Sedona area restaurants>
When: Dinner
Cost: $22, $33, or $44
SedonaRestaurantWeek.com
928-204-1123
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is pleased to announce Sedona Restaurant Week: December 4-13!! This event gives local foodies and visitors the chance to experience a selection of specially priced meals from a wide variety of Sedona’s restaurants. Guests will enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus including an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

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DECEMBER 5:
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Where: Sedona Teen Center at Posse Grounds Park; West Sedona
When: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaAZ.gov
928-282-7098
After a pancake breakfast, children can enjoy making winter crafts, as well as sitting on Santa’s lap. Parents, don’t forget to bring your camera if you would like a picture of your child with Santa Claus. This event is free of charge, so come for the pancakes (and more), come for the crafts and most of all, come to see Santa Claus!

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DECEMBER 5-6:
THE NUTCRACKER
Where: Sedona Performing Arts Center; West Sedona
When: December 5, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and December 6, 2:00 p.m.
Cost:Gold $30 for an adult, $18 for a child; Platinum $40 for an adult, $25 for a child
SedonaChamberBallet.org
928-554-4059
The Sedona Chamber Ballet Company is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Phoenix Ballet Company for the production of The Nutcracker at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The Nutcracker production will have professional sets, costumes and internationally acclaimed, award winning dancers from the Phoenix Ballet Company.

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DECEMBER 7:
THE THREE TENORS CHRISTMAS CONCERT ENORE
Where: Mary D. Fisher Theatre; West Sedona
When: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $12
SedonaFilmFestival.org
928-282-1177
The Sedona International Film Festival presents The Three Tenors Christmas Concert on Monday, December 7 when it hosts the digitally restored, big screen encore of their first magical holiday concert. The Three Tenors capture the joy and spirit of the season with their first ever Christmas concert, live from Vienna in 1999, featuring performances of international season favorites by the best-selling and world-renowned trio.

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DECEMBER 11:
BIG PARK SCHOOL CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES
Where:Uptown Sedona
When: 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaMainStreet.com
928-204-2390
Big Park School’s 6th, 7th & 8th grade students will perform holiday carols and instrumental renditions with Music Director Jill Whitener, in multiple locations throughout Uptown:
11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Canyon Breeze Plaza
11:50 – 12:05 a.m.  Sinagua Plaza
12:10 – 12:25 p.m. Oaxaca Plaza with special group doing Spanish songs
12:45 – 1:00 p.m. Uptown Mall
1:00 – 1:15 p.m. Oak Creek Marketplace with special group doing instrumental

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DECEMBER 11-13:
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT
Where: Indoors at Historic Wayside Bible Chapel, 401 N SR 89A, Uptown Sedona
When:7:00 p.m. each night, with additional 3:00 pm matinee on Saturday
Cost: Free, donations accepted
PottersHandProductions.com
928-300-8882
The Christmas Gift is a holiday musical production not to be missed!  An uplifting and relevant story, this FREE Community Event is a family favorite. The story moves between modern day characters, and costumed actors from the first Christmas, including a Living Nativity. Reserved seating available at the door.

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DECEMBER 12:
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – THE LIGHTING OF 6,000 LUMINARIAS
Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village; Uptown Sedona
When: 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tlaq.com
928-282-4838
A cherished holiday tradition which involves the lighting of six thousand luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways at 5:00 p.m. Entertainment, Santa and hot Cider will be available all evening and the River of Life Tabernacle Choir will perform. Stores and galleries will be open until 8:00 p.m. Restaurant reservations are recommended. 336 State Route 179 Sedona, AZ 86336.

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DECEMBER 12:
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Where: Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Road; Uptown Sedona
When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaMuseum.org
928-282-7038
Free open house with hot apple cider, holiday cookies, music concert, corn-husk ornament activity, pioneer descendants telling stories, local author book-signings and Gift Shop sale. Decorated with vintage holiday decor, a fire will burn in the red rock fireplace of the old Jordan house and a tumbleweed ‘snowman’ will greet you.

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DECEMBER 12:
LOVING BOWLS
Where: Sedona Arts Center; Uptown Sedona
When: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations accepted
SedonaArtsCenter.org
928-282-3865
Sedona Arts Center is opening its doors once again for Loving Bowls 2015, which will be held on Saturday, December 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery & Theater Classroom. This fantastic fundraiser offers a beautiful selection of Loving Bowls for your purchasing pleasure, plus food and loads of fun! All proceeds will benefit local non-profits and the Arts & Educations programs at the Sedona Arts Center.

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DECEMBER 12:
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN & CRAFT GIFT SALE
Where: Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa
When: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaRouge.com
928-203-4111
Come enjoy a cup of hot cider, sit on Santa’s lap and shop for crafty gifts.

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DECEMBER 12:
SEDONA LIBRARY’S HAPPY HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENT
Where: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road; Si Birch Community Room, West Sedona
When: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaLibrary.org
928-282-7714
Join our annual Happy Holiday celebration for a world of family fun at the library.  Enjoy songs and an interactive story followed by craft activities for children. And who knows? Maybe a visit from a ‘very special couple’ for wishes and photos.

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DECEMBER 12:
CANYON SINGERS CAROLING
Where: Uptown Sedona
When: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaMainStreet.com
928-204-2390
Canyon Singers, one of Sedona’s longest-standing choral groups, will be caroling at Canyon Breeze Plaza and in front of Sacajawea Plaza.  The Canyon Singers was formed in 1991, and is directed by Sandra Reid. Their mission is to share the joy of singing and they invite you to join in the holiday caroling:
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Canyon Breeze Plaza 300 N. SR 89A
1:35 – 2:00 p.m. Sidewalk railing area in front of Sacajawea Plaza 301 N. SR 89A

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DECEMBER 19:
TLAQUEPAQUE SWEET STROLL
Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village; Uptown Sedona
When: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tlaq.com
928-282-4838
Discover unique gifts, enjoy sparkling lights, strolling carolers and special sweets at the  Holiday Sweet Stroll. The retailers will open their doors and celebrate the holidays with sweet treats, special give-a-ways, and discount offers.

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DECEMBER 19:
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN & ORNAMENT/COOKIE DECORATING WITH SANTA’S ELVES
Where: Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa
When: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaRouge.com
928-203-4111
Come enjoy a cup of hot cider, sit on Santa’s lap and decorate ornaments & cookies.

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DECEMBER 19-30:
SEDONA RAILROADERS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MODEL TRAIN SHOW
Where: Basha’s Shopping Center, West SR 89A; West Sedona
When: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sedona Railroaders
“ALL ABOARD!” for the 20th Annual Christmas Model Train Show. No Christmas would be complete without memories of the old-fashioned department store’s displays of miniature toy trains. Experience the re-creation of some of these memories through real operating model railroad layouts. Two drawings will be held during the course of the event.

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DECEMBER 20:
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN
Where: Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa
When: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
SedonaRouge.com
928-203-4111
Come enjoy a cup of hot cider and sit on Santa’s lap.

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DECEMBER 20:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL READING
Where: Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Rd. Uptown Sedona
When: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Donate a new, non-perishable food item or $6
SedonaMuseum.org
928-282-7038
Performer Michael Peach reads the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” in the historic Jordan House in front of a fire in the fireplace.  Encounters with the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future teach miserly Ebenezer Scrooge what it means to be human in this perennial holiday favorite.

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DECEMBER 24:
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT MEDITATION
Where: McLean Meditation Institute, 411 SR 179 upstairs; Uptown Sedona
When: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
McLeanMeditation.com
928-204-0067
Reflect on the spirit of the season with a heart-centered meditation, and cultivate the goodwill and compassion we all wish the world during a 45 minute meditation led by Hay House author Sarah McLean.No meditation experience necessary; no need to pre-register. Please arrive on-time to join in!

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DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Where: The Master’s Bible Church, 175 Kallof Place: West Sedona
When: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
MastersBible.com
928-282-2155
Come! Set aside the hustle and bustle of the season to remember God’s amazing gift of love, hope, peace, and joy – the birth of Emmanuel, God with us. Our service features traditional Bible readings and familiar carols. Join us to celebrate the Light of the World together.

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DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE WITH ELVIS!
Where: Sound Bites Grill; Uptown Sedona
When: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Dinner & Show tickets start at $75
SoundBitesGrill.com
928-282-2713
Chance Tinder, rated as one of the top 3 Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas, brings his highly acclaimed Christmas show to Sedona! Chance is an alumni of award-winning Las Vegas celebrity look-alike production shows including Legends in concert Legends in Concert, American Superstars, and Showstoppers live!

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DECEMBER 25:
CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH ESTEBAN, WORLD FAMOUS CLASSICAL SPANISH GUITARIST
Where: Sound Bites Grill; Uptown Sedona
When: Show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Dinner & Show tickets start at $100
SoundBitesGrill.com
928-282-2713
Enjoy the concert of the lifetime in the intimate Sound Bites Grill Show Room listening to the incomparable Esteban–whose albums have been #1 on Billboard 8 times! Each piece Esteban plays is a prayer set to music. With him, Christmas carols such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” are an opportunity to express the boundless joy of this holy season.

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DECEMBER 26:
ESTEBAN’S HOLIDAY SHOW
Where: Sound Bites Grill; Uptown Sedona
When: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Show tickets start at $35. Dinner & Show tickets start at $75
SoundBitesGrill.com
928-282-2713
Listening to Esteban is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! Legendary Esteban mesmerizes audiences with his stunning and passionate style of Classical Spanish Guitar. In his hands, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” is an invitation to fall in love with your special someone all over again. In his hands, the fiery “Fuego Malaguena” is an invitation to get up and dance. Olé!

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DECEMBER 27:
ESTEBAN: A NIGHT OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES
Where: Sound Bites Grill; Uptown Sedona
When: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Show tickets start at $35. Dinner & Show tickets start at $75
SoundBitesGrill.com
928-282-2713
This holiday season, you get to open one more present: legendary Esteban performs a brand new show right here in Sedona. Esteban is known for his gorgeous arrangements of “Norwegian Wood” and “Here Comes the Sun.” In this show, he plays the soundtrack of your life as performed on his incomparable Classical Spanish guitar.

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DECEMBER 31:
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT ERIC MILLER’S LATIN DINNER-DANCE
<Where: Sound Bites Grill; Uptown Sedona
When: 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Cost: Dinner & Dance New Year’s Party tickets start at $85
SoundBitesGrill.com
928-282-2713
Ring in the New Year at Sound Bites Grill! Dance to romantic rumbas and sultry sambas as played by Eric Miller’s Latin band. Start your night with a Latin-flavored Tiger Shrimp cocktail. Feast on a gourmet dinner of red snapper (flown in fresh from Santa Monica, CA), roasted Cornish Hens, and a carving station serving piping hot New York Strip Loin. Toast midnight with an exquisite Spanish Cava!

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DECEMBER 31 – JANUARY 1:
BE THE PEACE, NEW YEAR MEDITATION RETREAT
Where: Agave Center, 1146 SR 89A; West Sedona
When: 7:30 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. December 31 and 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. New Year’s Day
Cost: $145
McLeanMeditation.com
928-204-0067
Be the peace you want to see in the world. Bring in the New Year with deep meditation with Sarah McLean and mystical music with Ani Williams. Enjoy the timeless even as the year changes. Participate in a visioning council on the first day of the year. Limited to 30 people.

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JANUARY 5-10
WINTER MUSICFEST
Where: Mary D. Fisher Theater and St. John Vianney Church
When: Various times and performances
Cost: Free to $50 reserved seating
ChamberMusicSedona.org
928-204-2415
Why travel to the Big Apple when you can hear many of NYC’s finest artists during the January 5-10 Sedona Winter MusicFest? On Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.: documentary ‘But Not For Me’; Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.: Salon Concert; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.: All-French Festival Finale.