So Scottsdale December 2017

Page 76

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SPIRITED SOJOURNS Holiday happenings around Arizona

Sure, Northern Arizona isn’t quite the North Pole, but there’s so much festive fanfare, you may feel as though you’ve been swept right into Santa’s whimsical world. So, bundle up in your scarves and sweaters and head to the state’s cooler climes for a hefty dose of holiday merriment.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAGSTAFF CVB

The North Pole Experience Departing from the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff almost nightly through Dec. 28 (not open on Christmas Day), the North Pole Experience starts by taking families on a trolley ride to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest. Once there, guests of all ages take part in hands-on experiences, including working side by side with elves making toys, seeing Santa’s sleigh, and enjoying cookies with Mrs. Claus. A bonus for the kids – they can get access to Santa’s main factory floor, with soaring toy slides and a special commemorative teddy bear from Santa himself. Admission starts at $33 for children and $39 for adults. www.northpoleexperience.com. Sedona Festival of Lights For 45 years, people from all over the world have gathered at Tlaquepaque in Sedona for the Festival of Lights. On Dec. 9, the event kicks off at 3 p.m. with a visit from Santa (and an opportunity for photos), followed by the tolling of a bell at 5 p.m., which signals the lighting of 6,000 luminarias set throughout the outdoor pavilion, courtyard and expansive walkways. There is even an opportunity to purchase specially designed luminarias at the event to honor cancer survivors, with proceeds going to charity. Sip on free apple cider while music fills the air, thanks to live performances by electric string quartets, violinists, vocalists and even a swing band until 8 p.m. Admission is free. www.visitsedona.com. Sedona Northern Lights Sedona also has a second event – in honor of the Sedona Arts Center’s 60th anniversary – called Sedona Northern Lights, which is the largest 3-D light project ever done on a natural canvas. From Dec. 14 to 17, hourly from 6 to 9 p.m., an artistic, holiday-themed 3-D light show will be projected on Camelhead Rock (next to Snoopy Rock), viewable from dozens of outdoor areas throughout the city. Free. www.visitsedona.com. The Great Pine Cone Drop Forget the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square! For nearly 20 years, Flagstaff has offered a quirky alternative called The Great Pine Cone Drop, a tradition that was started to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the historic Weatherford Hotel leading into the year 2000. After Thanksgiving, the hotel hoists a 150-pound, 6-foot, LED-lit pine cone – made with more than 200 aluminum petals reminiscent of a Christmas ornament (only much bigger!) – up three stories above its roof. Then, on New Year’s Eve, thousands of revelers bundle up (the average temperature is about 20 degrees) and gather in the streets, counting down to 10 p.m. to coincide with the Times Square celebration in New York City, and then again at midnight to mark Arizona’s magical moment. Each year, a local DJ spins songs from the hotel’s balcony, leading the crowd in a countdown as the Weatherford Hotel dazzles with a light show followed by fireworks. Admission is free. www.flagstaffarizona.org.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘17


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So Scottsdale December 2017 by Richman Media Group - Issuu