Holiday Events
Holiday Events 2023
Make your holiday memories in the parks this season! Family events are planned all across the state to help you experience the warmth and fun of this special holiday season in Arizona!
Find a state park holiday event near you and plan your adventure. Check back often as we update with more exciting holiday events! Plus, check out our exciting First Day Hikes to kick of 2024 outdoors starting the year off right. These hikes are offered at parks around the state to help you get January started the very best way!
Riordan Mansion is Holiday Ready!
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
December 1 - January 6
The mansion is festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours offer glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present. Learn More>>>
Candlelight Tours
Fort Verde State Historic Park
December 2, 9, and 16, 5-8 p.m. each night
Camp Verde's Fort Verde State Historic Park is a beautiful setting for holiday cheer. Join us as we host candlelight tours through the Fort's historic homes along Officer's Row. Learn More>>>
Ornament Making Workshop
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Saturday, December 2, 2023
This is a free event! Bring the kids to the park to make their own Victorian holiday ornament, also known as a “tussy mussy.” Learn More>>>
Victorian Christmas
Fort Verde State Historic Park
December 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park when we decorate the fort with Victorian-style holiday decorations. A perfect backdrop for your family holiday card! Learn More>>>
Boat Parade of Lights Viewing
Lake Havasu State Park
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Holiday lights will adorn boats as they glitter and glisten through the famed Bridgewater Channel under the London Bridge as a new organizer continues to bring the community a 37-year-old tradition on Saturday night only!
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, because Lake Havasu State Park will again be offering free admission to the Windsor 4 event area for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights! The entrance gate from Paseo Del Sol will be open at 4:30 p.m. Please leave your pets at home; dogs are not allowed on the white sand beach. Learn More>>>
Victorian Christmas
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate a Victorian holiday season at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park! Enjoy free admission, kids activities, a scavenger hunt, caroling, stories, sleight of hand magic, and more. The Courthouse will be styled in Victorian decorations--the perfect backdrop for your family holiday card! After the Courthouse closes, find your seats for the Tombstone Light Parade starting at 6 p.m. Learn More>>>
Ugly Sweater Star Party
Oracle State Park
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 6-8 p.m.
Wear your worst festive sweater as we celebrate the holiday season with a star party! Tucson Amateur Astronomy Club will have telescopes set up for night sky viewing on the ranch house patio. We'll also have an indoor photo booth set up for fun and festive photos. Learn More>>>
Santa at the Park!
Patagonia Lake State Park
Saturday, December 16, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Guess Who's Coming to Town? Join Patagonia Lake State Park in celebrating the season! Activities include ornament crafts, a cakewalk, and a campsite decoration contest! Plus, don't miss an appearance by Santa Claus himself!
Strolling with Santa
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
December 20 from 4-6 p.m.
Weather permitting, the grounds will be lit with luminarias and Santa will be strolling the grounds, Visitor Center, and West House museum to visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes. Hot apple cider will be available in the visitor center. Learn More>>>
Riordan Special Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
December 20, 21, 22 and 23 from 5-6 p.m.
The original 1904 light fixtures with Edison style bulbs provide a beautiful glow in the Riordan Mansion for these evening tours. The tour will focus on the history behind Christmas traditions and guests will have the special treat of seeing the Christmas tree and Billiards room photo transparency windows at night. Weather permitting, luminarias will light the path around the grounds. The tours are recommended for ages 12 and older. Cost is $16 per person.
Space is limited, so reservations are required. Reserve tickets online.
Find Other Events Near You
Arizona’s state parks offer an array of exciting events throughout the year. From ranger-led interpretive nature and history programs to holiday celebrations with festive decorations, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Make memories that will last forever with fun activities in some of the Grand Canyon state's most beautiful places. We'll organize it all, you just show up and have a great time. Check our events page to learn where and when you can join the fun at an event near you!
