Holiday Events
Holiday Events 2024
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 2025 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 State Historic Park
Holiday Ready! - 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>>>
Strolling with Santa - December 20 - 23 - 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. Learn More>>>
Christmas Twilight Tour - December 20 - 23 - 5-6 p.m.
The original 1904 light fixtures with Edison style bulbs provide a beautiful glow in the Riordan Mansion for this special evening tour. Learn More>>>
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Victorian Christmas - December 2, 2024 - January 7, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park when we decorate the fort with Victorian-style holiday decorations. Learn More>>>
Candlelight Tours - December 7, 14, 21, 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 - December 7-10 a.m. - 2 p.m. each day
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>>>
Jerome State Historic Park
Unlock the Christmas Spirit - December 13-31 - regular park hours
This year, Unlock The Christmas Spirit as you wander the historic halls of the Douglas Mansion, decked with holiday cheer, in search of clues to solve a scavenger’s mystery inspired by the classic Victorian ghost story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Learn more>>>
Catalina State Park
Winter Solstice Night Hike - December 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year with a guided night hike around the Nature Trail Loop (1.0-mile). You’ll learn about the cultural significance of the Winter Solstice, the desert’s nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy a tour of the constellations. Learn more>>>
Oracle State Park
Santa and Songs - December 14, 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit at Oracle State Park’s Santa and Songs event! Families are invited to enjoy a delightful afternoon featuring photos with Santa in the recently decorated living room of the historic ranch house. Learn more>>>
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Victorian Christmas - December 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Celebrate a Victorian holiday season at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park! Enjoy free admission, a pickle hunt with prizes, photo booth, children's crafts, and activities throughout the day. The Courthouse will be styled in Victorian decorations - the perfect backdrop for your family holiday card! Learn More>>>
Santa at the Park!
Patagonia Lake State Park
Santa at the Park - December 21 - 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! Learn More>>>
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!
