Hot cocoa season is here in Arizona’s winter wonderland, and Flagstaff is hosting a variety of special snow-capped events that bring together locals and bring thousands of tourists to the mountain town for the holidays. I look forward to visiting.

Following in the footsteps of the fall foliage meter, which motivates locals and tourists alike to see vibrant fall colors at designated locations, the snow meter does the same, giving tourists and locals responsible options for playing in the snow. Serves as a resource.

Modern snow gauges work in conjunction with winter recreation maps (https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/Winter-adventure/Winter-recreation-map/) Published by Discover Flagstaff and is intended to guide winter enthusiasts to suitable recreational areas.

The Winter Recreation Map is a partnership with the city, Coconino County, and nearby winter attractions. This is designed to notify visitors prior to their arrival and ensure that they are fully aware of the measures we will take to ensure they are safe and prepared, leave no trace, and respect the property during their visit. Additionally, we urge visitors to be prepared to stay overnight in case of unpredictable weather.

Snow gauges and winter recreation maps are important tools to help Flagstaff prepare for the major holiday events that are the highlight of the holiday season.

The first event is Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting, a free event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Heritage Square. This family-friendly celebration kicks off the season with hot cocoa, s’mores, crafts, live music, and more. It culminates with the tree lighting and visit from Santa at 6:15 p.m.

New this year is the Visitor Center located at 1 E. Horse-drawn carriage rides on Route 66 will bring a festive attraction to downtown. The rides are free and scheduled for weekends from Dec. 7 to Jan. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) is offering specials throughout the season, including a Holiday Shopping Passport through January 6th. Free passports are available at participating businesses and online at downtownflagstaff.org. Shoppers who visit at least five participating businesses or spend a total of $250 will be entered for a chance to win gift cards from downtown shops. People can earn bonus entries by donating to donation trees at downtown businesses or the Howlidays Pawp-Up fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Heritage Square . Pawp-Up is your chance to dress up your pet and take a free photo with Santa. Donations will be accepted to benefit High Country Humane and Coconino Humane Associations.

DBA is also sponsoring a free winter film series that will be shown on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 at the Orpheum Theater. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and special offers are available for screenings of Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express. Santa will also appear! Breakfast with Santa will also be held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Weatherford Hotel. Tickets can be purchased online.

Another holiday shopping opportunity on Saturday, Dec. 14 will be the Handmade for the Holidays Market at Flagstaff Mall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This woman-owned market will feature 60 vendors selling a variety of soaps, candles, woodcraft, home decor, crochet, clothing, jewelry, and more. East Flagstaff Community Market will produce the event.

Thanks to October and November storms, Arizona Snowbowl will open for the first time in 86 years on Friday, Nov. 8, with tourists already arriving in Flagstaff a full two weeks before the lifts are scheduled to start rotating. I was on my way.

Snowbowl is debuting a new fixed-grip quad lift for beginners this year. The Aspen Chairlift will service four new trails: Giddy Up, Chipmunk Chase, Lupine Lane and Jackrabbit, building on already well-known terrain for newcomers to the mountain.

This all leads up to Flagstaff’s biggest winter festival, the Great Pinecone Descent, which takes place at the Weatherford Hotel on New Year’s Eve. More than 10,000 people are expected to fill the streets of downtown for the occasion, with some getting VIP tickets to the Zane Gray Ballroom, bar and balcony in 2025.

The usual plan is for elaborately decorated pine cones to descend from the Weatherford roof at noon and 10 p.m., for revelers planning their early mornings in the new year. It also descends again at midnight for those traditionalists who brave the cold night air to make their mark. Another year has passed.

The Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve event, “Noon,” will feature crafts, photography, noisemakers and other family-friendly programming.

At Discover Flagstaff, we wish you all a happy holiday season. visit discoverflagstaff.com For additional information. FBN

Ryan Randazzo

Ryan Randazzo is a media relations and marketing project manager at Discover Flagstaff.

Photo provided by: In 2025, New Year’s Eve festivities will ring out with The Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop and perhaps a lucky kiss.