Every time the seasons change, I tell myself that this new season is my favorite season in Flagstaff. I especially love winter and enjoy the festivals in December. There is something particularly appealing about the gratitude and generosity shown throughout this month. I make sure to get out and enjoy holiday celebrations, support local artists and businesses, and pay special attention to all the amazing nonprofits that feed, comfort, and protect our neighbors. .

Three great online sources for event information are: downtownflagstaff.org, flagstaff365.comand flagstaffpubliclibrary.org. Some of the events I’m looking forward to are Elf: The Musical (November 29th – December 22nd), Handmade Holiday Market (December 5th), First Friday Artwalk (December 6th), and The Nutcracker Includes Ballet (December 6). and 7), Science Saturday: Sustainable Gift Making (December 7), Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting (December 7), Fort Valley Road. Winter Artisans Markets (12/7, 8), Free Winter Movie Series (every Saturday), Carols in the Mountains (12/14), Holiday Card Project to make cards for people in the hospital (12/12), Holiday Parade of Lights ( (December 14), Holiday Movie Night in Your Pajamas (December 20), Riordan Mansion Luminaria Walk and Tour (December 21-23), Menorah Lighting at Grand City Hall ( December 26th), and Pine Cone Drop (December 31st).

Flagstaff is home to many talented artists and small businesses, all of whom are deeply committed to and invested in our community. Market of Dreams on 4th Street reopens this month. This small business incubator sells products made by many local entrepreneurs and boasts the establishment of a Tres Amigos food truck. Many small businesses have opened along 4th Avenue and are well worth a visit. Downtown Flagstaff is home to several art galleries and small businesses. In addition to many holiday events such as the New Year’s Eve Pinecone Drop, the Downtown Business Alliance offers a Holiday Shopping Passport that you can stamp at various businesses and enter into drawings for prizes.

Flagstaff is home to many dedicated nonprofit organizations that work year-round to feed, clothe, shelter and support thousands of our neighbors. During the holidays, many of them work twice as hard to give new clothes and toys to children in their community. We can all show care and compassion by donating our time and money to support these groups. There is a “gift” tree where you can select an elder or child and purchase a gift. Three of these trees are located inside downtown businesses. Adopt a senior through Coconino County and pick up a tag on a tree at the Tourist Home All Day Cafe. Pick up tags at Rainbow’s End Boutique and purchase gifts for children living at Sharon Manor Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona. Take a tag from a mountain sports tree, support a family through the Northland Family Help Center, or both. Both Walgreens stores have trees where you can choose a tag or two to “adopt a grandparent” through Angel’s Care Home Health. There are also toy bins throughout the city (including in the lobby of City Hall) where you can donate new, unwrapped toys. A fun way to donate to some local organizations is to use the Giving Machine located in Heritage Square from December 18th to January 18th. 1.

If you don’t know about Arizona’s charitable tax deduction, please take a moment to learn more. Every Arizona taxpayer can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax deduction for donations made to public schools, qualified charities, and/or qualified foster care organizations. These are three separate tax credits, and you can make these contributions by April 15, 2025 to claim your 2024 tax credits. Local qualified charities form the Flagstaff Tax Credit Coalition; flagstafftaxcreditcoalition.orgLearn more and donate to one or more of our local organizations. You can find more information and check the quality of any foster care organization on the Arizona Department of Revenue website. AZDOR.gov/Tax Credit.

There are many ways to celebrate our community and get involved in the great work of local nonprofits, and the above list is not exhaustive. I will link to all the flyers and websites you can find on my website. BeckyDagett.com. Thank you for being an active participant in all the good things Flagstaff has to offer. FBN

Written by Becky Daggett

Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.