Arizona State Parks and Trails will host festive holiday events across the state from December through early January, offering families opportunities to experience seasonal traditions ranging from Victorian-era celebrations to candlelight tours and visits with Santa Claus.
Six state parks will feature more than a dozen holiday activities throughout the month.
“These events bring families together to celebrate the season while experiencing Arizona’s rich history and natural beauty,” said Bob Broscheid, executive director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. “Whether you’re touring the 1904 Riordan Mansion in snowy Flagstaff or making ornaments by the lake, our parks offer memorable ways to create holiday traditions. They also make perfect backdrops for family photos, so don’t forget your camera.”
Those who want to step back in time to imagine the traditions of early Arizonans and experience antique Christmas decor can visit Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff and Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde.
Now through Tuesday, Jan. 6, the historic Riordan Mansion is decorated with wreaths, garlands and a fir tree trimmed with ornaments in turn-of-the-century style. The park will also offer Christmas Twilight Tours Saturday through Tuesday, Dec. 20 through 23, where luminarias and original Edison-style light fixtures illuminate evening visits. Advance reservations are recommended for tours and can be made online at AZStateParks.com or over the phone at (877) MY-PARKS.
Families looking to make their own holiday tradition can join in on interactive activities and crafts at the parks. Roper Lake State Park near Safford will present a holiday ornament trail through Friday, Jan. 2, inviting visitors to personalize ornaments along the park’s trails. Lake Havasu State Park will offer free admission and ornament crafts on Sunday, Dec. 14, for viewing the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from shore.
For a Santa sighting at Arizona’s state parks, visit Patagonia Lake in southern Arizona or Riordan Mansion on Saturday, Dec. 20. Enjoy an evening hike on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, at Catalina State Park on Sunday, Dec. 21.
Following the holiday festivities, state parks will kick off the New Year with guided First Day Hikes. Complete event details and schedules are available online at AZStateParks.com/Holiday-Events.
