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Holidays in Downtown Flagstaff 2023: Best Santa Sighting Opportunities

Category: Downtown Blog

Santa is relaxing before the holidays in downtown Flagstaff!

Wander the snowy streets of this winter wonderland for the chance to run into Kris Kringle! Not only are there ample winter activities such as sledding down the slopes, snow fights in the square or sipping cocoa at a local coffee shop but Santa is set to make an appearance at some fun and family friendly events.

Santa will be roaming the streets for Flagstaff’s very own version of Black Friday, dubbed Slack Friday, on November 24th! 

This event will allow you to get your holiday shopping done early while following a more relaxed shopping experience than your typical Black Friday. Shop locally without needing to wake up early to beat the lines! Not only will you find great deals in downtown Flagstaff shops but you'll even have the chance to catch Santa meandering through the streets!

Didn't spot Santa during your shopping spree?

Attend the First Friday Art Walk! Familiarize yourself with the streets and businesses of Flagstaff, appreciate local artists and their craft while continuing your hunt for Santa! This event is on December 1st starting at 5 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa is a cozy get together at the Weatherford Hotel where you and the family have the opportunity to chat with Santa over a delicious breakfast buffet.

Santa will tell a Christmas tale and lead a singalong for everybody to participate in!  This ticketed event is a magical morning to include in your holiday plans. Start scheduling your holidays in advance and purchase tickets at the Weatherford Hotel’s website. Mark your calendar for December 2nd, 9th or 16th for this event! Make it even cozier by wearing matching pajamas or festive holiday gear to take some jolly photos!

Taking place on the same days as Breakfast with Santa is the Holiday Movie Series, presented by the FDBA and the Orpheum Theatre. Saturday, December 2nd the film playing will be “Home Alone”, on Saturday the 9th “Elf” will be showing and to finish off the series, “Polar Express” will be playing on December 16th with a surprise visit from Santa at the end of the movie!

Winterwonderland is a can't miss holiday event attracting approximately 10,000 attendees.

Celebrate with your family on December 2nd starting at 2 p.m. There will be live holiday music, cocoa, crafts and more available for your family and friends to begin your cheerful celebrations! Santa will be in attendance for you to continue your hunt to spot Santa! 

The 12 Bars of Christmas bar crawl event is an opportunity for the adults to get to know Santa! This event takes place on December 9th with a check-in at Uptown Pubhouse at 1:30 p.m. Say hi to Santa, snap a photo and then continue on to participating local bars for discounted, festive drink specials! By signing up for this event participants will receive one free shot at Uptown Pubhouse, a lanyard and a Santa hat while supplies last! Tickets will be up for sale on our website.

Not only can you spend your holiday months hunting for Santa but so can your pooch! Attend Howlidays on December 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a Santa and pet photoshoot! This event allows you and your pet to take photos with our special guest, Santa Clause! Donations are encouraged at this event to local shelters High Country Humane and Coconino Humane Association. 

Whether you catch Santa at the Winterwonderland extravaganza, Breakfast with Santa or all of the holiday events, downtown Flagstaff is the place to be this winter! Visit this snowy paradise to begin your hunt for Santa this holiday season!