10 Things to Do in Sedona in Winter

Sedona, located halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, is one of the most popular destinations on Route 66 in Arizona. Although the high season for this site is during the summer, in winter you will also find activities to discover the city and its surrounding landscapes, which are highlighted by red rocks and panoramic views of the desert.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona in winter include visiting the snowy Arizona desert, experiencing the Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights, participating in the RunSedona marathon, attending the International Film Festival, taking an adventure tour of the surrounding canyons, celebrating St. Patrick's Day and skiing in Flagstaff.

Experience the Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village in Sedona is an experience that will transport you to an enchanting world during the holiday season. This annual event lights up the night with a festive glow, turning the quaint town of Tlaquepaque into a scene of luminous wonders and exciting celebrations.

As you walk the cobblestone streets of Tlaquepaque, you'll be treated to an atmosphere that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Colorful lights, lanterns and festive decorations transform every corner into a scene worthy of the best photographs of your trip. From luminous arches to glowing trees, every detail contributes to create an enveloping atmosphere.

The Festival of Lights is not only about the visual aesthetics, but also about the festive atmosphere and the community that comes together to celebrate. During the event, it is common to find live performances, holiday music and interactive activities for all ages. In addition, Tlaquepaque's stores and galleries offer a unique opportunity for holiday shopping and local art.

The culmination of the Festival of Lights is the lighting of the central Christmas tree, an exciting event that brings the crowd together in a moment of unity and celebration. This site can be reached on your own or on the city's tour bus. Also, during the event, which runs from late November through early January, it is often included in the itineraries of Sedona's best tours.

Taking an adventure tour to Sedona Canyon in winter is an exciting and unique way to experience the region's natural beauty in a less explored season. As the desert landscape transforms with the onset of winter, the canyon's rock formations and trails take on a new air of mystery and beauty.

During the winter months, the cooler weather and the possible presence of snow create an atmosphere of freshness and calm in the canyon. The rock formations, illuminated by the winter sun, create a spectacular contrast between the stone and the sky. Exploring the less crowded trails in this season gives you a sense of solitude and connection with nature that is truly unique.

Adventure hiking in Sedona Canyon in winter offers activities for all levels of skill and experience. From moderate hikes to more challenging routes of hiking, climbing and demanding jeep and ATV tours, there are options to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. During this time of year, you can also join Sedona's best off-the-beaten-path tours.

Aside from the tours, the scenic views of wind-sculpted rock formations and wildlife viewing opportunities make every step into the desert a fascinating experience.

Discovering the snowy desert in northern Arizona from Sedona is a unique opportunity to witness the contrasting beauty of nature at its purest. As winter dyes the desert terrain with a blanket of snow, the landscape takes on a serene appearance that contrasts with the usual arid image of these terrains. A must-do activity on this adventure is a visit to Antelope Canyon, a geological wonder that takes on a new dimension under the cover of snow.

Antelope Canyon, located near Page, is famous for its rock formations sculpted by water over the centuries. In winter, when the northern cold reaches the region, snow settles on the high cliffs and canyon floor. This contrast between snow and rock creates a unique visual palette that evokes a sense of awe and wonder.

Exploring Antelope Canyon in winter gives you the opportunity to enjoy a quieter experience, as crowds tend to be smaller during this season. The sun's rays filter through the rock formations, creating a dance of shadows and light on the snow, making every corner of the canyon a visual masterpiece. If you plan to visit Sedona in December, you can also discover Christmas decorations in the canyon.

In addition to admiring the winter views, Antelope Canyon also offers the chance to capture spectacular photographs. The rock formations, snow and diffused light create a perfect environment for photography lovers, where every shot becomes an artistic expression of nature at its winter best.

Participating in RunSedona, the city marathon, will allow you to be part of a unique sporting and scenic experience that combines the challenge of a race with Sedona's natural landscapes.

RunSedona, usually held in February, offers several race options to suit different fitness levels and competition goals. From full marathon distance to half marathon and shorter 5K and 10K categories, every runner can find the right challenge for their preparation. Participants will face varied terrain including paved roads and dirt trails, all framed by Sedona's desert landscape.

As runners proceed, they are greeted by the changing colors of the canyon, desert hues and ubiquitous rock formations. The connection to nature and Sedona's unparalleled setting add an extra dimension to the race experience.

Attending the Sedona International Film Festival will allow you to discover a world of independent filmmaking, creativity and captivating narratives. This prestigious annual event celebrates a wide range of films from around the world, giving film lovers the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of unique and exciting productions.

Each year, for several days in February, Sedona becomes an epicenter for directors, actors, producers and film enthusiasts, all coming together to enjoy screenings, discussions and special events. This festival is notable for its focus on independent and auteur films, providing a platform for emerging voices and creators who challenge cinematic conventions.

Programming includes features, shorts, documentaries and experimental works, spanning diverse genres and unique perspectives. In addition to screenings, the Sedona International Film Festival offers opportunities to interact with filmmakers and engage in rich discussions about the films.

Plus, special events such as panels, workshops and galas add an extra dimension to the experience that you can discover if you visit Sedona in February.

To experience the Yoga Festival is to embark on a journey of self-discovery in Sedona's natural setting. This annual festival brings together yoga lovers, practitioners of all abilities and expert teachers in an atmosphere of serenity and deep connection. For several days, the city becomes an oasis of yoga practice, meditation and spiritual teachings.

This festival, held each year in March, offers a wide range of classes and workshops designed to address different styles of yoga, experience levels and individual needs. From restorative yoga to energetic yoga to meditation practices, attendees have the opportunity to explore various disciplines and find the one that best suits their personal path to wellness.

Beyond the physical practices, the festival also features inspirational talks and presentations on spirituality, nutrition, self-care and personal growth, which you can discover if you plan to visit Sedona in March, which is when you can participate in this event.

Sedona's natural setting adds a special dimension to the Yoga Festival. The rock formations, open skies and clean air provide a tranquil and serene backdrop for the practice of yoga and meditation. Outdoor retreats, hikes and guided meditation sessions will allow you to connect with the earth and recharge your energy amidst the beauty of nature.

If you want to be part of one of the most important events of the annual calendar in Sedona, you can't miss the Mountain Bike Festival, which will allow you to enter a world of adventure in the natural scenery of the Arizona desert. This event brings mountain bikers from all over to celebrate their passion for biking and explore the region's challenging trails.

From guided rides on the most iconic trails to state-of-the-art bike demos and exciting competitions, the festival offers options to suit all tastes and abilities. Riders will have the opportunity to hone their skills, explore new routes and connect with other mountain bike enthusiasts in a festive and friendly atmosphere, which is favored by the March weather, where the temperature is slightly warmer than during the rest of the winter.

One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to tackle the challenging trails of the Sedona desert. The varied terrain and unique rock formations provide a unique cycling experience that combines steep climbs, thrilling descents and technical passages. Riders can choose from a variety of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert, and find the trail that best suits their skills and preferences.

In addition to trail activities, the festival also offers opportunities to learn from industry experts, test ride mountain bikes from leading brands, and enjoy camaraderie with other cycling enthusiasts.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Sedona's bars is a festive and joyful experience that unites Irish culture with the city's vibrant atmosphere. During this holiday, Sedona's bars are filled with people dressed in green and adorned with themed accessories to honor the patron saint of Ireland. It's a day when locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy live music, traditional foods and, of course, beer.

Sedona's bars and pubs become lively, bustling gathering places during St. Patrick's Day, celebrated every March 17. There you can sample a variety of Irish and festive beers, as well as themed cocktails in shades of green. Live music and bands playing traditional and modern tunes add to the lively and energetic atmosphere, inviting attendees to raise their glasses.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the opportunity to savor traditional Irish foods. From classic lamb stew to mince pie and colcannon potatoes, special St. Patrick's Day menus give attendees the opportunity to sample authentic Irish flavors and enjoy a unique culinary experience.

In addition to food and drink, bars are often decorated in a St. Patrick's theme, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. People come together to toast, laugh and share special moments as they celebrate this holiday that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in a spirit of camaraderie and fun.

Attending the Barrett-Jackson Auction, held each year in January, is a unique opportunity to learn about the universe of classic and collector car auctions. This iconic event, held in Scottsdale, brings together car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world to witness an auction of unique and valuable vehicles.

The auction is famous for offering a variety of vehicles, from classic cars and muscle cars to exotic one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles. There you can find mythical and exclusive models that tell stories about automobiles and design. The auctioned cars often represent high-quality examples and meticulous restorations, attracting both seasoned collectors and car enthusiasts.

The event is not only about auctions, but also an immersive experience. Along with exciting live bidding, Barrett-Jackson offers car displays, special presentations and opportunities to interact with industry experts. In addition, it is common to see celebrities and automotive personalities that add glamour to the event.

For car enthusiasts, attending the Barrett-Jackson auction is an opportunity to ignite a passion for classic vehicles and experience the excitement of the auctions up close. Whether you're looking to purchase a unique vehicle or just enjoy the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere, this event is sure to be a fascinating experience.

Skiing at Flagstaff's Arizona Snowbowl in the winter is a thrilling experience that combines the natural beauty of Arizona with the excitement of the ski slopes. Located in the San Francisco Mountains, this resort is a renowned winter destination that offers ski and snowboard enthusiasts the opportunity to glide down snow-covered slopes in a scenic and unique setting.

This resort has a variety of slopes that cater to different levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. The well-maintained slopes and the region's characteristic powder snow provide skiers with the opportunity to enjoy an exciting day in the mountains. In addition, the Agassiz lift, one of the highest in North America, takes skiers to the top of the mountain, offering wonderful panoramic views.

Flagstaff's natural setting adds a special dimension to the Arizona Snowbowl skiing experience. The snow-capped mountains and pine forests create a tranquil environment that invites skiers to unwind in the beauty of nature. Panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding desert landscapes create a unique sense of being in the middle of two contrasting worlds.

In addition to skiing, Arizona Snowbowl also offers opportunities to enjoy other winter activities, such as tubing and snowshoeing. Rest areas, restaurants and equipment rental options ensure that visitors have a comfortable and well-rounded experience while exploring the area.