Tips for Visiting Flagstaff in Winter – 2024 Ultimate Guide

15 Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona in Winter

Flagstaff Winter: Are you looking for things to do in Flagstaff in Winter? There are so many fun Flagstaff winter activities on this list.

You will enjoy these places to go in Flagstaff in the winter. It truly is a winter wonderland and you will love these things to do during winter.

In this post I will cover things to do in Flagstaff in December, things to do in Flagstaff in January, and things to do in Flagstaff in February.

If you are looking for more things to do in Flagstaff you can check out my other articles:

17 Best Caves in Arizona to Explore – Arizona Caverns

15 Best Hikes in Flagstaff, Arizona – For All Fitness Levels

15 Best Cabins in Flagstaff, Arizona 2022 Ultimate Guide

15 Things to do in Flagstaff with Kids – Top Rated Attractions

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Where to stay in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Flagstaff makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying in a resort and treating yourself with a spa pool to relax at night.

• There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs in Flagstaff There are many beautiful Cabins in Flagstaff and places to stay and this allows you to spend most of your time experiencing Flagstaff.
• You may also want to check out my post on Places to Stay in Flagstaff, Arizona– or you can check out my post on Pet Friendly Hotels in Flagstaff.
• I stayed at the Best Western Plus. This is one of the best Flagstaff Hotels and it has amazing amenities and is close to everything. Plus its reasonably priced.

If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .

15 Things to do in Flagstaff in Winter – Activities Flagstaff, Arizona

Visit Little America Hotel for the North Pole Experience

The North Pole Experience was voted the best holiday experience by children. You can experience this trolley ride at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff.

This Trolley Launch Station is located in Little America’s 500 Acres forest famous for its decorations of a million Christmas Lights, a perfect getaway for a lifetime of fun. Ride along the track as you make your way through Santa’s massive workshop, and meet up with Santa himself!

Enjoy your stay and admire many unique attractions found only in Northern Arizona, as you dine in the finest cuisine that the Silver Pine Restaurant has to offer.

In winter, the specialty Christmas Dinner brings together the flavors of the holidays with its featured seasonal soups and impeccable entrees, and mouth watering desserts.

Once you have filled yourself with the delicious Christmas Dinner, check out the Holiday Lights that the Little America Hotel has on display for the holidays.

This might just be where you would rather be than here for the holidays. So why not reserve a room for yourself at the Little America Hotel where Tradition Meets Excellence. One of the top things to do in Flagstaff in December.

You can buy your tickets through this link.

Ski at Arizona Snowbowl – Snow Activities in Flagstaff

Shred some ice, and hit the ranges as you relieve your stress from burning all that midnight oil, at the Arizona Snowbowl.

Enjoy the winter times as you Ski in the picturesque landscape blanketed by a white gown of snow, the best that Arizona has to offer.

Not in the mood for Skiing? Why not experience the beauty of the landscape from the Gondolas, where all of Arizona is laid bare.

Enjoy the trip with the whole family! All lessons for children 12 years old or younger get it for free! A trip that its fun for everyone in the family.

So why not dip your toes into the snow and shred some ice here at the Arizona Snowbowl and have the world’s best Winter break!  

You can buy your tickets direct with Arizona Snowbowl.

Visit Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki is nestled between the Painted Desert and the Ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona a testament of time from before the cities were built around it.

This marvel of the past has visitors coming from all over to see this historic ruin that paved the way for the civilization we have today.

Uncover each mystery of this treasure trove as you explore the remnants of the once-bustling trade center of the contemporary Pueblo communities.

When you visit Wupatki in the winter times you will experience the ambiance of the ruin that brings out a deeper appreciation of the history from tourists.

So what are you waiting for find the jewel of the desert here at Wupatki National Monument where history perseveres.   This is one of the great things to do in Flagstaff in February.

Check out my post on Indian Ruins in Arizona for more information.

Visit Walnut Creek Canyon

Concealed between the stone slabs of Walnut Creek canyon lies the history of those who came before, proof of life that once lived between the stone walls.

Take a look at the magnificent cliff dwellings of the ancient inhabitants, view history through your own eyes as you enter these historical accommodations, which were once filled with life.

Come gaze at the geological formations that even made the scientists gasp in awe. Take a tour of the park in wintertime where the daunting sunlight won’t be a problem.

Once the tour has ended why not take a break and enjoy a lovely time with your family in the park’s picnic area where refreshments and snacks are provided. This is one of the great things to do in Flagstaff in January so check out the Walnut Creek Canyon, you won’t forget this trip. 

Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

A day trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon in one of the most popular activities in Flagstaff. And you can visit the Grand Canyon in winter – my favorite time to visit!

This route takes you to the Grand Canyon’s South rim in only 90 minutes. You will get to see the iconic views of the Grand Canyon and explore the South Rim.

Another option is to take the Polar Express from Williams. This railway is famous for its basis to the movie of the same name, Polar Express.

This tour will give you the journey of a lifetime as you ride through the landscape of Arizona on a train as you arrive at the North Pole. You can read more about the Polar Express in my article on spending Christmas in Arizona.

So why not see this world wonder and take a trip to the Grand Canyon, It will be worth your while. 

Williams – Polar Express to Grand Canyon

The Polar Express train trip, which is always a major draw with families, has made Williams a popular Arizona Christmas destination. It is a small community near the Grand Canyon west of Flagstaff. Taking a ride on the Polar Express train is the most joyful thing to do here during the Christmas season. 

This enchanting journey departs from the Williams Depot and brings you through the moonlight forest with elves and characters for entertainment. Storytime, chocolate chip cookies, and hot cocoa, as well as a journey to Santa’s Village, are all available here. 

The train voyage takes around 90 minutes, and on Christmas Eve, there is an extra-special wonderful adventure.

An annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting usually take place at the end of November in Williams.

Check out my post on the Best Airbnbs in Williams

Go Snowmobiling in Flagstaff

Snowmobiling is a bustling winter time activity in Flagstaff. Flagstaff are known to have the best Snowmobiling trails in all of Northern Arizona.

All the trails in Flagstaff are interconnected to one another, so you can explore amongst the pines in Arizona just by riding a Snowmobile.

Take a break from all the fun you’re having at one of the nearby rest-stops found all around the trails, where hot beverages are served to keep the cold from your bones.

Flagstaff boasts the best service in terms of Snowmobiling in all of Northern Arizona, so what are you waiting for?

Kick back and enjoy the scenery from the back of a Snowmobile and ride like a king of the pines. 

Go cross country skiing or snowshoeing – One of the top Flagstaff things to do in Winter

In the Arizona footholds of the San Fransisco Peaks lies the Nordic Village. This Village is famous for its Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe trails.

You will find this trail spans more than 30 miles through Aspen and Ponderosa forests. The trails are all machine groomed for skiing and 7 miles of trail are groomed for Snowshoeing.

At the center of this massive trail lies the village where you can experience the Nordic way of living in a yurt and many more.

After the long hike you can sit in an authentic Yurt of the Nordic Village and enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate as the snow falls on the white landscape of the pines. So come down to Flagstaff and visit the Nordic Village, and experience something truly breathtaking.  

Go on a horse drawn carriage

Why not take a tour of Flagstaff on Flagstaff’s finest horse-drawn carriages.

Take a tour of the city which borders Arizona’s tallest mountain in style as you ride the pride of Flagstaff’s history, its horse-drawn carriage.

Take this carriage for a spin and enter the Shakespeare Festival in style as you enter experience life in the renaissance, with its impressive performances incorporating Elizabethan staging practices.

Not only are you able to take tours with the carriages or ride around the city but you can also reserve them for events like weddings and coming of age ceremonies for friends and loved ones, so why wait come on down to Flagstaff, the gateway to your wildest fantasies    

Visit Lowell Observatory

Take a journey through the stars in the Lowell Observatory.

This independent research institution boasts of its non-profit research since its founding in 1894 by mathematician and astronomer Percival Lowell.

The observatory is a cultivation of the mission set out by the founder which was to bring astronomy to the public.

Nowadays you are able to have access to 127 years worth of research in form of interactive displays and informative tours.

Delve into the heart of the cosmos with the stargazing partition of the observatory, or gain insight into the stars with their 24” Clark Refractor Telescope.

So take this journey as your start to the heart of the stars at the Lowell Observatory.

Visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Experience Africa in the heart of Arizona at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Hailed as the best zoo in Arizona, Out of Africa Wildlife Park lives up to its name not only with its diverse and exotic wildlife but also its variety of activities that will be fun for the whole family.

Take a look at the various wildlife at the park with their in-house tours. You will see a number of different species and you will also get to know the people friendly animals, like Bart the sloth, and the wildlife gang for all around fun for the whole family.

Immerse yourself in the zookeepers activities such as animal feeding and interactive animal shows. Their winter time activities are even more festive with of the animals dressed up for the holidays.

Come experience Africa here at the heart of Arizona at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, the best zoo in Arizona. 

Visit Old Caves Crater

Embrace nature at its finest at Old Caves Crater home to the famous 80 rooms of the ancient tribes.

This 3 mile trail is the perfect place to have a hike and to take in the wilderness. This trail also offers horseback riding lessons that allow you to ride through the trail with ease as you bask in the calm of the forest.

You can get lost in the richness of nature under the guise of the Ponderosa Pines. In winter, the lush forest of pine trees will be blanketed by a veil of snow. This is a place to spend your winter break immersing yourself in the rich history of the Paleo-Indian people.

So embrace nature at its finest at Old Caves Crater. 

Have a coffee at simply delicious cafe – Downtown Flagstaff Winter

Take a break from all the fun and come have a coffee at Simply Delicious Cafe.

This Cafe, Daily Fare or otherwise known as Simply Delicious Cafe has been in the service of the people for more than 30 years. It has been the staple go-to for travelers to rest at before going back on the road home.

This cafe not only serves the finest coffee in all of Flagstaff, but it also offers made-to-order lunches and the best fish or duck tacos in the city.

If you are feeling festive, head to the Winter Wonderland Luminaria Stroll in the Historic Downtown of Flagstaff. It has the 12 Bars of Christmas and holiday shopping to get into the festive spirit, or take a look at the magnificent lights hung around all season for all to see.

So take a break from all the fun and come have a cup of Joe here at Simply Delicious Cafe. 

Treat yourself to Josephine’s Modern American Bistro

Before you leave Flagstaff, treat yourself to the finest cuisine Flagstaff has to offer at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro, servicing you since 2002.

Chef Tony’s dedication to the finest dining experience that Flagstaff has to offer, has been a keystone to the return of visitors from all over the country as he produces exceptional food and wine to the astounding service which leaves customers wanting more.

Celebrate the holidays in Josephine’s Modern American Bistro with its incredible array of winter time meals, and beverages like Eggnog and Anaheim Corn Meal Dusted Calamari.

But Josephine’s Modern American Bistro isn’t noted only for its dining experience, the true key of the Bistro’s success is the Absolutely Fantastic brunch menu. This menu has been in service since 2002 and has skyrocketed the bistro to its success.