December is one of the most magical times to visit one of Arizona's favorite destinations. The warm weather makes Sedona a popular winter vacation spot, but December is especially charming with the arrival of the holiday season.
A December trip is all about refreshing mornings and cozy evenings, so where you stay matters. Sedona Premier’s luxury vacation rentals feature winter-friendly amenities like central heating and hot tubs, and they’re large enough to accommodate the whole family for the holidays. They make the perfect home base for a festive winter getaway.
Let’s dive in and see what you can expect from your trip to Sedona in December.
December Weather in Sedona
Photo Credit: Anne08
December is the coldest month of the year, which means there's a chance, albeit slim, you'll experience snow in the desert.
The general rule to follow is to expect colder mornings, mild afternoons, and cold nights. The average high temperature sits in the upper 50s, while nights drop to around freezing.
There's still plenty of sunlight to knock the chill off by midday. Days are short, however, with sunset arriving around 5:30 p.m.
Experiencing snow in town happens occasionally, but it's much more common in the mountains at higher altitudes. Views of snow-capped red rocks are one of the highlights of visiting Sedona in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Sedona?
Holiday travel surges in December, and travelers are increasingly choosing Sedona for Christmas vacation, a quiet New Year's getaway, or an end-of-year winter escape. It's a hiking hotspot that entices winter hikers with cooler temperatures and less crowded trails.
In recent years, Sedona's popularity as a winter destination has brought more visitors every year, making it harder to find trailhead parking and get dinner reservations even during this off-peak time. Christmas through New Year’s is the busiest time. We recommend booking your rental and restaurant reservations early.
For a full breakdown of each season, see our guide to the best time to visit Sedona.
Best Things to Do in Sedona in December
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
Vacationers can expect to do almost everything in Sedona during the winter as they could in the warmer months. So, if you've been waiting for cooler temperatures to enjoy the area’s fun outdoor activities, here's what you can pack into a fun Sedona winter trip itinerary.
1. Go on a Hike
Hiking the red rocks is the top activity in Sedona all year, and December is no exception. First-time visitors will love trekking popular routes like Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte Loop, and Airport Mesa Loop. Find more favorites in our guide to the best hikes in Sedona.
Explore off-the-beaten-path trails if you've been to Sedona before to discover unexpected red rock beauty at every summit. Skip West Fork of Oak Creek this month, since its creek crossings can be icy and cold.
Trail conditions may be slippery after rain or snow, so bring hiking shoes with extra traction. Download a trail app with offline maps before you go.
2. Join a Jeep Tour
A Jeep tour is one of the most unique ways to adventure through the red rock backcountry without worrying about December's icy trails. Pink Jeep Tours are a year-round activity, giving a wild, off-road excursion through the landscape. You'll be surprised what these jeeps can drive through.
Pink Jeep Tours uses open-air jeeps, so reserve tours after midday and in the early afternoon to take advantage of the warmest time of the day.
3. Take a Wintery Drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 30-minute drive running south from town along State Route 179, with pullouts framing Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock.
If possible, drive the byway a day after it snows. The snow-blanketed landscape is one of the gems of visiting during December. Snowfall is usually light enough that road conditions remain good, while the surrounding landscape is dusted in white.
4. Stargaze on the Longest Nights of the Year
The days are short in December, but the city reveals yet another of its natural wonders only after the sun goes down. Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community, making it a haven for stargazing and noctourism.
Look for Orion rising in the east after sunset, or book a guided astronomy tour to see planets and galaxies through a telescope. The winter solstice on December 21 brings the longest night of the year. Dress warm!
5. Book a Spa Day
Wellness is a cornerstone of Sedona travel. And a spa day is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. Book a spa treatment at locations specializing in local remedies. For natural healing, meditate at one of the four vortex sites.
Pamper yourself with resort-style relaxation every day of your vacation. Our rentals at Seven Canyons include access to the club’s heated pool, oversized hot tub, fitness center, and Seasons Restaurant, all tucked into a private canyon near Boynton Canyon.
December Events in Sedona (2026)
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December is the busiest month on Sedona’s calendar, with tree lightings, art markets, and festivals nearly every weekend to celebrate the holidays. Many events are free and family-friendly.
Holiday Artist Market
- When: December 4–6, 2026
- Where: Sedona Arts Center
Kick off your Christmas shopping at this annual market featuring 25+ artists and makers from Sedona and across Arizona. With vendors for handmade ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and textiles, there's something for everyone on your Christmas list.
Tlaquepaque Tree Lighting
- When: December 4, 2026, 5–6:30 p.m.
- Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
The holiday season officially kicks off with a 26-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Tlaquepaque North. Bring the entire family for live entertainment, kids’ activities, hot chocolate, and Santa.
Breakfast with Santa
- When: December 5, 2026, 8–10 a.m.
- Where: The Hub at Posse Grounds Park
Meet-and-greet Santa over a delicious holiday breakfast. It's the perfect time for kids to tell Santa what's on their Christmas lists and snap a photo with the big guy for memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.
The Magical Christmas Journey
- When: November 27–December 24, 2026
- Where: Verde Canyon Railroad
This one-hour evening train ride feels like you've just stepped foot on the Polar Express. All aboard as you trek past glowing light displays through the canyon landscape en route to the "North Pole." You'll also pass Santa’s workshop, where Santa joins the journey to give gifts to the kids.
Read more about the train ride in our guide to the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Sweet Stroll at Tlaquepaque
- When: December 19, 2026, 3–7 p.m.
- Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque is the most decorative location in Sedona during the holidays, and their Sweet Stroll event is the perfect time to visit.
Wander the decorative courtyards, pop into the galleries and shops, and sample seasonal sweets and holiday food along the way. There are tons of discounts and seasonal specials to take advantage of during the event.
Christmas in the Park
- When: December 8, 2026
- Where: Sedona Heritage Museum
Sedona Heritage Museum hosts an annual open house, inviting visitors to a special holiday-themed visit to the museum. It will feature carolers, warm cider, a tumbleweed snowman, and stories from longtime residents. Kids' activities include making a cornhusk doll to take home.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- When: December 24 to 31, 2026
- Where: Around town and at your rental
The week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve is the busiest in December. Eat limited-time holiday dinner menus at one of Sedona's best restaurants or get a private chef-prepared holiday meal cooked right in your vacation rental.
See our guides to Christmas in Sedona and New Year’s in Sedona for more ways to celebrate.
Packing for Your December Trip
Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot
Packing for a December vacation in Sedona can be tricky. The cold temperatures surprise unsuspecting visitors. It can drop as low as freezing in the early mornings and at night, so layers are advised to ensure you're comfortable during the entire day.
Here's a quick checklist of what to bring:
- Heavy jacket
- Warm layers (a fleece or puffy jacket over a lightweight base layer)
- Waterproof clothing and footwear
- Hat and gloves
- Traction spikes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Headlight or flashlight (for hiking when it's dark)
Get Set for Your Sedona in December Trip
Sedona in December brings together everything that makes the holidays special. Extended family in town under one roof, beautiful scenery, and a small-town holiday charm you won't find at any other time of the year.
Whether you come for one of the December events, a quiet early-December escape, or a red rock Christmas, Sedona is a holiday destination you will remember.
Ready to plan your holiday vacation? Find Sedona vacation rentals that your entire group will love.
