Christmas Getaways in Arizona

Arizona's Sonoran desert has very mild winters.saguaro mountains image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com

Arizona's diverse climate and topography make it an ideal holiday destination. In the southern portions of the state, visitors enjoy mild winter climates and desert scenery. The snowy mountains and scenic canyons of the state's northern regions are also breathtaking, and provide opportunities for winter recreation.

Tucson

Tucson is a fine Christmas getaway spot, and although the climate is anything but blustery, the city does a great job of celebrating the holidays. The city's Hispanic population greatly contributes to Tucson's holiday spirit. For example, residents of the historic Barrio Historico neighborhood have participated in the Las Posadas procession, a Mexican Christmas tradition, since 1936. Tucson's mild winter climates allow for a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking, fishing and hunting. The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a free Christmas light exhibit that usually lasts from mid-December to a few days after Christmas. Visitors can walk through the historic neighborhood or take a trolley or carriage ride.

The Grand Canyon is a popular Arizona Christmas destination. In addition to the Canyon's beauty, visitors can enjoy a wide array of accommodation options, either on the South Rim or in nearby towns, such as Williams. Families with children might enjoy the Polar Express train ride, which leaves from Williams and arrives at the Grand Canyon on various dates in November, December and January, including Christmas Eve. The train ride features hot chocolate and a reading of Chris von Allsburg's classic book by none other than Santa himself.

Arizona's White Mountains are appropriate for those who prefer winter weather to the desert climate of the South. The mountains offer a variety of accommodations, from ski resorts to secluded cabins. Mountain cities such as Show Low, Snowflake, Springerville and Pinetop host a variety of annual parades and festivals. Visitors can also enjoy winter outdoor recreational activities, such as skiing and sledding. Beautiful pine Christmas trees are abundant in the White Mountains. In 2009, the state of Arizona found and displayed an 85-foot blue spruce on the lawn of The White House.