With Thanksgiving concluded, it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays across Sedona and the Verde Valley.
Jerome
▪ The holiday season kicks off in Jerome on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 3 to 9 p.m. with Light Up The Mountain brought to you by the Jerome Chamber of Commerce.
“Come to downtown Jerome and celebrate with us with live music, a light display and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus!” the town stated.
Readings and announcements from the top park are scheduled along with a school choir, the lights will be turned on near 9 p.m. as the event comes to a close.
Sedona
▪ The lights are back on at Tlaquepaque after a hiatus when Santa Claus makes another stop over at Tlaquepaque on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Red RockAppella Ensemble performing holiday standards, along with light refreshments provided.
▪ Santa will be spending the night in Sedona and having breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice at the Sedona Posse Grounds Hub at Posse Grounds Parks for the Sedona Parks and Recreation’s free program Breakfast With Santa the following morning on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
Hanukkah
▪ Hanukkah begins the evening of Sun, Dec. 14, and runs through Monday, Dec. 22. Chabad of Sedona and Tlaquepaque is hosting the annual Menorah Lighting on Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“Enjoy scrumptious latkes, donuts and hot chocolate while listening to festive music,” Tlaquepaque’s website reads. “Kids will have the opportunity to meet Judah the Maccabbee, take a photo and receive some gelt. Hosted by Chabad of Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village.”
Cottonwood
▪ The 2025 Cottonwood Christmas Parade, hosted by the Greater Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce, takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 800 E. Cherry St., with free parking available. Because of road work along Main Street, this year’s event will feature a stationary parade, with floats remaining parked. The chamber is keeping the parade name for clarity, though the format is different. Cottonwood City Manager Mario Cifuentez II is the 2025 grand marshal, and the theme is “Christmas Around the World.”
“We [also] have the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse,” Parks, Recreation & Library Director Ja Teel said. “On top of the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse, we have an electronic Christmas tree that we light up every year. … The mayor [Ann Shaw] will come out, give an introduction to the community, and then turn on that Christmas tree to really signify that we’re moving forward into that holiday season and wishing everybody the best.”
▪ The 32nd annual Old Town Chocolate Walk also takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. This ticketed event allows attendees to enjoy handcrafted chocolates at participating businesses. For more information contact the Greater Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce at info@cottonwoodchamberaz.org or (928) 634-7593.
▪ Santa will have a second helping of free breakfast pancake and sausage at the Cottonwood Recreation Center 150 S. 6th St. on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 8 to 10 a.m.
“Breakfast with Santa is a program that we started in 2021,” Teel said. “Santa let us know that he was coming into town, had some extra time on his schedule, and wanted to put together a program. So we were able to put together a program to allow kids to come in their pajamas and eat breakfast with Santa, do coloring books at the table, a couple different crafts, get some pictures. We do Christmas caroling through one of the schools, and then Santa Claus gives everybody candy canes as they’re taking their pictures and sends everybody off while he goes back to the North Pole and gets all the gifts and presents and everything else ready.”
Camp Verde
▪ On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. the Town of Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department invites you for the annual Christmas Magic on Main, where dozens of lighted floats parade down Main Street to spread holiday cheer.
Prior to the parade over 40 vendors will be on hand for the Christmas Craft Bazaar at the Community Center Gym, 51 E. Hollamon St., 10 am to 4 p.m.
