Sedona in December: Weather, Events, and What to Pack
December might be Sedona's best-kept secret. The summer heat is long gone, the fall crowds have thinned and the red rocks look even sharper against crisp blue winter skies. Some mornings, you might even wake up to a dusting of snow on the buttes.
Add thousands of glowing luminarias, a Christmas tree lighting and some of the clearest night skies of the year, and you have a holiday trip that feels nothing like the rest of the country's winter. Here is what to expect from the weather, which 2026 events to plan around and exactly what to pack.
Sedona Weather in December
| December average | |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | About 57°F |
| Nighttime low | About 31°F, often at or below freezing |
| Precipitation | About 1.5 inches for the month, falling as rain or snow |
| Snow | Light and occasional, usually about an inch for the whole month |
| Sunset | Around 5:20 p.m. |
| Typical sky | Mostly sunny and dry |
What that means for your trip: Days are comfortable for hiking in layers. Mornings and evenings are cold, so plan outdoor dinners and stargazing with a warm jacket. Snow rarely sticks for long in town, but when it falls, it creates one of the most photographed sights in Arizona: white snow on red rock. If you see snow in the forecast, get out early. It often melts by midday.
Shorter days: With sunset around 5:20 p.m., plan hikes to finish by mid-afternoon. Golden hour comes early, which makes sunset photos easy to fit in before dinner.
Sedona Holiday Events, December 2026
First Friday Gallery Walks (Friday, December 4)
Sedona's galleries stay open late on the first Friday of each month. In December, it lines up with the tree lighting, so you can make an evening of it.
Tlaquepaque Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Visit (Friday, December 4)
The season officially begins at Tlaquepaque North with music, holiday lights and a visit from Santa. The event runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is free.
Hanukkah in Sedona (begins the evening of Friday, December 4)
Tlaquepaque typically hosts a Hanukkah celebration with Chabad of Sedona during the holiday. Check tlaq.com for this year's date and time.
Sweet Stroll at Tlaquepaque (Saturday, December 19)
Holiday shopping, sweet treats and festive entertainment from 3 to 7 p.m. It is a great last chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists.
The Nutcracker at the Sedona Performing Arts Center (Saturday, December 19)
Local dancers and musicians present a community production of The Nutcracker each December. It is a perfect holiday outing for families. Check ticket dates early, because the shows can sell out.
The Polar Express in Williams (November to early January)
About an hour and a half from Sedona, the Grand Canyon Railway turns into The Polar Express each holiday season. The 90-minute ride includes hot cocoa, cookies and a visit with Santa, with departures at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dates sell out quickly.
Geminid Meteor Shower (around December 13 to 14)
One of the strongest meteor showers of the year. Sedona's dark skies make it a great place to watch. Bundle up, find a spot away from lights and look up after 9 p.m.
Winter Solstice (Monday, December 21)
The shortest day of the year. Many visitors mark it with a sunrise hike or a quiet sunset at one of Sedona's vortex sites.
New Year's Eve in Sedona
Sedona's New Year's Eve is low-key compared with a big city. Expect special dinners at local restaurants and a sky full of stars. Make dinner reservations early, because the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest of the month.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Sedona?
Yes, especially early in the month. The first two weeks of December are often quieter, with easier trailhead parking and better hotel rates. Christmas week through New Year's Day gets busy, so book early if you are traveling then.
Hiking in December: Trails are open and comfortable at midday. Shaded north-facing sections can be icy after a storm, so wear shoes with good grip. Easy, sunny favorites like the Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte Loop are perfect this time of year. See our Bell Rock vs. Cathedral Rock guide to choose your hike.
Trail closures: Some trails north of Sedona, including West Fork, are closed after the 2026 Pocket Fire. Check the Coconino National Forest website for current status before you go.
Getting around: The free Sedona Shuttle often runs daily during the holiday weeks. Check the current schedule at sedonashuttle.com.
What to Pack for Sedona in December
Clothing
- Warm jacket or puffer for mornings and evenings
- Fleece or midweight layer for daytime hikes
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Beanie, gloves and a scarf for stargazing and events
- Comfortable pants for hiking, plus something nicer for dinner
- A swimsuit if you plan to use a heated pool or hot tub
Footwear
- Hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip
- Warm socks, including a spare pair
- Comfortable walking shoes for Tlaquepaque and Uptown
Gear and extras
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, because the winter sun is strong at elevation
- Lip balm and lotion for the dry desert air
- A reusable water bottle
- A small headlamp or flashlight for early sunsets
- A blanket or camp chair for stargazing and the Sweet Stroll
- A Red Rock Pass if you plan to park at trailheads
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Sedona in December? Sometimes. Sedona sees only light snow in December, usually around an inch for the whole month. It rarely lasts more than a morning in town, but higher elevations nearby, like Flagstaff, get much more.
How cold is Sedona in December? Daytime highs average about 57°F, while nights often drop to around freezing.
Is Sedona crowded at Christmas? The week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest of the winter. Early December is much quieter.
Spend December Near Bell Rock
A December trip to Sedona is all about the contrast: cold, clear mornings, sunny afternoon hikes and cozy evenings under the stars. Kokopelli Inn Sedona puts you in the Village of Oak Creek, minutes from the Bell Rock trailheads and a short drive from the holiday lights at Tlaquepaque.
Start your mornings with a small continental breakfast, spend the day exploring and come back to warm up around our outdoor fire pit. Free parking and free high-speed Wi-Fi make the trip easy, and our pet-friendly rooms mean the whole family can come along. Traveling with a group for the holidays? Ask us about room blocks so everyone stays close together.
Plan your holiday trip to Sedona today.
Check Availability or call 928-399-4756.
