Everyone Should Take This Spectacular Holiday Trail Of Lights In Arizona This Season
By Katie Lawrence|Published December 19, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you want to end your 2018 holiday season with a bang, there’s no better way than a Christmas lights road trip. From strolling through Downtown Prescott and admiring the vibrant lights to driving through neighborhoods set ablaze with millions of glittering bulbs, this is the perfect winter vacation for the whole family.
The entire trip is just under twelve hours, so you’ll definitely want to spend the night in a few cities. A map with exact addresses and directions can be found here. Happy Holidays!
You won't see any real bears here this holiday season, but there are plenty of lighted versions set up in all sorts of adorable scenarios. Watch them climb trees wrapped in multicolored glittering bulbs, swim in faux rivers, and traipse around the entire park. You can't miss this wild display!
This annual tradition is one of Arizona's most dazzling light displays. Pine trees surrounding the hotel are illuminated from dusk to 10 p.m. each night through January 6. You can also participate in the North Pole Experience, which takes you on an enchanting journey to Santa's Workshop.
Old Town Cottonwood couldn't be more charming at Christmastime. Main Street is filled with wreaths and garland hanging overhead, and old-fashioned buildings illuminate the night from floor to ceiling. It might be a small community, but nobody would think that when the holiday season rolls around.
Much like Cottonwood, the tiny town of Clarkdale puts on an impressive show this time of year. Main Street and the entirety of downtown come alive with gorgeous light displays all season long.
Jerome might be the most infamous ghost town in Arizona, but don't count it out for Christmas! Visitors and locals alike gather at Upper Park each night to admire the tree and sidewalk luminarias and spread holiday cheer.
Of course, Arizona's official Christmas town has to be a stop on the trip! The entirety of downtown Prescott, including Yavapai County Courthouse, turns into an absolute winter wonderland this time of year.
7. Valley of Lights at Fain Park (Prescott Valley)
Enjoy a breathtaking one-mile light display from the comfort of your own vehicle at Fain Park. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and you can visit from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through December 30.
With an admission fee of just $6 per person, this wildlife preserve is a must-see holiday attraction. Take a leisurely stroll and marvel at all the amazing displays, listen to holiday tunes, and sip on a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
This charming English Village glimmers with Christmas magic, from downtown shops to boats sailing by underneath the London Bridge. Pop into an antique store and pick up a few last-minute gifts, or simply walk around and take in all the sights.
The Winterhaven neighborhood takes holiday decorating into its own hands. Every house is completely decked out, and hayrides are offered for visitors to experience the displays in style.
Check out this virtual tour of the festive Winterhaven neighborhood shared on YouTube by Sly Dog Productions:
So, who’s up for the trip? Which places on the list have you been to already? Tell us your thoughts!
