Festival of Lights Sedona is an annual tradition, where you can experience entertainment, music, and lighting of more than 6,000 lights. The beautiful, blinking lights attract hundreds and thousands of people every year.
You will feel hope, love, happiness, and unity as you join this entertaining light exhibition. There is no way for you not to get enchanted by the Christmas lights all over the place. This festival is perfect for families, a group of friends, or anyone who wants to feel the spirit of Christmas.
Festival of Lights Sedona Dates (2023)
With Festival of Lights Sedona, you will witness how a place is wrapped in festive illuminations. The walkways and courtyards will bring you to a different world, where everyone can feel as if they are in a magical place.
For the 2023 celebration, the Christmas light show happens on December 9 2023. Before the festival gets closer, ensure to mark your calendar and invite your friends and family to join this amazing event.
The festival of lights features a full schedule of light and musical entertainment with free cider. Many are also excited about the performance of the River of Life Tabernacle Choir. You can also buy specially luminarias in Patio del Norte to honor cancer survivors.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
Many locals and tourists made this light festival a special way to celebrate the holiday seasons. While some activities are kept, the organizers ensure that visitors have something to be excited about.
Festival of Lights Sedona is located in Tlaquepaque 336 State Route 179 Sedona, Arizona, United States. Before you pack your things, ensure you know the route you should take.
If you are from Phoenix Metro, you can take the I-17 North toward Flagstaff. From there, you need to pass through State Route 179. After driving around 15 miles, you will reach ten roundabouts. Next is to crossover the Oak Creek Bridge. You will find Tlaquepaque on the road’s immediate left-hand-side.
Meanwhile, if you are traveling from the Flagstaff area, you have to:
- Take the AZ-89A South exit toward the Oak Creek Canyon
- Take the first exit onto West Shamwell Boulevard/AZ 89A
- Take the third exit onto the South State Route/AZ-89A
- Take the second exit into the Dry Creek Scenic View/AZ-89A
- Take the third exit onto Red Rock Scenic Byway/AZ-179
If you’re in Arizona, you might want to check out the following lights festivals as well:
Festival Hours
When it comes to light exhibitions like Festival of Lights Sedona, ensure that you and your loved ones have time to join such a beautiful event. Aside from the magical feel, the festival features lots of activities for all ages.
Whoever you want to bring to the festival, all of you will indeed have unforgettable memories. You can experience this grandest holiday event in Sedona from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These festival hours are enough to try lots of things.
How Much It Costs to Visit Festival of Lights Sedona
For a lot of people in Sedona, their holiday season is not complete without a festival of lights. The festival draws many people every year. Above all, admission is free.
The light exhibition is where you will witness stunning and twinkling lights trees, fairy lights, and blinking Christmas lights. As you join the annual Christmas light festival, you can create new memories you can share with your loved ones.
Attending this light festival with your friends and family means having unforgettable experiences that you will keep talking about for years to come. Plus, it is also a great time to make new friends.
Everything about the Christmas light show is magical. It is like you are in another world. So, if you want to unwind and have quality time with your loved ones, do not miss the chance to experience the Festival of Lights Sedona.
Weather and What to Wear
Do you start packing weeks before the actual date? Then, you still have a few months to prepare for one of your holiday’s main events, the Festival of Lights Sedona.
Everyone in Sedona is excited for December to come as it is the month when they can visit the light festival. The weather in Sedona during this month is relatively cool. On average, overnight temperatures are in the single digits below 0 C (low 30s F).
Ensure that you know what to pack and wear in December when you visit the city. This will help you become comfortable throughout your trip and helps you enjoy the festival experience even more.
You can pack extra socks, a jacket or coat, fleece, and light gloves or mitten. It is also recommended to bring standard footwear, warm pants or jeans, waterproof snow boots, and a waterproof jacket. You can also bring an umbrella.
Where to Sleep – Hotels Nearby the Fest
Finding a comfortable and cozy place to rest after exploring Sedona should be one of your top priorities. The good news is that you can find many accommodations near the festival venue.
Regardless of your budget, you can find accommodation that will meet your vacation needs. Here are the top recommendations of accommodations where you can sleep when visiting the festival and exploring the place
Arabella Hotel Sedona
This hotel offers a year-round hot tub and a seasonal outdoor pool. Each room features a cable TV and free Wi-Fi. The staff is accommodating, helpful, and friendly. The breakfast has a wide selection.
GreenTree Inn Sedona
This beautiful inn in Sedona features a sun terrace, a year-round pool, and free Wi-Fi. There is also an on-site bar, and you can have a good breakfast in the courtyard.
Sedona Village Lodge
If you are looking for pet-friendly accommodation, do not hesitate to book a room in Sedona Village Lodge. This accommodation features a cable flat-screen TV in each room. If you prefer the second-floor units, you can find a seating area. The location is great and close to restaurants.
Sky Ranch Lodge
This accommodation is approximately 10 km from the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It features free Wi-Fi, a garden, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool. You can book a family room if you plan to travel with your family members. The rooms are comfortable and clean.
Cedars Resort Hotel
This resort hotel is located on a cliff where you can see the beautiful views of Oak Creek Canyon. It is also around 15 km away from Red Rock State Park. It features a large outdoor chess set, a hot tub, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Where to Eat
Sedona is a perfect place to see red sandstone formations and buttes. It is also an ideal destination to try different food options.
Here are the popular food destinations you can try when you visit Sedona during the festival season:
Tii Gavo
This restaurant has fire pits and an outdoor terrace overlooking the breathtaking red rocks. It sits inside the beautiful Enchantment Resort. You can choose from delicious food options like ahi grilled with street tacos and creamed local greens and tamale bowls with stuffed peppers and mole-braised short rib.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Mariposa is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for Latin-inspired cuisine. The dishes are from Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina. House specialties are frijoles negros with quinoa pilaf, steelhead ocean trout with cilantro-mint pesto, and pollo Rustico with roasted potatoes and charred corn.
Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante
The dishes that chef Lisa Dahl enjoyed during her childhood are served at Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante. You can try salmon with Neapolitan limoncello reduction sauce, vegetarian portobello mushroom, and tortellini with green peas and prosciutto. You can also enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live jazz music.
More Things to Do in the Area
Sedona is not limited to the light festival and tasty food selections. You can also explore different attractions, such as:
Bell Rock
This attraction is situated over Highway 179. If you have a lot of time, you can hike around this bell-shaped rock.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
This well-known Sedona landmark was built in 1957. It became Arizona’s Seven Man-made Wonders in 2007. It is free to visit from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road
Starting North of Sedona, this scenic drive is a good addition to your Sedona itinerary. You will pass the Slide Rock State Park and then the popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, the West Fork hiking trail.
Slide Rock State Park
If you plan to travel with kids, do not miss Slide Rock State Park. It is a beautiful and convenient swimming spot during the summer months. Visitors of all ages will surely enjoy sliding down the waterfalls into the pool.
FAQ
1. What parking options are available for the Festival of Lights?
The lights festival has a dedicated parking area available for attendees near the festival’s main entrance. However, parking can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays, so early arrival is recommended.
2. Can guests smoke within the Festival of Lights Sedona?
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the festival grounds. Designated smoking areas are available outside the festival perimeter for those who wish to smoke.
3. Are pets permitted to enter the Festival of Lights?
Generally, pets are not allowed within the Festival of Lights in Sedona for safety reasons. However, service animals with proper documentation are exempt from this rule.
4. Is the Festival of Lights Sedona free?
Yes, Festival of Lights Sedona is a free event.
5. Is the Festival of Lights wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Festival of Lights Sedona is wheelchair accessible. There are also designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities near the festival entrance.
6. What food and drink options are available?
A variety of food and beverage vendors will be present, offering a wide array of choices from quick snacks to full meals.
7. Can I take photographs or record videos?
Yes, photography and videography for personal use are allowed. For commercial or promotional purposes, however, prior authorization from the festival management is required.
8. How long do guests usually spend at the Festival of Lights?
The average visit lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, although you are free to stay and enjoy the Festival of Lights for as long as you wish within operating hours.
For any additional questions, please refer to the Festival of Lights Sedona official website or visit their social media channels.
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