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Making Memories: Celebrate the Holidays in Sedona (travel article)

By Lesley Kontowicz

Some of the best stories begin with, “Remember that time we…” 

Research shows that recalling cherished memories improves both our physical and mental health. The holiday season gives us the opportunity to take time off, gather with family and friends and create more wonderful memories together. Make this holiday season one to remember with a trip to Sedona.

Extraordinary Experiences

One of the best ways to create memorable experiences is putting a twist on your holiday traditions. Instead of a snowy sleigh ride, try an off-road adventure tour beneath the towering red rocks; a train ride through the Verde Canyon; or a horseback ride along the banks of Oak Creek. But if snow is a prerequisite for your festivities, you’ll find plenty of fluffy powder at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff.
For an out-of-this-world experience, you can’t miss seeing the Sedona Northern Lights, Dec. 14-17. This shining event takes advantage of Sedona’s exceptional dark sky and dramatic landscape to project the country’s largest natural canvas 3D holiday light show. Every hour, from 6 to 9 p.m., for approximately five minutes, the holiday bustle will hush as you “ooh” and “aah” over an ethereal light show accompanied with audio. Between shows, businesses will host special events and have entertainment.
If connecting with your spirituality during the season is important to you, few places are more spiritual than Sedona—with practices ranging from Buddhism to Christianity. Discover seven of the area’s most spiritual sites at SedonaSecret7. While here, you can light a candle at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Or on Dec. 22, consider attending the Heal the World Christmas Candle Light Service, a nondenominational ceremony led by Dr. Angel Lightfeather at Sedona Creative Life Center.
Continue the spirituality tour by ringing the Peace Bell in the gardens of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and stroll through its labyrinth to reflect on where you’ve been and where you would like your future to go. After some thoughtful reflection, hike to a nearby vortex that will invigorate you with the energy from Mother Earth, and cleanse your spirit with a smudging ceremony conducted by a qualified practitioner from the Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association. And if you want to satisfy your curiosity—have your aura read to see what colors best describe you.

Spectacular Events

It wouldn’t be the holidays without plenty of twinkle and jingle, and Sedona’s Holiday Event Calendar is bursting with festive activities that shine. Many events support area charities, so you can also give back during this celebrated season.
Much of the glimmer takes place at Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village— as it begins its transformation into a winter wonderland—commencing after Thanksgiving and continuing through early January. Festive events include the Tlaquepaque Tree Trail, featuring more than 20 decorated Christmas trees available for raffle or donation; Sedona's Tree Lighting & Santa Visitceremony, where Santa Claus will be taking coveted gift requests; a communal Lighting of 6,000 Luminarias with carolers, choirs and musicians to set the mood; and the Holiday Sweet Strollshopping extravaganza, which will have  roaming carolers, sweet treats, special giveaways and discount offers.
Elsewhere, additional holiday-inspired events will evoke nostalgic memories, including a Festival of Wreaths sale with proceeds benefiting the Sedona Public Library; Christmas in the Park, which is Sedona Heritage Museum’s annual gift to visitors and locals alike, where you can enjoy yuletide treats, a holiday music concert and hear Christmas tales in a warm and festive ambience; the Sedona Railroaders Holiday Model Train Show; and a reading of the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” by award-winning actor Michael Peach.

Festive Music

For music lovers, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center sets the holiday tone for its Christmas celebration, “Let The Season Begin ”on Dec. 1. Acclaimed soprano Carmen Elisa Cancel will join the Yavapai College choir for this magical performance. Other musical performances at the center include the Winter Holiday Spectacular instrumental ensemble, The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp(high-energy holiday jazz), Prescott POPS Symphony and a presentation of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas - The Musical.”
Angelic voices will ring true as the Yavapai Youth Choir harmonizes for A Candlelight Christmasperformance at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Dec. 3. And who can resist the “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy”? Watch a performance of “The Nutcracker” by the internationally acclaimed Phoenix Ballet and Sedona Chamber Ballet at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, Dec. 2-3.

Gift Giving

If quizzed, you’d probably struggle to recall what gifts you received last year, but a gift made by—or alongside—someone you love, is one you’ll remember. At Paint Along for Fun at Vino Di Sedona, you can create a unique painting that you or your loved one will cherish. The wine store offers monthly instructions by local artist Phyllis Anglin who will guide you through the process to create your own masterpiece. No artistic talents are required—as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Channel Dale Chihuly during glass-making classes at The Melting Point, where you can meld beads or blow molten glass to create a shot glass, a paperweight, a cup, a bowl or an ornament. For a deeper lesson in art, Sedona Arts Center offers both crash and extended courses in many mediums, including painting, ceramics, drawing, glazing and photography. Private courses can also be arranged.
Creating art isn’t for everyone. If you rather buy your gift, Sedona has plenty of places to discover handmade presents. You can find local artists creations at one of a kind art galleries and gift shops. Visit the shopping page for a full list of fine art galleries and stores.

Delicious Dining

After a day of adventures and exploring all the holiday fun, you’ll want to eat a hearty and delectable meal. Settle in at any one of Sedona’s eateries to experience their appetizing culinary scene.
While you’re at it, mix up your traditional holiday meal with a menu that’s far from ordinary. Sedona’s incredible beauty and charm has attracted chefs from around the world, who bring flavors and traditions with them from their hometowns. See how they celebrate, and taste specially-made dishes that will make your usual holiday feasts seem humdrum. Check the dining & drinks page for restaurants’ holiday hours and menus.

For further inspiration, browse VisitSedona.com and explore Sedona’s Secret 7 that reveals the best sites for hiking, biking, stargazing and more. And remember, sometimes the experience is the gift.

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