Posted by: Lori Reinhold

When most people think about visiting Sedona, they think about the amazing people, the electric atmosphere, and all of the fun and excitement that our little town has to offer, and the holiday season is no exception.

As usual, December brings lots of fun events and programs to the area, but what we are most excited about is the Red Rock Fantasy and the Lighting of the Luminarias. Let’s dive into the history of these iconic celebrations and discover why they help to create our favorite time of the year.

A True Experience

The Red Rock Fantasy experience has always been a memorable one. Set between the gorgeous red-rock buttes and gorgeous land formations, these events bring tons of excited locals and visitors to the Fantasy for a light show like no other.

This year, the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village will be presenting this fantastic event which features all sorts of excellent activities, including the Sycamore dancing lights, outdoor movie screenings, the always popular Tinsel Town lights exhibit, and of course, the beloved Lighting of the 6,000 Luminarias.

The History of the Festival

This is an incredible festival with a rich and beloved history. It all began 22 years ago when the folks at the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, the original founders of the festival, came up with a plan to boost tourism while also giving back to local charities.

Back then, the event consisted of a simple light show, but the extravaganza began to grow by leaps and bounds to become a whirlwind event complete with more than 1 million lights and many incredible designs brought to us by the community’s families and organizations. Now the festival is attended by more than 100,000 visitors each and every year.

If that wasn’t enough, the proceeds from the annual event has added up to more than $150,000 in donations to children’s home charities.

Several years ago, Los Abrigados was purchased by Diamond Resorts International, which decided to discontinue the annual extravaganza. Fans of the Red Rock Fantasy were deeply disappointed by this, and stakeholders and the city of Sedona set to work on finding an alternative.

Fortunately, the delay only lasted a few years, and thanks to the fine folks at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the event is back in full swing for 2016!

2016 Festivities

This year promises to be as epic as ever with fun for the whole family, and as usual, the event is free to enter. Visitors will have the chance to walk down streets lined with amazing multicolored lights atop trees and storefronts as the whole town becomes “Holiday Central.” Beyond the sights, there are also plenty of opportunities to buy cool crafts like handmade jewelry and holiday treats.

The event starts Friday, Dec. 2, with the First Friday with a Holiday Twist. From then on, enjoy festive events all month long, including the Tlaquepaque Sweet Stroll, ice skating at the end of the month, outdoor films, and the continuation of our world famous annual Lighting of the Luminarias on Dec. 10.

Always a fan favorite, the Lighting of 6000 Luminarias is a gorgeous and heartwarming one-day event that includes the lighting of thousands of luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s gorgeous courtyards. While visitors enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, they are entertained by choirs, carolers and musicians of the season. If you are in the giving spirit, you can even purchase luminarias specifically created to honor cancer survivors from the area.

The people of Sedona are thrilled to have both the Red Rock Fantasy and the Lighting of the Luminarias back in our community and thank the wonderful people at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for making it happen. It is an event that truly cannot be missed and a great way to donate to children in need.

Book Your Holiday Stay

While you are making your way out to these fantastic events, you will need a place to stay, and the Alma de Sedona Inn is here to serve.

Our bed and breakfast gives you many ways to enjoy the holiday festivities while also helping you to appreciate the beauty that is Sedona. From our incredible red rock views to our many nearby amenities and our welcoming rooms, we pride ourselves on giving all of our customers a stay they won’t soon forget.

We offer many attractive room options, each of them with their own charms and benefits. For example, our Desert Dreams room is complete with elegant pine furnishing, a king-sized bed and a fantastic jetted tub. Our Far Pavilions room is one of our most romantic rooms with gorgeous views and a private balcony. And, of course, we also offer a vast breakfast menu filled with all of your favorite dishes.

We also offer a Holiday Special for guests looking to get away or visit family in the area for the holidays. From Dec. 20, 2016 to Jan. 2, 2017, guests who stay four or more consecutive nights in the same room pay $99 for the fourth night. This package can be booked online or by phone; check out the Seasonal Specials page for more information on this and other current offers.

There is no better time to visit Sedona and stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn than the holiday season. Our bed and breakfast is the perfect place to return to after a day of fun-filled holiday festivities. Spaces fill up quickly during the holiday months, so call us today at 928-282-2737 to make your reservations.