From Marigolds to Merry Lights: 12 Ways Sedona Celebrates the Season

From Marigolds to Merry Lights: 12 Ways Sedona Celebrates the Season

When autumn rolls into Sedona, the red rocks seem to glow a little warmer and the air hums with that unmistakable magic that means the holidays are near. The season ahead is full of ways to celebrate what makes Sedona so special—our art, our community, our gratitude, and the traditions that bring us together year after year. Whether you’re a local who loves seeing familiar faces or a visitor discovering this place for the first time, these next few months offer a chance to slow down, celebrate, and soak in the spirit of Sedona.

Honoring Heritage & Tradition

We begin with color, culture, and remembrance at Tlaquepaque’s Día de los Muertos Celebration (November 1)—a beloved tradition where the lines between art and memory intertwine in the most beautiful way. Vibrant altars, live music, community murals, and marigolds fill the courtyards in honor of loved ones past. It’s one of those Sedona moments that feels both deeply personal and shared all at once.

And remember, the night before is Halloween Eve, when Uptown Sedona’s Trick-or-Treat brings out the joy of the season in its purest form—local businesses handing out sweets, little ones in costume, and neighbors catching up under a harvest moon. Simple, free, and full of heart.


Autumn Gatherings & Gratitude

November keeps the energy high with Fest of Fall (November 8, Posse Grounds Pavilion)—a city celebration packed with food trucks, live music, games, and fun for all ages. Think of it as Sedona’s ultimate fall festival: cozy, colorful, and full of community pride.

Just a few days later, we pause together for the Veterans Day Tribute (November 11, Sedona Heritage Museum)—a moving program that honors those who have served our country with stories, song, and heartfelt gratitude. It’s one of the most meaningful gatherings of the year and a reminder of how strong community feels when we stand side by side in thanks.


Innovation, Inspiration & Connection

Sedona’s creativity shines in more ways than one. The Sedona Innovation Summit (November 6, Enchantment Resort) brings together bright minds and bold ideas shaping Sedona’s future—from tech to tourism to sustainable design. It’s a day of inspiration, connection, and fresh thinking.

On a more creative note, the Ladies Link-Up Sip & Paint (November 18, Lovejoy Creations Studio) offers a relaxed evening of art, laughter, and genuine connection among local women—because creativity thrives in community.

And don’t miss the Get Loud Community Celebration (November 15, Sedona Library)—a completely free day of music, games, food, and fun that supports Sedona Public Library. With live music, bungee trampolines, and marshmallow roasting, it’s the kind of hometown event that makes everyone feel like a kid again.


Traditions, Togetherness & Holiday Cheer

The holidays in Sedona start off at a trot – literally – with the Sedona Annual Turkey Trot (November 27) hosted by Run Sedona. This festive 5K winds through the stunning red rock landscape, bringing together families, friends, and visitors for a Thanksgiving morning tradition filled with movement, gratitude, and a whole lot of smiles. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season before gathering around the table.

As the season shifts toward winter, Sedona begins to sparkle—truly. The Sedona Chamber Holiday Mixer (December 3, Don Hoel’s Cabins) offers members and local businesses a cozy evening under the towering pines with live music, good company, and a touch of holiday magic by the fire. Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, Don Hoel’s cabins twinkle with Christmas lights, their rustic charm turning the venue into something straight out of a holiday card.

Then on December 5, the season officially lights up with the Tlaquepaque Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with Santa, songs, and the glow of twinkling lights reflected against the red rock night.

The celebration continues the following weekend at The Festival of Lights (December 13), when more than 6,000 luminarias illuminate Tlaquepaque’s cobblestone courtyards in one of Sedona’s most breathtaking traditions.

And of course, the Holiday Central Sedona festivities bring a flurry of local markets, art shows, and small business cheer throughout December—perfect for finding those one-of-a-kind gifts made right here by our creative community.


A Season of Spirit

From the first marigold at Día de los Muertos to the last glowing luminaria, Sedona’s festive season is more than a calendar of events—it’s a celebration of what connects us. Art, tradition, gratitude, and the joy of simply being together under this big Arizona sky.

So come join in—whether it’s for a moment, a day, or the whole season. Bring your curiosity, your creativity, and your community spirit. This is Sedona at its most magical.