Winter Trips to Lowell Observatory
Get the most out of your seasonal visit.
Imagine a Place Like Snow Other
Did you know that Flagstaff, Arizona is one of the snowiest cities in the US?
It’s true! Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, our cozy mountain town receives an average of 100 inches of snowfall each year. If you dream of postcard-perfect winter getaways complete with snowball fights, sledding, hot chocolate, and more, Flagstaff is the perfect destination.
Those looking to add an astronomical element to their winter itinerary should look no further than the top of Mars Hill. Though snowfall and freezing temperatures can sometimes inhibit stargazing and telescope viewing, there’s no shortage of winter activities at Lowell Observatory!
Keep this page on your radar for the latest on enjoying your visit to Lowell Observatory during the winter season.
Winter Hours
(Approximately Labor Day Weekend – Memorial Weekend)
Monday: Noon – 10pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Noon – 10pm
Thursday: Noon – 10pm
Friday: Noon – 10pm
Saturday: Noon – 10pm
Sunday: Noon – 10pm
What to Wear
Not sure how to dress for cold weather? Follow these tips to dress for success during your visit!
In cold weather, it’s important to keep your core warm! This means layering your clothes, especially if you don’t have a thick snow jacket handy. We recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt as your base layer, followed by a thinner zip-up jacket or hoodie, and finally, a thick snow or ski jacket as your outer layer. If you get too warm, simply take off a layer and keep it handy in case the temperature drops.
Wear long pants, and for extra warmth, layer up with a pair of tights or yoga pants underneath!
Have you ever noticed that your hands and feet are the first things to get cold? This is because in cold weather, our bodies constrict the blood vessels that keep our extremities warm and redirect that blood flow to the core to keep our vital organs warm. As a result, our hands and feet get cold more easily. You can remedy this by wearing gloves or mittens on your hands, and thick socks on your feet.
Our maintenance team works hard to keep paths and parking lots on campus clear of snow, but slippery ice can still collect in some areas. If you don’t have snow boots, make sure the shoes you wear during your visit are comfortable to walk in and have good tread on their soles. Shoes with smooth bottoms or very little tread (like cowboy boots, Vans, Converse, etc.) won’t help you keep your balance!
If you find yourself walking on ice, shift your weight forward and take small, shuffling steps like a penguin. Take your time, and resist the urge to grab on to other members of your group — if you slip, there’s a good chance you’ll take them down with you!
Did you know that 10% of your body heat escapes through the top of your head? Keep it where you need it by wearing a hat when you’re outdoors. Any type of hat will do, but we recommend a nice beanie to get the job done. Don’t sweat it if you forget to bring one — we sell them in the Starry Skies Shop!
Winter Constellations
Orion
The Hunter
Orion is the most visible and distinguishable constellation in the winter night sky. It is recognizable by three bright stars (Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak) which form a straight line known as Orion’s Belt. The Belt is so visible that it serves as a landmark in the sky to spot other constellations.
Canis Major
The Dog
Canis Major is visible in the southern sky during winter months for observers in the northern hemisphere. It’s possible to find Canis Major without any reference points, as Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, is part of this constellation.
Gemini
The Twins
Gemini is found to the northwest of Orion, with Taurus to its northeast. Castor and Pollux are the two brightest stars in the Gemini constellation, and are perfectly discernible to the unaided eye during the winter months.
Taurus
The Bull
The best way to find Taurus in the winter night sky is to follow the line formed by Orion’s Belt. On the east, Orion’s Belt points to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. On the other side, it points to Aldebaran, the brightest star found in the Taurus constellation.
Perseus
The Hero
Perseus, named after the Greek mythological hero, lies in the northern sky, next to Andromeda. It’s actually one of the larger northern constellations, and also gives name to the Perseus family of constellations, which includes Andromeda, Auriga, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Cetus, Lacerta, Pegasus, and Triangulum.
Cetus
The Sea Monster
Cetus is located in the northern sky, next to Eridanus, Aquarius and Pisces. Also known as the Whale, it is the fourth largest constellation in the sky. The constellation was named after Cetus, the sea monster from the Greek myth that tells the story of Andromeda.
Winter Events Downtown
Free holiday fun for the whole family!
The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) sponsors free family holiday events for visitors and the community to enjoy the historic downtown.
Lights at the Station
Bundle up and grab the mittens to capture the magic of the holiday lights at the station located in the heart of historic downtown. This light display is free to all during the holiday season. Be sure to take a short stroll east of the Visitor Center to the corner of Route 66 and San Francisco to the 1911 Baldwin Steam locomotive, Old Two Spot, offering a dazzling light display.
December First Friday ArtWalk
Downtown Flagstaff
December 5, 2025
5 – 8 pm
Don’t miss this opportunity to find unique and beautifully crafted gifts while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere of the First Friday Art Walk in December.
Snowflake Festival
December 6, 2025 from 10am–1pm
Join us for a FREE magical morning full of cheer, creativity, and community!
Pictures with Santa (take your own or pay $1 for a polaroid), kids crafts, Christmas art market, and toy drive (new packaged toys only)!
And don’t miss out! The Winter Wonderland Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides begin at 1:00 PM right after the festival — the perfect way to continue your festive day downtown!
Winter Wonderland Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Weekends December 6—January 4, 2026 from 1-4pm
FREE carriage rides will be provided by the Flagstaff Visitor Center to add an extra bit of magic to your holiday season. Carriages will start with a pick-up at the Visitor Center and the magic will take riders through Historic Downtown Flagstaff.
Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting
Heritage Square
December 6, 2025
2:30 – 7 pm
This event is FREE, family-friendly, and so much FUN!! There will be hot cocoa, s’mores, crafts, live music and MORE! The Tree Lighting takes place at 5:45pm. Make sure to stick around and grab a selfie with Santa!
Howlidays
Heritage Square
December 7, 2025
11 am – 1 pm
Downtown Flagstaff is embracing the season of giving with our fourth annual Howlidays Pawp-Up! Dress up your dogs and “pawp” downtown to take a family photo with Santa in Heritage Square. Donations will be taken at the event and online which will be divided between High Country Humane and Coconino Humane Association. Both local shelters will be in attendance at the event.
Breakfast with Santa
Weatherford Hotel
December 6, 13 and 20, 2025
9 – 11 am
Breakfast with Santa is a series of three events put on by the Downtown Flagstaff Business Alliance and The Weatherford Hotel. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and Christmas tunes. Santa will be there and will read a Christmas story and lead a sing-a-long. Guests are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire or wear cozy pajamas to look festive for photos with Santa.
Find the link for tickets here!
Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Flagstaff
December 1-31, 2025
Local businesses will decorate their windows, and the public can vote for their favorites through the Downtown Flagstaff website. It’s a great way to enjoy some festive spirit and support local businesses!
12 Bars of Christmas
Downtown Flagstaff
December 13, 2025
Take a day off from the stress of the holiday season and treat yo’ self! This isn’t your average pub crawl… Bust out your Christmas attire, ugly sweaters, Santa gear, and get ready for a jolly good time.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Flagstaff
December 13, 2025
6 pm – 8 pm
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
This annual extravaganza brings the community together in a dazzling display of lights, floats, and festive cheer. Families, friends, and visitors line the streets as the parade winds through downtown Flagstaff. It’s a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season, filling the air with joy and excitement.
Winter Movie Series
Orpheum Theater
Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20
Doors at 9:00am, Movie at 9:30am
The Downtown Flagstaff Foundation and The Orpheum Theater proudly present the Winter Movie Series – FREE For All Ages! Experience the magic of the holidays on the big screen all season long with three festive favorites: kick things off with Home Alone, laugh out loud with Elf, and wrap up the series with The Santa Clause – featuring a special guest appearance you won’t want to miss! Doors open at 9:00am, and the movie begins promptly at 9:30am. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early, grab some concessions, and settle in for a cozy morning at The Orpheum Theater.
Dec. 6 – Home Alone, Dec. 13 – Elf, Dec. 20 – The Santa Clause
Noon Year’s Eve
Heritage Square
December 31, 2025
10 am – Noon
Ring in the New Year with a FREE and family-friendly event! Kick off this event with a selfie-station, cookie decorating, crafts and more! At noon this event will feature a pinecone drop and a sparkling apple cider toast to cheers to the new year! This event is presented by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance with a HUGE thank you to the Weatherford Hotel for the noon pine cone drop! This event allows families to ring in the New Year without having to stay out till midnight! With crafts and fun activities all day until 5 p.m. this is a can’t miss event!
The Great Pinecone Drop
The Weatherford Hotel
December 31, 2025
10 pm & 12 am
Take to the streets and marvel at the excitement the town of Flagstaff brings on this wintery night! Show up, bring some family and/or friends, and enjoy New Year’s Eve Flagstaff style! Another option is to stay at the Weatherford Hotel or get a reservation at one of their many dining rooms. It’s a great opportunity to have a “front row seat” to the drop as you watch it descend from the very balcony you’re standing on!
Downtown Flagstaff is the place to be this holiday season!
Other Local Events
Holiday Lights of Little America Hotel
Lighting up the holidays! In November, Little America Hotel will flip the switch and turn on millions of beautiful holiday lights covering the grounds in a stunning display for all to enjoy through January 2026.
Little America Breakfast with Santa
Flagstaff Enjoy a festive-filled morning with the big man himself. Reserve your tickets today for breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa. The Little America Breakfast Buffet is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on select days throughout November and December. Book your tickets today!
North Pole Experience
November – December, 2025
Delight in the magic of the holiday season at Santa’s enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. Join us for an unforgettable North Pole experience inside the toy factory, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, Elf University, Santa’s Sleigh hanger, and family time and photos with St. Nick himself.
Christmas Dinner
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Share in the joy at Little America Hotel with a family-style take-out menu for two to four people or a prix-fix dinner in the beautiful Silver Pine Restaurant for in-person dining. Menu items will feature seasonal soup, salad, an amazing choice of entrees, and delicious dessert options including Little America’s renowned bread pudding with rum sauce.
DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Tis the season at Woodlands! Plan your Holiday 3-Course Dinner at Woodlands located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff, just off Historic Route 66! Rekindle family connections and celebrate together to make the day perfect. Traditional Christmas offerings are accompanied by an assortment of decadent desserts. Reservations are required. Please call 928-773-8880. Happy Holidays from the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff.
Theatrikos Holiday Show
The Man Who Saved Christmas
November 26 – December 21, 2025
A holiday hit. A bright, breezy toe-tapping musical that’s a real crowd pleaser. Set during WWI, a curmudgeon who’s out to cancel Christmas, a toy tycoon to the rescue, a precocious niece, and star-crossed lovers create the perfect way to kick off the holidays.
Polar Express Train Ride
November 7 – December 30, 2025
Based on the classic children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Grand Canyon Railway will take you on a journey to the North Pole! Departing from Williams (33 miles West of Flagstaff), this enchanting train will arrive at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer merrily wait to hand out presents. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by Santa’s chefs during the train ride.
Grand Canyon Railway also offers the Ultimate Polar Express experience, which allows families and businesses to rent an entire train car for a private trip to the North Pole! This experience is highly customizable and is the perfect way to make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Begins November 21, 2025
The Grand Canyon Deer Farm transitions into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas season! Come take photos with Santa on select days and see his reindeer everyday (included with admission). Also, you can support our animals by getting your holiday gifts at the winter wonderland gift shop. We hope to see you this winter season.
Zoo Hours: 10am – 5pm
Upcoming Events at Lowell
On-Site Event
May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Worlds Revealed Speaker Series | Prediction, Photographs and the search for Planet X
