Christmas Road Trip Ideas: 6 Fun Destinations
Spend your holidays taking one of these exciting Christmas road trips through the American Southwest, visiting festive lights, holiday events, and scenic winter destinations along the way.
Make this holiday season unforgettable with a Christmas road trip full of festive events, twinkling lights, beautiful landscapes, and interesting stops along the way.
Starting from Las Vegas or Phoenix, these six destinations are fun spots filled with holiday charm, seasonal lights, and winter activities perfect for your holiday getaway.
Zion National Park, Utah
Las Vegas to Zion: 160 miles (2.5 hours)
In December, Zion National Park’s red rock formations are often dusted with snow, adding a unique touch to its iconic landscape. Winter in Zion attracts fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful experience on trails like Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pool Trail, in the Kolob Canyon Visitor Center, and just enjoying the park on your own.
Remember to pack extra layers and wear shoes with good traction, as trails can become slick. Some areas, like Angels Landing and the upper sections of the Narrows, may be closed or challenging due to icy conditions.
Check Zion’s condition web page for road and trail closures, and the Zion shuttle web page for information about traveling through the park around the holidays.
Festive Stops Between Las Vegas and Zion
Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden (Henderson, Nevada): Kick off your holiday road trip with a visit to this popular spot. Their cactus garden transforms into a festive light display with over a million lights, creating a unique desert holiday atmosphere. Order a cup of the best hot chocolate you’ll ever have!
St. George, Utah: Take a break in St. George to enjoy seasonal activities like the Christmas Village at Town Square Park, complete with holiday decorations, lights, and family-friendly events.
Springdale, Utah: Just outside Zion’s entrance, Springdale is a great stop for last-minute gifts, enjoying a holiday meal, or marveling at its red rocks. Visit one of two public parks to stretch your legs, play pickleball, or take in the views of the surrounding cliffs. Stop at Spotted Dog Cafe for a seasonal meal featuring local flavors. And shop at Brumbleberry Gifts & Bakery to fill those stockings.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
Las Vegas KOA at Sam’s Town: Just outside Las Vegas, this campground includes full hookups, a pool, and shuttle access to the Strip for a convenient first night.
Temple View RV Resort (St. George): A full-service campground in St. George with amenities like a pool and hot tub, making it a cozy overnight stop before reaching Zion.
Watchman Campground (Inside Zion National Park): Located near the park entrance, this campground has electric hookups and scenic views, ideal for RV travelers spending Christmas in Zion. Reserve early on recreation.gov—spots fill up quickly in December.
San Diego, CA
Phoenix to San Diego: 355 miles (5.5 hours)
San Diego shines during the holiday season with festive events and scenic stops nearby. Liberty Station in Point Loma has a fun holiday atmosphere with an outdoor ice rink, holiday markets, and a massive Christmas tree.
Seasonal lights illuminate the downtown waterfront and neighborhoods like Little Italy, making it a great destination for a road trip around Christmas.
Festive Stops Between Phoenix and San Diego
Christmas at the Crossing (Yuma, AZ): Held at the Colorado River State Historic Park, this event runs several days before Christmas and features holiday light displays, photos with Santa, a holiday train, games, live music, and vendors selling festive food and gifts.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: Just north of Yuma, this desert Wilderness is a great spot to stretch your legs and watch for wild animals. Winter temperatures are mild, making it a scenic place to enjoy Arizona's natural beauty and take holiday photos.
Festive Stops Around San Diego
Julian, CA: About an hour northeast, Julian celebrates Christmas with Julian’s Country Christmas on weekends from late December through Christmas. It features tree lighting ceremonies, horse-drawn carriage rides, and decorated shops in this charming mountain town. Stop by a local bakery for a hot apple cider or seasonal pie flavor.
Carlsbad, CA: A short drive north, Carlsbad hosts Holiday at Legoland California Resort, where the park transforms with giant Lego Christmas trees, holiday lights, and seasonal entertainment. For relaxation, head to Temecula Valley Wine Country for Christmas-themed tastings, live music, and scenic vineyard tours in December.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (Yuma, AZ): Just outside Yuma, this spot has dispersed camping perfect for an overnight stay in an RV. Yuma also has several RV parks and resorts if hookups are needed.
Pinezanita RV Park & Campgrounds (Julian, CA): Near Julian’s pine forests, this campground has spacious sites and nearby hiking trails.
Campland on the Bay (San Diego): Located on Mission Bay, this full-service RV campground includes beach access, hookups, and planned holiday activities for families.
Death Valley and Big Bear Lake, California
Las Vegas to Death Valley: 120 miles (2 hours)
Death Valley to Big Bear Lake: 175 miles (3.5 hours)
Festive Stops Between Las Vegas and Death Valley
Ethel M Chocolates Factory Tour and Cactus Garden (Henderson, NV): 15 minutes south of Las Vegas, spot has a festive self-guided tour with seasonal samples, and the cactus garden lights up with a spectacular display of 1 million+ lights during the holidays.
What to See in Death Valley
Winter in Death Valley has mild temperatures and breathtaking desert landscapes. Explore Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest point, where expansive salt flats provide a striking winter scene. Then, drive to Artist's Palette, a colorful hillside that mirrors holiday hues.
Nearby Stops
Beatty, NV: Just outside the park, Beatty often hosts small holiday events like Christmas markets or parades. Visit the Goldwell Open Air Museum for unique holiday photos with outdoor desert sculptures.
Tecopa Hot Springs: Unwind afterward with a soak at Tecopa Hot Springs, a relaxing end to a day in the desert.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed activities. From late December to early January, Big Bear Mountain Resort extends hours for night skiing, snowboarding, and tubing parks, with Santa appearances throughout the holiday period.
Visitors can also enjoy the memorable New Year’s Torchlight Parade at the resort, a popular event for families and friends looking to ring in the New Year on the slopes.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
Furnace Creek Campground (Death Valley): Located within the park, this campground includes electric hookups and stunning desert views. Reserve online at recreation.gov.
Shoshone RV Park (Shoshone, CA): Located just south of Death Valley National Park, this RV park has full-hookup sites, a peaceful desert setting, and access to nearby hot springs.
Serrano Campground (Big Bear Lake, CA): Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, this campground provides RV sites with hookups close to Big Bear's holiday activities and winter attractions.
Explore Page, Arizona in a Blacksford RV!
The Grand Canyon
Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: 225 miles (3.5 hours)
Open every day of the year, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim provides an awe-inspiring holiday destination, with cooler and occasional snow, making for unique winter scenery. Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village are must-see stops for panoramic views, visitor amenities, and access to popular trails.
Winter brings fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore. Remember your layers and shoes with good traction. Visit the Grand Canyon’s Winter page for more information.
Festive Stops Between Phoenix and the South Rim
Prescott, AZ: Known as Arizona’s Christmas City, Prescott hosts festive events throughout December. Visit downtown Prescott for holiday lights, seasonal shopping, and the charming Courthouse Lighting display.
Sedona, AZ: A slight detour from I-17, Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is beautifully decorated for the season. Festive lighting illuminates the village with thousands of luminarias, creating a magical holiday setting.
Flagstaff, AZ: About two hours north of Phoenix, Flagstaff’s snow-dusted pine trees and mountain air add to the holiday spirit. Visit Little America Hotel for the North Pole Experience, where families can explore Santa’s Workshop and meet his elves.
Williams, AZ: From Flagstaff, continue 40 minutes to Williams for the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express. This festive train ride treats passengers to hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday songs on a journey to the “North Pole” to meet Santa.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
Woody Mountain Campground (Flagstaff): Located in a forested area, this RV campground is a cozy overnight stop with full hookups and a rustic setting.
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams): This RV park has full hookups and a convenient location near Williams’ holiday events and the Grand Canyon Railway.
Trailer Village RV Park (Grand Canyon South Rim): The only RV campground within the park with full hookups, offering easy access to South Rim viewpoints and shuttles. Reservations are recommended, especially in December.
Southern Arizona
Phoenix to Tucson: 115 miles (2 hours)
Southern Arizona combines festive city lights with scenic desert landscapes, making it an ideal holiday road trip with stops in artsy towns, national parks, and historic sites.
Festive Stops in Southern Arizona
Phoenix Area: Start with Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle celebration, featuring an outdoor holiday market, festive light displays, and live music along the Scottsdale Waterfront. Nearby, Glendale’s Glendale Glitters event lights up downtown with over 1.5 million LEDs, holiday shops, food vendors, and craft booths.
Tucson Botanical Gardens: Head south to Tucson and visit the LightsUp! Festival at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and its dazzling holiday lights and luminarias winding through desert plants.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights (also in Tucson): This free, neighborhood-wide holiday light display can be viewed by foot, trolley, or hayride. Donations for the local food bank are encouraged but not required.
Saguaro National Park: Just outside Tucson, this national park is home to majestic saguaro cacti and provides a beautiful desert backdrop for winter hiking. The park’s mild December temperatures make it a pleasant holiday stop for travelers.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: This scenic wilderness showcases the rare organ pipe cactus and stunning desert landscapes. Winter is the perfect time to explore the park’s scenic drives and trails, making it a peaceful holiday season stop.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
McDowell Mountain Regional Park (Phoenix Area): This campground has electric and water hookups in a peaceful desert setting with hiking and mountain biking trails.
Gilbert Ray Campground (Tucson): Near Tucson Mountain Park, this scenic campground includes basic amenities, beautiful desert views, and proximity to the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Twin Peaks Campground (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument): Located within the monument, this campground is a peaceful setting with scenic desert views, picnic tables, and a nearby visitor center.
New Mexico
Phoenix to Albuquerque: 420 miles (6.5 hours)
New Mexico’s high desert landscapes and historic towns make it an enchanting holiday road trip destination, where cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos are adorned with lights and holiday traditions unique to the Southwest.
Festive Stops Between Phoenix and Albuquerque
Holbrook, AZ: About three hours from Phoenix, Holbrook embraces a festive feel with holiday lights in its historic downtown. For a unique detour, visit Petrified Forest National Park for scenic drives and winter desert views.
Gallup, NM: Known for its rich Native American culture, Gallup’s historic downtown is decorated for the holidays. Local shops offer handmade crafts and holiday gifts, and the Red Rock Park trails offer winter desert hiking for a scenic break.
Acoma Pueblo (Sky City): Located west of Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) is one of the oldest continually inhabited communities in North America. Holiday tours educate visitors about ancient traditions, cultural events, and pottery-making.
Festive Stops in New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM: Begin in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town Plaza, where traditional luminarias illuminate the area. Enjoy local shopping, galleries, and boutiques, and visit River of Lights at the BioPark Botanic Garden, New Mexico's largest walk-through light show with millions of twinkling lights and animated sculptures.
Santa Fe, NM: In Santa Fe’s famous downtown plaza, holiday lights, carolers, and festive decorations capture the holiday spirit. On Christmas Eve, visit the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, where thousands of luminarias line the historic Canyon Road. The Santa Fe Botanical Garden hosts holiday events as well - check their calendar for details.
Taos, NM: Further north, Taos Plaza transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas lights and luminarias.
RV Campgrounds Along the Way
Coronado Campground (Bernalillo): Located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, this campground is a peaceful spot with electric hookups and views of the Rio Grande.
Santa Fe Skies RV Park (Santa Fe): With full hookups and beautiful views, this RV park is conveniently close to Santa Fe’s holiday events.
Taos Valley RV Park (Taos): Near Taos Plaza, this RV park includes full hookups and easy access to town festivities and outdoor winter recreation.
Plan Your Christmas Road Trip Today
Make the most of the holiday season with a Christmas road trip through the Southwest and filled with holiday lights, seasonal events, and scenic stops.
From iconic national parks to festive towns, each stop has a unique blend of holiday spirit and winter landscapes. Book your RV from Blacksford in Las Vegas or Phoenix, map out your route, and enjoy a memorable holiday vacation!