things to do

Arizona's November Signature Events

With autumn in full swing, November in Arizona holds no shortage of festivities, including cultural, musical, and seasonal delights. We’ve pulled together a list of spectacular special events to help you celebrate fall in the Grand Canyon State.

Arizona's November Signature Events
(Credit: All Souls Procession)

TUCSON: All Souls Procession

Join a two-mile, human-powered procession that ends in the finalizing action of burning a large urn filled with the hopes, offerings and wishes for those who have passed. The event also includes art installations, altars, performers and creative artists. The All Souls Procession, and now the entire All Souls Weekend, is a celebration and mourning of the lives of our loved ones who have passed.
Info:
(520) 312-1448, allsoulsprocession.org, info@allsoulsprocession.org

WICKENBURG: Bluegrass Festival & Fiddle Championship

Held the second full weekend in November for more than 25 years, this three-day event features the Four Corners championship contests for fiddle, flat-pick guitar, banjo and mandolin, drawing thousands of spectators from throughout the Southwest.
Info:
(928) 684-5479, outwickenburgway.com, events@wickenburgchamber.com

WILLIAMS: Polar Express

The classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express, comes to life when the Grand Canyon Railway train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children's faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift.
Info:
(800) 843-8724, thetrain.com/events/polar-express, info-gcr@xanterra.com

FLORENCE: Florence Junior Parada

The oldest sanctioned youth rodeo in the United States pits the youngest of riders against the oldest of venues to showcase their youthful cowboy skills. The Saturday morning parade evokes times past with stagecoaches, mounted posses and young and old on horseback, along with vintage vehicles, clowns, dancers and others. While in town, visit the historic district, museums, and many historic adobes of the 19th century.
Info:
florencejrparada.com, florencejrparada@gmail.com

MESA: Mesa Arizona Temple Holiday Light Display

Get into the Christmas spirit by gazing at 750,000 twinkling lights set in the picturesque desert landscape of citrus trees, cacti and palm trees. The lights display 50 life-size figures, including a Nativity scene, the Three Wise Men and their camels and others. Free special musical performances are offered each evening.
Info:
(480) 964-7164, mesatemple.org/christmas, mesatempleevents@gmail.com

Please check each event's website or social media pages before venturing out to confirm any restrictions or changes that might impact your visit.

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These articles are brought to you by the staff of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and occasionally local tourism organizations around the state.

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