Excited for the holidays in Lake Havasu City? Our guide has all the festive events you need to know! From Lake Havasu City regulars to first-time explorers, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
One of the standout festivities is the London Bridge Resort Christmas Festival, where holiday cheer fills the air with exciting activities for the whole family. The glittering spectacle of the Lake Havasu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the water with dazzling light displays and creative boat decorations. And the Christmas Tree Lighting at Wheeler Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings the community together in a heartwarming ceremony. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Lake Havasu City
- London Bridge Resort Christmas Festival
- Lake Havasu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Wheeler Park
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Annual Lake Havasu Festival of Lights
- Jingle Bell 5K
- Polar Bear Day Plunge
Lake Havasu City Holiday Light Displays
Lake Havasu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade on Lake Havasu
Description:
Lake Havasu's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the night with a flotilla of decorated vessels. Boat owners outdo themselves, crafting elaborate light displays that dance across the water's surface. The parade, a tradition since 1982, draws spectators to the shoreline where they can hear the gentle lapping of waves mixed with holiday tunes. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat designs, adding an interactive element to the evening. This aquatic spectacle showcases the community's creativity and love for their desert oasis.
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Lake Havasu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Christmas Tree Lighting at Wheeler Park
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony in a historic park
Description:
Wheeler Park, Lake Havasu City's oldest park, hosts a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony that brings the community together. The event honors the park's namesake, C.V. Wheeler, who played a crucial role in the city's development. As the massive tree illuminates, it casts a warm glow over the gathered crowd. Visitors can join in singing traditional carols, led by local choirs. This ceremony, set against the backdrop of the Mohave Desert, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and holiday spirit in the heart of Arizona.
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Christmas Tree Lighting at Wheeler Park
Annual Lake Havasu Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Month-long light display along the Bridgewater Channel
Description:
The Annual Lake Havasu Festival of Lights transforms the Bridgewater Channel into a glowing spectacle. Over 500,000 lights reflect off the calm waters, creating a mesmerizing display that runs for a full month. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated London Bridge, a unique feature that sets this festival apart. The event began in 1990 and has since grown to become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from across the region. Local businesses contribute to the display, showcasing the community's collaborative spirit in this desert winter celebration.
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Annual Lake Havasu Festival of Lights
Lake Havasu City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Classic ballet performance in a desert setting
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet pirouettes into Lake Havasu City, bringing Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to the desert. Local dancers and guest artists perform this holiday classic, transporting the audience from the arid landscape to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The production incorporates subtle nods to the region's unique environment, blending traditional choreography with southwestern flair. You can marvel at the intricate costumes that sparkle under the stage lights. This cultural event has become a cherished tradition in Lake Havasu City since its inception.
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Lake Havasu City Other Holiday Activities
London Bridge Resort Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration at a resort featuring the iconic London Bridge
Description:
The London Bridge Resort Christmas Festival transforms Lake Havasu City into a British-inspired holiday haven. Visitors can stroll across the historic London Bridge, relocated from England in 1971, while admiring twinkling lights reflected in the water below. The resort's grounds come alive with carolers in Victorian attire, paying homage to the bridge's origins. You can participate in a traditional English tea service, complete with scones and clotted cream. This unique celebration blends Arizona's desert landscape with a touch of old-world London charm.
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London Bridge Resort Christmas Festival
Jingle Bell 5K
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed run along the shores of Lake Havasu
Description:
The Jingle Bell 5K races through Lake Havasu City, offering runners a unique holiday experience in the desert. Participants dash along the shoreline, with the sparkling waters of Lake Havasu as their backdrop. The sound of jingling bells attached to runners' shoes creates a cheerful atmosphere. You can spot participants in creative holiday costumes, adding a festive touch to the athletic event. This run, which began as a small community gathering, now attracts fitness enthusiasts from across Arizona, combining holiday cheer with desert scenery.
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Polar Bear Day Plunge
What to Expect:
New Year's Day swim in Lake Havasu
Description:
The Polar Bear Day Plunge kicks off the New Year with a brisk dip in Lake Havasu. Brave participants plunge into the cool waters, a stark contrast to the typically warm Arizona climate. The event, inspired by similar traditions in colder regions, has been adapted to suit the desert environment. Visitors can watch as plungers emerge from the lake, invigorated by the chilly waters. This unique celebration brings together thrill-seekers and spectators alike, fostering a sense of community and adventure as they bid farewell to the holiday season and welcome the new year.