Photo by Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau Skiing in Flagstaff

Sled the Day Away

The Flagstaff Nordic Center near the base of the San Francisco Peaks is the perfect primer for beginners and advanced cross-country skiers, but we recommend celebrating the snowy season like a carefree child would – on a sled. For the best sledding in Flagstaff, go to Crowley Pit, one mile past the Nordic Center near Highway 180. With hills that range from large to little, steep to long, Crowley is the sledder’s ultimate playground. And once you’ve carved crisscrossing paths into the (hopefully) steep snow, head back to the Nordic Center’s lodge for a cup of steamy cocoa.

Info: From Flagstaff, follow the Highway 180 signs to the Grand Canyon, then go 1 mile past the Flagstaff Nordic Center, 928-220-0550, flagstaffnordiccenter.com.

Catch a Classic

As many times as you’ve read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, or seen it performed by actors of all ages and skill levels, the timeless tale never gets tiring. This year, see how Flagstaff’s Theatrikos theatre troupe treats Ebenezer Scrooge and his life-changing journey through time. Theatrikos came together in 1972 when a group of Flagstaff citizens met in the basement of the storied Weatherford Hotel. Now, the troupe performs in its permanent home, the intimate Doris Harper-White Community Playhouse.

Info: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, December 1, 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22, Doris Harper-White Community Playhouse, 11 W. Cherry Ave., 8 p.m., $17.50 opening night, $14 all others, 928-774-1662, theatrikos.com.

Visit a Very Merry Mansion

Even homemaking maven Martha Stewart would be jealous of Riordan Mansion during the holidays. The massive historic home, built in 1904 for two prominent Flagstaff brothers, gets its many halls decked with boughs of holly and other turn-of-the-century trimmings throughout December. Take a tour of the mansion and admire the wreaths, garlands and a towering fir tree adorned with old-fashioned ornaments. On December 15, head to the mansion for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be passing out candy and reading Christmas stories.

Info: Holiday Tours, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W. Riordan Road, 7 p.m., $6 (14 years and up), $2.50 (7-13 years), 6 and under are free. Closed Christmas Day, 928-779-7395, azstateparks.com.