Thanksgiving in Sedona isn’t just about the feast. It’s about a change in seasons, a welcoming in of crisper air and glorious fall colors, and a sense of gratitude, nature, and connection. Whether you’re joining us at The Arabella for a long weekend escape or an extended fall visit, Sedona offers breathtaking hikes, local flavors, and peaceful moments of reflection beneath an endless Arizona sky.
Here’s how to make the most of your Thanksgiving getaway in Sedona.
Feast with a View: Thanksgiving Dining in Sedona
Around town, Sedona restaurants serve inspired takes on traditional favorites, often with a creative Southwestern twist. Picture slow-roasted turkey with chipotle gravy, pumpkin tamales, and cranberry relish accented with citrus and spice.
If you’re looking for a classic Thanksgiving dinner, some of our favorites include classic Sedona eateries The Hudson, Cucina Rustica, and Mesa Grill. You’ll often find special holiday menus featuring locally sourced ingredients served alongside spectacular red rock views. For a more casual evening, explore the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where cozy restaurants glow with candlelight.
Prefer a relaxed evening at “home”? Pick up a gourmet takeaway meal from a local market or restaurant and enjoy it al fresco on your Arabella balcony or at one of our scenic fire pits. With the red rocks glowing in the distance, it’s a Thanksgiving meal you won’t soon forget.
Adventures in the Great Outdoors
Thanksgiving weekend in Sedona typically means cool, sunny weather, ideal for exploration, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day. Lace up your hiking boots and head out to experience the rugged beauty that makes our area world-famous.
Start the morning with a sunrise hike to Airport Mesa. It’s one of our favorite places to greet the day, watching the red rocks ignite with color as the desert awakens. Or, for an iconic Sedona experience, hike Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock Pathway, revealing sweeping canyon views. If you prefer a gentler route, West Fork Trail is a fall favorite, winding through golden leaves, babbling creeks, and towering canyon walls.
For a different perspective, try a jeep tour through the canyons or a guided e-bike trail ride. Or, mark your Thanksgiving weekend with a memorable sunrise hot air balloon flight at sunrise.
Find Your Zen
If wellness is part of your Thanksgiving tradition (and it should be!), Sedona offers rejuvenating experiences rooted in its renowned spiritual energy. Local spas and wellness studios feature vortex-inspired treatments, sound healing, and aromatherapy massages designed to align body and mind. Take a yoga class on the rocks, meditate at a vortex site, or join a guided gratitude circle to welcome the holiday with mindfulness and renewal.
Small-Town Charm and Seasonal Spirit
Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of Sedona’s festive season. As the weekend unfolds, you’ll see the town transform with twinkling lights, gallery openings, and local shops brimming with handcrafted gifts. Wander through Uptown Sedona or Tlaquepaque Village, where artisans showcase pottery, jewelry, and art inspired by the red rocks.
Catch a live music performance, stargaze from the Sedona Airport Overlook, or take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon, where the fall foliage lingers just a bit longer at higher elevations.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Please be sure to check out our seasonal specials. We hope to see you soon!