Tlaquepaque’s high-spirited Festival of Lights has been a must-do holiday tradition in Sedona for more than 40 years. Those who have never seen 6,000 luminarias envelope the beautiful Arts & Crafts Village in golden, shimmering light are in for a treat.

Residents and visitors travel from far and wide on a yearly pilgrimage to make sure to personally light a luminaria as the bell tower strikes 5 p.m. This year the festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12. Non-stop festivities that guarantee fun for the whole family run from 3 to 8 p.m. A pre-festival performance in the Tlaquepaque Chapel takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free and, for your convenience, consider parking in the Uptown parking lot and take the shuttle to and from Tlaquepaque.

Plan to spend the day at Tlaquepaque for some delightful holiday shopping and enjoy an array of fabulous live musical entertainment for every taste. There will be traditional holiday music in the chapel and courtyards, high-energy Latin beats with a holiday theme, fusion flute renditions, enchanting and versatile violin, uplifting steel drums sounds, gypsy jazz and swing, an over-the-top Vaudevillian musical and dance act — and the topper and crowd favorite, the thunderous Phoenix-based tabernacle choir that gives its all with energy and passion.
Stop at Tlaquepaque’s courtyard kiosk for free hot apple cider and Santa’s annual visit for the little ones as traditional Christmas carols are sung. Then starting at 5 p.m. sharp — with the tolling of the bell tower — light a personal luminaria and watch Tlaquepaque transform into a Festival of Lights.

Along with the holiday cheer is a time of remembrance and hope. For those who have lost a loved one to cancer or have someone dear to them struggling with the disease, there is an opportunity to sponsor and offer a luminaria in their name. “You can write a personal message on your luminaria,” said Wendy Lippman, general manager and resident partner of Tlaquepaque. “You can then place your luminaria around the fountain at Patio del Norte in a beautiful tribute.” Proceeds support the American Cancer Society and luminarias can be purchased for $10 on site or in by calling 282-4838.

Entertainment Schedule

• Noon to 2 p.m.: Get in the holiday mood with vocalist Ron Tolson [River of Life Choir master] and pianist Bryan Pace singing traditional holiday music in the Tlaquepaque Chapel. Seating is limited and the space is breathtaking.
• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Flutist Sherry Finzer can do anything with her instrument. Known for her bold musical style, she brings together a new fusion sound blending New Age, Latin and classical music in the Tlaquepaque Chapel.
• 3 to 5:30 p.m.: Gather the kids for a visit with Santa. Bring your camera or whip out your phone for those classic, not-to-be-missed moments with our favorite jolly old fellow. And enjoy all the traditional Christmas carols and holiday favorites sung by Sedona’s dynamic duo, Tom and Shondra, all happening in Patio del Norte.
• 3 to 5:30 p.m.: Enjoy the get-down sounds of Ritmo Latino, featuring the vocals of Andres Martinez, acoustic guitar,
  saxophone and Latin percussion. These guys rock and love what they do. Be ready to break out dancing in Patio de las Campanas.
• 5 p.m.: Lighting of 6,000 luminarias throughout the entire arts village. Listen for the tolling of the bells to signal the lighting.
• 5 to 7 p.m.: From classical to hip hop and lots in between, this gifted, award-winning violinist and composer, Jonathan Levingston, back for a second year, is sure to enchant and delight everyone in the Tlaquepaque Chapel.
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: A perennial Festival of Lights tradition is the powerful and moving, straight-from-the-heart performance by Phoenix-based River of Life Tabernacle Choir, directed by Ron Tolson. Those who have never seen this group are urged not to miss them. They will rock your world with inspired songs, seasonal hymns and holiday favorites in Plaza de la Fuente.
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Paul McDermand, usually bedecked in his Hawaiian shirt, will bring the island holiday vibe to you, Caribbean-style. It’s amazing what he can do on his steel drums, marimba and more all in the spirit of the holidays. Patio de las Rosas next to Secret Garden Café.
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Check out the Swingtips, hailed as one of the hottest nostalgia pop/swing acts to emerge. Their highly entertaining, vaudeville-era-inspired interactive shows gets everyone on their feet and dancing ’til they drop. Patio del Norte.
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Gypsy jazz, infectious swing and improvisation combine to help ring in the season, performed by the unforgettable Zazu in Patio de las Campanas.
  During the Festival of Lights, Tlaquepaque’s world-class art galleries and specialty boutique shops will be open until 8 p.m. All decked out and brimming with one-of-a-kind gifts for that special someone, be sure to see what treasures await.

For those who get hungry, know that any of the restaurants in Tlaquepaque offer a wide range of cuisines from fine continental dining at Rene Restaurant to a casual grill and brewery menu at Oak Creek Brewery, and scrumptious Mexican dishes at El Rincon. Reservations are recommended.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, now in its 43rd year, is located at 336 SR 179. The “Art and Soul of Sedona,” Tlaquepaque is home to world-class shops, galleries and four restaurants, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Tlaquepaque at 282-4838 or visit tlaq.com for more information.