Christmas time is here! Time for puffy jackets, hot chocolate, ice skating, making snowmen, and chilling by the fire! Right? My fellow desert-dwellers might have some objections to these classic holiday traditions. Living in Arizona, it is pretty hard to try and fulfill all of these typical Christmas activities. As fun as these things are, I think there are some just-as-memorable Christmas traditions that can be made in the desert! Here are my top ten favorite desert Christmas traditions.

1. Tumbleweed Christmas Tree

It's not truly Christmas without going to see this magnificent desert tree in all its glory! The tumbleweed Christmas tree has been a tradition for years and is the real epitome of the holidays in the desert.

2. Christmas Eve Tamales

This is a cultural tradition that many people in the Southwest have adopted for themselves. I for one, love it. I will take any excuse to eat tamales. Any. They are amazing.

3. Lights On Cactuses

A lot of places in the valley adorn cacti with Christmas lights and it's beautiful! It brings such attention to the beauty of the desert landscape and makes the whole desert feel more festive.

4. Zoolights

This was always my favorite thing to do as a kid at Christmas time, and honestly, I still love it. The Phoenix Zoo does a great job of putting on this fantastic event year after year and it's always amazing!

5. Chick-fil-a Peppermint Milkshakes

Only in Arizona is it still warm enough outside to warrant drinking a milkshake. It's still cold out, but not nearly as cold as it is in other states, so we can justifiably drink cold drinks all year long!

6. Luminarias

Once again, a cultural tradition turned regional favorite. The Desert Botanical Garden puts on a great luminaria display every year, but people can decorate with these light-filled bags at their own homes too!

7. Boat Parades

Like I said before, it doesn't get all that cold here. This means water doesn't freeze, so we can have boat parades! People at lakes all around the valley decorate their boats for the holidays and parade them around for all to see!

8. Fake Ice Skating Rinks

If you still want to participate in a classic holiday tradition, check out one of these amazing fake ice rinks. As impressive as these rinks are, they are not natural. You can come, rent skates, and have fun, just like a real rink!

9. The Grand Canyon Polar Express

The Grand Canyon Railway turns its train into the Polar Express every year! It might not be snowing outside, but the crew there really makes it feel like the real deal with costumes, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa!

10. The Snowbowl

If you really can't stand a Christmas without snow, drive up north to Flagstaff and try your hand at skiing! You can rent skis and enjoy being cold if that's what you really want.

Snow or not, I love celebrating Christmas in the desert! I hope you do too!