LAKE HAVASU CITY –– While much of the country may be dreaming of a white Christmas, locals and visitors alike are just fine with Lake Havasu City’s typically dry, mild desert climate in December. In fact, many like to say the best summer they can have is winter along the shores of Lake Havasu, especially during the holidays.
Holidays are a memorable time in the city, especially with a full schedule of only-in-Lake-Havasu festive events visitors won’t see anywhere else. Located just 40 miles south of historic Route 66 along the shore of the Colorado River, the city goes all out this time of year.
London Bridge Resort 24th Annual Festival of Lights
Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2020
Starting on Nov. 29 at the English Village, as soon as darkness falls at 6 p.m., the holiday spirit comes alive as a charming collection of waterfront restaurants and shops – decked out in over 500,000 festive lights – sets the waters of the Bridgewater Channel aglow as they flow beneath the world-famous London Bridge. Bring the family for a stroll or take your boat on a night cruise through the Channel.
At London Bridge Resort, kids of all ages can visit with Santa every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. There’s plenty of free parking at the English Village or the London Bridge Resort and Convention Center. Lights go out at 10 p.m. nightly. Admission is free. Bring your video camera or smartphone to capture the moment and create lasting memories. Learn more at www.golakehavasu.com/lake-havasu-festival-of-lights
River Riders M/C 36th Annual Toy Run
Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Downtown Havasu’s Flying X Saloon is home base for the public to meet the River Riders Motorcycle Club and about 5,000-plus locals and visitors for the 36th Annual Toy Run. The event starts at noon at the Sundance Saloon in Parker (Arizona side at 5920 Riverside Dr.), then proceeds to the Flying X (2030 McCulloch Blvd N) for food and a live band. Spectators are invited to assemble on McCulloch Boulevard at 12:30 p.m. to watch the River Riders arrive.
Whether riding or watching, the suggested admission is one new, unwrapped toy per rider, passenger or spectator. Typically, over 3,000 toys are collected for distribution to children whose families are experiencing difficult times. All street-legal motorcycles and trikes are welcome to participate. For more information www.golakehavasu.com/river-riders-motorcycle-toy-run
37th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 6 and 7, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
While the Festival of Lights continues to shine brightly from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, the atmosphere turns absolutely brilliant when upwards of 50 spectacularly illuminated pleasure boats cruise the Bridgewater Channel on the evenings of Dec. 6 and 7.
The Annual Boat Parade of Lights is in its 37th year and has been the must-see event of the holiday season. This year’s theme is “Reflections on the Water.” Dozens of watercraft brightly decorated in their holiday best will delight children and adults alike. Visit the boats at the docks before they depart, then watch as they cruise through the Bridgewater Channel beginning in Thompson Bay and continuing under the London Bridge to the north end of the Channel, with a turnaround at Windsor Beach.
Great viewing is available at the Nautical Beachfront Resort (the starting point of the Parade of Lights), Rotary Beach , throughout the Channel on both sides between Rotary Beach and Windsor Beach, the English Village, across the London Bridge, and at any of the restaurants along the Channel (best to make reservations in advance).
Prizes are awarded for the most decorated boats in this treasured only-in-Lake-Havasu holiday tradition. For more information.www.golakehavasu.com/lake-havasu-boat-parade-of-lights
Travel Writer Roger Naylor Arizona State Parks Book Tour
Dec. 10-13
The entire story of Arizona can be told through its award-winning system of state parks. In his new book, award-winning travel writer Roger Naylor highlights Lake Havasu State Park writing, “Lake Havasu State Park defines the state’s West Coast. The look, the feel, the attitude is all there.”
Naylor will make a public presentation at 10 a.m. on Dec. 11 at the Mohave County Library – Lake Havasu City Branch (1770 McCulloch Blvd. N). Based on his new book, Arizona State Parks: A Guide to Amazing Places in the Grand Canyon State (University of New Mexico Press, 2019), his talk will explore the scenic wonders, rich history, and recreational opportunities contained within the Arizona state park system.
Naylor is one of Arizona’s premier travel writers. In 2018, he was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame. His work appears most weeks in the Arizona Republic.
His other appearances in the city are listed at www.golakehavasu.com/Roger_Naylor_Book_Tour.
Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Desert Bash & Off-Road Poker Run
Dec. 13-15
Desert Bash is a desert weekend of camping, off-road poker run, and plenty of activities at Standard Wash near mile marker 173 (off Arizona Highway 95, about three miles south of SARA Park). Visit the event’s Winter Wonderland to demo side-by-sides (multiple passenger off-road vehicles) for free. The event includes a display of vendors and holiday lights, music, a beer garden and food. For more information www.golakehavasu.com/chamber-of-commerce-desert-bash.
