Looking for things to do in Williams AZ in winter? Williams, Arizona is one of those Northern Arizona towns that feels extra special during the winter months. With its historic Route 66 charm, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to snow, it makes a great winter getaway – even after the holidays are over.
We recently took a winter trip to Williams with the family (and all the snow gear) and spent a few days enjoying snow play, riding the Polar Express, and soaking in the town’s cozy Western vibe. While our visit took place during the holiday season, Williams is a great place to visit in winter and year-round for outdoor fun, seasonal activities, and a slower-paced escape from the desert.
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Arizona, here are some family-friendly suggestions.
Getting to Williams, Arizona in Winter
In good weather, Williams is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix, and the roads were clear during our trip. The town sits about 35 minutes west of Flagstaff, making it a convenient stop for a winter road trip or long weekend.
As with any Northern Arizona winter travel, it’s always smart to check weather and road conditions before you go, especially if snow is in the forecast.
Where to Stay in Williams
Williams has hotel options like the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Williams, a newer hotel that was very nice – modern, clean, and very family-friendly. One of the perks was the free hot breakfast, which included lots of options – our favorite being the DIY waffle bar. The hotel also had a coffee bar with tea and hot chocolate available in the lobby.
Overall it, the Hampton Inn was a great base for exploring Williams and nearby attractions. Winter is a popular time to visit, especially during December, so make sure to book your hotel in advance. I’ve included a link for Williams-area hotels.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — which helps support this blog.)
Winter & Holiday Magic in Williams (Polar Express + Route 66)
The holidays are a particularly festive time to visit Williams, and winter brings a charming, small-town feel to the area.
The Polar Express Train Ride
One of the biggest seasonal highlights is the Polar Express train ride operated by the Grand Canyon Railway. Tickets sell out quickly, so reservations typically need to be made weeks in advance. There are both daytime and evening departures, with evening rides feeling especially magical. And the railway station grounds are decorated with holiday lights.
Tips for the Polar Express Experience
Pick up your tickets early. As noted in the instructions when you book your tickets, guests are encouraged to arrive about an hour early to pick up tickets. They also provide information on how to pick up your tickets earlier in the day so you can avoid long lines.
Many kids (and adults!) wear holiday pajamas or Polar Express sweatshirts, which adds to the fun!
Pro Tip: Dress in layers – it can be cold while waiting to board the train, but gets warm once your on the train.
The train ride lasts about 90 minutes round trip and includes singing and dancing “chefs,” hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies, and a surprise visit from Santa when the train passes through a lit-up “North Pole” scene.
Route 66
Route 66 runs right through Williams and serves as the town’s main street. During the holidays, it’s decorated with Christmas lights, a large town Christmas tree, lamp posts, and old-fashioned clocks that make it feel like a classic Christmas village scene. Even after the holidays, the historic storefronts, shops, and restaurants give Williams its signature charm.
Things to Do in Williams AZ in Winter: Where to Find Snow
Snow conditions can change quickly in Northern Arizona, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or ask your hotel where snow is currently available. During our trip, Williams had received snow earlier in the season, but most of it had melted.
Pro Tip: For snow play, make sure the kiddos wear snow pants, not jeans. Jeans absorb the snow and get wet and cold.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
The most reliable place we found for snow play was Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, located about 10 minutes from our hotel. They make their own snow and offer snow tubing, which was perfect for kids and adults. There’s even a “tube” conveyor lift that takes you and your inner tube up the hill. The park also has a separate mountain coaster ride available for an additional cost.
Flagstaff & Snowbowl
Flagstaff typically has more snow in winter, including Arizona Snowbowl. However, snow play is not allowed at the ski resort unless you’re skiing or snowboarding. Flagstaff does have designated snow play areas, but the one we were hoping to visit didn’t open until the weekend after we left.
More Things to Do: Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Just 10 minutes outside of Williams, right off the freeway, is the Grand Canyon Deer Farm – one of our favorite stops on the trip.
This friendly, family-run attraction lets you hand-feed deer that walk right up to you. They also have other animals, including bison, goats, elk, and a porcupine. The property is spacious, easy to walk, and great for families with kids.
The gift shop was decorated for the holidays and had a big selection of souvenirs. We picked up ornaments, stuffed animals, and even porcupine quills to use for a craft project. It’s a unique, hands-on experience that’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park (More Than Just Snow)
Beyond snow tubing, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is worth an extra mention. It is close to town (about 10 minutes) and is such a nice facility with a large lodge and bar & grill restaurant. In addition to snow tubing, some of our group tried the Park’s fun mountain coaster ride for an additional cost. Check their website for seasonal hours and conditions before visiting.
Bearizona wildlife park
While we didn’t go there on this trip, Bearizona wildlife park is a popular attraction just outside of Williams. You drive through large gates – almost like something out of a Jurassic Park movie – and then see animals such as bears, wolves, bison, and more from your car.
Bearizona is open year-round and can be a great winter activity, especially for families. Make sure to check out their website for current hours and ticket information.
Circle Pines KOA Campground
If you have an RV or want to stay in cabins, the Circle Pines KOA is open year-round. We’ve stayed there in the past (in summertime) with the kids and really enjoyed it. It’s a well-kept campground with cabins to rent, a small market and an indoor heated pool. Check their website for a list of amenities or to make reservations.
Where to Eat in Williams: Casual Dining Along Route 66
One of the things we really enjoyed about Williams was the food – every place we tried had its own personality, and the meals were consistently good. Whether you’re in the mood for classic diner favorites, laid-back BBQ, or old-fashioned comfort food, these restaurants fit right in with the town’s Route 66 charm.
Cruisers Route 66 Cafe
A classic American diner serving familiar favorites in a fun, nostalgic setting. It’s the kind of place that feels right at home on Route 66 and is perfect for a casual meal after a day of exploring. We ate here for dinner and the diner-style food was tasty, especially the large homemade milk shakes! Website: Cruisers Route 66 Cafe
Frontier Family Fun & BBQ
This Western-themed BBQ spot has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with an outdoor eating area and yard games like cornhole. We had a great BBQ lunch on a sunny winter afternoon and the kids had fun playing the different games. Website: Frontier Family Fun & BBQ
Pine Country Restaurant
Known for hearty American comfort food and homemade pies, Pine Country feels cozy and welcoming. We had a delicious breakfast and heard it is a great place for dinner as well. Website: Pine Country Restaurant
Final Thoughts: Is Williams, Arizona Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely. Williams combines winter fun, small-town charm, and family-friendly attractions in a way that feels relaxed and welcoming. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a cozy road trip, these are some of the best things to do in Williams AZ in winter, from snow play and wildlife parks to Route 66 charm and seasonal attractions.
If you’re looking for a place that offers a mix of outdoor activities and cozy town vibes – Williams is definitely worth adding to your winter travel list.
