Trip Advisory- Arizona and Grand Canyon

I lived in AZ a few years ago. We loved to take the train up to the Grand Canyon from Williams, AZ. I would dress in layers. In December I would prepare for the worst.. Low 40s during day at the canyon and 20s at night. We liked the train because you can sit back and relax and not worry about parking. We lived in Scottsdale. There's a cute little rail park on the corner of Scottsdale road and Indian bend that has a little train ride for Christmas. Camel back mountain is a fun hike even if you don't make it up all the way. It provides great views. The weather in Scottsdale is low 70s hi 60s during the day and 40s at night during dec. there's many good restaurants in old town Scottsdale! If I had the extra $ I'd splurge and stay a night at a nice resort in Scottsdale. Many have wonderful spas too if you like that. Sedona is gorgeous anytime of the year! They decorate with Christmas lights in December. Cathedral rock is beatiful. sedona has many great hikes. Have fun! I'm jealous

Most every "tourist" venue, has a website.
Look up the website for those places, and there should be lots of info.

I lived in AZ for a while too. I agree with marda P. Scottsdale is more about the resorts, the town itself won't offer much for children. Dec. is a beautiful month in AZ. We used to love to go to the desert botanical gardens there. They have lots of music and art events there at the botanical gardens. Sedona is a stunning place to visit.

I've been to the Grand Canyon a couple of times but it was 30 or so years ago. I stayed at the rim. I wanted to stay in the lodge but didn't book early enough. The cost was reasonable. I don't know if this is still available but it was great fun being right there to walk out and see the canyon and be able to walk along the rim before breakfast.

Do look this up on the Internet. You'll find lots of information. AAA has good literature too.

About Scottsdale and area around Phoenix there are lots of nice places to stay without spending resort places. I was there with my granddaughter this summer and stayed in Scottsdale in a nice motel with several amenities for $69/night. Rates are no doubt more since it's winter but still at least $100-200 less per night than a resort.

I've lived in Phoenix area and suggest that you bypass Scottsdale or visit on return trip if you have time. Know that this area is made up of numerous cties and it's difficult to separate Scottsdale out from the rest. It does have a downtown which is reminiscent of mid century towns.There really isn't much to see and do when compared to places along the route to the Grand canyon. Sedona is beautiful but town itself is very touristy. The scenery is gogeous.

There is a ghost town further north. Can't remember it's name. It was more reminiscent of the old west than anything I've seen. Get tourist info before deciding what you want to see.

I love the Grand Canyon and could easily stay a week. But then I hiked when I was there.

I would definitely recommend the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon. If you are coming in December, they have the Polar Express. You would have to check soon to see if there are tickets available, it sells out quickly. It is like the Polar Express story come to life- I have never been, but have heard tons of rave reviews. Apparently you have the train ride, in jammies of course, and end up at the "North Pole" in Santa's workshop.
In Williams, there is the Grand Canyon hotel, which is right by the train, but there is also the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel, which is a living antique and very cool. Go to Pine Country in Williams for the pie. The food is so-so, the pie is outstanding. Also, Bearizona is in Williams.
In Sedona, I recommend the West Fork of the Oak Creek Canyon trail. This is a nice easy hike for kids, and there are ruins from an old lodge to explore near the trail head. The whole thing is maybe 7 miles, we usually just head in to the first major creek crossing and head back.
In Scottsdale, I second the McCormick Railroad Park suggestion. It is free admission and has a giant playground, a play-size western town, and a model train museum. The train rides and carousel are $2 per person.
It can be cool and is occasionally rainy in December, but definitely bring options for clothing and layers. It may be shorts and t-shirt weather, it may be jeans and fleece.
Feel free to PM me as you get closer to your trip- my job takes me all over the state, so I have stayed in just about every county in the last 2 years :)