Flagstaff enjoys warm December weather with a green Christmas likely
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The calendar might say Dec. 17, but the temperature outside feels more like October.
Temperatures are about 5-to-15 degrees warmer in Phoenix and Flagstaff and although the Christmas pine trees cover the landscape, there’s not a snowball in sight.
"It’s gorgeous, it’s a beautiful day. The temperatures are perfect for wandering downtown," said Arizonan Julie Arnold.
In downtown Flagstaff, carolers might be singing about a white Christmas, but in this typically snowy area, it’s very much shaping up to be a green Christmas.
While there are plenty of Christmas trees, wreaths and lights on display, the only snowmen here are the plastic kinds.
"I do like the warmer weather because it’s easier to get outside and get around and do all the shopping, but at the same time, I do like seeing snow," said another Flagstaff pedestrian.
Local Perspective
At Ski Haus Ski Shop, customers are still here to check out their boots and skis, although owner Matt Schmidgall says the warmer than normal temperatures are keeping customers away.
"We absolutely are affected by it being warmer out," he said.
"Usually at this time of the season we see a huge influx of holiday travelers. Anything from rentals, to Christmas gifts to people who get some Christmas money and it is their gift."
Customers are still here to check out their boots and skis and Matt says the amount of snow on the mountains is still good enough for quality skiing and snowboarding.
"I was just up there, and it was really, really good. Conditions for what kind of season we’ve had, they are top-notch," he said.
But with seven days remaining until Christmas, northern Arizona is still dreaming of a white Christmas.
"It would be phenomenal. Not just for skiing and snowboarding, but also for the town. The town is so beautiful when it’s covered in snow," Matt said.
Despite the lack of snowflakes, Christmas activities are still going on like the Little America Hotel and the North Pole Experience.