December 11, 2025

Flagstaff's Great Pinecone Drop No. 7 in U.S.

Flagstaff, Ariz. — The Great Pinecone Drop at The Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff was named the No. 7 New Year's Eve drop in the nation in the USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice Awards.

The annual event at the historic hotel, which opened in 1900 at the corner of Aspen Avenue and Leroux Street in Flagstaff, draws more than 10,000 spectators to watch the large, elaborately decorated pinecone ring in the new year.

The Weatherford's owners began the tradition in 1999 to celebrate the hotel's 100th anniversary, and it has grown significantly, making it a premier event in Arizona's Winter Wonderland.

USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice Awards relied on experts and a panel of editors to develop a list of 20 ball drops, which readers ranked. The top 10 were announced Wednesday.

The Great Pinecone Drop is an ode to the city of Flagstaff's location in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world in northern Arizona. Other cities have traditions that include dropping a pickle, shrimp, beach ball and other items to ring in the new year.

“Counting down to welcome the New Year is a cherished tradition around the world, and the residents of Flagstaff and visitors who enjoy coming here for the holidays recognize that few places have captured the spirit of the holiday like Sam Green and Henry Taylor at The Weatherford Hotel,” said Trace Ward, Executive Director of Discover Flagstaff. “The large crowds throughout the day, and the repeated recognition of the event, confirm that the historic hotel has truly created something special in our high-elevation mountain town.”

The pinecone will descend from the Weatherford's roof at noon and 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, and again at midnight, followed by fireworks for the evening drops.

High-resolution images from The Great Pinecone Drop and other Flagstaff holiday events can be downloaded at this LINK.

The Great Pinecone Drop is one of many holiday events Flagstaff offers.

 Free horse-drawn carriage rides: The Visitor Center at 1 E. Route 66 is again offering free horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends through Jan. 4, from 1-4 p.m.

Holiday Parade of Lights: The annual parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 13 from 6-8 p.m. in historic downtown Flagstaff. The community parade is presented by The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Desert Financial Credit Union.

 North Pole Experience: Take a trip to Santa's enchanting, 400-year-old workshop, where you also can see the toy factory, Mrs. Claus' bakery, Elf University, Santa's sleigh hanger and more. Tickets at www.northpoleexperience.com.

Breakfast with Santa: The Weatherford Hotel is offering a hot breakfast buffet, crafts, cookie decorating and more on Dec. 13 and 20 from 9-11 a.m. Tickets are available at www.weatherfordhotel.com.  

Winter Movie Series: The Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff offers first-come, first-served seating for holiday movies Dec. 13 and 20, with doors opening at 9 a.m. The film Dec. 13 will be “Elf” and Dec. 20 will be “The Santa Clause.”

Please stay and play responsibly. Visit the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66) for an official Flagstaff Visitor Guide. 

Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com. 

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