Havasu for the Holidays — 2025 Edition
By Matt & Lisa Hunter, Havasu Lux Stays
If the desert and holiday magic don’t seem like two words that naturally go together… well, you haven’t spent the season in Lake Havasu City yet. Each year, our little lakeside town wraps itself in a cozy, twinkling glow—and 2025 is no exception. As locals who’ve watched these traditions grow, we’re excited to share what’s on tap this season (and we’d love for you to bring the family, friends, or just yourself and a good book to one of our homes to soak it all in).
If you missed our original holiday guide, you can check out “Havasu for the Holidays: Embrace the Festive Spirit in the Desert!” to revisit some of our favorite traditions and memories.
Here’s what’s happening this year:
Festival of Lights
Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, Lake Havasu City ushers in the holiday season with one of its most beloved traditions: the Festival of Lights at the historic London Bridge. What begins as a quiet desert evening quickly turns into a glowing wonderland as thousands of twinkling lights bring the English Village and the iconic bridge to life.
Months of preparation go into this display — crews begin stringing lights as early as September — and when everything is finally illuminated, it feels nothing short of magical. The festivities kick off with the annual Swim Across the Channel, where brave participants race across the Bridgewater Channel for the chance to “flip the switch” that launches the season’s first lighting.
Strolling the waterfront paths, you’ll be surrounded by holiday scenes, shimmering reflections on the water, and touches of history everywhere you look. Lake Havasu’s London Bridge isn’t a replica — it’s the original 1830s bridge from England, carefully dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt here in the late 1960s. As you wander through the decorated village, you can even spot vintage-style street lamps cast from iron reclaimed from Napoleon Bonaparte’s army cannons — a fun detail many visitors don’t know.
Families can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Kokomo Beach Club, take festive photos under the lights, and enjoy the charming shops and holiday treats throughout the village. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the season, the Festival of Lights offers a cozy, nostalgic, and distinctly Havasu way to experience the holidays.
It’s one of those events that feels timeless — a mix of history, community, desert beauty, and holiday cheer — making it a perfect annual tradition for families, couples, and anyone who wants to welcome the season in a truly unique setting.
Dates: Starting November 24, 2025 at ~5:00 PM at the London Bridge (English Village) then continuing through to December 31st and into the holiday season.
Why go: The Bridgewater Channel and English Village transform into a glowing, half-million-light wonderland under the desert sky. Stroll along the water, take in the historic bridge by night, or even float beneath the lights.
Pro Tip: Arrive around dusk for the full effect. Bring a light jacket for when the lake breeze kicks in.
12 Days of Christmas
Opening Night: November 28, 2025 | Time: 5–8 PM
Dates: Every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from December 3–19, 2025
Location: 86403 Lake Havasu City United States
Lake Havasu’s 12 Nights of Christmas event brings all the small-town holiday cheer you could hope for. Kick off the season at Opening Night on November 28 with twinkling lights, cozy firepits, and festive music filling the desert air.
Each event evening, you can:
Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Roast s’mores by the firepit
Drop off your letters to Santa
Watch for a surprise visit from The Grinch
Grab bites from local food vendors and holiday drinks
It’s free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit. It’s also one of our favorite newer traditions because it captures everything we love about Havasu: community, warmth, and a dash of desert magic.
Our Property - Vista Lago
Holiday Stays at Havasu Lux Stays
After all the twinkle-time, it’s nice to have a cozy home base. At Havasu Lux Stays, our homes are ready for you: full kitchens, inviting living spaces, hot tubs, views, and a festive touch (yes, Lisa hides in some garland).
Whether you’re gathering family, friends, or planning a quiet desert-holiday retreat, our rentals are meant to bring comfort and joy. Book early — the holidays fill faster than warm December days.
Check out all our available properties HERE!
Desert Winter Weather Check
December in Lake Havasu? Average highs hover around 65 °F — mild, comfortable, and perfect for mixing outdoor fun with warm indoor hangouts.
Beach strolls? Totally doable. Evening spa dips? Bring a light jacket afterward. It’s a sandy-to-snow-scene blend that only Havasu can pull off.
Why We Feel Lucky to Be Here
We’ve been sharing Havasu’s holiday magic for several seasons now, and even as the town grows, the heart of it stays the same. The neighbor-wave, the smiling Santa boat, the families who return year after year — that’s what gives this place its charm.
If you’re looking for a holiday that’s warm, relaxed, filled with light, and just a little quirky (ice skating in the desert, anyone?), Lake Havasu is ready for you.
From our family to yours: Happy Holidays and see you in the glow.
— Matt & Lisa, Havasu Lux Stays
The Hunter’s