Sedona Nights, Champagne Lights: A 40th Affair

Monday, December 29, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026

Join me in Sedona, Arizona, for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration as I turn 40 under the desert stars in one of the most breathtaking places in the country! Surrounded by towering red rock formations and Sedona’s incredible desert magic, this weekend is about more than just a birthday—it’s a chance to step into a new decade with adventure, natural beauty, and amazing company.

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Monday, December 29

Welcome to Sedona’s red rock wonderland! This is a day to arrive, settle into our Airbnb desert oasis, and take in the stunning surroundings.

Since we’ll be sharing a large estate home, feel free to bring a snacks, drinks, or essentials to share. I will also make a quick grocery run to stock up for the days ahead, depending on what’s needed.

The evening is open-ended—unwind, explore town, or kick off the trip with welcome happy hour under the desert sky.

Day 2

Get Outside

Tuesday, December 30

Time to hit the trails! We’ll spend the day fully immersed in Sedona’s breathtaking landscape, hiking through iconic red rock formations, hidden canyons, and panoramic vistas. Whether you’re up for a challenging climb or a scenic walk, the day will be all about fresh air, movement, and inspiring views.

Afterward, for those interested, we’ll wind down with a well-earned wine tasting at one of the region’s best vineyards. The evening is free to relax, enjoy the house, or explore Sedona’s vibrant food scene.

Day 3

Celebrate

Wednesday, December 31

The final day of 2025 is all about celebration and indulgence!

Start the day with a spa day for those who want to unwind before the evening’s festivities—book a massage, facial, or enjoy a soak. Others may prefer to explore town or take in another scenic hike.

As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll come together for a sunset happy hour, setting the stage for the evening.

Afterward, relax and enjoy a chef-prepared, privately catered dinner, free from the hassle of reservations and logistics. As the night unfolds, we’ll turn up the energy with Sedona Nights, Champagne Lights—our NYE celebration, the perfect way to welcome 2026 in style!

Day 4

Relax & Reset

Thursday, January 1

After a big night, this day is all about rest, ease, and moving at your own pace. Sleep in, then ease into the morning with a gentle yoga flow and sound bath to start the year feeling refreshed and centered. Scheduling spa treatments will also be encouraged!

Sedona’s famous vortex sites provide a peaceful way to welcome the new year. Those interested can head out together to explore.

Meals will be open-ended whether casual and home-cooked, ordered in, or enjoyed in town. The rest of the day is yours to spend however feels best—reading, journaling, hiking, or simply unwinding at the house.

Day 5

Departure

Friday, January 2

Wake up, grab coffee, enjoy breakfast, and get ready to head out. With no plans for the morning aside from travel logistics, this will be a relaxed departure day.

Standard checkouts are usually by 11am, so we’ll need to be packed up by then.

Travel schedules will vary, with some leaving early and others taking their time before heading home.

Questions & Answers

SEDONA

  1. Why Sedona? → I wanted a place that felt expansive, rich in natural beauty, and perfect for both adventure and relaxation. Sedona offers everything I love—stunning landscapes and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors—much like what drew me to Lake Tahoe, and it’s the perfect setting for a milestone celebration with a little less snow.

  2. Will there be planned activities? → Yes, I’ll provide a full list [soon] of incredible things to do, along with what is and isn’t scheduled in detail. The goal is not to have a rigid itinerary, but rather to offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, exploring, and experiencing Sedona at your own pace.

  3. What are the best things to do in Sedona? → Sedona is known for its stunning red rocks, powerful energy vortexes, scenic landscapes, local wine tasting, and relaxing spas—offering something for everyone.

  4. Are there any must-see spots or viewpoints in Sedona? → Yes! Some of the most iconic viewpoints include Airport Mesa Overlook, Red Rock Crossing, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. These are perfect for catching Sedona’s famous sunrises and sunsets.

  5. What’s the best way to experience Sedona’s energy vortexes? → Visiting spots like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon is the best way to experience Sedona’s unique energy. Whether you believe in vortexes or just enjoy the outdoors, these locations offer magical experiences.

  6. What’s the weather like? → Cool and crisp, with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F. Sedona sits at an elevation of about 4,350 feet, making it noticeably cooler than the lower desert regions of Arizona. Even in winter, the days are mild with plenty of sunshine, but temperatures drop significantly at night, so layers are key!

  7. What type of clothing or gear should I bring? → Outdoor hiking gear, layers for varying temperatures (warm days in the sun, chilly nights and shaded areas), comfortable clothes for the house, a bathing suit and sandals for the hot tub, a robe, casual-chic outfits for daytime outings, a celebratory NYE outfit (as my mom likes to say, “Life’s too short not to be fancy!”), a backpack, a reusable water bottle, high socks for hiking, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring town.

TRAVEL

  1. What is the closest airport to Sedona? → Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is located north of Sedona, approximately a 40-minute drive south via State Route 89A.

  2. What other airport options are there besides Flagstaff? → The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about a 2-hour drive from Sedona. If you’re flying in from farther away, PHX will likely have more flight options.

  3. Should I rent a car? → Highly recommended for flexibility, as Sedona is best explored by car, but not required. We’d love to consolidate and carpool when it makes sense, so consider coordinating with a friend for a shared rental or aligning with similar flight schedules. I’ll help connect everyone to see where we can coordinate! Ubers may be limited in Sedona, so having a car will make getting around much easier.

  4. Can I arrive on Tuesday? Can I leave early? → Of course, but there are a few things to consider. If you're arriving or departing on different days, I may recommend booking your own accommodations, as the Airbnb will be reserved based on the total RSVPs and headcount for the full stay. If you still choose to stay with us, the cost will not be prorated due to the natural way bookings work (since the home is chosen based on total headcount and beds needed). I completely understand if that doesn’t work for you—see below.

  5. Can I book my own accommodations? → Absolutely! I totally understand that not everyone prefers a shared space. Sedona is home to incredible large estates with great amenities, and while staying together makes for an amazing experience, it’s not a requirement by any means.

  6. How many people are being invited or plan to be in the house? → I’m inviting about 20 guests, but I expect the final headcount to be closer to 14-16. The house will be booked based on confirmed RSVPs to ensure there’s plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable.

EVENT DETAILS

  1. Will the group be doing everything together? → This trip is meant to be a balance of adventure, relaxation, and celebration, so there’s plenty of flexibility to do what excites you most. Whether it’s hiking, wine tasting, exploring town, or just unwinding at the house, Sedona has so much to offer, and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of it. The only “required” time I’d love for everyone to be together is New Year’s Day & Eve, December 31, but beyond that, feel free to go with the flow and make the most of your time here too.

  2. Are children allowed? → While I recognize that New Year’s Eve is a special time for families, this is a milestone event, and I’ve planned it as an adults-only celebration and getaway.

  3. Are pets allowed? → I love our furry friends, but to keep the environment comfortable for everyone, pets will not be allowed at the shared estate-style home where most guests will be staying. If this is a concern, I recommend booking separate accommodations and keeping in mind that pet attendance will be limited to outdoor activities only.

  4. What’s the dress code for NYE? → Totally up to you, but think celebratory—whether that means amazing cocktail attire, something festive, or desert glam.

  5. What’s included in the NYE celebration? → A private catered dinner and evening drinks

  6. Is there a hot tub or pool at the house? → Yes, there will be a hot tub, and a pool is likely depending on the final home selection. Most of the estate homes I’ve starred have both, but details will be confirmed once the RSVP list is finalized.

Shared Costs

A stunning estate-style home in Sedona will be our home base, offering plenty of space to unwind, celebrate, and enjoy breathtaking views with amazing amenities, creating the perfect blend of comfort and experience.

A sunset happy hour will set the tone for New Year’s Eve, followed by a chef-prepared, privately catered dinner at the house and a midnight champagne toast. No reservations, no crowds—just an elevated celebration with delicious food, great company, and a toast to 40 and the new year!

These are the two major expenses that make this experience possible:

  1. Airbnb Accommodations

    1. ~$600–$800 total per room (four nights in a shared home**)

  2. NYE + 40th Celebration

    1. ~$200 per person (privately catered dinner and drinks)

Beyond the two shared costs above, everything else—group hikes, wine tasting, exploring town—is completely up to you to enjoy however you’d like and make this retreat special for yourself too! There are no other financial obligations, but this helps set expectations for planning. More than anything, I just want everyone to have fun, celebrate together, and create an unforgettable experience.

**I will keep solo travelers in mind and do my best to arrange for accommodations that suit everyone’s needs. If you’re open to sharing a room with multiple beds, please add this to your note in your RSVP below.

RSVP

by April 1

*

RSVP by April 1 *