Holiday Events in Phoenix

Cruise ZooLights 

Jan. 17

From the comfort of your car, drive through our immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel, experience millions of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures and enjoy the Lake Lights Shows on our main lake! Indulge in holiday treats and beverages, receive a souvenir photo, purchase glow and Zoo souvenirs all without leaving your vehicle! 

Phoenix Zoo

Candy Rush

Nov. 12 - Jan. 3

Chef Kuma has been cooking something up, and trust us, you'll want a taste. Step into the world's largest animated drive-through light show and follow the sweetest mile you've ever driven. Spiral through the swirl road tunnel, get swept into a popcorn vortex, and drift past mega candy canes towering over a gigantic gingerbread village. Watch sugar plum fairies dance among millions of shimmering lights, all set to holiday music that'll have the whole family singing along. From the first sprinkle to the final bite, Candy Rush is one indulgent holiday treat you won't want to end.

Camelback Ranch

Reindeer Road

Nov. 13 - Jan. 3

Reno Reindeer is saddled up and ready to ride. Can you keep up? Tear through a giant gift box tunnel, spin through a peppermint vortex, and race past towering mega candy canes as you push through the frost-lined northern forests. Follow Reno over glacial peaks and through glittering ice caves until you reach the main event: Santa's Workshop, the world's largest animated toy shop, buzzing with elves, reindeer, and toys at every turn. The closer you get, the more magical it becomes, and if you've been nice this year, you just might catch Santa putting the finishing touches on your gift. Giddy up.

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Desert Farm Lights

Nov. 20 - Dec. 27

Desert Farm Lights, the West Valley’s premiere walkable holiday light installation, is returning with expanded entertainment offerings. The family-friendly festive event will occur daily and will feature hands-on activities like ice skating, a Christmas ornament workshop, wagon and train rides, jolly food offerings, live entertainment and much more! Be dazzled by one million Christmas lights and the magic of the holiday season.

Justice Brothers Ranch

Snowland Snow Globe Holiday Light Experience

Nov. 23 - Jan. 5

Inside the Snow Globes at Snowland, guests can enjoy their very own hot cocoa bar with all the fixings, as well as a cookie decorating kit, perfect for warming hearts in a private winter wonderland. Take part in festive holiday games to play and enjoy a glittering 30-minute light show featuring dancing holiday lights choreographed to seasonal music. 

Great Wolf Lodge

ZooLights

Nov. 25 - Jan. 15

Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at The Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights! Get in the holiday spirit as millions of twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a dazzling spectacle, guiding you through the illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats and Zoo trails. Don’t miss the brand-new light show, featuring vibrant visuals and mesmerizing music that will captivate visitors of all ages. Warm up with delicious treats at our cozy s’mores pits and sip on delicious hot cocoa as you take in the festive atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll through the even longer light tunnel, get your photo with Santa and embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories in a magical setting. 

Phoenix Zoo

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Omni Tempe

Nov. 28

Join us on November 28 at 6 p.m. in the Omni Tempe at ASU hotel lobby for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. The event features holiday music, cookies, and hot chocolate to welcome the season. Complimentary and open to the public. 

Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting

Nov. 29 

The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting is a long-awaited and cherished annual event that kicks off the holiday season in Downtown Tempe. Generations of families and friends gather each year to experience the magic of the parade, the lighting of the tree, and the festive entertainment that fills the streets.

Downtown Tempe 

Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza

Nov. 28 - Dec. 31

City of Scottsdale residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for the return of Scottsdazzle, beginning with Jingle & Jazz: Scottsdazzle’s Tree Lighting Spectacular. As the beloved seasonal celebration continues over the remainder of the year, the city along with many of its local merchants, restaurants and businesses will be hosting an array of dazzling holiday experiences for all ages.

Scottsdale Art District 

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Nov. 27 - Jan. 3, Select Dates

Enjoy live music performances, entertainment and thousands of dazzling hand-lit luminarias at the Garden with family and friends. For many years, the Garden’s trails sparkle during this iconic holiday tradition, and it will remind you of what the season is all about. This year, the Garden is thrilled to offer an even brighter spectacle with Super Bloom, where nature and light unite in stunning, geometric brilliance. Gather your loved ones and make unforgettable holiday memories at the Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole

Nov. 27 - Dec. 24; Select Dates

Santa's Secret Tracks to the North Pole are right here in Arizona! The spirit of Christmas will be visible long before guests reach the depot grounds, brilliantly illuminated with colorful lights, luminaria and decorated with fun photo-ops. Festive holiday food items and yummy beverages are available for purchase at the station. Prior to boarding, families will tour a miniature village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square offering an eagle’s eye-view of what the majestic birds, that live in our canyon, see in flight. A beautiful Christmas princess and "wild" animals including a bear, a burro and a bald eagle will greet the children as families arrive.

Verde Canyon Railroad 

Glendale Glitters

Nov. 27 - 28

This two day event will feature an exquisite arrangement of lights, complimented by beautiful interactive features and picture-perfect holiday displays! Enhance your enjoyment with fantastic products from our vendors, the sweet sounds of holiday songs from our carolers, and even a visit with Santa! 

Murphy Park

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display

Nov. 27 - Dec. 30

The event – previously called one of the “must-see holiday lighting extravaganzas in the United States” – has drawn over a million visitors annually from across Arizona and far beyond to partake of the Christmas spirit on these temple grounds. This event, one of the largest known volunteer-driven Christmas lighting displays in the country, has been a beloved community tradition in the area since 1979.

Mesa Temple

Sparkling Surprise 

Dec. 4 - 27

Step into a world of wonder at our Sparkling Surprise holiday light display, where the magic of the season comes alive! This year, enjoy even more sparkle with a spectacular array of holiday lights and dazzling light features spanning the Surprise Recreation Campus, including Surprise Community Park and the area outside Surprise Stadium. 

Surprise Recreation Campus 

Stroll in the Glow

Dec. 5

Welcome the holiday spirit to Fountain Hills at the annual Stroll in the Glow! This traditional local event is the perfect place to celebrate the festivities of the holidays. Join Mayor Ginny Dickey as thousands of twinkling lights are illuminated; The Stroll will feature the traditional "lighting of the Avenue" on the Avenue of the Fountains - including the official Town of Fountain Hills Christmas Tree!

Avenue of the Fountains

Riparian After Dark

Dec. 11 - 22

The Riparian Preserve comes alive with a holiday glow! Stroll around the walkways at the Riparian at Water Ranch with thousands of holiday lights and displays at every turn. This is a rare opportunity for those who appreciate nature to experience the thrill of night time at the Preserve.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Scottsdale Sparkle Black Friday Weekend

Nov. 27 - 29

Kick off the holiday season with an exciting day of shopping, featuring over 70 talented vendors, each offering unique gifts and festive treasures. Kids can enjoy a variety of delightful activities, including face painting, glitter tattoos, and special appearances from beloved characters. Bring friends and family and be immersed in the joyful spirit of the holidays! 

Arizona Boardwalk

Polar Express

Nov. 6 - Jan. 3

Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a jingle bell for every good boy and girl. 

Grand Canyon Railway

Christmas on the Farm: DH Farms

Nov. 21 - Dec. 28

Step into the magic of the season at Christmas on the Farm, where sparkling lights, festive music, and larger-than-life holiday experiences bring the spirit of Christmas to life. This immersive holiday celebration brought to you by DH Farms transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, interactive activities, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Wander through Santa's Village, a one-of-a-kind walkthrough experience featuring the Reindeer Stables, Santa's Toy Factory (where kids can build their own toy or ornament for a small fee). Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen with cookie decorating and sweet treats, and of course, a magical visit with Santa in his Castle.

Phoenix Events Complex 

Jingle at JW Desert Ridge

Nov. 18 - Jan. 3

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is excited to announce its ‘Jingle at JW Desert Ridge’ holiday programming. The resort will unveil a captivating winter display complete with an enchanting ice skating rink, cozy fire tables, a magical snow play area, a thrilling virtual ski experience, a whimsical gondola photo station, an après ski pop-up bar, delectable holiday dining, and other festive surprises!

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Christmas at the Princess

Nov. 20 - Jan. 2

Rediscover the magic of Christmas this winter as the resort transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland with festive decorations and over 6 million sparkling LED lights. Savor the splendor of the season and discover the place where Christmas cheer lives all season long. Go ice skating and watch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores together. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus and meet our cute holiday characters.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Wigwam Holiday Festival of Arts

Nov. 20 - 22

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the enchanting Wigwam Holiday Festival of Arts! Hosted by Vermillion Promotions at the historic Wigwam Resort in the heart of Litchfield Park. This captivating three-day event blends art, entertainment, and festive cheer against the backdrop of one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks.

Wigwam Resort

Ornament Marketplace at the Heard Museum Shop

Nov. 27 - 29

For those looking to add a meaningful touch to their Christmas tree, the Heard Museum is hosting its annual Ornament Marketplace in the Heard Museum Shop. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for many, that means it’s time to start decorating for the holidays. The event will showcase one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ornaments created by talented local Native American artists from across the Southwest.

Heard Museum Shop 

Christmas at Schnepf Farms

Nov. 27 - Dec. 27

Christmas has come to Schnepf Farms! Experience a winter wonderland like no other with seasonal food, fun and festivities for the whole family. Catch a ride on the World of Illumination Express, hop on a hayride to visit Rudolph or journey through Santa’s magic workshop. Whatever you choose, it’s all happening right here at Schnepf Farms.

Schnepf Farms

Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown

Nov. 27 - Dec. 30

Our favorite elves are back with all-new songs and brand-new laughs. Sing along to the holiday favorites everyone knows by heart, cheer for the underdog, and maybe boo a little at Brad. Before the show, climb aboard the Christmas Train for a ride around the ranch, past twinkling lights and holiday displays, with a stop to hand-feed our famous Highland cows and petting zoo animals (Alpaca Reindeer!?). Then hop off to visit Santa himself. Your night wraps up with a hearty Western BBQ dinner with chicken, pulled pork, and yummy sides followed by our holiday show that’ll keep you laughing, singing and leaving with a full heart.

Blazin’ M Ranch

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole

Nov. 27 - Dec. 24

The spirit of Christmas will be visible long before guests reach the depot grounds, brilliantly illuminated with colorful lights, luminaria and decorated with fun photo-ops. Festive holiday food items and yummy beverages are available for purchase at the station. Prior to boarding, families will tour a miniature village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square offering an eagle’s eye-view of what the majestic birds, that live in our canyon, see in flight. A beautiful Christmas princess and "wild" animals including a bear, a burro and a bald eagle will greet the children as families arrive.

Verde Canyon Railroad

Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza

Nov 28 - Dec. 31

The month-long seasonal extravaganza kicks off with the signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Following, the city, in partnership with many local Old Town businesses, presents nearly 45 engaging activities at various locations.

Scottsdale Arts District

Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest 

Dec. 1-23 

Come on out and unwrap new traditions and make memories with your family and friends as you make your way through the Holiday Fest at the Farm. Our all-new Christmas event is designed for family and friends as you enjoy classic holiday music playing throughout the farm as you stroll. Take pictures in our Giant Ornament and visit our 25 ft. Corn Stalk Tree. Mistletoe Marketplace will feature over 40 unique boutique vendors on select weekends at the holiday marketplace at the Farm.  

Vertuccio Farms 

APS Electric Light Parade

Dec. 5

For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been an event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city come together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The parade kicks off at Central and Montebello avenues at 7 p.m. and runs down Central Avenue (south) to Camelback Road (east) to Seventh Street (south).

Uptown Phoenix

Free Holiday Fair & Marketplace 

Dec. 12

Ho, ho, ho... who’s coming to town? Capture the magic of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus and play in a whimsical Snow Blizzard. Enjoy live entertainment, bounce houses and slides. Plus, kids can get their faces painted in colorful designs! It’s a day full of holiday cheer for the whole family! 

Arizona Boardwalk

Tamale Festival

Dec. 13

The second annual Tamale Festival in Arizona will take place in Old Town Peoria. It will include numerous tamale vendors, a mercado for Christmas shopping, photos with Santa, and a 1,000 toy giveaway. There will be local performances, ballet folklorico, and mariachis. 

Downtown Peoria

Free Winterfest

Jan. 9

Don’t miss this winter wonderland of fun! Play in a magical Snow Blizzard and take photos with the Snow Queen and friends. Enjoy an array of exciting activities, including bounce houses, face painting, interactive games and coloring contests, while music and dancing fill the air with festive spirit. 

Arizona Boardwalk

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Nov. 28 - 29

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years! GRAMMY® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects — capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

Mesa Arts Center 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Dec. 1

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hitting the road once again, bringing their electrifying holiday rock opera to audiences across North America. To mark the anniversary of their fourth studio album, The Lost Christmas Eve, the progressive metal group will perform 109 shows throughout November and December. Join them for a festive celebration that spans over two decades of Christmas magic! Along with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, fans can expect some of the band's greatest hits, making it clear why audiences keep coming back year after year.

Mortgage Matchup Center

Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding

Dec. 12

Renowned as one of Phoenix’s ‘Signature Holiday Events,’ Christmas Pudding will bring together Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Quiet Riot and Sixwire for the Annual Fundraiser to benefit Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix & Mesa.

Celebrity Theatre

Jake Shimabukuro

Dec. 12 - 13

The innovative Jake Shimabukuro has captivated audiences around the world with his dynamic style, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the ‘ukulele’s four humble strings.

Musical Instrument Museum

Merry-Achi Christmas

Dec. 18

Maestro José Hernández and his platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México® perform treasured holiday classics and favorites from the mariachi songbook in this holiday fiesta. 

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

A Winter's Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends

Dec. 11

Multi–Grammy Award nominee David Arkenstone returns with his enchanting holiday concert. Join David and his band of virtuoso musicians for this lively candlelit concert of beloved holiday classics reimagined, blending world music, Celtic, orchestral, new age, and neoclassical crossover. 

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

Phoenix Ballet - The Nutcracker

Dec. 18 - 20

The highlight of the Phoenix Ballet's winter season, the critically acclaimed Nutcracker promises a spirit-lifting, festive evening of enchanting dance and soaring music. The ensemble's artistic director Slawomir Wozniak breathes new life into the Yuletide favorite with inventive, exuberant and often acrobatic choreography that injects a sense of fun and a sprinkling of light-hearted humour into the widely-performed ballet, striking a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Arizona Financial Theatre

Irish Christmas in America

Dec. 6 - 7

Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show features Irish music and dance in an engaging performance that is rich in humor and boundlessly energetic.

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Dec. 21

Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure Holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. The Magical Christmas Ballet showcases the talents of artists from Ukraine, Japan, Turkey, and beyond. 

Arizona Financial Theatre

Macayo’s Tamalada Classes for the Holidays

Nov. 7 - 28; Select Dates

Making tamales for the holidays is a longstanding Mexican tradition that is alive and well at Macayo’s Mexican Food! With the holidays rapidly approaching, Macayo’s is pleased to announce the return of its popular tamalada events. These tamale-making classes honor the traditional process of gathering friends and family to assemble tamales. During each event, guests will learn how to assemble tamales as they enjoy a three-course lunch and a top-shelf margarita made with Don Julio Blanco. They will also take home the tamales they assemble during the experience. 

Location varies

Breakfast with Santa at Litchfield's at The Wigwam

Dec. 5-20, Select Dates

Celebrate the holidays with our holiday breakfast buffet in Litchfield's & crafts for the kid's to enjoy at the table or to take home! Santa himself will be joining us for pictures during breakfast.

Litchfield's at The Wigwam