Holiday Events in Phoenix
You don’t need frigid winter weather to get in the spirit of the season. Enjoy holiday events in Phoenix, including festive lights, luminarias and more. All of the experiences have social distancing and cleaning procedures in place.
Holiday Lights
Back to Top of ListWorld of Illumination
Candy Rush | Rockin' Christmas | Enchanted Safari
Nov. 15 - Jan. 1, 2023
World of Illumination, the producer of the world’s largest drive-through animated light show, presents three all-new theme parks in the Phoenix metro area, featuring spots in Tempe and Glendale.
Diablo Stadium | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Desert Diamond Casino
Lights at The Farm
Nov. 23 - Dec. 30
Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms is Arizona’s largest walk-through synchronized Christmas light show. Ten acres of festive light displays. Keep time with popular Christmas songs, guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer. Enjoy delicious food, music, skating, and other family-friendly entertainment. Skating is available for an additional charge.
Vertuccio Farms
ZooLights
Nov. 23 - Jan. 15
This season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, with all new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience and brand-new music and light show that will take you around the world.
Phoenix Zoo
Enchant at Salt River Fields
Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, 2023
Experience a world of adventure with awe-inspiring animated light sculptures, and discover a charming Village offering ice-skating, live entertainment, interactive games, dining, holiday shopping, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more.
Salt River Fields
Glendale Glitters
Nov. 22 - Jan. 7
The excitement of Glendale Glitters includes the Murphy Park lights and displays, performances in the amphitheater, the Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and additional events held by the downtown merchants.
Murphy Park
Arizona Lights in the Night
Nov. 23 - Jan. 5
There are over a million lights and hundreds of different displays throughout this drive-thru in Mesa. Parents will have the option to buy a light up bear at the beginning of the drive-thru for their kids to make the experience that much better and the memories that much more memorable.
Thompson Event Center
Holiday Nights in Lights
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
Bring the entire family to walk The Wigwam's festive light path Fridays in December before Christmas Day. While admiring our holiday displays, be dazzled by princesses, donning their winter dresses while caroling holiday favorites. End the night at Litchfield Lawn with s'mores and hot chocolate.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Dec. 9-31, Select Dates
Enjoy live music performances, entertainment and thousands of dazzling hand-lit luminarias at the Garden with family and friends. For 44 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 event will shine extra bright with the inclusion of Chihuly in the Desert.
Riparian After Dark
Dec. 9-20
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
Activities
Back to Top of ListSnow Much Fun
Nov. 12
kick off the holiday season with real snow to play in, an interactive show with prizes, enjoy a delicious s’more snack and make fun snowflake ornaments.
Scottsdale Promenade
Christmas at the Princess
Nov. 18 - 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
Immersive Nutcracker
Nov. 19 - Dec. 31
Immersive Nutcracker is an ideal family outing, featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. This joyful 30-minute immersive experience is an ideal outlet to introduce young children to the art of ballet and the captivating storytelling that often accompanies it. Set to the sweeping music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Immersive Nutcracker encompasses visitors in over 500,000 cubic feet of projections composed of over 1 million frames of video, curating a grand immersive display that relays the tale of The Nutcracker from opening to finale.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Nov. 25 - Dec. 24, Select Dates
Schnepf Farms becomes a winter wonderland, complete with a skating rink, World of Illumination train ride, reindeer hayrides, and mini-golf. To top if all off, the East Valley farm even has the world’s largest inflatable Christmas-themed obstacle course.
Schnepf Farms
Christmas in the Rainforest
Nov. 25 - Dec. 31
Bring family and friends to a seasonal holiday experience, “Christmas in the Rainforest,” featuring an abundance of butterflies from the rainforests of Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia, and enjoy live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the butterfly conservatory by violinist Jonathan Levingston on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12.
Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium
Nov. 25 - Dec. 31
Visit Arizona’s only SeaTREK Santa who takes center stage, interacting with guests as he appears underwater in the Deep Ocean exhibit. Pose with family and friends for professional photos that feature this jolly sea-loving Santa for the perfect holiday keepsake. Participate in a SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt and send him an adoring letter right from the OdySea Aquarium Discovery Desk (and he’ll write back!). Don’t miss a very special trip on SeaTREK Santa’s sleigh to hear his entertaining, enchanted holiday sea-life narration while riding Voyager as it becomes an oceanic Christmas cruise full of yuletide lights and songs.
The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole
Nov. 25 - Dec. 24, Select Dates
Take a winter wonderland train ride in the Verde Canyon, complete with luminaries, letters to Santa and a live bald eagle.
Winter Wonderland at W Scottsdale
Dec. 9-10
The WET Deck transforms into a whimsical Winter Wonderland complete with igloos, icicles, and snowy magic. Chill out with signature cocktails, live entertainment, dancing and more.
Home for the Holidays at Taliesin West
Dec. 9-17
Come celebrate the magic of the season at Taliesin West, featuring decorations and displays, storytelling, crafts, holiday music, and refreshments.
Winter Wanderland
Dec. 10
Downtown Phoenix will be transformed into the second annual “Winter Wanderland,” a full day of free progressive holiday performances, over-the-top holiday lights and décor, delicious food, drinks and merriment. Featuring outdoor performances – Winter Wanderland is a family-friendly celebration of downtown’s rich performing arts, history and culture.
Downtown Phoenix
"It's a Wonderful Life" at Taliesin West
Dec. 23
The Friday Night Films series provides a new way to enjoy the silver screen – connecting art, architecture, and nature. From old classics to new favorites, there’s something for everyone. Each evening includes a screening in a historic Taliesin West space, followed by a conversation connecting the film to Wright’s legacy.
Holiday Concerts & Performances
Back to Top of ListRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Herberger Theater Center
Nov. 19 - Dec. 24, Select Dates
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph.
Irish Christmas in America
Nov. 28-29
Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the popular Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish music, song, and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and boundless energy.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Holiday Dreams Cirque
Dec. 1
Enjoy a spectacular holiday cirque from Q Productions Las Vegas, including holograms, acrobats, daredevils, lasers and more.
Holiday Pops
Dec. 2-4
Celebrate the Season with The Phoenix Symphony at our annual Holiday Pops concert, featuring hymns and carols from a variety of traditions and faiths as well as beloved secular songs.
Mindi Abair's I Can't Wait for Christmas
Dec. 8
Two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair returns to MIM for a popular, fun-filled holiday concert featuring an incredible group of multitalented smooth jazz musicians.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Dec. 8-23, Select Dates
From the pen of the writer of last season’s hit Silent Sky, and America’s most produced playwright, comes this charming and cleverly imagined sequel to Pride and Prejudice. It is two years later and the Bennet family gathers at Pemberley to celebrate Christmas together. Unlike her witty and vibrant sisters, Mary Bennet is unmarried, nerdy, and growing tired of her role as the obedient middle sister. But an unexpected guest gives Mary the boost she needs to embrace her independence and find true love.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra feat. Dianne Reeves with Samara Joy
Dec. 9
Swing into the holiday spirit with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s annual Big Band Holidays tour. National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and five-time Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves and emerging singer Samara Joy, a winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, join the orchestra to bring Yuletide cheer to audiences of all ages.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
The Mavericks
Dec. 9
Featuring selections from their 2018 holiday album Hey! Merry Christmas!, alongside the classics and favorites of their acclaimed 30-year career, don’t miss music’s most genre-defying band as they revisit their own special twist on the holidays.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 9-24, Select Dates
Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Phoenix Boys Choir: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 11
In this holiday concert, the Phoenix Boys Choir will feature music from around the world as well as stunning choral a cappella pieces to usher in the winter season.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan Tour
Dec. 14
Their joyous, raucous Christmas Caravan tour features songs from their Christmas Caravan and “Mardi Gras for Christmas” releases, as well as other Zippers favorites.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
A Winter's Eve Concert with David Arkenstone and Friends
Dec. 15
Join five-time Grammy-nominated composer and performer David Arkenstone and some of his special friends for an enchanting holiday performance. Arkenstone will perform chart-topping favorites, glorious traditional holiday songs, and new neoclassical and crossover compositions featuring strings and percussion, promising a magical, family-friendly night to remember.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Handel's Messiah
Dec. 15-18
The acclaimed “Hallelujah” chorus is the centerpiece of these wonderful performances featuring some of the most glorious sacred music ever written. Join The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus, and soloists as they present Handel’s masterpiece in churches and venues throughout the Valley.
Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before...
Dec. 16-24
“‘Twas the Night Before…” is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This festive show is a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, thrilling acrobatics and hugely lovable characters that is fast becoming a new tradition for families to cherish.
The Miracles Holiday Concert
Dec. 17
Motown’s many famous groups include the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Commodores, the Jackson Five, and, of course, the Miracles. The very first group to sign with Motown records, the Miracles continue to keep the Motown sound alive with great harmonies, performing songs such as “Shop Around,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Tears of a Clown,” “Love Machine,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” and many more.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
The Klezmatics: A Happy Joyous Hanukkah
Dec. 19
Klezmer meets American folk traditions in this celebration of Woody Guthrie’s Hanukkah songs.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Jim Brickman: A Very Merry Christmas
Dec. 29-31
The Grammy-nominated songwriter and pianist returns on a holiday tour celebrating music, love, and family. “Jim Brickman is a worldwide sensation with his soulful piano playing.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Additional Concerts and Performances:
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Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawai'i at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Nov. 26
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Holiday Joy Concert with North Valley Chorale at Camelback Bible Church, Dec. 4
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Go, Tell It! Christmas Concert at Paradise Valley UMC, Dec. 11
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The Doo Wop Project Holiday Show at Chandler Center for the Arts, Dec. 16
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Christmas Through the Ages at All Saints Lutheran Church, Dec. 17
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North Valley Symphony presents "A Joyous Christmas" at North Canyon High School, Dec. 17
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West Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra at the Vista Center for the Arts, Dec. 18
Holiday Meals
Back to Top of ListHoliday Pop-Ups at Cham Pang Lanes | Ghost Donkey | Palma
Nov. 15 - Jan. 9
This holiday season, see Châm Pang Lanes turn into Candy Cane Lanes; Ghost Donkey turn into Blitzen; and Palma turn into your Tiki Christmas dreams, with festive decor and delicious limited time holiday cocktails.
Cham Pang Lanes | Ghost Donkey | Palma
Blue Blitzen Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Bar
Nov. 28 - Dec. 26
Enjoy festive cocktails, over the top décor and holiday-inspired bites at Blue Hound’s fifth-annual holiday pop-up bar.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
Breakfast with Santa at Litchfield's at The Wigwam
Dec. 3-24, Select Dates
Have a merry morning with a served holiday breakfast buffet in Litchfield's and crafts for the kid's to enjoy at the table or to take home. Santa himself will be joining for pictures during breakfast.
Omni Montelucia Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 11-18
Bring your family to savor delicious fruits, breads and breakfast favorites. Don't miss this opportunity to take photos with Santa and participate in kids activities, such as cookie decorating.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Christmas at Litchfield's
Dec. 24-25
Enjoy an array of holiday classics, thoughtfully prepared by Executive Sous Chef Chris Knouse, with a three-course pix fixe menu and optional enhancements. You can enjoy Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner, or Christmas Day Buffet.
Holiday Markets
Back to Top of ListLuminarias Holiday Market
Dec. 2
Shop local on December 2nd with a free holiday event-showcasing Arizona-based goods and services in an open-air market. Over 500 luminaries will line the 23-acre property with live music.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Phoestivus Market
Dec. 14-15
Shopping local has never been better. The chance to find the perfect gifts for this holiday season, meet the artists, participate in the Phoestivus traditions, enjoy a Phoestivus Ale, and more all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Find a Local Gift to Give
We've rounded up the best local gifts form the Sonoran Desert. Get your holiday shopping done at some of our favorite local boutiques.
Other Markets:
Holiday Parades
Back to Top of ListAPS Electric Light Parade
Dec. 3
For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has invited families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city to come together to celebrate the holiday season. The parade kicks off at Central and Montebello avenues at 7 p.m.
Uptown to Midtown Phoenix
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Dec. 10
As the sun sets, the evening lights up at one of the Sonoran Desert's most unique holiday events. Gather along the shore of Tempe Beach Park for the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade from 4 to 9 p.m., followed by fireworks.
Tempe Beach Park
VRBO Fiesta Bowl Parade
Dec. 17
A statewide crown jewel since its first production in the early 1970s, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe celebrates its 50th edition this season. The Parade honors the legacy of the Fiesta Bowl Organization as it takes its traditional two-mile march through Central Phoenix.
Uptown to Midtown Phoenix
Ice Skating
Back to Top of ListSkate Westgate
Nov. 4 - Jan. 16
Skate Westgate hosts 3,500-square-feet of real ice in the heart of the district’s plaza in Fountain Park. Onsite tickets and skate rentals will still be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket booth located near the ice rink, single-use and season passes are available.
Westgate Entertainment District
Sock Skating at Children's Museum of Phoenix
Nov. 19 - Jan. 9
Slide into fun at the annual event at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix! Kids and adults alike will have a blast skating on white, slippery tiles reminiscent of ice but without the chill.
Cityskate Holiday Ice Rink
Nov. 28 - Jan. 1
Located in the center of downtown's CityScape Phoenix, the CitySkate rink is different in design and size than in years past, but will still offer freshly surfaced ice, twinkling holiday lights and festive décor, all set within the heart of the city.
Photos with Santa
Back to Top of ListFree Photos with Santa at Desert Ridge Marketplace
Dec. 2-16
Santa is making a special appearance in The District on the first three Fridays in December. Snap a free holiday photo and meet the big man in himself.
Visits with Santa at Children's Museum
Dec. 3-4
Share your holiday wish with Santa, experiment with salt and water on colossal colorful ice blocks, and frolic under snow flurries in the Museum’s Atrium.
Other Santa Appearances:
Tree Lightings
Back to Top of ListAnnual Tree Lighting at The Wigwam
Nov. 27
Enjoy a variety of activities such as crafts with elves, holiday safety workshop, face painting, bouncy houses, and princesses caroling through our festive light path.
The Wigwam
Omni Montelucia Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 3
Celebrate the annual tradition of the lighting of the 20-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday-inspired cuisine, joy full carolers, kids activities and complimentary photos with Santa.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Other Tree Lightings:
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