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Things to Do in December in Phoenix

Find out what's happening in December 2025 in Phoenix. You can see live music, the most current art exhibitions, and more.

Find more things to do this weekend on our event calendar. We've also rounded up winter events and things to do in Phoenix this winter. Discover all the top annual happening in Phoenix in 2025 here.

Holiday Events in Phoenix

Though Phoenix’s warm, sunny skies may linger, the holidays bring a cozy and festive spirit to the season. From family gatherings and delicious feasts to community events and outdoor adventures, celebrate the season with these top things to do.

• Through Dec. 20: Tamalada Classes for the Holidays at Macayo’s Restaurant 
• Through Dec. 21: Scottsdazzle at Scottsdale Arts District 
• Through Dec. 23: Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest at Vertuccio Farms 
• Through Dec. 24: A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre
• Through Dec. 24: The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole at Verde Canyon Railroad 
• Through Dec. 28: A Christmas Carol at The Phoenix Theatre Company 
• Through Dec. 28: Christmas at Schnepf Farms at Schnepf Farms 
• Through Dec. 28: Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide Western Town 
• Through Dec. 28: Desert Farm Lights at Justice Brothers Ranch 
• Through Dec. 28: Christmas on the Farm: DH Farms at Phoenix Events Complex 
• Through Dec. 30: Miracle at Floor 13 at Floor 13 Rooftop Bar at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown 
• Through Dec. 30: Mesa Temple Gardens Holiday Lights at Mesa Temple 
• Through Dec. 30: Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden 
• Through Dec. 30: The Polar Express at Grand Canyon Railway
• Through Dec. 31: Glendale Glitters at Murphy Park 
• Through Jan. 3: Jingle at JW at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 
• Through Jan. 3: Christmas at the Princess at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 
• Through Jan. 4: Ho Holidays at Hotel Valley Ho 
• Through Jan. 4: Tianyu Lights Festival at Camelback Ranch – Glendale 
• Through Jan. 4: World of Illumination: Cosmic Sleighride at Desert Diamond Casino 
• Through Jan. 4: World of Illumination: Rockin’ Christmas at Tempe Diablo Stadium 
• Through Jan. 4: Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
• Through Jan. 4: Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium
• Through Jan. 12: Skate Westgate at Westgate Entertainment District
• Through Jan.16: ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo 
• Dec. 4-20: Hi-Fi Holiday Concert at Hale Centre Theatre 
• Dec. 5: Santa’s Country Jamboree at Herberger Theater Center 
• Dec. 5: Mittwinternachtmarkt: Holiday Night Market at Four Peaks Brewing Wilson Taproom 
• Dec. 5: Krampusnachtmarket at Four Peaks Brewing Wilson Taproom 
• Dec. 5: Strollin’ in the Glow at Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery 
• Dec. 5: Dusk Market at The Icehouse 
• Dec. 5-7: Wigwam Holiday Festival of Arts at The Wigwam 
• Dec. 5-7: Holiday Pops Spectacular at The Phoenix Symphony 
• Dec. 6: APS Electric Light Parade at Uptown to Midtown Phoenix 
• Dec. 6: Faire at The Square at The Square PHX 
• Dec. 6: Gingerbread House Decorating at Arizona Biltmore 
• Dec. 6: Punk Rock Christmas at Rawhide Event Center 
• Dec. 6: Goodyear Christmas Village at Goodyear Ballpark 
• Dec. 7: Holiday Edition Pottery Workshop at The 1227 Taproom 
• Dec. 8: A Drag Queen Christmas at Arizona Financial Theatre 
• Dec. 9: The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars at Orpheum Theatre 
• Dec. 10: Pawlidays at Royal Palms Resort and Spa 
• Dec. 11-14: Handel’s Messiah at The Phoenix Symphony 
• Dec. 11: Wild West Holiday Market at Renaissance Phoenix Downtown 
• Dec. 12: Phoestivus at Arizona Center 
• Dec. 12-14: Phoenix Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Arizona Financial Theatre 
• Dec. 13: Merriment in Melrose at The Melrose District 
• Dec. 13: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park 
• Dec. 13-14: Let Your Spirit Sparkle: Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus at Orpheum Theatre 
• Dec. 13-14: Merry Merchantile Market at Scottsdale Civic Center 
• Dec. 14: Holiday Makers Market at The Farm at South Mountain 
• Dec. 14: Nutcracker Tea at Arizona Biltmore 
• Dec. 18-28: ‘Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil at Arizona Financial Theatre 
• Dec. 20-21: Christmas Baroque at Orpheum Theatre  
• Dec. 21: Mariachi Sol de México De José Hernández at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 
• Dec. 23-24: Santa on the Slopes at Arizona Snowbowl 
• Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Snow Week at Arizona Science Center 
• Dec. 26: Santo Perreo at The Rebel Lounge  
• Dec. 27: Candlelight: Christmas Special at Herberger Theater Center 

New Years Events in Phoenix

• Dec. 30-31: Decadence Arizona at Phoenix Raceway 
• Dec. 31: All About Broadway: A New Year's Eve Celebration at Chandler Center for the Arts 
• Dec. 31: Moulin Rouge NYE Party at FOUND:RE Phoenix 
• Dec. 31: New Year's Eve 2026 at Arizona Biltmore 
• Dec. 31: New Year's Eve at Lucero Rooftop Restaurant 
• Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Champagne Toast at The Phoenix Symphony 
• Dec. 31: NYE at Carcara at Carcara at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown 
• Dec. 31: POSH Phoenix New Year's Eve 2026 Party at Caesars Republic Scottsdale 

Events in Phoenix

There’s always something happening in Phoenix, from food festivals and art shows to major sporting events and live music. No matter when you visit, you’ll find exciting ways to experience the city. Check out our full event calendar to see what’s coming up!​

• ALL MONTH: Desert Pulse at Desert Botanical Garden 
• ALL MONTH: POMPEII: The Exhibition at Arizona Science Center 
• Dec. 1: WWE Monday Night Raw at Desert Diamond Arena 
• Dec. 2-7: Shucked at ASU Gammage
• Dec. 2: Shinrin-yoku Workshop at Japanese Friendship Garden 
• Dec. 4: Kauboi Night with Rancher Hat Bar at The REMI Scottsdale 
• Dec. 4: NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me at Arizona Financial Theatre 
• Dec. 5: Shane Gillis at Mortgage Matchup Center 
• Dec. 5: Nitro Circus “Off the Rails” at Desert Diamond Arena 
• Dec. 5: Science With a TWIST: Intergalactic After Dark at Arizona Science Center 
• Dec. 5-7: Vintage Market Days at Rawhide Event Center 
• Dec. 5-7: Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts at Downtown Tempe 
• Dec. 6: Fuel Fest at Firebird Motorsports Park 
• Dec. 6: Buy Black Marketplace at The Archwood at Eastlake
• Dec. 6: Family Workshop at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West 
• Dec. 7: AZ Brunch Fest at Scottsdale Stadium 
• Dec. 7: Tamale Festival at Downtown Peoria 
• Dec. 7: 1st Annual Bake ‘N’ Take at Stoop Kid at The Churchill 
• Dec. 13: Vegan Social at First Street and Garfield in Downtown Phoenix 
• Dec. 13-14: S’edav Va’aki Indian Market at S’edav Va’aki Museum
• Dec. 13-14: Olivepalooza at Queen Creek Olive Mill
• Dec. 18: Sunsets & Sips at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West 
• Dec. 27: Family Fun Days at The Square at The Square PHX 

Concerts and Performances This Month

Shows are taking place more often now, including theatre performances, comedy shows and concerts. Here's who you can see perform this month:

• Dec. 3: KATSEYE at Arizona Financial Theatre
• Dec. 4: Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings at Warehouse215 
• Dec. 4: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at Warehouse215  
• Dec. 10: Colter Wall and Friends at Arizona Financial Theatre
• Dec. 13: 101.1 The Bounce Holiday Jam at Mortgage Matchup Center
• Dec. 13: Turnpike Troubadours at Mesa Amphitheatre 
• Dec. 13: Chris Lake at Rawhide Event Center 
• Dec. 20: Smokey Robinson at Gila River – Wild Horse Pass 
• Dec. 20: Boyle-Williams Duo at Tempe Center for the Arts 
• Dec. 21: Leon Thomas at The Van Buren 
• Dec. 21: LeAnn Rimes at Talking Stick Resort 

Sports Events in December

From championship games to spring training and everything in between, Phoenix is a year-round destination for sports fans. Catch the action across baseball, basketball, football, golf, racing, and more. Check out our sports event calendar to see upcoming games, matches, and tournaments!

• Dec. 6: Jerry Colangelo Classic at Mortgage Matchup Center
• Dec. 7: Cardinals vs. Rams at State Farm Stadium
• Dec. 9: ASU Men’s Basketball vs. NAU at Desert Financial Arena
• Dec. 13: The Phoenix Marathon at North Phoenix to Tempe 
• Dec. 18: Suns vs. Warriors at Mortgage Matchup Center
• Dec. 20: Hall of Fame Phoenix: Arizona vs. San Diego State & Colorado vs. Stanford at Mortgage Matchup Center
• Dec. 21: ASU Women’s Basketball vs. Colorado at Desert Financial Arena
• Dec. 21: ASU Men’s Basketball vs. Oregon State at Desert Financial Arena
• Dec. 21: Cardinals vs. Falcons at State Farm Stadium
• Dec. 23: Suns vs. Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center
• Dec. 26: Rate Bowl at Chase Field 

Art Exhibits in December 2025

Phoenix is home to the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Ignite your mind with the creativity and inspiration you will find at our local cultural institutions. Here's the art exhibits you can see this month: 

Phoenix Art Museum:

• Funny Business: Photography and Humor
• The Collection: Fireflies 
• Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
• Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection
• The Collection: Greatest Fits (Vol. 1): The Art of Archiving Fashion
• Splendors of East Asian Cloisonné
• Flowers of the Punjab
• Along with other ongoing installations/exhibitions

Heard Museum:

• Hoop Dance!
• Bob Haozous: A Retrospective View
• Heart of the Community: Baskets from the Basha Family Collection of American Indian Art
• Adorned with Memory: Jewelry from the Basha Family Collection of American Indian Art 
• Along with other ongoing installations/exhibitions

Desert Botanical Garden:

• Majestic Mariposas
• Desert Pulse

S'edav Va'aki Museum:

• The Land and the People

Wonderspaces:

• Portraits in Pink, Blue, and Silver
• The Immigrant
• Well Wishes My Love, Your Love
• Blooms
• Hoshi V2
• Into the Light
• Bloom Bloom
• Along with other ongoing installations/exhibitions

Other Museums:

• The Magical Flute at Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
• Tierras Reimaginadas: Migration at ASU Art Museum
• Michelangelo Lovelace: Art Saved My Life at ASU Art Museum