THE BEST HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS IN SCOTTSDALE

By Emily Lawrence | Experience Scottsdale

Scottsdale is aglow with holiday lights this season, and you won’t want to miss the city’s brightest spots. Here are some of the best ways to add holiday cheer and festive fun for the whole family. 

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024

As one of the city’s brightest places to celebrate the holiday season, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess creates a backdrop for families and friends to enjoy a magical night and make memories that last a lifetime. The resort transforms into a sparkly winter wonderland with a four-story musical tree, desert ice skating rink, Princess Express trains, holiday character appearances and more than 6.5 million Lagoon Lights. Be sure to stop by The Village, where you can go sledding down the 120-foot Snow Mountain, meander through the Ice Maze and more!  

ENCHANT CHRISTMAS

November 24 – December 31, 2023

Enchant Christmas is sure to dazzle, featuring larger-than-life light displays, ice skating, the world's largest Christmas light maze and The Christmas Village where you'll find tiny shops of artisan vendors, specialty crafts and boutiques. Also in the village, meet Santa and enjoy some holiday cheer at the Ice Bar (21+). You won't want to miss this spectacular holiday event. 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park lights up the night with one of the most unique holiday events in the Valley. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a winter wonderland of lights and displays. Santa will also be at the park on select nights to visit and take photos with. 

LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS

Select Dates November 24 – December 30, 2023

Experience a magical, Southwestern holiday tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de Las Luminarias. Each evening features more than 8,000 hand-lit luminarias, thousands of white twinkle lights, live entertainment and festive food and drinks.

SCOTTSDAZZLE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

November 25 – December 31, 2023

Make your holidays shine with Scottsdazzle, a celebration of the season in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Enjoy free signature events, culinary demonstrations and family activities in each of the Old Town districts, plus breathtaking public art installations and a stunning illuminated Christmas tree at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The kick-off event for Scottsdazzle will begin with a Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Saturday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m.

WORLD OF ILLUMINATION

November 15 – December 31, 2023

Illumination is the country’s largest drive-through animated holiday light show experience, featuring millions of brightly colored lights masterfully choreographed to your favorite holiday songs. This year, Arizona has two unique themes: Cosmic Sleighride at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe and Raindeer Road at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale. It’s a magical experience that will ignite your holiday spirit!

ZOOLIGHTS

November 22, 2023 - January 14, 2023

It’s a wild night for the whole family at ZooLights! Enjoy hundreds of glimmering displays as they light the way through the Phoenix Zoo. This can’t-miss holiday favorite features all-new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience, and a music and light show that will take you around the world.