The Ultimate Valley Holiday Events List

by Jordan Page

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.

Source: VisitPhoenix.com

 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Snowland Snow Globe Holiday Light Experience 

Nov. 17 - Dec. 31 

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 

World of Illumination

Cosmic Sleighride  | Reindeer Road  

Nov. 18 - Dec. 31

 
@worldofillumination

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 | Desert Diamond Casino 

 

Lights at The Farm 

Dec. 1 - Dec. 30

 
@vertucciofarms

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. 22 - Jan. 14

 
@phoenixzoo

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 

 

Glendale Glitters 

Nov. 24- Jan. 1st

 
@visitglendaleaz

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

 

Enchant at Salt River Fields 

Nov. 24 - Dec. 31

 
@saltriverfields

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

 

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display 

Nov. 24 - Dec. 31

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 

 

Sea of Lights 

Dec. 1- Jan. 1

Guests can explore the first annual Sea of Lights event, as Arizona’s largest and only underwater light spectacular, featuring thousands of twinkling lights woven throughout SEA LIFE’s underwater wonderland.

SEA LIFE Arizona 

 

Phoenix Christmas Lights Tour 

Dec. 1-31

Come enjoy the sights and sounds as they were meant to be enjoyed with a preplanned route hosted by Spirit of Arizona Tours to see some of the best displays across Greater Phoenix.

Spirit of Arizona Tours 

 

Holiday Nights in Lights 

Dec. 1-22

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.

The Wigwam 

 

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Dec. 3-31, Select Dates

 
@sometimesolivia_sometimesrose

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 Fernando Botero: El Maestro  in the garden.

Desert Botanical Garden 

 

Riparian After Dark

Dec. 8-19

 
@gilbertyourtown

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

DTPHX Winter Wanderland 

Dec. 9

 
@downtownphoenix

Enjoy a full day of holiday programming in the walkable, urban neighborhood of downtown Phoenix at a family-friendly celebration of downtown's rich performing arts, history, and culture. Downtown will be transformed into a "Winter Wanderland," with free holiday performances, over-the-top holiday lights and décor, delicious food, drinks and merriment. Get in the spirit with DTPHX! 

Downtown Phoenix

 

Christmas at the Princess 

Nov. 17 - Jan. 6

 
@fairmontscotsdl

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 

 

Christmas at Schnepf Farms 

Nov. 24 - Dec. 31, Select Dates

 
@schnepfchristmas

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

 

Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium

Nov. 24 - Jan. 7

 
@odysea.aquarium

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.

OdySea Aquarium 

 

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole 

Nov. 2 - Dec. 24, Select Dates

 
@rafa_photos

Take a winter wonderland train ride in the Verde Canyon, complete with luminaries, letters to Santa and a live bald eagle. 

Verde Canyon Railroad 

 

Holiday Bricktacular

Dec. 1- Jan. 1

Learn to build a LEGO® Ornament in the Creative Workshop, meet a life-sized LEGO® Santa, explore the tiniest winter wonderland in Miniland, and snap a pic in a giant LEGO sleigh.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center 

 

Snow Week

Dec. 26 - Jan 1, Select Dates

Snow Week returns for its eleventh year at Arizona Science Center. With a snowstorm of activities — including the return of the beloved Snow Hill — there’s something for everyone in the family.

Arizona Science Center 

HOLIDAY CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Herberger Theater Center 

Nov. 18 - 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. 

Herberger Theater Center 

 

Elf the Musical 

Nov. 22 - Dec. 30

 
@phxtheatre

When Buddy, a stowaway orphan turned would-be elf, realizes he’s a larger-than-average human, a journey unfolds to find his birth father and true identity. Although New York City and his family unveil some harsh realities, Buddy’s heartfelt determination proves to everyone the real meaning of Christmas. Based on the beloved 2003 film, and coming back to The Phoenix Theatre Company for a second time, this musical adaptation is a sugary treat the whole family will enjoy during the holiday season. 

The Phoenix Theatre Company 

 

The Nutcracker 

Dec. 8-24, 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.

Symphony Hall Phoenix

 

Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before... 

Dec. 15-24

“‘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.

Arizona Financial Theatre 

 

Merry-Achi Christmas 

Dec. 16

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 Evening with Ryanhood

Dec. 22

An evening of songs and storytelling, heartstrings and laughter, A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood is a live holiday show based on the Tucson duo’s record On Christmas, which showcases their high-energy, big-harmony, dueling acoustic guitar approach.

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) 

HOLIDAY MEALS & COCKTAILS

Holiday 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 

 

Saguaro Summit Ski Lodge

Through Jan. 6

Enjoy festive cocktails, over the top décor and holiday-inspired bites at Blue Hound’s annual holiday pop-up bar.

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails 

 

Miracle at Floor 13 

Nov. 30 - Jan. 7

Miracle Bar is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar 

 

Breakfast with Santa at Litchfield's at The Wigwam 

Dec. 3-25, 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.

Litchfield's at The Wigwam 

 

Apres Chalet

Nov. 30 - Dec. 23

Join friends and colleagues for a fun holiday pop-up bar experience completed with over-the-top holiday décor and holiday-inspired craft cocktails served festive glassware. Indulge in delicious holiday themed cocktails, cozy up with s’more by the fire, and enjoy an elegant après ski-inspired holiday lounge experience.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 

 

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. 

Litchfield's at The Wigwam 

 

Christmas Dinner at Carcara  

Dec. 25

Enjoy a Christmas dinner at Carcara, featuring a special holiday menu and festive cocktails. Regular menu available.

Carcara 

 

Holiday Celebrations at Royal Palms

Dec. 25

Indulge in a relaxing retreat, taking in the bold and beautiful decorations, specially curated menus, flavorful cocktails and cheer spread throughout

Royal Palms Resort and Spa 

ICE SKATING

Skate Westgate 

Nov. 7 - Jan. 11; Select dates

 
@westgateaz

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

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