Top 10 Holiday Events in the Valley of the Sun
The holiday season in the Valley of the Sun brings a mix of beautiful lights, festive markets, and family-friendly activities. Here’s your guide to the top 10 holiday events across the greater Phoenix area.
1. Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
- Location: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- Hours: Select dates in December, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Cost: $39.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (ages 3-17)
- Details: This serene event lights up the desert landscape with thousands of luminarias and twinkling lights, complete with live holiday music. Perfect for an enchanting evening stroll!
2. Glendale Glitters
- Location: Historic Downtown Glendale, Glendale
- Hours: Nov 24 – Jan 6, 5 PM – 10 PM (Friday and Saturday nights)
- Cost: Free
- Details: Arizona’s largest free holiday light display features over 1.6 million LED lights in a charming, historic setting. Enjoy local vendors, delicious treats, and live entertainment.
3. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
- Location: Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
- Hours: Nov 22 – Jan 14, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Cost: $30 for general admission, $35 for VIP entry
- Details: ZooLights is a Phoenix holiday staple with millions of lights, animal displays, and synchronized music. The Light Show Lake is a must-see!
4. Lights of the World at Arizona State Fairgrounds
- Location: Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
- Hours: Dec 8 – Jan 28, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for children
- Details: This multicultural holiday celebration features 75 displays and over 10 million lights. You’ll also find carnival rides, games, and international food options.
5. Christmas at Schnepf Farms
- Location: Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek
- Hours: Nov 22 – Dec 31, hours vary by day
- Cost: $23.95 general admission
- Details: A family-friendly holiday celebration with ice skating, a Christmas carousel, bonfires, and Santa’s reindeer. Be sure to check out the cozy train ride through the farm’s twinkling lights.
6. Fantasy of Lights Parade & Boat Parade in Tempe
- Location: Downtown Tempe & Tempe Town Lake
- Hours: Boat Parade: Dec 14, 4 PM – 9 PM; Light Parade: Dec 2, 6 PM
- Cost: Free
- Details: This beloved annual event includes a holiday parade through Mill Avenue and a festive boat parade on Tempe Town Lake. Stay to watch the fireworks and enjoy food from local vendors.
7. Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival
- Location: Old Town Peoria
- Hours: Dec 1, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Cost: Free
- Details: Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, holiday crafts, Santa’s visit, and live performances. This charming festival is perfect for families looking for a traditional holiday feel.
8. Surprise Party at Surprise Recreation Campus
- Location: Surprise Recreation Campus, Surprise
- Hours: Dec 8-9, times vary
- Cost: Free admission; some activities may have additional fees
- Details: The Surprise Party is a community favorite, featuring a tree lighting, hot air balloon glow, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Santa is always in attendance!
9. CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink at CityScape
- Location: CityScape, Downtown Phoenix
- Hours: Nov 20 – Jan 3, hours vary by day
- Cost: $20 general admission, includes skate rental
- Details: Skate under the lights in the heart of downtown Phoenix at the CitySkate outdoor rink. This urban winter wonderland is fun for all ages and features holiday décor and hot cocoa stands.
10. Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa
- Location: Downtown Mesa
- Hours: Nov 24 – Jan 4, various times
- Cost: Free; some activities like ice skating have additional fees
- Details: Merry Main Street transforms Mesa’s downtown with festive décor, an ice rink, a holiday market, and Santa’s selfie station. A wonderful spot for a holiday family night out!
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful evening of lights or an action-packed event for the whole family, the Valley of the Sun has holiday cheer to spare. Mark your calendars and bring on the festive spirit!
