When the holiday season rolls around in the Valley, it’s surprising just how many places trade cactus for Christmas lights, palm trees for twinkle-lit pathways, and desert nights for cozy winter vibes. From outdoor ice skating and dazzling light shows to fairy-tale train rides and haunted-desert gardens glowing under luminarias — there’s something magical for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a dreamy date night, or a festive photo-op, these holiday events across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, and beyond are worth penciling into your calendar.
Spotlight Events: The Big Ones You Don’t Want to Miss
Phoenix ZooLights
- Dates: Through January 16, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Price: $30 (members), $35 (general admission), children under 2 are free
- What to Expect: Millions of twinkling lights draped over zoo grounds, glowing animal sculptures, a light tunnel, hot cocoa & s’mores, and plenty of family-friendly charm. It’s a Valley classic and a must-do if you love holiday lights and wildlife vibes.
Las Noches de las Luminarias — Desert Botanical Garden
- Dates: Dec. 12–14, 18–23, 26–30
- Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Price: ~$45.95 general admission adults, ~$21.95 general admission children (members have discounted rate)
- What to Expect: A softer, more serene side of the holidays — 8,000+ hand-lit luminarias, twinkling string lights, live music and festive food and drinks set among desert flora. Perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful outing with friends.
Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Dates: Through January 3, 2026
- Typical Hours: 4PM – 11PM
- Price: Varies (starting around $40 for general access; extras for parking/photos)
- What to Expect: A full Christmas-resort experience — ice skating under the stars, a four-story Christmas tree, ride lights, Ferris wheel, festive treats, photo ops with Santa, fire pits with s’mores. Great for families, friends, or holiday photoshoots.
Holiday Lights at McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park
- Dates: Through December 30, 2025
- Time Slots: 5:30PM – 9:30 PM (timed-entry blocks)
- Price: $15 per person (children under 2 free)
- What to Expect: Hop on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a glowing ride through festive light displays, enjoy unlimited train + carousel rides, explore the Model Railroad Building, grab holiday treats, snap photos with Santa (until Dec. 23), and soak up classic small-town Christmas charm. A perfect, kid-friendly night out.
More Must-See Holiday Events Around the Valley
Beyond the major holiday attractions, the Valley is filled with unique, immersive Christmas experiences that blend farm fun, dazzling light shows, nostalgic charm, and family-friendly magic. These events deserve their own spotlight — and they’re some of the most beloved local traditions each December.
World of Illumination (Tempe) – Rockin’ Christmas & Enchanted Safari
- Dates: Through January 4, 2026
- Time: 6PM –10 PM
- Price: $40–$50 per vehicle
- What to Expect: The world’s largest drive-through animated light show comes to life with synchronized music, massive displays, themed light worlds, and a full sensory holiday experience. “Rockin’ Christmas” blends classic tunes with neon magic, while “Enchanted Safari” takes you on a glowing wildlife adventure. Perfect for staying warm, cozy, and festive from the comfort of your car.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek)
- Dates: Through December 28
- Time: 5PM –10 PM
- Price: $20-26
- What to Expect: A true Arizona holiday classic. Enjoy the Christmas train ride, skating, cookie decorating, hayrides, glow gardens, and charming farm-town streets lined with lights. It’s the perfect mix of whimsical nostalgia and farm-fresh charm — ideal for families and holiday date nights.
Vertuccio Farms – Christmas Farm Lights (Mesa)
- Date: Through December 23
- Time: 5:30PM –10 PM
- Price: $15
- What to Expect: A walk-through light experience filled with tunnels, glowing displays, farm vibes, festive snacks, and photo ops. A laid-back, family-friendly night out with plenty of space to wander and enjoy the lights at your own pace.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (Chandler)
- Date: Through December 28
- Time: 6PM –10 PM
- Price: $33–$89
- What to Expect: One of the most impressive synchronized Christmas light productions in the country — complete with live shows, music, festive food, shopping, and that signature Pratt Brothers theatrical flair. If you love BIG holiday displays, this is one you can’t skip.
Riparian After Dark (Gilbert)
- Date: December 12-22
- Time: 5:30–9:30 PM
- Price: Free
- What to Expect: A serene, twinkle-lit stroll through the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Expect glowing pathways, reflective water views, holiday photo moments, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the East Valley’s most underrated and peaceful holiday traditions.
Ice Skating, Pop-Ups & Chill Nights: Fun + Frosty Spots Around the Valley
Because yes — even in Arizona you can lace up those ice skates and enjoy winter magic under the stars.
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Merry on Main Street, Mesa) – An outdoor rink bringing classic ice-skating vibes to downtown Mesa. Local winter magic with a desert twist.
- Skate Westgate (Glendale)– A seasonal rink in what might be a favorite weekend destination. Great for a night out before dinner or drinks nearby.
- Resort & pop-up experiences – Want that “winter in the desert” feel without the cold? Besides Christmas at the Princess, keep an eye out for seasonal offerings like holiday markets, light strolls, and maybe even snow-themed surprises at other resorts or venues.
Bonus Picks: Local Flavor, Culture & Hidden Gems
If you want to mix lights and ice skating with art, local markets, or laid-back hangouts — these are worth checking out too.
- Desert Farm Lights (in Surprise, AZ) — A huge desert-lights display on an acreage, with immersive holiday setups, candy-cane mazes, and more. Great for getting out of the core Valley but still staying festive.
- Holiday & craft markets — Think handmade gifts, local vendors, hot drinks and cozy energy. These complement the big light shows and skating rinks if you want a more relaxed, shopping-meets-holiday vibe.
- Neighborhood and community light displays — Sometimes the best, low-key holiday magic happens right in local neighborhoods. Street-by-street displays, synchronized lights, and quirky holiday decor make for an easy post-dinner drive or casual night out.
How to Plan Your Holiday Nights — Tips from a Local (Because Desert Christmas Is Its Own Kind of Magic)
- Book ahead when you can. Big-name events like ZooLights, Luminarias, and resort experiences often sell out (or get busy). Getting tickets for a weeknight can help avoid crowds.
- Dress warm-ish… and bring a jacket. Desert nights get chilly once the sun dips — especially if you’re walking trails or sitting outdoors watching lights.
- Combine events for a full evening. Think: early dinner, then hit a light show or ice rink. Or brunch + holiday market + stroll under lights.
- Use the weeknights to your advantage. Mid-week visits tend to be easier for parking and less crowded, compared to weekends when holiday traffic spikes.
- Don’t be afraid to mix spectacle and chill. Over-the-top light shows and quiet, lantern-lit gardens both bring festive magic — and often in totally different ways.
Why Holiday Events in the Valley Feel Special
There’s something almost magical about celebrating holiday season in the desert. Without snow, but with palm trees, mild nights, warm days, and creative holiday spirit — the Valley transforms in its own unique way. Lights drape over saguaros, resorts turn into whimsical winter wonderlands, and botanical gardens glow under desert sky backdrops.
Whether you’re a local, a newcomer, or just visiting, these holiday events give you a chance to experience something few places get to — a true “desert winter wonderland.”
So grab your scarf (or maybe a jacket), grab the ones you love, and get ready to make holiday memories under Arizona skies.
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