Loading the family into the car and driving around the neighborhood to check out the holiday lights in your area is definitely one way to get into the mood of the season. But to up the holiday spirit ante even more, consider bringing everyone to a larger event, filled with all of the lights, sights, and sounds of the season.
From hayrides to see the most famous reindeer of all and drive-through displays featuring more than a million lights, to shopping opportunities, games, delicious food, entertainment, and more, these events offer outstanding and enjoyable ways to boost your holiday cheer.
Visit each event's website to view the full schedules, including dates, times, and ticket prices.
West Valley Wonderland
This festive holiday event, held on Dec. 9 and 10, offers ample opportunity for holiday shopping. Attendees can also enjoy thrilling rides, indulge in tasty food and beverages, and much more.
West Valley Wonderland at State Farm Stadium in Glendale features a wide variety of vendors selling unique crafts. The event also spotlights performances by talented local groups spreading holiday cheer through music and dance, as well as fun games complete with prizes.
1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale
Pratt Brothers Christmas
Billed as “The Biggest Christmas Celebration in Arizona,” Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features more than six million lights, a festive and sparkling light show, holiday shopping, and more. The event runs through December 31.
Enjoy a train ride and then watch a thrilling stunt show before taking in the talented entertainment and nightly parade. The experience, which is all new this year, is a memorable way to spend time with family this holiday season.
5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
This fun family event at Schnepf Farms truly has something for everyone. Hop on Santa’s Reindeer Hayride to go visit Rudolph and see Santa’s workshop and take a ride on the World of Illumination Express. Challenge yourself to get through “the world’s largest” inflatable obstacle course, give ice skating a try, or test your skills at glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
The event, which is open on select days through Dec. 24, also features bonfire s’mores, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, visits with Santa, holiday shopping, and more.
24810 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
World of Illumination
World of Illumination presents two local events this year—one at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe and one at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale. The drive-through light shows are between 20 and 30 minutes long and feature more than a million lights.
The Tempe event, called Cosmic Sleighride, features Shiny the Star who helps take visitors through an out-of-this-world holiday invasion.
The theme of the Glendale event is Reindeer Road. Join Ranger Reno and journey through mountains and glacial peaks before getting to Santa’s Workshop.
2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe
9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale