There’s something extra magical that a few strings of lights bring to a backyard at night or around a decorated tree during the holidays. So what happens when several thousand or a few million of them congregate in a beautifully, well-composed display of festive fantasy? Find out at these brilliant holiday lights events.
Chandler Tumbleweed Tree
No holiday would be complete without a visit to the iconic tree at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown. A hallmark of the holiday season, the tree stands over 50 feet tall and has been a Chandler tradition since 1957. The Tumbleweed Tree will be lit the first Saturday evening in December, and covered with glitter and thousands of holiday lights. In addition to the glowing pageantry, the celebration is complemented with live entertainment, food vendors, and other touches to put everyone in the spirited mood—as well as a visit by Santa himself. ChandlerAZ.gov
Vertuccio Farms
Take in the sights and sounds of Lights At The Farm, a synchronized Christmas light show that spans the destination's easy-to-stroll 10 acres. In addition to the dazzling displays, participate in a variety of family-friendly activities like the skating rink, holiday hay maze, mini golf, ping pong, cornhole, animal feeding area, and Christmas photo booth. VertuccioFarms.com
Schnepf Farms
Experience the wonder of the season with this brilliantly designed desert winter wonderland. Catch a ride on the Illumination Express, hop on a hayride to visit Rudolph, journey through Santa’s magic workshop, or participate in cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. Visit with Santa before a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf and don't forget to savor some bonfire s’mores. SchnepfChristmas.com
World of Illumination
More than two million animated lights dance to synchronized music for one mile throughout Tempe Diablo Stadium at this drive-thru extravaganza. All you need to do is get in your car, turn up the volume on your stereo, and buckle up. Enjoy a ride of more than 350 North Pole-themed installations along Reindeer Road, where you will whiz through mountainous terrain, traverse glacial peaks, explore ice caves, and meander through forests before arriving at Santa’s Workshop. WorldOfIllumination.com
Phoenix ZooLights
A perennial favorite for decades, this annual event boasts millions of twinkling lights amid dazzling animal sculptures, offering a unique nighttime experience. Explore the sparkly lit Outer Tropics Trail, take a walk through Zooville, and check out the Music-in-Motion Light shows on the main lake. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of ZooLights, a brand new display consists of 13 illuminated paintings showing various endangered species, including an elephant, hawksbill sea turtle, Amur leopard, Bornean orangutan, wolf, and Bali mynah bird. PhoenixZoo.org
Las Noches de las Luminarias
For 44 years, this event lights up the desert sky, trails, and landscape at the Desert Botanical Garden. Throughout, 8,000 flickering luminarias and more twinkling lights guide visitors through live holiday music performances spanning several genres and styles. In addition to the melodies, Chihuly in the Desert returns as Dale Chihuly’s stunning large-scale installations nestled among the desert plants add to the unique Southwest experience. Refreshments will be available along the trails, and the garden’s Patio Cafe and Gertrude’s Restaurant will offer additional options. DBG.org