’Tis the season for holiday events galore! Read on to find out what’s happening at must-attend festivities across the Valley.
Scottsdazzle
Old Town Scottsdale
During Scottsdazzle, Old Town Scottsdale is full of holiday spirit with whimsical decor and sparkling lights twinkling throughout the streets. This series of events last through Dec. 31 and has something for everyone, including craft workshops, wine tastings, dining events, family-friendly activities, traditional holiday celebrations, and more. Visit the website to see the full event calendar. Scottsdazzle.com
Enchant
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
Enchant is the world’s largest holiday light event experience encompassing over 10 acres, featuring a dazzling installation of over four million sparkling multicolored lights creating a one-of-a-kind, story-themed walk-thru maze. There’s also a holiday tree that’s 100 feet tall. The event, which goes through the end of December, offers an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, interactive games, Santa visits, and a holiday marketplace featuring local artisans. EnchantMagic.com
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale
A Scottsdale tradition, hop on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. No trip to the park is complete without a spin on the historic Charros Carousel or a cup of hot cocoa from Hartley’s General Store. Lights are available nightly through Dec. 30. Santa will be there on specific nights, too. TheRailroadPark.com
Christmas at the Princess
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale
A winter wonderland in the middle of the desert, Christmas at the Princess is an annual must-attend event, whether you stay at the resort for the night or just visit for the evening. Ice skating, colorful characters, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment all season long are what’s in store at this must-experience holiday tradition. ScottsdalePrincess.com
The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle
ArtSpace Phoenix, Scottsdale
The Immersive Nutcracker, which runs through Jan. 2, 2023, is an ideal family outing, featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers via immersive projections. Immersive-Nutcracker.com
The Nutcracker
Phoenix Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Ballet Arizona takes to the Symphony Hall stage in grand fashion with this holiday classic, with performances happening from Dec. 9-24. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s classical score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. BalletAZ.org
ZooLights
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
You’ll find adventure everywhere at this Valley holiday tradition at Phoenix Zoo. This season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, with all-new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience, and a new music and light show that will take you around the world. Happening now through Jan. 15, 2023. PhoenixZoo.org
Phoestivus
Downtown Phoenix
Phoestivus, presented by Community Food Connections, is returning for its 13th year in a new location in Downtown Phoenix. The two-day outdoor holiday market is held Dec. 14-Dec. 15 and features more than 200 small businesses, music, live art, and delicious food. The free event is open to all ages and features locally grown and produced gifts for a unique shopping experience. Phoestivus.com
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
A Valley tradition, Las Noches de las Luminarias is an experience filled with sparkling luminarias and twinkling holiday lights. Musical performances, entertainment, and holiday delights line the Garden’s iconic trails at this holiday must-attend event held on select nights through December. DBG.org
World of Illumination
Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale
Each World of Illumination (WOI) drive-thru light show features a mile-long animated show set to music. WorldOfIllumination.com
Pratt Brothers Christmas & Holiday Spectacular
Bell Bank Park, Mesa
Billed as “one of the largest holiday entertainment experiences in the country,” the Pratt Brothers Christmas & Holiday Spectacular debuts this holiday season with an immersive Christmas Town, including six million lights, synchronized pyrotechnics, live entertainment, a ride-on attraction through “Sweet Street,” a Miracle Market, and more. The event goes through Jan. 1, 2023. PrattBrothersChristmas.com
Arizona Lights in the Night
Thompson Event Center, Mesa
Valley families can look forward to the Thompson Event Center's return of the Arizona Lights In The Night holiday-themed drive-thru light show, happening now through January 2023. The event includes seemingly endless lights, bigger-than-life candy canes, Christmas trees, snowmen, and more. ArizonaLightsInTheNight.com