The holiday season is here and the Valley has transformed into a festive wonderland with activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cozy indoor experiences, or family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season’s magic. Here’s your guide to holiday fun that’s happening in the Valley and beyond.
For more holiday events and happenings, follow us on social media and visit CITYSunTimes.com.
Western Holidays at Stagecoach Village
From 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 guests can enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, letter writing to Santa, face painting by Sonoran Arts League and a tractor parade at 6 p.m. For refreshments there will be hot apple cider provided by Stickhorse Gallery.
Where: 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek.
Cost: Free entry.
More information: westernholidayscc.com.
Stroll in the Glow
This traditional local event is the perfect place to celebrate the festivities of the holidays. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 join Mayor Ginny Dickey as thousands of twinkling lights are illuminated. The Stroll will feature the traditional "Lighting of the Avenue" around 5:45 p.m. on the Avenue of the Fountains - including the official Town of Fountain Hills Christmas Tree! Plus, Santa Claus himself will make an appearance.
Where: Downtown Fountain Hills.
Cost: Free.
More information: fhchamber.com.
Christmas at the Princess
Through Jan. 4, 2025, visit one of the country’s premier holiday spectaculars located right in Scottsdale at the Fairmont Princess. With 65 acres of Christmas magic, the event features 10 million lights, 128 fire tables and igloos, a 120-foot tall ferris wheel, a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink and more! “Stay and Play” packages are available for purchase on their website.
Where: 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale.
Cost: Tickets start at $35.
More information: christmasattheprincess.com.
JoJo’s shakeBAR’s Winter Wonderland
JoJo’s shakeBar has transformed into a winter wonderland featuring festive decor, seasonal treats and interactive holiday workshops. Highlights include towering eight-foot nutcrackers, peppermint shakes and holiday cocktails. Hands-on activities such as ornament painting, a holly jolly mixology class and gingerbread house decorating workshop will also be available for guests to sign up for.
Where: 15037 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite J150, Scottsdale.
Cost: Price varies.
More information: jojosshakebar.com.
Scottsdale Quarter’s Holiday Festivities
Scottsdale Quarter is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer. From pet-friendly festivities to heartwarming toy drives, live music and holiday movies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. See their online event calendar for all of the details.
Where: 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Cost: Many events are free.
More information: scottsdalequarter.com/events.
World of Illumination
The World of Illumination is bringing two themed holiday light drive-through experiences to Arizona. It’ll be a “magical road trip” as over a million lights, synced to music, brighten the night.
Until Dec. 29 patrons can purchase tickets for “Rockin’ Christmas” in Glendale and “Enchanted Safari” in Tempe.
Where: 9431 E. Northern Ave., Glendale and 2200 E. Alameda Drive, Tempe.
Cost: Tickets per vehicle start at $39.99.
More information: worldofillumination.com.
Desert Ridge Marketplace
Desert Ridge Marketplace is celebrating the holiday season with a lineup of festivities. Highlights include photos with Santa on select dates and the return of the 12 Days of Snowfall tradition. Shoppers can enjoy cocktails through Sip & Stroll while exploring the marketplace’s new holiday décor and photo ops, including a star tunnel and nutcracker displays.
Where: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix.
Cost: Price varies.
More information: shopdesertridge.com.
SnowFest
Presented by Valley Toyota Dealers at Salt River Fields, tickets are available through Jan. 4, 2025. They’re bringing a winter wonderland to the desert with over 350 tons of real snow. Visitors can enjoy snowball throwing contests, snowman building, and a 20-foot toboggan hill. Highlights include Santa’s House, a snow-filled cabin with light shows, festive Igloo Bars, and a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Where: 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale.
Cost: $25 adult general admission and $15 for kids 12 and under.
More information: holidaysnowfest.com.
Phoenix ZooLights
Through Jan. 12, 2025 the Phoenix Zoo will be decked out in millions of dazzling lights creating a holiday spectacle. Enjoy new light shows, stroll through a 200-foot-long tunnel and warm up with treats by cozy s’mores pits. Guests will get to immerse themselves within enchanting visuals, festive music and have the chance to snap photos with Santa.
Where: 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix.
Cost: $30 per person.
More information: phoenixzoo.org.
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza
The month-long holiday celebration, Scottsdazzle, includes festive events at various locations through Dec. 31. Featured events include Meet Santa at the Market, Merry Movie Night, Scottsdazzle Stroll, Gold Palette ArtWalk, Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa, Dazzling Magic Shows, Peppermint Plaza and more!
Where: Old Town Scottsdale.
Cost: Free entry for most events.
More information: scottsdazzle.com.
Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker”
Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker” returns to Symphony Hall in Phoenix from Dec. 6 through 24, offering 15 performances accompanied by The Phoenix Symphony. Choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Ib Andersen, this production has been praised as one of the finest in the U.S. Audiences will get the chance to watch Clara’s journey through this beloved holiday classic.
Where: 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix.
Cost: Prices vary.
More information: balletaz.org.
APS Electric Light Parade
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the 37th annual APS Electric Light Parade starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. The parade begins at Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. and ends at 7th St. and Indian School Road. Parking is available on the city streets around the parade route on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Where: Downtown Phoenix.
Cost: Free entry.
More information: phoenix.gov/parks/elp.
A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER
The Phoenix Ballet, joined by Master Ballet Academy dancers, presents an updated version of their holiday show “A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER,” on Dec. 14 and 15. This year’s performance will include viral ballet influencers and live music by the 57-piece Chandler Symphony Orchestra.
Where: 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
Cost: Price varies.
More information: phoenixballet.org.
Happy Holidays, With Love
With three shows over Dec. 14 and 15, Bender Performing Arts in association with the DanceMotion Performing Company presents “Happy Holidays, With Love.” Throughout the heartfelt holiday ballet, the Tinsel Family explores the imperfections behind a seemingly perfect family portrait, as each member embarks on a magical journey through classic holiday tales.
Where: 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix.
Cost: $22 per person.
More information: benderperformingarts.com/tickets.
VJC Alumni Band + Christmas Concert
Celebrate the season as top Phoenix jazz artists take the stage with Valley Jazz Cooperative alums on Dec. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. They’ll be playing an arrangement of holiday classics, “infusing Ravenscroft Hall with the spirit of Christmas.”
Where: 8445 E. Hartford Dr., Scottsdale.
Cost: $25 per person, $10 for students.
More information: theravenscroft.com.
North Pole Experience in Flagstaff
From Santa’s original workshop to an updated toy factory experience, toy hall of fame, a hand-on toy assembly, ELF University, magic trolley rides and more, the North Pole Experience is back for its 16th season. Through Dec. 24 the North Pole Experience offers an immersive Christmas adventure with activities for all ages.
Where: 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff.
Cost: $52 - $76.
More information: northpoleexperience.com.
