Skate Westgate
When: Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025
Skate Westgate is a festive ice-skating event at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona. Running from November 1, 2024, to January 20, 2025, it offers an outdoor skating experience on a real ice rink surrounded by a holiday-themed setting. This activity is perfect for all skill levels and ages, from beginners to seasoned skaters.
The Polar Express
When: Nov. 8 – Dec. 30, 2024
The Polar Express is a beloved holiday-themed train ride experience inspired by the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg and the animated movie. Many locations around the U.S. and internationally offer immersive Polar Express events during the holiday season.
World of Illumination
When: Nov. 15 – Dec. 29, 2024
World of Illumination is a spectacular holiday light show that runs from November 16 to December 29, 2024, featuring different themed experiences in multiple locations. In Glendale, Arizona, the theme is “Rockin’ Christmas,” where visitors can enjoy a mile-long drive-through light show synchronized with festive music. The event is hosted at the Desert Diamond Casino and runs from Tuesday to Sunday, with specific additional Mondays included. In Tempe, Arizona, another installment of the show, “Enchanted Safari,” offers a different experience that transports guests through a vibrant, jungle-themed adventure. This event is hosted at Tempe Diablo Stadium and follows the same schedule as the Glendale event.
Glendale Glitters
When: Nov. 21 – Jan 7, 2025
Glendale Glitters is an annual holiday celebration in Downtown Glendale, Arizona, renowned for its stunning light displays. For its 31st anniversary in 2024, the event will showcase over 1.6 million LED lights illuminating Murphy Park and the surrounding area. The festivities typically include live music, food vendors, holiday shopping, and photo opportunities with Santa. Admission is free, making it a family-friendly attraction.
Christmas at the Princess
When: Nov. 22, 2024 -Jan 4, 2025
Christmas at the Princess is a magical holiday experience hosted at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Highlights include Stunning Light Displays, Ice Adventures, Santa Experiences, Rides and Activities, Family Fun, and much more.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
When: Nov. 29 – Dec, 24, 2024
Christmas at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona, offers a festive family experience from November 29 to December 24, 2024. This popular event features over 30 acres of holiday-themed activities like, Illumination Express Train Ride, Santa’s toy shop, cozy campfires with s’mores, hot chocolate, and seasonal craft cocktails, and much more.
Zoo Lights
When: Nov. 27, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at The Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights! Get in the holiday spirit as millions of twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a dazzling spectacle, guiding you through the illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats and Zoo trails.
Holiday Lights at McCormick Stillman Rail Road Park
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2024
Join us, as we transform into a mesmerizing winter wonderland illuminated with holiday lights and enchanting displays. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and embark on a journey through this captivating seasonal spectacle. Don’t miss your chance to create cherished memories with loved ones.
Merry Main Street
When: Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025
Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa, Arizona, is a holiday festival featuring a Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a menorah lighting, food trucks at Pioneer Park, and visits with Santa (free on weekends). Events also include “Gnome on the Roam” for prizes and holiday performances at the Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights add to the festive atmosphere.
Miracle on 34th Street at Phoenix Theater
When: Dec. 4-5, 7, 13-15, 20-23 &, 26, 2024
“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Show” will be performed at The Phoenix Theatre Company from November 20 to December 28, 2024. This adaptation transports audiences back to a cozy 1947 radio studio, blending original songs and beloved Christmas carols to tell the classic story of Kris Kringle, who claims to be the real Santa Claus. The narrative revolves around the impact of his joyful spirit on Doris Walker, a skeptical Macy’s executive, and her young daughter, Susan.
Made with Love Holiday Street Fair
When: Dec 6-7, 13-15, 18-23, 26-30, 2024
The Made with Love Holiday Street Fair is a festive event taking place in Gilbert, Arizona, at the San Tan Village Mall. This market will showcase local artisans and vendors, offering a wide range of handmade goods, perfect for holiday shopping.
Drive through the light displays in the Moon Valley Neighborhood
When: Dec. 1-25, 2024
Moon Valley’s residential streets transform into vibrant displays of synchronized music and colorful lights. The neighborhood’s long-standing tradition includes themed decorations and competitions that make it one of Phoenix’s top destinations for holiday cheer. Don’t miss the luminarias on Christmas Eve!
Holiday Cocktails at Century Grand
When: Dec. 1-24, 2024
The Holiday Cocktails at Century Grand event offers a festive and immersive cocktail experience in Phoenix. This renowned venue, celebrated as one of North America’s best bars, features three distinct cocktail bars, each with a unique theme and ambiance. The holiday season cocktails will likely reflect the festive spirit, incorporating seasonal ingredients and themes into the drink offerings. Given the popularity of Century Grand, reservations are highly recommended
The Nutcracker Ballet Arizona
When: Dec. 6-24, 2024
Ballet Arizona’s production of The Nutcracker is set to enchant audiences from December 6 to December 24, 2024, at Symphony Hall in Downtown Phoenix. This beloved holiday classic, choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Ib Andersen, will feature 17 performances with matinee and evening shows. Due to high demand, two additional performances have been added on December 19 at 7 PM and December 23 at 5:30 PM
Crafeteria Holiday Market
When: Dec. 6, 2024
The Crafeteria Holiday Market is set to take place in Phoenix on December 8, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This popular indie craft festival is known for showcasing a variety of local crafters and makers, ensuring that every item is handmade and unique. It offers a fantastic opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.
Glendale Glitters
When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 7, 2025
Glendale Glitters will kick off on November 24, 2023, and run through January 1, 2024. This festive event takes place in Murphy Park, located at 5850 W. Glendale Ave, and will feature beautiful holiday decorations, including a gigantic snowman and a 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with dancing lights and music. The lights will be illuminated nightly, and there will be free holiday performances every Friday and Saturday at the Murphy Park Amphitheater, making it a great spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Christmas at the Princess
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2024
Christmas at the Princess is set to return for its 15th annual celebration from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This festive event features an incredible array of activities, including over 10 million twinkling lights, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and themed attractions like the Princess Express train ride and S’moresland. Visitors can expect enchanting displays such as a musical tree with 70,000 LED lights, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, and unique holiday experiences including character meet-and-greets with Santa and his helpers.
Made with Love Holiday Street Fair
When: Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
The Made with Love Holiday Street Fair is a festive event taking place in Gilbert, Arizona, at the San Tan Village Mall. This market will showcase local artisans and vendors, offering a wide range of handmade goods, perfect for holiday shopping.
Phoestivus
When: Dec. 12-14, 2024
Phoestivus 2024 is a festive outdoor holiday market taking place in Phoenix from December 12 to December 14. The event is held at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers’ Market located at 720 N 5th Street. This popular market features over 175 local vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food options, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and celebrating the season.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
When: Dec. 14, 2024
The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is a cherished holiday tradition in Tempe, Arizona, set for December 14, 2024. This festive event begins at 4 PM with a holiday market featuring local vendors offering food, drinks, and holiday gifts at Tempe Beach Park. The highlight of the evening is the boat parade, which starts at 7 PM, showcasing a dazzling array of decorated boats that navigate around Tempe Town Lake. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks display around 8:15 PM.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts
When: Dec. 14-15, 2024
The Phoenix Festival of the Arts will take place on December 14-15, 2024, at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. This annual event celebrates local art, music, and food, attracting over 12,000 attendees each year.
