7 Holiday Hotspots

 Here are the top six spots that turn Arizona into a winter wonderland come holiday season. 

Polar Express

The Grand Canyon Railway comes alive each holiday season to reenact the classic children’s tale, Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Guests will hop on the train in Williams and be transported to the “North Pole,” complete with hot chocolate, cookies, Santa and his reindeer. “It is a 1.25-hour journey to the North Pole with singing, hot cocoa and cookies, and a reading of the book on the trip. And, of course, Santa boards the train for the trip back to present a special gift to children of all ages,” says Bruce Brossman, director of sales. Ticket prices vary based on time and age. thetrain.com/polarexpress. 

North Pole Experience

Families will love being transported into Santa’s Workshop with the North Pole Experience. Children can build toys with the elves, visit the toy factory and talk one-on-one with Santa. Located in Flagstaff, the Experience begins with a magical trolley ride through the magic portal and into Santa’s authentic workshop. Tickets are $42 per person in the daytime, or $55 per adult and $49 per child in the evening.  northpoleexperience.com. 

Zoolights

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo is an event unlike any other. With 3.7 million lights and 700 light displays, the zoo shimmers with holiday spirit. Guests can grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll through the zoo, admiring all of the animal-themed light displays. Families will enjoy watching the breathtaking Music in Motion light shows and riding on the Polar Slide and the FlyWire. The zoo also features special events throughout the season to accompany Zoolights. Ticket prices vary. phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights. 

Christmas at the Princess

Each year, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess comes alive with holiday cheer and transforms into a winter wonderland. The Valley resort features the Desert Ice Skating Rink; more than 1.6 million lights around the resort’s breathtaking lagoons; a four-story musical tree complete with 65,000 twinkling lights; and Kringle’s Korner which features toys, ornaments and holiday gifts for the whole family. The event is open to the public. scottsdaleprincess.com/seasonal-events/christmas-at-the-princess. 

Schnepf Farms Winter Wonderland

For three weeks of the holiday season, Schnepf Farms is made over into a jolly Winter Wonderland. Guests can skate around on the eco-friendly ice skating rink, pick their very own Christmas trees, go snow sledding, attend a bonfire, have breakfast with Santa, hop on one of the hayrides, feed Santa’s deer and more. The entire family will enjoy all of the holiday-themed activities located in Queen Creek. Prices vary depending on each activity. schnepffarms.com. 

Winterhaven 

For 60-plus years, the neighborhood of Winterhaven has put on a spectacular Festival of Lights. While the event is Winterhaven’s gift to the community, they ask for donations to the Tucson Community Food Bank from all who can donate. As one of the longest running festivals in the country, Winterhaven is a beloved tradition in Southern Arizona. Guests can walk or drive through the neighborhood, located in Tucson, and see all the beautiful light displays. Families will also love the hayrides and trolley rides offered through the event. winterhavenfestival.org. 

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Desert Botanical Garden turns into a twinkling masterpiece as more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags light the pathways during Las Noches de las Luminarias. Guests are invited to enjoy carolers and hot drinks during this anticipated annual event.

—Ashley Pearlstein

POLAR EXPRESS, ABOVE