Phoenix Christmas Tree Lightings

 
 
 

The Valley is celebrating the best part of the season with its own take on tree lighting ceremonies, from Santa Claus visits to tumbleweed trees to free cookies and cocoa. Don’t just limit yourself to one ceremony this season, but check out our entire roundup of the best Valley tree lightings.

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5th Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Nov. 20; 5:30-10 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit with delicious spiced cider and cookies, strolling carolers and, of course, a four-story, musically animated Christmas tree with more than 67,0000 LED lights that twinkle to the holiday’s best songs. Spend an evening at the Princess skating, taking a train ride, or trying out the new Christmas carousel. Get more info at http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com/seasonal-events/christmas-at-the-princess.

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Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & First Snow Fall

Fountain Park

Nov. 25; 6:30 p.m.

Witness Westgate Entertainment District as it turns into a magical winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, performances and the first snowfall of the season. Santa will arrive with the lighting of the holiday tree at 7 p.m. Go to http://westgateaz.com/holiday for more information.

 

Miracle on Main Street

Kierland Commons

Nov. 29; 12-9 p.m.

Join Kierland Commons as they kick off their festive activities starting Nov. 29 through Dec. 20. The Miracle on Main Street event wouldn’t be complete without a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, gingerbread cookie decorating and a gourmet s’mores section. The tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m., and you can end the night with a horse-drawn carriage ride. For more info, go to http://www.kierlandcommons.com/Events/MiracleOnMainStreet_2014.

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3rd Annual Santa Social

Scottsdale Quarter

Nov. 29; 2-7 p.m.

The best part of this Santa Social, aside from the lighting of the holiday tree, is getting free family photos. Bring your whole family, and even your pets, for an afternoon of holiday entertainment! There will even be animal adoptions with the Arizona Animal Welfare League. 

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Fantasy of Lights

Mill Avenue, Tempe

Nov. 29; 6 p.m.

Make your way to Mill Avenue for a glittering parade with more than 40 floats, balloons, clowns, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. At the conclusion of the parade, a festively decorated holiday tree will be ceremonially lit followed by family photos with Santa. See more details at http://www.millavenue.com/entertainment-and-events/fantasyoflights

 

Holiday Tree Lighting and Hot Cocoa Stroll

Market Street at DC Ranch

Dec. 4; 5:30-8 p.m.

Join Market Street at DC Ranch vendors for a day of shopping and errand-running as they serve various kinds of deliciously toasty hot chocolate, from Safeway to Fleming’s Steak House to Grimaldi’s Pizza. Stick around for the free holiday tree lighting as well while you sip on your warm drinks. 

 

Tree Lighting Celebration

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

Dec. 5; 5:30-7 p.m.

Celebrate the season and watch as Pointe Hilton’s mountainside holiday tree comes to life with festive lights. The night will also feature carolers, free hot chocolate and cookies to keep you warm, and a special visit from Mrs. Claus.

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13th Annual Surprise Party

Surprise Recreation Campus

Dec. 5; 6-8 p.m.

It’s no surprise that this party will be packed with a tree lighting ceremony, balloon glow and live entertainment. If one day isn’t enough fun, though, the following day will include arts and crafts, elephant rides and pictures with Santa at the same place. Check http://www.surpriseaz.gov/index.aspx?NID=491 for more info.

 

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57th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights

A.J. Chandler Park

Dec. 7; 4:30-9 p.m.

Experience a new kind of tree lighting tradition with the unique Tumbleweed Tree courtesy of Chandler. Another staple at the event is the Parade of Lights, which starts at 7 p.m. Bring your family and make sure to wear your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Sweater Contest. Check http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=165 for more details.