Photo Courtesy of the North Pole Experience
Santa, snow, sweaters, shopping and sugar plums. The Valley is transforming into a winter wonderland! This season, the desert will be filled with ice rinks, colossal Christmas trees, holiday lights and opportunities to form new family traditions.
The Polar Express at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
Live out a childhood dream while forming a brand-new family tradition. An iconic experience unique to Arizona has returned. Tag along as the Polar Express ventures from the dark woods of Williams to the miraculous North Pole. Enjoy deliciously warm cookies and cocoa along the way. Upon arrival, Santa will board the train to greet every nice child with a gift. The train departs at 5:30 each night. Book your visit here.
The North Pole Experience at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff (pictured)
Make this year’s Christmas unforgettable by paying a visit to Santa’s home. Hop on a trolley as it departs the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff and heads toward the hidden forest housing the North Pole. Upon arrival, families will assist elves in toy building, attend Elf University, visit Mrs. Clause, indulge in the bakery and much more. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at Santa’s “Area 47” sleigh hangar where his sleigh, mission control center and radar systems are located. To say goodbye, each family will get the chance to privately visit with Santa. Plan your experience now.
Santa HQ at Chandler Fashion Center and Scottsdale Fashion Square
HGTV has revolutionized visits with Santa at the mall. This interactive and technologically advanced experience allows children a sneak peek into Santa’s secret headquarter, workshop, and elf academy. Children can also check their standing on the naughty-or-nice meter, explore Santa’s workshop using elf-ray vision, view the elves’ newest creations, take a photo with Santa inside his sleigh and much more. The holiday experience will be open at both locations for regular shopping hours until Dec. 24. On Dec. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m at Chandler Fashion Center and Dec. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Scottsdale Fashion Square, the HQs will host a special sensory Santa event for children with autism.
Additionally, on Dec. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m., Chandler Fashion Center will host a pajama party, thrown by elves Jack and Strawberry. Santa’s elves will share stories as their guests indulge in milk and cookies, create Christmas crafts and explore the HQ. On Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Scottsdale Fashion Square will host its pajama party with a reading of Rich Berra’s The Tale of Christmas Carol. For more information, fast passes, and photo packages visit shopchandlerfashioncenter.com/santahq or fashionsquare.com/santahq.
Yappy Hour at Chandler Fashion Center
Every Monday until Dec. 16, Santa will be posing for pictures with pups while their owners enjoy mocktails and possibly adopt a new fur baby. The photo op will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lower level Macy’s court. For more information visit shopchandlerfashioncenter.com
Lights of the World at the Arizona State Fairgrounds (pictured)
Visit the largest holiday light show in North America. Located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, Lights of the World will return from Nov. 21 to Jan. 12. This event combines traditional and modern holiday décor for a unique experience that represents cultures and civilizations around the world. The grounds will host over 10,000,000 lights, 75 displays and thrilling surprises such as life-like dinosaurs, free carnival rides, an acrobatic and sea lion show and artisans. Starting Dec. 12, guests can also expect a free show from the famed Puppetone Rockers with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Lights of the World will be open every Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms
Immerse yourself in Vertuccio Farms’ joyous atmosphere. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 10, the farm will be embellished with over 2 million lights that twinkle to a collection of classic Christmas tunes. After a stroll through the lights, guests can take photos with Santa, ice skate, pose for pictures in giant ornaments, enjoy a barnyard animal display or warm up with some hot cocoa and s’mores near the fire pit. The farm is open 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the gate.
CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink at CityScape Phoenix (pictured)
A Downtown classic, CitySkate will reopen its doors to the public Nov. 23. On Nov. 29, the ice rink will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 3 to 11 p.m. Guests can expect Santa, performances from professional figures skaters and, of course, ice skating! Throughout the season, visitors are encouraged to indulge in CitySkate’s holiday treats and hot chocolate stand while enjoying carolers, holiday lights and much more. Looking to fully soak in the season? Downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix overlooks CitySkate and will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland where Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails will host “Miracle”— a Christmas-themed pop-up bar! For more information, visit phxicerink.com.
Let it Snow at Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace
This year, plan for snowfall to be a part of your holiday shopping. On Nov. 25, Desert Ridge Marketplace will host its second annual tree lighting ceremony and first snowfall. At 6 p.m., Santa, cheerful elves, Frosty the Snowman and cirque-style performers will sweep the district. Guests can also enjoy holiday libations such as hot toddies and spiked hot cocoa. The tree will be lit at 6:45 p.m. and snow will fall nightly from 7 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 31.
On Nov. 27 at 6 p.m., Tempe Marketplace invites guests to attend the lighting of their 60-foot tree and first snowfall. Prior to the tree lighting, attendees can enjoy a performance from professional ice-skaters. Snow will continue to fall every night from 7 to 8 p.m. until Dec. 31. Plus, Tempe Marketplace hosts Candy Cane Lane, a 100-plus-piece art installation featuring oversized lollipops, gumdrops and gingerbread men. New this year is a giant gumball machine that blows plastic balls around for Insta-perfect pics. The display will be on view through the end of the year.
Even better? Through Nov. 30, guests may be rewarded for holiday shopping. If holiday shoppers spend a total of $375 in the same day at either location, they will be rewarded with two tickets to Ballet Arizona’s notorious holiday performance, “The Nutcracker.” The total must be spent entirely at either Desert Ridge Marketplace or Tempe Marketplace. To redeem tickets, guests can take their receipts to the property’s management office.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a World of Illumination
Schnepf Farms has partnered with a World of Illumination to create an unforgettable and magical holiday experience. The farm invites locals to immerse themselves in a Christmas Village equipped with an ice-skating rink, vintage Christmas carousal, 4D state-of-the-art animated movie orchestrated by award winning pianist William Joseph, snow-glow mini golf, Santa’s toy shop, and the world’s largest inflatable Christmas-themed obstacle course. Visitors will also get the chance to decorate cookies with Mrs. Clause, roast marshmallows over an open fire, take a hayride to visit Santa’s reindeer and meet Saint Nick himself. To top it off, World of Illumination has created a train ride, complete with gleaming lights and music, that will transport guests through Santa’s magic portal. The holiday event will open its doors to the public Nov. 26 and run nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. until Jan. 4. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased onsite or online. Head to www.SchnepfChristmas.com for discounts, chances to win a family-pack and more information.
Christmas at the Princess (pictured)
A holiday go-to, Christmas at the Princess will return Nov. 26 and stay until Dec. 31. Join the Princess for its 10th-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The Princess’s four-story Christmas tree will be dressed in 70,000 LED lights that dance to 17 holiday songs. Experts of the season, the resort will host several joyous events that locals have molded into family traditions. For $55, guests will receive up to six wristbands that include access to the Princess Express Train, Copper Canyon Village Light Show, the Nativity Garden, S’mores Land Family Campfire, ice slide and ferris wheel and more. Attendees may also choose to visit Santa, soar across the ice rink, build a holiday bear or cozy up next to a fire pit. To learn more, visit scottsdaleprincess.com.
Zoolights at Phoenix Zoo
From Nov. 27 to Jan. 19, the Phoenix Zoo’s annual holiday celebration returns. Millions of gleaming lights entice locals for a winter stroll through the zoo. As visitors immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, they can enjoy hot chocolate, kettle corn and other holiday snacks. There will also be live reindeer and a 200-ft. Polar Slide. New this year, guests can expect a Wildlife Lantern Safari, symbolic of high hopes for a prosperous new year. Tickets range from $13.95 to $18.95 and can be purchased online.
Westgate Entertainment District’s Holiday Event Series
Skate Westgate, the West Valley’s beloved winter wonderland, has returned. Upon visiting Westgate, guests can glide across the notorious 3,500-square-foot ice rink, located in the Fountain Park. The rink will be open until Jan. 12. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased onsite. For more information visit westgateaz.com/skate. Additionally, Westgate will host their annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. Fountain Park will ring with Christmas carols and be illuminated with a 36-foot festively lit Christmas tree. Guests can also pose for pictures with Santa until Christmas Eve and receive one free digital photo. To enhance the magic of Christmas, the District will offer free horse-drawn carriage rides every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21. The rides will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and pick-up and drop-off guests at AMC Theatres roundabout.
Rawhide’s Snowy Christmas (pictured)
Dream no further, your white Christmas has arrived! Rawhide’s seventh-annual Snowy Christmas is returning Nov. 28 to Dec. 22. Visitors can enjoy holiday décor, thousands of lights, photo ops with Santa and even snowfall! Naughty or nice, children will get a chance to leave letters for Saint Nick at the “Delivery to the SW Pole” Post Office. Experience Rawhide’s Snowy Christmas every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is free to attend. Additionally, Rawhide Event Center will host a Holiday Buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8. With the purchase of a ticket, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat holiday cuisine as well as the Rawhide Express Train, Barnyard Express Train, a mechanical bull, Santa’s Paint Shed, ornament decorating, gold panning and a rock wall. For more information on Rawhide’s holiday celebrations, visit rawhide.com.
Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland
Already a gem of the Valley, Butterfly Wonderland is intensifying its lively environment with Christmas in the Rainforest. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, Butterfly Wonderland is complementing the beauty of their colorful butterflies with festive décor. The exhibit’s Christmas tree will be dressed in blue, silver and white, inspired by the blue morpho butterfly. There will also be unique opportunities to view hand-blown glass in the Garden art exhibit created by Scottsdale’s very own, Newt Grover. Additionally, Butterfly Princess Leslie Camp will be on site for meet and greets as Native American flute player, Aaron White and classical violinist, Jonathan Levingston plays the season’s spirited sound.
Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa
Beginning Nov. 29, Downtown Mesa will transform into a Winter Wonderland. Merry Main Street will kick off the season with a 5 p.m. lighting of a nearly four-story tall Christmas tree, located on Macdonald just north of Main Street. Upon visiting Downtown Mesa, expect a 5,000-sq.-ft. ice rink, Christmas market and Santa selfie stations. Every Friday and Saturday, Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest will be at Pioneer Park serving up delicious entrees for visitors to enjoy as they watch a holiday movie or ride on the Main Street Express train. On Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, Merry Main Street is encouraging guests of all ages to throw on their comfiest pajamas in preparation of a Polar Express-themed light rail car ride. The ride will include cookies, sing-alongs and a chance to meet Santa.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (pictured)
Gather your friends and family for a meaningful Christmas celebration at Desert Botanical Garden. Beginning Nov. 29, the Garden invites Valley locals and visitors to walk their trails, lined and lit with over 8,000 luminaria bags. The luminarias will be accompanied by live tunes, dining options and the Garden’s newest exhibit, Wild Rising by Cracking Art. Tickets are $34.95 for adults and 12.95 for children 12 or younger. Las Noches de las Luminarias will be open Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, Dec. 6 to Dec. 8, Dec. 13 to Dec. 15, Dec. 17 to Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 to Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Glendale Glitters
This season take advantage of Arizona’s largest free light display. From Nov. 29 to Jan. 11, 16 blocks of Downtown Glendale will be illuminated with over 1.6 million holiday lights. Downtown Glendale’s eminent lights are accompanied by snow, opportunities for holiday shopping, an array of entertainment, food vendors and much more. Glendale Glitters concludes the celebrations on Jan. 11 with Glitter and Glow, a party inclusive of live music and over 20 hot air balloons. The event is free to attend and one of Arizona’s most cherished holiday traditions. For more information visit glendaleaz.com.
“A Christmas Story the Play” at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Join Desert Stages Theater as they recreate Jean Shepherd’s Christmas classic, “A Christmas Story.” The performances will take place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22 every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit desertstages.org or call 480.483.1664.
Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale (pictured)
Scottsdazzle has returned and is prepared to spread Christmas cheer throughout Scottsdale. Old Town Scottsdale will host a month-long series of holiday-themed events beginning with Scottsdazzle’s signature kick off to Christmas, the Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony. On Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., local celebrities like MusicNova Orchestra will lead guests in a festive sing-along as Old Town’s specially designed Christmas tree is lit with an assortment of breathtaking colors. As the holidays progress, so will the Christmastide with events such as nightly light tours, wine tasting, an enchanting Sugar Plum Avenue, cheer-spreading canal concerts, a Sweet Treat Trail and much more. For a full event calendar, visit scottsdazzle.com.
Santa Social Holiday Extravaganza at the Scottsdale Quarter
Ring in the holidays with Santa at the Scottsdale Quarter on Nov. 30. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy holiday shopping, dining and holiday festivities. Guests can expect Santa’s arrival, selfie stations, log cabins selling holiday-themed merchandise, entertainment from Ooh La La Booths, interactive games, face painting, a tree lighting and puppy adoptions from Arizona Welfare League. The event will conclude with the classic holiday film, “Home Alone.” To learn more, visit scottsdalequarter.com.
Christown Cringles’ Workshop at Christown Spectrum Shopping Center
Santa has stationed his workshop at Christown Spectrum Shopping Center. He is inviting locals to visit Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, create Christmas crafts, drop a letter in his mailbox, listen to stories from his joyous elves, meet Frosty the Snowman and much more. Every Saturday, the first 100 visitor will receive a $5 Harkins gift card. Guests are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for Mrs. Claus’s shelf and toys for Santa’s sleigh. All items will be donated to a Phoenix food bank and children’s charity. The event is free to attend and will take place from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15.
Selfies with Santa at The Promenade Scottsdale
Fill this year’s holiday card of selfies with Santa. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, the Promenade is inviting guests to a holiday celebration that will include opportunities for selfies with Santa, a free hot chocolate bar and an ugly sweater-making station. Fur friends are welcome to attend this free event. To learn more visit scottsdalepromendade.com.
Christmas Movies at the Scottsdale Quarter
Spread the holiday spirit at the fifth-annual Christmas Movies at the Quarter. On select Fridays in December, guests can enjoy a classic Christmas film right next to the Quarter’s 35-foot tree. “Elf” will play on Dec. 6, Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 13 and “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 20. Each film is free to attend and begins at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Community Fundraiser
On Dec. 8, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain will kick off the holidays with a tree lighting celebration and fundraiser. From 5 to 7 p.m., the mountain resort will be filled with family sing-along, holiday sweets, photos with Santa, live music from the Tucson boys chorus, snow, a DIY stuffed animal station and a meet and greet with Ranger Ainsley, the yellow lab. The celebration is $5 to attend and will benefit the Arizona chapter of Canine Companions for Independence.
The Nutcracker at Symphony Hall (pictured)
They had us at “100,000 Swarovski crystals.” From Dec. 13 to Dec. 24, Ballet Arizona is performing the treasured holiday story for the 34th year. Guests will accompany Clara as she battles the evil Mouse King and embarks on a journey to the Sugar Plum Fairy. The show will include over 150 performers and glistening crystals dancing across the stage as the Phoenix Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s renown score. On Dec. 13, Dec. 15 and Dec. 23, arrive to Symphony Hall early for a free family fun night with coloring stations, a reading of The Nutcracker, a ballet class and face painting. Tickets can be purchased online.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
All aboard! McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights features a train ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad through a winter wonderland of lights and displays nightly from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Little ones can even meet Santa for $5 per family on the following dates from 6:30 to 9 p.m.: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1; Dec. 6 to Dec. 23.
