The holidays are in full swing this weekend, Dec. 13 to Dec. 15, as Christmas is just around the corner! It is truly the most wonderful time of the year in the Valley. From a magical boat parade to the Disney Junior Holiday Party, there is no shortage of December cheer.
Friday
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Celebrate the season at the Desert Botanical Garden this Friday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Las Noches de las Luminarias will feature over 8,000 luminaria bags lighting up the grounds of the gardens. Listen to holiday tunes, eat and cherish the holiday cheer. Tickets start at $10.95.
Lights at The Farm
From a holiday hay maze to a tunnel of lights, Vertuccio Farms is sure to ignite the holiday spirit. From 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Lights at The Farm is your ideal location to celebrate the season and admire the synchronized holiday lights. Tickets start at $10 online.
Holiday Lights at McCormick Railroad Park
From 6:30 to 9 p.m., hop on board the historical steam locomotives at McCormick Railroad Park for a holiday light experience you’ll never forget. Santa will be making an appearance, and there will also be an ugly sweater contest. Tickets range from $3 to $15.
Saturday
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Delight in the holiday cheer this Saturday evening at the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. There will be over 50 beautifully decorated boats in theme of the holidays. Guests can also enjoy food, fireworks and a holiday market. Admission is free, and the fun starts at 4 p.m. at Tempe Beach Park.
Uptown Plaza Holiday Celebration
Still need a family photo with Santa? Head over to Uptown Plaza for all of your holiday needs. Plus, the photo op is free! Hot cocoa and Christmas activities will keep the kids busy while you shop around. Start your holidays off the right way at Uptown Plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Spirit of Christmas
Tempe Dance Academy invites you to the Chandler Center for the Arts in honor of a classic holiday celebration. The Spirit of Christmas makes their 32nd appearance spreading cheer for all to hear. Enjoy a multi-cultural performance in celebration of Christmas around the world. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $28.
ELF Academy
The elves of the North Pole are making their way to Desert Ridge Marketplace this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free workshops, letters to Santa, and a meet and greet with Old Saint Nick is sure to ring in the holiday spirit.
Sunday
Disney Junior Holiday Party
Come out and celebrate the holidays with Mickey Mouse and friends Dec. 15 at the Comerica Theatre. Starting at 3 p.m., your kiddos can sing along to their favorite holiday tunes with their favorite Disney characters. It doesn’t get much better than that. Tickets for the Disney Junior Holiday Party start at $63.
Holiday Bricktacular
Deck out Santa’s sleigh or go on a scavenger hunt this weekend at the LegoLand Discovery Center: Holiday Bricktacular. Little ones will love engaging in the many different holiday themed activities. Join in starting at 8:30 a.m., and tickets start at $17.95.
A Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail
This holiday tradition is back for its 24th year. A Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail will be showing at Valley Youth Theater and is sure to bring Christmas joy into your heart. The play will begin at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Ticket prices vary due to seating.
