It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess when the AAA Five Diamond resort transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, snow, Santa and more.
Open to the public, the annual Christmas at the Princess festival is a beloved Valley tradition that is sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit. Here are just some of the many whimsical activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy at the festival, which runs starting Nov. 22 through Dec. 31.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The magic begins on Nov. 22 at 6PM in the Enchanted Plaza with the can’t-miss iconic holiday tree lighting ceremony at the Scottsdale Princess that kicks off all of the other holiday attractions for the season. The tree lighting event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $25 to Cox Charities that benefits the #LoveUp Foundation for children in foster care. The resort is also accepting new unwrapped toys, gifts for teenagers and household items for young adults graduating out of the foster care system.
Holiday Characters
Your favorite characters from the North Pole can be found at the Princess resort all season long. Meet Princesses Noel and Angelica, Shivers the yeti, Peppermint Penguin, Selfie Elfie and more as your stroll through the magical grounds.
Santa’s Secret Headquarters
New to the festivities this year is Santa’s Secret Headquarters where kids of all ages can tell Santa their holiday wish list and have their photo taken with the Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself through Dec. 24.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop Pop-Up
Also new to the Princess festivities this year is the interactive Build-A-Bear Workshop. Head over to S’mores Land to make lasting memories with your little one having fun building and dressing a stuffed animal bear in holiday-themed clothing and accessories.
Desert Ice Skating Rink
Experience the best of both worlds, skating on real ice without the frigid cold weather. Take the kids for a spin on the 6,000-square-foot desert ice skating rink for $25 per person and enjoy a $5 discount when you bring your own skates. For the ultimate VIP experience, reserve a luxury rink-side fire pit tables complete with s’mores and blankets.
Lagoon Lights & Princess Express Trains
Enjoy a multi-sensory experience of sights and sounds when you visit the Lagoon Lights. Take a ride on the Princess Express Trains to view more than 4.5 million LED lights illuminate the resort’s lagoons decorated with elegant swans, a buccaneer pirate ship, mermaid, skating penguins, a candy cane forest and more.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends
As one of the most anticipated events of the festival, Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 23 is not to miss. Get comfy in your jammies and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa himself. Play reindeer games and dance to jolly tunes with Santa and his North Pole friends. Tickets are $75 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-12. Children two and under eat free with a paid adult. Reservations required by calling 480.585.2694. One complimentary photo with Santa will be provided with each reservation.
Admission to Christmas at the Princess is complimentary for hotel guests, who also receive VIP access to all rides and attractions. General admission and self-parking for non-hotel guests is $55 per vehicle.
For more information about Christmas at the Princess and to view all of the events and activities, please click here.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
