Christmas is going to be here before you know it, and it’s essential to get the holiday pictures with Santa taken care of and sent to all distant and close relatives as soon as possible. Oh, and we can’t forget the most important thing of all: letting the little ones tell Santa all the toys they want for Christmas. To make things a little easier, we put together a list of the best places one can go to see Santa and celebrate the Christmas season upon us.
Christmas at the Princess
The eighth-annual festival that brings the North Pole to Scottsdale is the ultimate Christmas destination in the Valley. Christmas at the Princess includes an ice skating rink, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, holiday character appearances and a S’mores land (yum!). The cool thing about Christmas at the Princess is that one will have the chance to see Santa in his secret headquarters where one can write their wish lists as well as hang with the elves and learn their secret pledge.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31
https://www.scottsdaleprincess.com/Seasonal-Events/Christmas-at-the-Princess
CitySkate Phoenix
Ice skating in Downtown Phoenix, under the night sky, is a must this holiday season, but come out on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and make sure to take a special pic with Santa under the Phoenix night sky as well!
CitySkate Phoenix
Nov. 24 - Jan. 7
Santa’s Headquarters in the Desert
HGTV is teaming up with Scottsdale Fashion Square and bringing a Santa Claus headquarters with a modern and technologically advanced twist. Activities will include taking an “Elfie Selfie,” starring in your very own holiday video, using “Elf-Ray Vision” to explore Santa’s Observatory and using the Naughty or Nice O’Meter to discover your ranking on the list. Oh, and of course photos with Santa will be taking place on his newly modernized sleigh. Santa’s Headquarters in the Desert will be held Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Nov. 10 - Dec. 24
Cookies with Claus
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers a different type of event where children can help bake cookies with the Claus family (and the Four Seasons pastry team) to take home and enjoy. This also includes a special story time session with Santa (with photo opportunities at the end), gingerbread decorating and holiday-ornament decorating. While all this is taking place, adults are more than welcome to indulge in a gourmet hot cocoa and coffee bar, breakfast items and maybe a mimosa or two. Cookies with Claus will be held Dec. 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with tickets priced at $45.
Four Seasons Scottsdale
Dec. 16 and Dec. 23
Skate Westgate
Skate Westgate—inspired by skating in Central Park—is the West Valley’s only real outdoor ice skating rink. This is the ideal—and magical—place to get the most bang for your buck offering free horse-drawn carriage rides and best of all—free photos with Santa! Pictures with Santa are from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Wastage Entertainment District
Nov. 21 - Dec. 31
http://www.westgateaz.com/holiday/
Santa Letter Writing Program
This is the perfect alternative for those who are a little shy, nervous and maybe even scared to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him all the good (and naughty) things they've done throughout the year and items they wish to wake up to Christmas Day. Macy’s and Make-A-Wish have teamed up for a signature event where one can write a letter to Santa and, for each letter, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish.
Macy’s at Chandler Fashion Center
Nov. 8 - Dec. 24
https://www.macys.com/social/believe/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-believe-_-n-_-n
Pet Pics with Santa
Who said pictures with Santa can’t include your favorite four-legged family member? Park West is offering pictures with Santa that includes the VIP members of the family. One can bring the family’s dog and/or cat with their cleanest coat and dressed up in their best attire for pictures with Mr. Claus. Who knows, they might have a special something they need to tell Santa for their wish list as well. Pet night will be Thursday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Park West Peoria
Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
Breakfast, Coffee, Movies and Santa
Eat some breakfast at the newest Biltmore brunch spot Over Easy, grab some hot cocoa or cider at Press Coffee and snag a pic with Saint Nicholas all in one place. Santa Claus will be making a surprise visit to the new Biltmore center outside of Over Easy and Press Coffee. In addition to Santa and the yummy breakfast and coffee, holiday movies will be playing on the big screen as well as patio games like ping pong and shuffleboard. This free event will be taking place Dec. 16 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Press Coffee and Over Easy
Dec. 16 and Dec. 23
2390 E. Camelback Dr., Phoenix 85016
ZooLights with Santa
A treasured tradition in the Valley is returning this year for the 26th season where guests are able to enter the Phoenix Zoo after hours and walk around looking at the various lights as well as listening to carolers, bell choirs and other entertainment groups. In addition to all of the other guests, a special guest that goes by the name Santa Claus will be available until Dec. 23 for photo opportunities and small chats. Ticket prices range from $10.95 to $19.95 depending on the evening.
Phoenix Zoo
Nov. 22 - Jan. 14
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Experience a rustic, yet charming and homey, Santa’s Wonderland like the one at Bass Pro Shops. This includes free photos with Santa, rustic Christmas cabins, a log-building area, arts and crafts station for making Christmas decorations and an area for writing letters to Santa. Not only can one get a free photo with Santa, but also a custom Christmas video to share online with the family. Photos with Santa is open Monday through Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Bass Pro Shop Mesa
Nov. 11 - Dec. 24
