Christmas at the Princess (pictured)
Kicking off Nov. 20 with its beloved public tree lighting is the annual holiday celebration of Christmas at the Princess. Through New Year’s Eve, revelers are invited to step into the holiday splendor with Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ four-story musical tree, the Desert Ice Skating Rink (made of real ice), S’mores Land with the Polar Ice Glide and a Build-A-Bear Workshop, 4 million dazzling Lagoon Lights, Santa’s Secret Headquarters and festive friends like Peppermint Penguin, Princess Noel, Graham the S’more, Shivers the Yeti and Selfie Elfie. The resort also offers special holiday vacation packages with added extras and exclusive character meet and greets, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Cox Charities and the #LoveUp Foundation for foster children. scottsdaleprincess.com.
The Suite Escape: New this year at Christmas at the Princess, Mr. and Mrs. Claus are inviting guests to stay overnight in their new high-end home-away-from-home with the Santa Suite VIP Experience. Guests can savor a full holiday experience with a full-size Christmas tree, personalized stockings hung by the chimney with care, a tea and hot cocoa set, holiday bedding, Santa’s turntable with a private selection of Christmas classics on vinyl, sweet treats galore, storybooks from Mrs. Claus and much more. Rates from $1,499.
ZooLights
This annual event is a family and Valley tradition that happens to be one of the largest light shows in the Southwest. Millions of lights are showcased throughout Phoenix Zoo as visitors admire the sights while savoring hot chocolate and kettle corn under the stars. (Don’t miss the scene-stealing musical trees!) A couple new additions this year include live reindeer and a 200-ft.-long Polar Slide. This holiday classic is running from Nov. 21 to Jan. 13, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., every night. phoenixzoo.org.
The Hometown Christmas Parade
The adored Hometown Christmas Parade honors a benevolent cause and allows spectators to donate non-perishable food items for Hope for Hunger, a Glendale-based food bank. This parade is taking place on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m., and it begins at 52nd Avenue heading west on Glendale to 58th Avenue. hcparade.org.
