Fantasy of Lights Parade and Boat Parade

Start ringing in the holiday season in Downtown Tempe on Friday, Nov. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. with the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade. Attendees can expect live entertainment, selfies with Santa, shopping at the Holiday Market and a tree lighting ceremony at Centerpoint Plaza following the parade. All of this and more can be enjoyed while watching the city brighten up for winter on Mill Avenue and 3rd Street, with the parade starting at 6 p.m. Special guest Sarah Sellers, second-place finisher of the Boston Marathon, will be in attendance as well as the parade’s Grand Marshall. The festivities continue on Saturday, Dec. 8, with the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake that features more than 50 festively decorated boats. This bash will start at 4 p.m. when you can enjoy on-site food trucks, beer and wine, the Holiday Market and live entertainment before tuning in to the parade at 7 p.m. downtowntempe.com.

Holiday Events at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (pictured)

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is here to help spread some holiday cheer with a couple of events to please the entire family. Kick off the merrymaking on Nov. 27 for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m., which includes holiday-inspired cuisine, activities for the kiddos like holiday cookie decorating, complimentary photos with Santa and on-site pet adoptions in support of the Arizona Animal Welfare. (Entry is free.) Have a pup in tow? On Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy the Yappy Hour Howl’aday Party. Bring your pet in their best holiday threads in hopes of winning a special box of Harry Baker treats and picture frames for the star of the show—and a bottle of Montelucia wine for you! It’s $15 to enter, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lucky Paws Foundation. omnimontelucia.com.

Jingle Bell Hike

Bring the entire family to the Thunderbird Conservation Park on Dec. 8 for a free Jingle Bell Hike from 9 to 11 a.m. Before hitting the trails, kids will be able to create a bell craft to jolly up the mountain and ring in the holidays. Water will be provided for this moderate hike, and the man with the bag will be waiting at the top. glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation.