The season is in full swing, bringing a mix of lights, performances, and magical experiences for all ages. Family-friendly activities, tree lightings, Santa sightings, unique gifts, or evening outings… if you’re looking for something to do this month, check here first – we might have some ideas!
Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 12-27)
Ballet Arizona presents The Nutcracker with live music from The Phoenix Symphony, offering 18 performances including a sensory-friendly adaptation. The production has sold out three consecutive years.
Esteban: Coming Home for the Holidays (Dec. 12)
Flamenco guitarist Esteban returns to the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch, where he launched his career over 30 years ago. This special holiday concert promises a mix of Esteban’s signature fusion of Spanish guitar, contemporary rock, and festive holiday melodies. Tickets start at $86.
Arizona Party Bike Holiday Lights Bar Crawl
Pedal through holiday lights in Scottsdale on Arizona Party Bike’s festive bar crawl, featuring music, LED lights, and VIP drink specials. The experience combines a party atmosphere with seasonal sightseeing. Private parties and reservations are available online.
Ravenscroft Concerts
Ravenscroft hosts a December lineup of live performances ranging from Grammy-winning artists to student ensembles. Shows feature jazz and seasonal favorites, beginning with husband-and-wife duo Calabria Foti & Bob McChesney on December 13; Josh Condon & Friends on December 19, the VJC Alumni Band on December 20, and a free show from Beth Lederman and Vicki McDermitt on December 21.
48th annual S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market (Dec. 13-14)
This Indian Market in Phoenix offers an outdoor celebration of Indigenous culture with art, crafts, cultural demonstrations, and performances. All items are authentic and handmade under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Visitors can explore Native American artistry and heritage firsthand. This year’s featured artist is August Wood, a basket weaver and potter.
Lessons by Lexe Nutcracker Snow Globe Experience (Dec. 19-20)
Prescott’s dance studio will perform a 15-minute Nutcracker showcase as part of its annual fundraiser. The event also includes crafts, a bake sale, and raffles. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Float above the desert at sunrise or sunset with Rainbow Ryders, followed by a champagne toast. Gift certificates are available for a memorable present.
Origami Owl Pop-Up
Guests can create personalized jewelry at the Origami Owl Charm Bar, mixing and layering charms to tell their stories. The interactive process encourages conversation and shared memories.
The Americano Wine & Dinner Experience (Dec. 4)
A multi-course dinner paired with Dan Kosta’s wines and chef Gio Osso’s cuisine highlights Sonoma winemaking and creative dishes. Guests will enjoy four courses including wagyu beef and a decadent dessert. The evening starts with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. for $295 per person.
Scottsdale Quarter Holiday Events
Scottsdale Quarter hosts festive events including Santa Social, tree lighting on November 29, live music, and holiday activities through December. Special events feature toy drives, pet-friendly shopping, and photos with Santa. The plaza provides a full-season holiday experience for all ages.
Desert Ridge Marketplace Holiday Events
The District offers tree lightings, markets, free Santa photos, live music, and snowfall experiences for all ages. Guests can enjoy Sip & Stroll bars, game day watch parties, and charitable giving opportunities. Seasonal activities continue through December and into spring 2026.
Bar North Pole (Nov. 28-Dec. 31)
Guests can enjoy a festive drink menu of six cocktails and two zero-proof options at North Italia, available for $10 each during launch weekend. Offerings include creative drinks like Sweater Weather and Cocoa Claus. All restaurants nationwide are offering a lunch prix fixe with a small plate and entrée duo for $25. The menu features seasonal favorites like Sunday Night Lasagna and exclusive dishes like Chicken Parmigiana Verde.
ACFC 3rd Annual Golf Classic (Dec. 8)
The Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children hosts its annual golf fundraiser at Biltmore Golf Club. The day includes golf, brunch, a Bloody Mary bar, swag bags, and a post-tournament reception. Proceeds support families battling pediatric cancer.
DanceMotion Holiday Ballet “Nikki Claus and Merry Moose” (Dec. 13-14)
DanceMotion debuts a new holiday ballet about Santa’s daughter Nikki and her moose companion, featuring dazzling choreography and a heartwarming story. Performances take place at The Madison Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (Nov. 28-Dec. 28)
Pratt Brothers Christmas celebrates its 10th year with over seven million lights across 15 acres at Rawhide Western Town. New attractions include a Gingerbread House Light Show, expanded Holiday Express Train scenes, and a stunt show. Guests can also enjoy Santa, s’mores, shopping, and cookie decorating.
Esplanade Holiday Event (Dec. 5)
The newly renovated shopping center will have a tree lighting show from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. including an 18-foot tree, carolers, Santa photos, and a complimentary cocoa bar, plus a toy drive benefiting children in foster care. Guests who donate an unwrapped gift receive a penny drink at Hearsay. On December 4, Hearsay will host a whiskey pairing dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. A chef-crafted menu will be paired with a selection from High West Cask Collection. Tickets are $85 per person.
ZooLights (Through Jan. 16)
The popular outdoor event returns with more than four million lights, glowing displays, a massive light tunnel, and whimsical experiences like the Glow Garden and Jengo the Talking Giraffe Storybook Nook. Visitors can explore over 50 new illuminated lanterns throughout the Phoenix Zoo through January 16, 2026.
Drunk Christmas Carol
Drunk Shakespeare brings a hilarious, boozy twist to the classic tale at the Rose Theatre starting December 3, where one actor takes shots before attempting to tell the story while the cast improvises around the chaos. The result is a spirited mashup of holiday mayhem, audience participation, and unpredictable fun.
Phoestivus (Dec. 12)
This event returns for its 16th year on December 12 at the Arizona Center with a one-night celebration featuring more than 175 vendors, entertainment, food and fun. Shoppers can explore handmade goods, meet Phreddie the Yeti, and enjoy the community.
Downtown Phoenix Holidays
Holidays in DTPHX is a month-long lineup of family-friendly events, markets, outdoor movies, and performances set against the sparkle of the city. Highlights include themed movie nights, artisan markets, live entertainment, and a new interactive holiday passport, culminating with the festive Winter Wanderland on December 20.
Backland Luxury Nature Resort (Dec. 5-7)
The North Pole Experience offers an immersive, all-inclusive holiday getaway with Santa and his elves. Guests enjoy chef-prepared meals, exclusive activities, hands-on time in Santa’s Workshop, stargazing, and personal visits with Santa, with stays starting at $1,460.
Royale Kitchen + Cocktails
The eatery has transformed its Flamingo Room patio into the Frosty Flamingo, a Palm Springs-inspired Christmas pop-up filled with floor-to-ceiling décor, more than 3,000 lights, and whimsical photo ops + festive cocktails.
Downtown Mesa
Experiences that range from a month-long holiday shopping passport to specialty cocktail bar crawls and family events. From Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and princess meet-and-greets to an early Noon Year’s Eve celebration featuring crafts, face painting, and a midday fireworks countdown, every visit invites guests to celebrate together in true holiday spirit.
The Promenade (Dec. 12)
Santa’s Workshop arrives at The Promenade Scottsdale on December 12 from 5-7 p.m., transforming the corporate lawn into an interactive winter wonderland complete with photos, crafts, train rides, and treats. Families can enjoy live entertainment and the highlight of the evening, The Promenade’s First Snowfall: an enchanting desert snow moment designed just for kids.
