Fun activities to do in the Phoenix-area with the whole family over the holiday weekend

Although Christmas is just one day long, the holiday cheer can live on forever.

With the holiday season well underway, there have been an array of various activities to partake in to keep the holiday light shining bright. From ice skating to light shows to plays, there is something to match everyone’s tastes.

Keep your spirits high and mighty throughout the holiday weekend by participating in these fun, family events right here in the Valley.

Holiday Ice Skating at CitySkate

Lace up those skates and hit the ice for a spin at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. For just $12, you can get the icy experience of a lifetime, including skates! Outdoor ice skating in Arizona — always a fun event. Don’t have time to make it out this weekend? No worries! The winter wonderland will stay in the Valley until Jan. 11.

• Christmas Day hours: 5-11 p.m.
• Weekend hours: 3-11 p.m.

Let it Snow!

Snow? In the desert? That’s exactly what is going on every night from Monday up until New Year’s Eve at Tempe Marketplace, Desert Ridge Marketplace and Westgate Entertainment District. Flakes of white snow will fall from the sky then disappear without a trace. The best part? Not having to shovel it out of your driveway. (Score!)

• Weekend hours: 7 and 8 p.m.

Christmas At The Princess

Treat yourself and your family to a luxurious holiday experience with Christmas at the Princess, which transforms Scottsdale’s Fairmont Princess Hotel into a magical winter wonderland. Complete with a petting zoo, carousel and designated areas for creating s’mores, Christmas at the Princess has enough to keep the kids occupied for hours. Although admission is free, self-parking will cost $30.

• Christmas Day hours: 4-11 p.m.
• Weekend hours: 4-11 p.m.

Glendale Glitters

Take part in one of Glendale, Arizona’s longest-running traditions with Glendale Glitters, the name for the 1.5 million light show that spans 16 blocks of downtown Glendale. For the past 23 years, Glendale Glitters has been known as the largest free holiday light show in all of Arizona, so grab the kids, stock up on the gloves and hot cocoa and get ready to experience a night underneath the stars. (Erm, lights.)

• Weekend hours: 5-11 p.m.

The Polar Express

Experience the magic of the Polar Express, the Grand Canyon Railway’s real-life ride to the North Pole from Williams, Arizona. Act fast, though, the trip is limited only to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas. Spring for this once-in-a-lifetime experience you and your kids will never forget and re-experience what it’s like to believe again.

• Weekend hours: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The North Pole Experience

Want to experience even more Christmas magic? Head down to the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, Arizona, where trolleys take you to visit Santa’s workshop exclusively in the middle of the forest. Children can work side-by-side with Santa’s elves, building and creating toys for all the good little boys and girls, attend Elf University and even enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus. Tickets range from $34 to $49 for kids and $38 to $55 for adults.

• Weekend hours: Saturday at 10:48 a.m., noon, 2:48 p.m. or 4:24 p.m. or Sunday at 1 p.m., 2:36 p.m., 2:48 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:24 p.m. or 7:36 p.m.

ZooLights

Be one with the animals and experience the holiday magic under the Zoolights, exclusively at the Phoenix Zoo. Experience walking through a myriad of lights, 3-D sculptures and, of course, animals, while watching two new Music in Motion shows, featuring music from “The Polar Express” and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Tickets are $16 for general admission if purchased online, but raises to $18 to purchase in person. Bring as many little kiddos as you need: Kids under 2 are free!

• Weekend hours: 5:30-10:30 p.m.

The Nutcracker

Partake in a longtime classic Christmas tradition and see The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona at the Phoenix Symphony Hall. Experience the magic of the holidays in what has been hailed as one of the finest productions across the nation. Tickets range from $51 to $174, depending on location.

• Weekend hours: Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Holidays at the Heard Museum

Mix a little bit of culture into your holiday activities with Holidays at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Celebrate and teach your children about diversity with Native American art galleries, American Indian music and dance performances and, last but not least, delicious fry bread.

•  Weekend hours: Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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