ARIZONA NEWS

Celebrate the festive season with these metro Phoenix holiday events

Nov 28, 2024, 6:30 AM | Updated: Dec 13, 2024, 6:48 am

Holiday events in Phoenix 2024 guide: Fun things to do...

There are tons of ways to enjoy festive cheer while breathing fresh Valley air this holiday season. (Facebook File Photo/Old Town Scottsdale)

(Facebook File Photo/Old Town Scottsdale)

PHOENIX — Decking out a saguaro with Christmas lights may be a challenge, but in metro Phoenix, residents are experts at turning the desert into a holiday wonderland.

From dazzling light displays to unique events that bring festive cheer, the Phoenix metro area is bursting with seasonal spirit this year.

Whether you’re looking for ice skating rinks, holiday performances or spectacular light shows, there’s something for everyone in the Valley to celebrate Santa’s arrival.

Use this guide to find best holiday events in Phoenix 2024

Longtime favorites returning this year include Merry Main Street in Mesa, Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo and multiple World of Illumination displays.

New to the scene in 2024 is the inaugural Tianyu Lights Festival, as well as a playful holiday experience at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, where you can enjoy a winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink and a virtual ski experience.

Here’s a roundup of holiday activities in Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs to help you make the most of the season.

If you have a location you would like to add to the map, please email us at news923@ktar.com.


Phoenix

  • ZooLights
    • Day: Nov. 27-Jan. 12
    • Time: 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
    • Venue: 455 N. Galvin Parkway
  • Jingle at JW Desert Ridge
    • Day: Nov. 22-Jan. 5
    • Time: Activities start at 5 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends, but end times vary
    • Venue: 5350 E. Marriott Drive
  • Las Noches de la Luminarias
    • Day: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-30
    • Time: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
    • Venue: Desert Botanical Garden (1201 N. Galvin Parkway)
  • Tianyu Lights Festival
    • Day: Oct. 25-Jan. 5
    • Time: 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
    • Venue: Camelback Ranch (10710 W. Camelback Road)

Apache Junction

Avondale

Buckeye

Carefree

  • Carefree Lights Up!
    • Day: Nov. 30
    • Time: Starts at 5 p.m., no end date
    • Venue: Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (101 Easy St.)

Chandler

  • Pratt Brothers Christmas
    • Day: Nov. 29-Dec. 29
    • Time: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
    • Venue: Rawhide Western Town (5700 W. North Loop Road)

El Mirage

  • Winterfest and Parade
    • Day: Dec. 7
    • Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
    • Venue: Bill Gentry Park (14010 N. El Mirage Road)

Gilbert

  • Riparian After Dark
    • Day: Dec. 13-22
    • Time: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
    • Venue: Riparian Preserve (2757 E. Guadalupe Road)

Glendale

  • Glendale Glitters
    • Day: Nov. 29-30
    • Time: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
    • Venue: Glendale Civic Center (5750 W. Glenn Drive)

Litchfield Park

  • Christmas in the Park
    • Day: Dec. 14
    • Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (parade starts at 10 a.m.)
    • Venue: Litchfield Park Recreation Center (100 Old Litchfield Road)

Mesa

  • Merry Main Street
    • Day: Nov. 29-Jan. 11
    • Time: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
    • Venue: Downtown Mesa (Main Street between Macdonald and LeSueur)

Queen Creek

  • QC Hometown Christmas
    • Day: Dec. 6-7
    • Time: 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 7
    • Venue: Queen Creek Town Center (21802 S. Ellsworth Road)

Scottsdale

  • Christmas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
    • Day: Nov. 22-Jan. 4
    • Time: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
    • Venue: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (7575 E. Princess Drive)
  • Scottsdazzle
    • Day: Nov. 30-Dec. 31
    • Time: Times vary
    • Venue: Scottsdale Waterfront (Camelback and Scottsdale roads)

Surprise

  • Surprise Party
    • Day: Dec. 6-7
    • Time: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
    • Venue: Surprise Recreation Campus (15960 N. Bullard Ave.)
  • Sparkling Surprise
    • Day: Dec. 6-31
    • Time: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Venue: Surprise Recreation Campus (15960 N. Bullard Ave.)

Tempe

Waddell

  • Desert Farm Lights
    • Day: Nov. 22-Dec. 29
    • Time: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
    • Venue: 14629 W. Peoria Ave.

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Celebrate the festive season with these metro Phoenix holiday events