Phoenix Holiday Events
For many people the holiday season is about gathering with family and friends to continue traditions, start new ones and make memories. The excitement of dressing up to attend a live performance or bundling up
to stroll through venues with dazzling lights and holiday music are what many families look forward to each year. You might also use the winter break as a chance to take the family on an adventure! There are many events to choose from across the Valley! Here are some popular places to go and things to do.
Tianyu Lights Festival at Camelback Ranch-Glendale
Now–Jan. 4 • Experience an enchanting night with your family at the Tianyu Lights Festival. Walk through glowing art installations including animals, bugs, rainforest and holiday scenes and more. Food and
beverages are available in the food court, plus visit the marketplace.
Wicked Sing Along on the Field at Mountain America Stadium
Nov. 22 • Bring your friends and family to this free community event!
Spread out a blanket, sit back on the grass, and enjoy a magical night of movies under the stars. Sing along with Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero. Doors open at 5 p.m., movie starts at 6 p.m.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Nov. 26–Jan. 16 The holiday light event at the Phoenix Zoo dazzles with almost 4 million lights, wildlife lanterns, a 200-foot-long light tunnel and more. Enjoy the synchronized light show with original music. Visit the s’mores station, the interactive Glow Garden, and, of course, Santa! A photo with Santa will top off your holiday excursion. Sensory friendly ZooLights is on Dec. 15 and Cruise ZooLights takes place Nov. 2 and Jan. 18.
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights 455 E. Main Street, Mesa Nov. 28–Dec. 30 • 5–10 p.m. Free and open to all, it features vibrant lights on palm trees, citrus, cacti, and more, alongside 10 biblical vignettes depicting the Christmas story, complete with QR codes for additional content.
Glendale Glitters at Downtown Glendale
Nov. 28–Jan. 1 Stroll through Downtown Glendale, taking in the magical lights. Enjoy the holiday light display, carolers, vendors and more from 5–10 p.m. each night. You might even see Santa!
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting Nov.29 from 4–8 p.m., in downtown Tempe. The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting is a long-awaited and cherished annual event that kicks off the holiday season in Downtown Tempe. Generations of families and friends gather each year to experience the magic of the parade, the lighting of the tree, and the festive entertainment that fills the streets.
Christmas Fest at Vertuccio Farms
Dec. 1–23 • Stroll through a dazzling, interactive light display featuring over 5 million lights. Enjoy the many holiday offerings and fun activities. The play area for kids has slides, jumping pads and mini golf—and they
will love a visit with furry friends at the petting zoo. Enjoy the new 30-foot-tall musical Christmas tree which plays all of your favorite holiday music. Warm up at the fire pit and have some tasty s’mores.
Visit with Santa Dec. 5–7 and Dec. 12–23.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Fountain Hills Theater
Dec. 5–21 Enjoy this timeless Charles Dickens holiday tale of redemption set to music! Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future will all be on hand. Share this family friendly Christmas classic with your whole family!
Joy to the Herd at Shamrock Farms
Dec. 6 & 7 Shamrock Farms wishes you and your family a dairy merry Christmas! Celebrate this holiday season with the moo-vers and shakers—the 10,000 cows that produce the milk for your shakes—at the “Joy to the Herd” event, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Welcome Center Barn is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday crafts, face painting and more. Meet the herd on a guided tour, then visit with Santa and Roxie the spokescow. Visit the milking barn, the feed zone, the cow lounge and the interactive play area. Learn how fresh milk gets from the farm to your table! Reservations are required.
APS Electric Light Parade at Central Ave & Montebello Ave
Dec. 6 Celebrate the holiday season at the 38th annual APS Electric Light Parade. Bring your blankets and chairs, spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Parade starts at 7 p.m.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Dec. 13 from 4–9 p.m. • Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Salado Parkway The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is the Valley’s most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition! Enjoy shopping at the holiday market, live music & entertainment, festive eats and treats, write letters and take photos with Santa, a dazzling boat parade, and a spectacular fireworks show!
The Nutcracker at Mesa Arts Center
Dec. 13–21 • 480-644-6500 Ballet Etudes presents its 39th annual production of “The Nutcracker!” Watch Clara journey to a magical land of giant mice, dancing snowflakes and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. Enjoy this holiday tradition with the entire family.
The Nutcracker: A Musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre
Dec. 13–23 • 623-776-8400
The Prince of Make Believe has been turned into a wooden nutcracker. Can Clara and Fritz him reclaim his throne? Find out in this Theatre for Young Audiences production.
Pinkalicious the Musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre
Feb. 7–21 • 623-776-8400
A girl who loves pink thinks her dreams have come true when she wakes up one day and has turned completely pink, from head to toe! Based on the book, enjoy this colorful tale of self-discovery, family and imagination. Part of Theatre for Young Audiences.
