By Veronica Leon, Publisher Macaroni Kid N Scottsdale-PV - nscottsdale.macaronikid.comNovember 1, 2023
We are doing our best to stay on top of Holiday Festivals and Events. Please check the events for updates before heading out.
Are you Looking for Winter Holiday Fun (Festivals and Fairs, Family Memberships, Ice Skating Rinks, Nutcracker, Holiday Plays, Tree Lightings, Holiday Lights, Sensory Friendly Santa Visits, Breakfast with Santa, Photos with Santa, Hannukah, and New Years) activities in Scottsdale, and all-around Arizona? Check back often, we will be adding more events as they are posted!
Winter is here and that means holiday festivals, events, shows, and Christmas! I love this time of year when the holiday lights go up, cinnamon scent and all the fun holiday happenings around the valley. We know you’re too busy to search out all of the holiday fun yourself, so we have done it for you! We want to make sure your family doesn’t miss a thing. So, here’s a round-up of all the holiday fun in Arizona.
Childsplay Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
November 18 - December 24, 2023
Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Sam The Snowman floats across the stage and tells the story of Rudolph’s journey. The North Pole will come to life, complete with Santa Claus and his hilarious elves! Childsplay will bring magic to your holiday celebrations as Rudolph soars in the air, teaching us that what makes us different can also make us special.
Location: Herberger Theater Center - Center Stage; 222 E. Monroe Street Phoenix, Arizona 85004
For more information: HERE
November 17 - January 6, 2024
Join The Fairmont Princess for the Southwest's most extraordinary celebration, where generations of Scottsdale residents and visitors gather to embrace a treasured holiday tradition. Go ice skating and catch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores. With kid-friendly activities and entertainment all season long.
Location: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85255
For more information: HERE
November 24 - December 24, 2023
Experience a winter wonderland like no other with seasonal food, fun and festivities for the whole family. Catch a ride on the World of Illumination Express, hop on a hayride to visit Rudolph or journey through Santa’s magic workshop. Whatever you choose, it’s all happening right here at Schnepf Farms.
* Illumination Express
* Ice Skating
* Santa's Reindeer Hayride
* The World's Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course
Location: 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek AZ 85142
For more information: HERE
November 6, 2023
Experience the dazzling return of Cruise ZooLights! Immerse your family in a holiday wonderland like never before. Glide through our enchanting 200-foot light tunnel from the warmth of your car, surrounded by millions of twinkling lights and captivating animal sculptures that will leave you breathless with awe.
Location: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Az 85008
For more information: HERE
November 24 - December 31, 2023
Within Enchant Christmas, a world of Christmas wonder awaits holiday revelers in the form of many festive activities:
* The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze – an all-new maze adventure is coming to Scottsdale and will be announced first to our Magic Mail email list. Prepare to wander through lights like Scottsdale has never seen with an all-new maze adventure!
* Christmas Village – Taste seasonal delights and shop for holiday gifts from dozens of local vendors showcasing home decor, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more. Be sure to stop by Tote’lly Torched to create your own one-of-a kind custom ornament. Vendor applications are still being accepted here.
* VIP & Private Event Experiences – The Salt River Fields Luxury Suites and Club Spaces will be transformed into exclusive rooms for holiday parties and special events. Enjoy all that the Enchant experience has to offer plus full-service catering, and more. Plan your holiday party today. To learn more, visit us here.
* Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa will take photos in his workshop with the children and he’s bringing Mrs. Claus who will be leading story time.
* Seasonal Food and Beverage – Enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks that are sure to please everyone throughout the Enchant Village with a special bar experience on the field in the maze.
* Ice-Skating Trail – Enchant features a magical Ice-Skating Trail adorned with spectacular light displays. Rent a pair of skates at the event and take a glide with your loved ones. This experience is limited! Reserve your chance to skate early when you buy your event tickets.
* Live Entertainment – Guests will get into the spirit with nightly caroling throughout the venue, Santa and Mrs. Claus and their elves are celebrating every night and community musical groups will share their talent with the Scottsdale community.
Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick- 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale Az 85258
For more information: HERE
November 24 - January 1, 2024
Celebrating 30 years of joy and tradition with Glendale Glitters illuminating downtown Glendale. Plus a two-day event on November 24th & 25th from 5:00pm - 10:00pm each night featuring an extravagant light display. Enjoy vendors, music, a visit with Santa and follow the candy cane trees as you shop and stroll through Downtown Glendale!
Location: Downtown Glendale, 5850 W Glendale Ave, Glendale AZ 85301
For more information: HERE
Glistering Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
November 25 - December 31, 2023
This holiday season, step into the enchanting 'Glistening Gardens' at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Thousands of lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting. Fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling meadow grass, firefly lights, fairy-lit birch trees, and festive decorations. The glistening Butterfly Conservatory is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone. It's the perfect holiday experience for all!
Location: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
For more information: HERE
Holiday Lights at McCormick Train Park
November 24, - January 7, 2024
Join us for an enchanting winter journey aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, where a mesmerizing holiday spectacle awaits you. Behold a magical world adorned with dazzling lights and captivating displays, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. To fully immerse yourself in the festivities, take a delightful ride on the cherished Charros Carousel or savor the warmth of a comforting cup of hot cocoa from the charming Hartley's General Store.
There will be no Holiday Lights on the following dates: December 7, 24, 25, and 31.
Location" 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
For more information: HERE
November 24 - December 31, 2023
Immerse yourself in artworks by world-renowned artists and savor signature cocktails all holiday season. Wonderspaces is open 6 days a week year-round inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, and with extended holiday hours December 20-24, and December 26-29.
Location: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Ste 584, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
For more information: HERE
Las Noches De Las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
November 24 - December 30, 2023
This event will reoccur on selected days. See the website for more details.
Garden lights on winter nights are a must this holiday season at Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights. Musical performances, entertainment, and festive food and drinks are available for a picture-perfect night. For the entertainment schedule, click here.
Plus, experience Fernando Botero: El Maestro in the Garden and in Dorrance Hall, where a harmony of color and beauty come together in paintings, drawings, and monumental sculpture.
Locations: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
For more information: HERE
December 1 - December 30, 2023
CLOSED DEC. 4TH, 5TH, 11TH, 12TH, 24TH & 25TH
Lights at the farm is Arizona’s largest walk-thru Christmas light show you will ever experience! There are over 2 million led lights and displays, driven by over 12,000 computer channels, synchronized to your favorite Christmas songs. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the show as you begin a new Christmas tradition.
Location: 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
For more information: HERE
November 24th, 2023 – December 24th, 2023
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide is proud to announce a multi-year, multi-holiday agreement to entertain millions in Arizona. This season, join the winners of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight! Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide is The Biggest Christmas Celebration in Arizona with over 6 million lights, a Gingerbread House lightshow that is synchronized with multiple special effects and pyrotechnics, a nightly Very Merry Christmas Parade, the Holiday Express Train Ride, live stunt shows with the iconic Arizona Roughriders, an immersive Santa Experience, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, s’more making, singing cowboys, live entertainment, a magical snow show, The Pratt Brothers Dare to Dream archive exhibit, extravagant holiday shopping from Ivy & Sage, festive food and beverages for kids and adults, and so much more. The Pratt Brothers are proud to be the only major Christmas event in Arizona to offer FREE PARKING, courtesy of Super Star Car Wash.
Location: Rawhide Western Town 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
For more information: HERE
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza
November 25 - December 31, 2023
Sparkle & Shine in Old Town Scottsdale
Enjoy a month-long holiday extravaganza featuring stunning décor, the best in dining and shopping, and more than 45 incredible events. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Location: 7135 E Camelback Rd, Ste 155, Scottsdale AZ 85251
For more information: HERE
Slawomir Wozniak's The Nutcracker at Orpheum Theatre
December 8 - December 23, 2023
Experience the excitement of Slawomir Wozniak's The Nutcracker 2023!
Tickets are now on sale for Slawomir Wozniak's "The Nutcracker" held at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix.
To purchase tickets, use the link below. Tickets start at just $25, and we offer discounts for children 12 and under, military and seniors.
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 203 West Adams, Phoenix AZ
For more information: HERE
The Nutcracker at the Phoenix Synthony Hall
December 8 - December 24, 2023
Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!
Location: Phoenix Symphony Hall, 2835 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
For more information: HERE
The Santa Social at Scottsdale Quarter
November 25, 2023
Head to Scottsdale Quarter on Saturday, November 25th, from 2 p.m - 8 p.m. for a full day of holiday cheer! Enjoy kids' entertainment, photos with Santa (cost applies), caricature artists, face painters, special Christmas character appearances, and end the day with our annual tree lighting ceremony and a holiday feature film!
Location: 15279 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 260, Scottsdale AZ 85254
For more information: HERE
December 9-10, 2023
Slated for 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10 at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium (1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ), West Valley Wonderland promises live entertainment, festive eats and treats, games and prizes, and shopping opportunities, with more than 100 vendors offering up everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to home goods, holiday ornaments and apparel.
Revelers of all ages can enjoy live performances by local musicians and dance teams and peruse artisan booths in pursuit of one-of-a-kind gifts and specialty items. Thrill seekers can take a mechanical reindeer ride or try their hands at a human claw machine or bumper boats on ice, among other family-friendly fanfare. Holiday décor around every corner promises plenty of chances for festive photos, while the stadium’s 160,000 square foot floor provides ample room for all attendees.
Location: State Farm Stadium
For more information: HERE
Winter Wonderland at OdySea Aquarium
November 24 - January 7, 2024
Get ready for the holiday season at OdySea Aquarium! SeaTREK Santa is back, making underwater appearances from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve. Get a digital photo package with SeaTREK Santa for keepsakes or holiday cards. Enjoy the SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt to win prizes by finding hidden images. Kids can send their wish lists to SeaTREK Santa in our Kids Cove (and he’ll write back!). Hop on the OdySea Voyager's saltwater sleigh, featuring rotating festive exhibits full of lights, holiday music and décor, all while narrated by SeaTREK Santa himself as he highlights his sea-fairing friends including stingrays, sea turtles, sea lions, and sharks. Spread the love with Adopt-A-Student at the Giving Trees, donating $15 to provide underserved students with free field trips to OdySea Aquarium.
Location: 9500 E Via de Ventura, A-100, Scottsdale Az 85256
For more information: HERE
November 15- December 31, 2023
World of Illumination is a place where memories are made, moments are shared, and the brightest light comes from within. Two different experiences through the metro. Locations and dates are located below. Tickets are available online only.
Location: Reindeer Road
Desert Diamond Casino
Glendale, AZ
Nov. 18, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023
Location: Cosmic Sleighride
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Tempe, AZ
Nov. 15, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023
November 22 - January 14, 2024
It’s the Valley’s favorite holiday tradition – ZooLights! Shining bigger and brighter than ever with nearly four million lights, hundreds of dazzling displays, brand new Wildlife Lanterns and the return of the tallest floating tree in North America showcasing ORIGINAL music and a synchronized light show!
PURCHASE ONLINE | $30 General, $25 Member PURCHASE AT GATE | $35 General, $30 Member Children ages 2 and under are free.
Location: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
For more information: HERE
This is the perfect time of year to get out of Phoenix and see how other towns celebrate the Holiday Season.
Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express
Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a jingle bell for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.
TOTAL ROUND-TRIP TIME: Approximately 90 minutes.
Location: 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams AZ 86046
For more information: HERE
The North Pole Experience’s Trolley Launch Station is located on Little America’s 500 acres of beautiful forest, which will be decorated with more than a million Christmas lights, making it the perfect backdrop for a Christmas Adventure of a Lifetime.
The North Pole Experience starts by taking families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest.
Inside Santa’s famously grand workshop families will work with Santa and his elves, building toys. Families will tour Santa’s Toy Hall of Fame, attend Elf University, eat cookies inside Santa’s Bakery and enjoy one-on-one time with Santa.
Location: Little America Hotel, 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
For more information: HERE
Please note: This list will be updated as more holiday events comes in, so check back often to make sure you don't miss out on any family fun in Arizona!
Don't see a Holiday event listed here that you know about? If you know of any I am missing, please let me know by either clicking on the Submit an Event button on our website, using the contact us button.
