The holidays are upon us, and Arizona is lighting up in every corner. From sparkling displays to festive events, there’s something magical around every turn. Here’s a look at the holiday lights and happenings worth checking out this year.
World of Illumination
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe
Buckle up for a mile-long drive-through adventure filled with synchronized lights, music, and giant glowing installations. This year’s show features a mix of classic holiday tunes and bold, colorful animations that turn your car into a front-row seat for the season’s biggest light show. Tickets start at around $39.99 per vehicle. Pack the family in the car, bring some snacks, cue up a holiday playlist, and take in the lights from the comfort of your own front-row seat.
Desert Farm Lights
Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025
Location: 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Surprise
Over 13 acres of sparkling displays await at Desert Farm Lights, where visitors can wander through a candy cane maze, hop aboard the Jolly Journey Train Ride, and even skate on real ice. Live entertainment, bonfires, and photo ops with Santa make it a family favorite. General admission is $22.95 for ages three and up (use code SANTA for weekday savings). Be sure to check out Frosty’s Flurry feature and the 90-foot fun slide, both guaranteed to keep everyone entertained. If you want to take it up a notch, you can reserve a private igloo with themed décor for a group gathering that includes snacks, s’mores, and holiday cheer!
Christmas at the Princess
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Location: 7575 E. Princess Dr, Scottsdale
A Scottsdale holiday tradition, Christmas at the Princess turns the resort into a winter playground with an ice rink, lagoon light show, fire pits, and Santa’s Secret Headquarters. Admission is $35 per person, with additional fees for ice skating or parking. For a touch of luxury, reserve a private fire pit or VIP igloo to sip hot cocoa and toast marshmallows under twinkling Tivoli lights. Don’t miss the nightly entertainment and seasonal activities, which include live music, Santa meet-and-greets, and more, offering a little something for everyone.
North Pole Experience
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Location: 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff
Step inside Santa’s Workshop for a fully immersive holiday experience. The North Pole Experience includes a trolley ride through a magic portal to meet elves, bake cookies with Mrs. Claus, and visit the toy factory, where every child receives a special gift. Day tickets start around $58 and evening experiences around $68, with prices increasing in December. Along the way, kids and adults can explore the miniature village, catch festive shows, and spot some wildlife along the route. The whole journey is filled with twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and holiday moments that will bring a smile to everyone.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025 (Closed Christmas Day)
Location: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek
Schnepf Farms turns into a festive wonderland with ice skating, hayrides, mini golf, s’mores, and a cozy Christmas movie zone. General admission ranges from $19.95 to $25.95, with extra experiences like train rides and bounce houses available. Between visiting Santa’s Toy Shop and racing down the Sleigh Bell Slide, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to stop at the giant Christmas photo spots to capture all your favorite memories from the evening.
ZooLights
Dates: November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Location: 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
ZooLights turns the Phoenix Zoo into a dazzling holiday spectacle with over four million sparkling lights, glowing animal lanterns, and a towering floating tree above the main lake. Admission is $35 for adults and $30 for members, with sensory-friendly nights available in December. Wander through the Glow Garden, snap a photo with Santa, and catch the Lake Lights Show. With hot cocoa stations, interactive displays, and animal presentations along the way, the whole family will find something to delight in.
Magical Christmas Journey
Dates: November 28 – December 4, 2025
Location: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
This scenic evening train ride leads straight to Santa’s Village, passing through the illuminated Magic Tunnel. Along the way, elves entertain the coaches, a bald eagle named Flurry greets guests, and kids get to meet Princess Noel. Each ride lasts about an hour, with tickets including access to both inside and open-air seating for the same price. Enjoy seasonal treats, festive decorations, and family-friendly shows as the train carries you through a magical holiday journey.
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025
Location: 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
A local favorite, this park transforms into a mini winter wonderland with train rides through glowing tunnels, a carousel, and visits with Santa (through December 23). Timed tickets are $15 per person, with sessions between 5:30–9:30 PM. This year, there’s even a S’more Land where you can toast marshmallows by the fire while the train chugs by. It’s easy to spend a few hours here with kids of all ages, especially if you’re up for strolling through the park’s sparkling trails.
Scottsdazzle
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2025
Location: Various locations throughout Old Town
Scottsdazzle blankets Old Town with seasonal décor, sparkling lights, and a lineup of community events. Highlights include the signature Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Tinsel Trail holiday windows, and performances across the district. Many events are free, making it easy to wander from shop to shop while soaking up the holiday energy. Local dining, shopping, and a variety of interactive experiences keep the streets lively and festive all season long.
Stroll in the Glow
Dates: December 6, 2025
Location: E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills
This one-night event is packed with small-town holiday charm. Watch the Avenue light up around 5:45 PM, grab a photo with Santa as he arrives by fire truck, and enjoy the balloon glow at Fountain Park from 6–8 PM. Add in the Live Nativity and Letters to Santa station, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours strolling through the lights and seasonal fun. With no admission fee, it’s a classic, community-focused way to kick off the holidays.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Dates: December 13, 2025
Location: 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Tempe Town Lake during the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, a free celebration full of music, lights, and festive fun. Enjoy the holiday market with local vendors, grab seasonal treats, and take photos with Santa before the main event, a stunning boat parade featuring vessels decorated with lights, inflatables, and creative holiday designs. The evening wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display over the lake, live performances on the main stage, and a festive atmosphere that leaves the whole family in the holiday spirit.
Scottsdale Party Bus Crawler – Holiday Lights Tour
Dates: Thanksgiving – New Year’s
Location: Pick-up in Old Town Scottsdale
Turn holiday light-seeing into a rolling celebration with the Scottsdale Party Bus Crawler Holiday Lights Tour. This open-air party bus winds past some of Scottsdale’s best Christmas light displays with holiday music, festive décor, and plenty of cheer onboard. With space for up to 25 guests, it’s a fun pick for groups looking to enjoy the season together, and as one of our local partners, Scottsdale Party Bus Crawler handles the details. It’s BYOB, with coolers, ice, water, and music included—everything you need for a festive group outing wrapped into one ride.
There’s something extra special about the holidays in the desert. The mix of cool nights, glowing skies, and the warmth of shared experiences creates the perfect backdrop for the season. After a night exploring Arizona’s most spectacular displays, come home to comfort and space to unwind. Book your stay between December 18, 2025 and January 3, 2026 and enjoy 15% off with code HAPPYHOLIDAYS15. For even more savings, visit our specials page. Your holiday escape starts here, filled with magical moments and festive cheer.
