Jingle all the way to these Arizona holiday events and attractions, from beloved decades-old traditions to first-time festivities that are sure to be instant hits. Read on for dozens of ways to ring in the holiday season with family, friends, and visitors.
Nov. 8 to Dec. 30: The Polar Express
Williams
A signature Arizona holiday event for decades, this epic railway journey is a must for all families (as are matching pajamas, which nearly every guest wears for the ride). Based on the adventures of the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the train departs from the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams twice nightly. This enchanting 90-minute train ride will take families through the beauty of Northern Arizona while reading the classic tale aloud, culminating with a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, who have small presents for all the kids. Hot chocolate and cookies are also provided for the entire family during the ride.
Cost: Starting at $43.99 per child, ages 2 to 15, and $59.99 per adult.
For more information: thetrain.com.
Starting Nov. 8: Winter Wonderland at JoJo’s shakeBAR
Scottsdale
JoJo’s shakeBAR at Scottsdale Quarter welcomes Winter Wonderland to immerse guests in festive cheer with extravagant holiday decor, mouthwatering seasonal treats, and interactive experiences perfect for all ages. The holiday-inspired menu includes Santa’s Sangria and a Wonderland Biggie Shake, a peppermint shake topped with a Christmas tree cookie, marshmallow present, mini candy cane, and a doughnut-hole snowman. JoJo’s also hosts an array of workshops, like ornament painting, mixology classes, and more, all season long.
Cost: Varies per activity.
For more information: www.jojosshakebar.com.
Nov. 15 to Dec. 24: The North Pole Experience
Flagstaff
The Little America Hotel serves as the launch point for The North Pole Experience. During this interactive adventure, families are whisked away on a “magic bus” for a ride that transports them to the North Pole so that children can experience Santa’s enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. This bucket-list attraction for the whole family offers an updated toy factory experience and a visit to Santa’s sleigh hangar as well as a chance to graduate from “Elf University” and even enjoy treats with Mrs. Claus.
Cost: $52 to $76.
For more information: northpoleexperience.com.
Nov. 16 to Dec. 23, Weekends: Childsplay’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Phoenix
Childsplay brings its holiday hit, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, back to Herberger Theater Center for the holidays, taking place weekends through Dec. 23. The play is a delightful stage version of the classic TV special. Plus, every child gets a free red nose, just like their favorite reindeer.
Cost: Starting at $25.
For more information: childsplayaz.org.
Nov. 22 to Dec. 29: Desert Farm Lights
Waddell
Starting Nov. 22, the West Valley will be set aglow once more by thousands of twinkling lights during Desert Farm Lights, a family-friendly holiday light installation that spans eight acres at Justice Brothers Ranch. Activations include merry meet-and-greets with Santa and Grinch, giant snow globes to roast s’more in, Christmas movie screenings, train rides, live entertainment, and much more. This year’s low-sensory nights will occur on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, and will feature private sensory tents, low lighting, softened music, and options for a non-scented candy cane maze.
Cost: General admission tickets are $23; free for children ages 2 and under.
For more information: desertfarmlights.ticketspice.com.
Nov. 22 to Jan. 4: Christmas at the Princess
Scottsdale
The 15th-annual Christmas at the Princess at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess takes place from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4. The annual, family-friendly holiday tradition invites guests to enjoy ice skating, cozy fire pits, Lagoon Lights, the Princess Express Train, S’mores Land, beloved holiday characters, pictures with Santa, a multi-story musical Christmas tree, a newly expanded ice slide, a breathtaking new Starlights show, and much, much more.
Cost: $35 per person; a variety of parking packages and add-on experiences are available (including Santa photos and ice skating).
For more information: christmasattheprincess.com.
Nov. 22 to Jan. 5: Jingle at JW Desert Ridge
Phoenix
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa welcomes its brand-new Jingle at JW Desert Ridge holiday extravaganza, set for Nov. 22 to Jan. 5. For the first time ever, the Phoenix resort will unveil a captivating winter display complete with an ice skating rink, cozy fire tables, a magical snow play area, a virtual ski experience, a gondola photo station, an après-ski pop-up bar, and much more. Activities are daily, starting at 5 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends.
Cost: While some activations are complimentary, prices vary per activity.
For more information: www.jwdesertridge.com/holidays.
Nov. 23: Tallest Christmas Tree in Arizona Lighting and Concert
Phoenix
For the 23rd year, Outlets North Phoenix will kick off the holiday season by lighting the state’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree and hosting a free family-friendly holiday concert from “American Idol” contestant, Elleigh Marie, and country music artist, Ashley Wineland. The tree stands at 70 feet and is graced with10,000 bulbs and 5,000 ornaments. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 23, beginning at 5 p.m. Event-goers can also participate in a fundraiser for deployed U.S. service members with the nonprofit, Youth for Troops. On the day of the tree lighting, shoppers can purchase a special holiday ornament for $5 to send to a service member overseas. Plus, for a suggested donation of $5, supporters will receive a Scratch & Shop card redeemable on Black Friday. Every card is a winner with gift cards valued at nearly $20,000.
For more information: www.northphoenixoutlets.com.
Nov. 23 and Nov. 24: Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Snow Queen
Mesa and Phoenix
Arizona audiences are in for a treat as the Grand Kyiv Ballet presents its newest production, Snow Queen. With a pair of exclusive local performances, this ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale will enchant viewers with its extraordinary choreography and storytelling. Snow Queen graces the stage Nov. 23 at Mesa Arts Center and Nov. 24 at Orpheum Theatre.
Cost: $35 to $115, with discounts available for groups, children, and seniors.
For more information: www.grandkyivballet.com.ua.
Nov. 25 to Dec. 31: Holiday Season at Desert Ridge Marketplace
Phoenix
The holidays are in full swing at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The Arizona holiday event kicks off with the annual tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can also enjoy 12 Days of Snowfall, Dec. 13 to Dec. 24, with magical snowfall nightly at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Photos with Santa, the epic Ember Lounge at The District Dome, endless decor, and more are also on the activity-packed agenda. Free to attend.
For more information: shopdesertridge.com.
Nov. 25 to Jan. 6: Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
Scottsdale
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona hosts its annual Snowland celebration, Nov. 25 through Jan. 6. Families will enjoy a winter wonderland with themed crafts, a nightly Snowfall Celebrations, seasonal games, visits with Santa, and more. And, of course, guests have access to the resort’s indoor waterpark and get to admire its gorgeous holiday decor. Plus, families visiting Great Wolf Lodge Arizona can experience a one-of-a-kind holiday experience this year with Snow Globes at Snowland. These private holiday-themed globes immerse families in seasonal experience filled with festive décor, a light show, sweet treats, and family fun. Inside the Snow Globes, families will have their very own hot cocoa bar with all of the fixings, a cookie-decorating kit, and a host of festive holiday games to enjoy. (Snowland is open to resort guests.)
For more information: www.greatwolf.com.
Nov. 27 to Dec. 28, Select Dates: Arizona Lights in the Night
Mesa
Arizona Lights in the Night one-mile holiday drive-through light show at Thompson Event Center is back on select nights from Nov. 27 to Dec. 28, starting at 6 p.m. Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply embracing the festive spirit, guests can ooh and aah at more than million lights synchronized to holiday music alongside candy canes, snowmen, presents, and more.
Cost: From $26.95 per vehicle, available online and at the gate.
For more information: www.arizonalightsinthenight.com.
Nov. 27 to Jan. 4, Select Dates: Holiday Snowfest
Scottsdale
Salt River Fields welcomes Holiday Snowfest on select dates through Jan. 4. Guests can expect a 20-ft. toboggan hill with a canopy of 50,000 lights (and a special hill for pint-sized sledders), snowman-building and smores-making stations, falling snow, igloo bars, a 30-ft. Christmas tree, a holiday vendor villages, and much more wintry excitement.
Cost: Starting at $25 per adult and $15 per child, ages 4 to 10.
For more information: holidaysnowfest.com.
Nov. 27 to Jan. 12: ZooLights
Phoenix
An annual tradition for many locals, this year ZooLights guests can expect new animal lanterns and light displays, a 200-ft.-long lighted tunnel, and the largest floating tree in North America. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo takes place nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Be sure to check out the Glow Garden, complete with glow swings and a glow dance floor.
Cost: Tickets start at $30 ($25 for members).
For more information: www.phoenixzoo.org.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 22: The Wigwam Holiday Events
Litchfield Park
The Wigwam transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, offering a magical setting for a plethora of all-ages festive activities and events. The fun starts Nov. 29 with an activity-packed tree-lighting event, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and is rounded out with Holiday Nights in Lights all December long, Breakfast with Santa, and more.
Cost: While some activations are complimentary, prices vary per activity.
For more information: www.wigwamarizona.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, Select Dates: Pratt Brothers Christmas
Chandler
Open Nov. 29 to Dec. 29 on select nights, from 6 to 10 p.m., Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide will feature more than seven million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, a nightly parade, jaw-dropping stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment. Pratt Brothers Christmas will also be giving back to the community through the entire holiday season by partnering with a variety of local nonprofits.
Cost: $29 per person for general admission, with VIP options also available.
For more information: www.prattbrotherschristmas.com.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, Select Dates: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias is a long-time cherished Arizona holiday event, kicking off Nov. 29 with select dates through Dec. 30. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights, alongside musical performances and festive entertainment, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Food and drink is available for purchase.
Cost: General admission is $41.95 per adult and $16.95 per child.
For more information: dbg.org.
Through Jan. 5: Candytopia
Scottsdale
Candytopia, a unique and interactive art experience in Scottsdale Fashion Square, has launched its new winter wonderland theme complete with holiday elements, seasonal candies, and hands-on activities in its 11 different environments. Plus, visitors can take home a souvenir Christmas ornament to remember their holiday visit to Candytopia. This is an add-on ticket and will be offered on select days at Candytopia.
Cost: $15 to $26.
For more information: candytopia.com/scottsdale.
Nov. 29 to Jan. 11: Downtown Mesa Merry Main Street Marketplace
Mesa
Merry Main Street is a month-long holiday celebration kicking off Thanksgiving weekend with holiday activities and an official tree lighting ceremony (Nov. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m.). Those who wander Merry Main Street can enjoy holiday editions of the popular Sunset Market (Nov. 29 and Dec. 19) featuring local vendors, artists, live music, and more, an ice-skating rink, visits with Santa, and much more.
Cost: Most activities are free.
For more information: merrymainst.com.
Nov. 30: Santa Social
Scottsdale
Bring the whole family to Scottsdale Quarter’s annual Santa Social, Nov. 30 from 2 to 8 p.m. Enjoy DJ music, caricature artists, face painting, puppy adoptions with Arizona Animal Welfare League, and special appearances from holiday characters. The evening culminates with the annual tree lighting ceremony and a screening of the holiday classic Elf under the stars. Free to attend. Then, head back on Dec. 2 for the pet-friendly Paws & Claus from 5 to 7 p.m. This festive gathering includes adorable photo ops with Santa and treats for your pets. No reservations required.
For more information: scottsdalequarter.com.
Nov. 30 to Dec. 31: Scottsdazzle
Scottsdale
Scottsdazzle–Old Town’s signature month-long holiday extravaganza and adored longtime Arizona holiday event–kicks off Nov. 30 with its Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Then, throughout the season, locals can enjoy a packed, and wonderfully festive, Scottsdazzle calendar of movie nights, markets, craft workshops, artwalks, dining events, family-friendly activities, traditional holiday celebrations, and so much more.
Cost: Varies depending on event.
For more information: scottsdazzle.com.
Dec. 5: Holiday Wine & Dine
Scottsdale
The SHOPS Gainey Village welcomes the return of its annual Holiday Wine & Dine event, an evening of fine wines, live music, and culinary delights. On Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., stop by for delectable cuisine, juice and wine tastings at participating restaurants, and horse-and-carriage rides to enjoy the beautiful twinkling lights. Santa Claus will also be in attendance and available for photographs. Free to attend.
For more information: www.theshopsgaineyvillage.com.
Starting Dec. 6: Winter Wonderland at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson
Southern Arizona is about to get a jolly dose of holiday spirit thanks to an array of activations and specials at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Guests can enjoy private dining in an igloo under the stars, a giant gingerbread house with a hot cocoa and cocktail bar, a fully decked-out holiday suite package, and an après-ski polar plunge pop-up bar in collaboration with Whiskey Del Bac, among other holiday happenings.
For more information: jwstarrpass.ipoolside.com.
Dec. 6 to Dec. 14: Black Theatre Troupe’s Black Nativity
Phoenix
Black Theatre Troupe presents Langston Hughes’ celebrated song play, Black Nativity, a soulful retelling of the Nativity story brought to life through vibrant gospel music, dance, and spoken word. The production will run from Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 at Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in Phoenix.
Cost: $50.
For more information: blacktheatretroupe.org.
Dec. 6 to Dec. 24: Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker
Phoenix
Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker is as quintessential to Christmas as Santa himself. Celebrate this beloved show, Dec. 6 to Dec. 24, taking place at Symphony Hall in Downtown Phoenix with accompaniment by The Phoenix Symphony. Single tickets and premier packages are now on sale.
Cost: Varies depending on seat.
For more information: balletaz.org.
Dec. 7: DTPHX Winter Wanderland
Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix will transform into a holiday storybook setting during Winter Wanderland, during which locals can enjoy one-of-a-kind holiday performances, ranging from aerial arts to a puppet show, a culinary demonstration, and more throughout the walkable downtown core. The Arizona holiday event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend.
For more information: dtphx.org/wanderland.
Dec. 8: Holiday Celebration at Uptown Plaza
Phoenix
Uptown Plaza will host a festive family-friendly holiday event featuring photos with Santa, live holiday music and performances, and a seasonal craft station where attendees can create magical keepsakes in the courtyard. Enjoy the holiday spirit while exploring Uptown Plaza’s shops and restaurants. The Arizona holiday event takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free to attend.
For more information: www.uptownplazaphx.com/events
Dec. 14 and Dec. 15: A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER
Phoenix
On Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, Phoenix Ballet, alongside renowned dancers from Master Ballet Academy, will present an updated version of their classic holiday show at Arizona Financial Theatre. A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER will feature viral ballet industry influencers on stage, plus live music from the 57-piece Chandler Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vanja Nikolovski.
Cost: For 50 percent off adult tickets, use code CLARA.
For more information: www.phoenixballet.org.
Dec. 14 and Dec. 15: Bender Performing Arts’ Happy Holidays, With Love
Phoenix
Taking place Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 at Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix, enjoy Happy Holidays, With Love, from Bender Performing Arts, in association with the DanceMotion Performing Company. In the performance, the Tinsel family takes a magical trip through five classic holiday stories, with each member of the family learning an important lesson.
Cost: $22.
For more information: benderperformingarts.com.
Dec. 14 to Dec. 17: A Chorale Christmas
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and Mesa
The Phoenix Chorale invites you to join in the magic of the season with A Choral Christmas. This concert series offers the community a chance to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of centuries-spanning holiday music. The series is held Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Camelback Bible Church; Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at Brophy Chapel; Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral; and Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Cost: $45 per adult; $20 per child, under 16.
For more information: phoenixchorale.org.
Dec. 21: Jazzy Christmas Concert at The Ravenscroft
Scottsdale
Get into the holiday spirit with an enchanting evening at The Ravenscroft in Scottsdale. This cozy jazz venue is hosting a Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 21, as it brings together some of the top local jazz artists for a festive evening of big band holiday classics. The holiday concert begins at 7 p.m., though the doors will open at 6 p.m. for pre-show libations.
Cost: $25 for adults; $10 for students.
For more information: theravenscroft.com.
Dec. 25 to Jan 1: Chanukah in Carefree
Carefree
Chanukah in Carefree hosts its eighth-annual nightly holiday celebration including menorah lighting and Chanukah songs for all eight nights of the holiday at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. During each evening of the event, a program will be hosted by a different organization. Coffee and hot chocolate will be served every night, and, on some nights, guests can even enjoy traditional eats like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
Cost: Free to attend; some evenings, donated items like non-perishable foods are accepted for the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center.
For more information: chanukahincarefree.com.
Dec. 28 and Dec. 28: Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays Tour
Mesa
Four-time Emmy winner and “Dancing with the Stars” judge Derek Hough heads to Mesa Arts Center Dec. 28 and Dec. 29 for his Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays tour. The performance promises a joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year and fun for the whole family.
Cost: $64.50 to $114.50.
For more information: mesaartscenter.com.
Dec. 30: Downtown Tempe Menorah Lighting
Tempe
On Dec. 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., head to Ragsdale-MLK Park for the third-annual menorah-lighting ceremony, presented by Downtown Tempe and ASU Chabad. Free to attend.
For more information: www.downtowntempe.com.