Check out the best holiday events and attractions of 2021.
While it may not be a winter wonderland here in Phoenix, there are plenty of activities around town that will help you get in the holiday spirit. Check out these holiday activities for some festive fun in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.
Breakfast with Santa at Omni Scottsdale Resort
In addition to their annual Tree Lighting event, Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia in Paradise Valley is hosting a series of Breakfast with Santa events. Enjoy Breakfast with Santa on the Valencia Lawn on Saturdays in December (2, 9, 16 and 23), 8am to 11am. Breakfast is $45 per adult, $30 per child (ages 5 and under are free) and includes photos with Santa, cookie decorating and creating La Posada ornaments.
For more information visit omnihotels.com, for reservations, call 480.627.3111.
Christmas At The Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort transforms into a winter wonderland in the desert during its annual Christmas at the Princess festival, November 22, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Christmas at the Princess features a four-story musical tree, Desert Ice Rink, Princess Express Trains, Lagoon Lights, plus new holiday characters, shows and attractions including Santa’s Secret Headquarters. Christmas at the Princess is open to the public. General admission is complimentary for hotel guests who also receive express VIP access to the rides and attractions. General admission/parking for non-hotel guests is $55 per vehicle for self-parking valid up to six people. Valet/general admission is complimentary when dining at any of the resort restaurants (Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Ironwood American Kitchen or Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar) with a $75 spend, up to six people. General admission includes access to Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, a walk-through experience of 4.5 million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, S’mores Land and the Copper Canyon Village Light Show. For guests not staying at the resort, ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $20 per person to ride the attractions including the Princess Express Trains, Polar Glide, Frosty’s Ferris Wheel and the Christmas Carousel. Skating, photos with Santa, shopping, dining and spa are priced separately. Wristbands can be purchased at convenient kiosks throughout the resort.
For more information about Christmas at the Princess, visit scottsdaleprincess.com.
Scottsdazzle
The City of Scottsdale brings Scottsdazzle back to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Scottsdazzle is a month-long celebration will incorporate several signature events scattered throughout December as well as other ongoing festivities and specialty artwork. There will be Canal Concerts with various artists will perform live music on Soleri Plaza each Saturday night starting Dec 2 and continuing Dec. 9, 16 and 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
For more information and to see the schedule of signature events, visit scottsdazzle.com.
Illumination Symphony of Light
Illumination Symphony of Light in North Phoenix is the largest drive-thru, holiday light show in town. The show that creates a spirited wonderland for individuals of any age to enjoy along with an interactive Holiday Boulevard; a park, eat, and play destination filled with memory-making experiences. Illumination is open nightly at 6pm, November 15, 2017 – January 14, 2018. The cost is $29.50 online or $35 when you drive up for a vehicle up to 8 people.
Get more information and purchase tickets online at illuminationaz.com.
Glendale Glitters
This award-winning festival is one of the best-loved events for Arizona families year after year! Visitors of all ages will delight in holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s snow field and petting zoo, shopping and, of course, visits with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. The glittering magic of Glendale’s holiday light display remains lit nightly through January 6, 5-11pm each evening.
For more information about Glendale Glitters, visit glendaleaz.com.
Zoolights
The Phoenix Zoo will host it’s annual Zoolights display through January 14th, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. nightly. ZooLights shines with millions of lights, a three-story lighted tree, hundreds of glimmering light displays, lakeside Music-in-Motion shows and more. Featured attractions include Stingray Bay, Carousel and Camel Rides, Dinosaurs in the Desert, Photos with Santa Claus, Snowfall nightly at 7pm, and festive food and drinks. Pricing varies depending on the night, starting at $12.95.
Get more information and purchase tickets at phoenixzoo.org.
CitySkate
The Valley’s largest and most visited outdoor holiday ice rink, CitySkate at CityScape Phoenix presented by APS, is back November 25, 2017 – January 2, 2018, and this year the annual event will partner with a number of local nonprofits and Phoenix Art Museum, bringing the community and arts together in Downtown Phoenix. For the eighth year running, CityScape will be transformed into an ice skater’s dream with a massive 36-foot holiday tree dramatically placed in the center of the real ice rink along with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Bystanders watching over the rink from Patriots Park can sip a cup of hot cocoa from the Hot Chocolate Bar hosted by Copper Blues where a portion of each cup sold will benefit a Girls Scouts of the USA local neighborhood group. Santa will make an appearance every Saturday and Sunday for photos from 4pm until 8pm and those taking the light rail in can even catch a ride with Kris Kringle himself on select days and times. The skating rink is open 7 days a week, the cost is $15 per person for all sessions.
For a list of special happenings, holiday hours and more information, visit phxicerink.com.
Skate Westgate
Skate Westgate, the West Valley’s only real outdoor ice skating rink, is back for its second year along with an expansive holiday lineup of free festivities including horse-drawn carriage rides, nightly snowfall, a tree lighting, photos with Santa and a Menorah lighting. Parking is free. Skating is $15, includes skate rental, or $11 if you bring your own skates.
For more information, visit westgateaz.com.
Las Noches De Las Luminarias
This year, the Garden will be aglow for 21 magical evenings and will feature more than 8,000 hand lit luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and the sights and sounds of 10 unique entertainment ensembles, including local favorite, Simply Three. Experience the bold, monumental sculptures of Japanese American artist Jun Kaneko throughout Garden trails. Las Noches De Las Luminarias will be open 5:30 – 9:30pm on Nov. 24 & 25, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23, 26-30. The cost for adults is $25 for members, $30 for non-members, kids 3-12 are $10 for members, $12.50 for non-members.
For more information, visit dbg.org.