Enchant Christmas at Chase Field
Phoenix is home to Enchant Christmas, one of the largest holiday light experiences in the world. This immersive event transforms Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, into a dazzling winter wonderland. With over 4 million lights, Enchant Christmas brings the magic of the holidays to life.
The event features a custom-designed, 360-degree Christmas light maze. Guests can wander through the maze and explore light displays around every corner. Some of the stunning displays include giant Christmas trees, dancing reindeer, snowmen, archways of lights, oversized ornaments, and tunnels of twinkling lights. Live musicians perform holiday songs, filling the air with festive music.
In the center of the light maze is a gigantic, 100-foot tall Christmas tree. This showstopper is adorned with thousands of ornaments and lights that dance in time to holiday tunes. Nearby, guests can lace up their ice skates and take a spin on the real ice skating trail that circles the big tree. Children will delight in the Skate with Santa experience.
Throughout Enchant Christmas, guests will find gourmet holiday treats, crafts, Christmas merchandise, and visits with Santa. Mrs. Claus’ kitchen serves up freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, and other goodies. At Santa Land, families can snap photos with St. Nick. Kids can also write letters to Santa at the North Pole post office.
Enchant Christmas is a wonderful way for families and friends to come together and celebrate the holiday season. With so much to see and do, it’s an event guests of all ages are sure to enjoy.
Enchant Christmas Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (480) 517-1111
Las Noches De Las Luminarias
One of Phoenix’s most beloved holiday traditions is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. For two weeks in December, the garden comes to life with thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags lining the trails and walkways. The flickering candlelight creates a magical atmosphere perfect for holiday strolls.
Wander through the desert trails illuminated by the luminarias’ soft glow. Pause to admire towering cacti, vibrant flowers, and unique desert plants punctuated by twinkling lights. As you meander through the gardens, live music from mariachis, choirs, and solo musicians fills the air. The luminarias even float across the tranquil water features.
In addition to the luminarias, the garden has colorful lighting displays specially designed for the event. Massive origami animals like cranes, bees, and butterflies are lit up with colorful flood lights. Twinkling icicle lights hang from trees and gazebos. Special lighting effects make the garden’s architecture shine.
Throughout the evenings, guests can stop at one of the many food trucks for Mexican hot chocolate, tamales, churros, and other snacks. Local artisans sell unique holiday gifts at pop-up market stalls. Kids will enjoy writing letters to Santa at the North Pole post office and visiting his workshop. With so much to see and do, Las Noches de las Luminarias is a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit.
Las Noches de las Luminarias Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (480) 481-8188
Phoenix ZooLights
Phoenix ZooLights transforms the Phoenix Zoo into a winter wonderland each holiday season. From late November through January, the zoo comes to life with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll through spectacular light tunnels, forests of glowing trees, oversized animal light sculptures, and lush gardens illuminated in holiday cheer.
Marvel at larger-than-life animal lanterns like elephants, giraffes, butterflies, and pandas glowing from within. Pose for photos in front of the bright arches and towers of the Safari of Lights. Children will delight in the Santa Village with visits from St. Nick himself. Warm up with hot cocoa, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy live music performances.
New light displays and features are added each year, so there is always something new to discover. In 2022, guests can look forward to the new Music in Motion dance party and Snowy Safari Camp. And for 2023, the park is introducing Asian Lantern Festival by Light Forms. This immersive experience will feature elaborate lantern displays and light art inspired by Asian culture.
ZooLights is a magical experience the whole family will love. The special nighttime lighting allows you to see the zoo in a whole new light. It’s a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit with thousands of dazzling lights.
Phoenix ZooLights Phoenix Zoo 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 286-3800
The Nutcracker Ballet at Phoenix Symphony Hall
Since 2004, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony have partnered to present a spectacular production of The Nutcracker ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. This cherished holiday tradition delights audiences at Phoenix Symphony Hall each December.
Marvel as professional dancers tell the tale of Clara’s magical Christmas Eve. From the lively party scene to the climactic battle against the Rat King, Ballet Arizona’s production features lush sets and over 150 handmade costumes. Be dazzled by dancing snowflakes, flowers, and sweets from around the world. Watch in wonder as a growing Christmas tree and enormous Mother Ginger lead the way to the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
In addition to the professional company, the performance also includes roles for local children. Getting to participate in the iconic ballet is an exciting holiday treat for these young dancers. Before the show, families can snap photos with nutcracker statues in the lobby or have kids participate in free dance lessons.
Attending the Nutcracker ballet is a time-honored way to celebrate the season. Let the beautiful dancing, classic music, and festive sets fill you with holiday magic.
The Nutcracker Ballet Phoenix Symphony Hall 75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 495-1999
Crave Coffee House’s Santa Paws Pet Food Drive and Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser
For animal lovers, a visit to the Santa Paws holiday bazaar is the purrfect seasonal activity. The fundraiser held at Crave Coffee House raises money and supplies for Jacob’s Place Animal Rescue, a local no-kill shelter. In addition to shopping wares from local artisans, guests can enjoy coffee drinks, listen to live music, and meet adoptable pets from the shelter.
Bring a bag of pet food or treats to donate and receive a discount on your drink. All food donations go to help pets in need at the shelter. The bazaar also allows the rescue to showcase dogs, cats, and even bunnies ready for their forever homes. Families can interact with the adorable adoptable animals while drinking cocoa, enjoying cookies, and finishing up their holiday shopping.
Talented local jewelry makers, artists, craftspeople, and other vendors set up holiday gift stalls with unique, handmade items for sale. Find cozy knitwear, candles, pottery, ornaments, pet toys, holiday decor, and much more while supporting small businesses. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind presents and give back to animal welfare.
Santa Paws Holiday Bazaar Crave Coffee House 2501 E Camelback Rd #102, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (480) 248-1125
Miracle on 7th Street
Head to central Phoenix for an evening of holiday magic at Miracle on 7th Street. On select nights in December, a stretch of 7th Street transforms into a dazzling winter spectacle. A canopy of lights arcs over the street, which is closed to traffic and open only to pedestrians.
Under the glow of the lights, find craft cocktails, festive treats, holiday shopping, music, and more. Sip a hot toddy or mulled wine as you browse the artisan vendor booths. Locally owned shops and restaurants stay open late and bring the festivities outside.
Watch ice sculpting demonstrations, make s’mores by the fire pits, and snap selfies in front of the 40-foot holiday tree. Kids can visit with Santa and get their face painted. Carolers, dancers, and other street performers entertain guests strolling down the block.
The shining centerpiece is the nightly tree lighting ceremony at instantly transforms 7th Street into a winter wonderland. The towering pine is illuminated in a spectacular display of dancing lights choreographed to holiday music. Miracle on 7th Street makes for a merry evening out with seasonal fun for all ages.
Miracle on 7th Street 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phoenix Festival of the Arts
In December, art lovers flock to downtown Phoenix’s Margaret T. Hance Park for the Phoenix Festival of the Arts. This massive juried art fair features over 150 artists from around the country selling unique handmade creations. It’s a wonderful place to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while enjoying live entertainment and delicious food.
Browse booths filled with paintings, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and more across every artistic medium. Chat with creators about their inspiration and process. Marvel at skilled demonstrations like glass blowing and wheel throwing pottery. Beyond visual arts, the festival also showcases indie artisan goods like bath products, pet items, and gourmet food.
While shopping the art booths, sway to the music from live bands playing jazz, blues, and rock on stages around the park. When you need a break, grab breakfast burritos from Short Leash, wood-fired pizzas from My Slice of the Pie, or frozen custard from Modern Times. Along with great shopping and eating, the event also features artistic activities like yoga, printing workshops, and chalk art.
The Phoenix Festival of the Arts is a vibrant community celebration of local talent, delicious cuisine, and holiday cheer the whole family will enjoy. It’s the perfect way to stock up on creative gifts while immersing yourself in the arts.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts Margaret T. Hance Park 67 W Culver St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Lost Dutchman Christmas
Step back in time with a unique holiday experience at the Superstition Mountain Museum’s Lost Dutchman Christmas. On select December weekends, the museum transforms into an old-fashioned holiday celebration. Wander through rustic buildings adorned with antique decorations and twinkling lights.
Carolers dressed in traditional attire welcome visitors singing classic carols. Have some old-timey fun like writing a letter to Santa by candlelight or playing with vintage toys and games. Kids and adults alike will delight in rides on the Crackerbarrel Express train winding through the museum grounds.
After working up an appetite, satisfy your hunger with homemade treats like kettle corn, fry bread, and chili. Watch skilled demonstrators make candles and saddles using traditional techniques. Beyond the festivities, you can also explore the Superstition Mountain Museum’s regular exhibits detailing the history and legends surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.
The Lost Dutchman Christmas offers family-friendly fun with a nostalgic twist. Between the decorations, activities, food, and entertainment, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Lost Dutchman Christmas Superstition Mountain Museum 4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (480) 983-4888
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt at Mesa Arts Center
If you have kids who love scavenger hunts, bring them to the Elf on the Shelf digital scavenger hunt at Mesa Arts Center. This high-tech hunt has groups searching for cheeky elves hiding all around the center using an app on tablets provided by Mesa Arts Center.
Teams use the app to find where the silly scout elves are hiding around the building and grounds. Solve photo, trivia, and puzzle challenges to earn points and move forward. Kids will have a blast searching for elves climbing up light fixtures, riding the elevator, swinging from the rafters, and getting into other mischief.
Beyond looking for elves, players can stop for hot cocoa and cookies to fuel up for the hunt. The experience is self-guided, so you can take as much or as little time as you like. When the hunt is over, celebrate by taking a picture with life-sized Elf on the Shelf figures. It’s a fun family activity kids will love.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Mesa Arts Center 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 644-6500
Christmas at the Princess Resort
Soak up nostalgic 1950s holiday cheer at the Christmas at the Princess event at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. This retro-themed experience transforms the mid-century resort into a vintage wonderland.
The legendary hotel looks like a scene out of a Christmas card with Christmas trees in the lively lobby lounge and festive vintage cars parked outside. Guests can sip seasonal cocktails like the Jingle Juice and the Holiday Old Fashioned. On select nights, dance along to blues and jazz musicians channeling holiday classics.
Kids will love writing letters to Santa and dropping them in his mailbox in Krampus Lane where Old Saint Nick keeps his naughty and nice lists. Don’t miss the kitschy holiday photo ops and Instagram-worthy decorations around every corner. With fun for all ages, the Hotel Valley Ho’s Christmas at the Princess event offers a hip holiday stay in Old Town Scottsdale.
Christmas at the Princess Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 248-2000