Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the charm of the holidays in Alhambra with our detailed guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Alhambra or a new visitor, our guide leads you to the holiday highlights.
One of the notable events this season is the mesmerizing Las Noches de las Luminarias, where thousands of glowing lanterns illuminate the desert nights. Alongside this enchanting display, you can experience the Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide, featuring festive activities and classic holiday attractions for the whole family. And the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautifully crafted nativity scenes and brilliant light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Alhambra Holiday Light Displays
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various Biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor Nativity scene underneath a lighted star. This beloved holiday tradition, which began in 1979, showcases over 100 international Nativities and is a favorite among visitors from across the Southwest.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features over 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights along its trails, accompanied by musical performances and festive food and drinks. This year, the event includes the LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, merging nature and light into stunning geometric displays.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features over 6 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, nightly parades, stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment. The event includes a life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and special effects, as well as a western cowboy Christmas show and the Very Merry Christmas Parade.
Lights at The Farm
At Lights at The Farm, immerse yourself in a spectacular walk-through synchronized light show featuring over 5 million dazzling lights, interactive displays, and festive activities. Enjoy ice skating, meet Santa, and explore holiday-themed areas with delicious treats and family-friendly entertainment.
Zoolights
The Phoenix Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with millions of twinkling lights, featuring a brand-new light show, immersive light tunnels, and vibrant visuals that captivate visitors of all ages. Enjoy warm treats by cozy s'mores pits and sip hot cocoa in the festive atmosphere. Explore interactive glow gardens, take photos with Santa, and experience the Wildlife Lantern Safari.
Glendale Glitters
Glendale Glitters is a spectacular holiday light display featuring 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks of downtown Glendale. The event includes local vendors, visits from Santa, carolers, and a tree lighting ceremony at the Glendale Civic Center.
Cosmic Sleighride
Embark on a cosmic holiday adventure with Toukie Toucan as your host. Explore a jungle-themed drive-through light show featuring millions of lights, exotic animals, and synchronized festive music.
Riparian After Dark
The Riparian Preserve transforms into a holiday spectacle with thousands of lights and displays along 1.5 miles of trails and walkways, offering a rare opportunity to experience nature at night.
WinterFest
Avondale transforms into a holiday destination with Santa visits, festive activities, and a dazzling light display featuring the City Christmas Tree.
Alhambra Other Holiday Activities
Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza
Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza is a 0.7-acre park in Downtown Gilbert's Heritage District, featuring a historic water tower, splash pad, grassy areas, and various water features. It hosts a variety of events and offers amenities like benches, tables, bike racks, and restrooms.
Holiday Program & Light Parade
The Holiday Program & Light Parade in Apache Junction features Santa, vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, music, inflatables, food, and a Tree Lighting ceremony at the Focal Point, culminating in the Annual Holiday Light Parade.
