Last updated: November 11, 2024
Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Deer Valley! Our guide has all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, our guide showcases the holiday highlights of Deer Valley.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display, where stunning light displays create a welcoming atmosphere. Another festive attraction features the vibrant ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, where the paths are illuminated with dazzling lights and animal sculptures. And the Enchant at Salt River Fields is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a mesmerizing Christmas village and a stunning light maze. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Deer Valley Holiday Light Displays
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with exotic animals.
- Description
- World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is a drive-through holiday light show featuring millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music. The event is hosted by Toukie Toucan, guiding you through a jungle-themed adventure filled with exotic animals, tunnels, and festive tunes.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with life-sized musical notes and retro Santa.
- Description
- World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road is a drive-through light show featuring millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, synchronized to festive tunes. The event takes you through mountainous terrain, northern ice caves, and northern forests to Santa’s Workshop, the world’s largest animated toy shop.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
Zoolights - Phoenix Zoo
- What to Expect
- Immersive light tunnel and synchronized light shows.
- Description
- The Phoenix ZooLights transforms the zoo into a dazzling spectacle with millions of twinkling lights, vibrant visuals, and mesmerizing music. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats, enjoy a brand-new light show, and warm up with delicious treats by the fire.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Zoolights - Phoenix Zoo
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Vibrant street parade and festive tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting is a holiday tradition featuring a street parade, tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and Santa photos.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday lights and train rides in a historic railroad setting.
- Description
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with dazzling lights and captivating displays. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a memorable journey through the park, which includes train and carousel rides. Enjoy a variety of food and drink options at Hartley’s General Store and explore the intricate Model Railroad Building.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Las Noches de las Luminarias - Desert Botanical Garden
- What to Expect
- Dazzling geometric light displays merging nature and light.
- Description
- Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights, live musical performances, and festive food and drinks. This year, the event includes the stunning geometric displays of LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, merging nature and light in a dazzling spectacle.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Las Noches de las Luminarias - Desert Botanical Garden
Glendale Glitters
- What to Expect
- Large-scale holiday light display with live performances and local vendors.
- Description
- Glendale Glitters is a spectacular holiday light display illuminating 16 blocks of downtown Glendale with over 1.7 million lights. The event features various performances, including musical acts and the Hometown Christmas Parade, as well as interactive activities and local vendors.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : Glendale Glitters
Enchant at Salt River Fields
- What to Expect
- Interactive light maze with a story-driven quest to save Christmas.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas at T-Mobile Park in Seattle features a World's Largest Christmas Light Maze, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday marketplace with local artisans and vendors.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Enchant at Salt River Fields
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
- What to Expect
- Life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and pyrotechnics.
- Description
- Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features over 6 million lights, a life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and pyrotechnics, a magical train ride, nightly parades, and live entertainment. It also includes holiday shopping, western cowboy Christmas shows, and various themed lands filled with sparkling lights and whimsical surprises.
- Where
- Chandler | More Info : Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of holiday lights and biblical storytelling.
- Description
- The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various Biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor crèche and shepherds' field, showcasing the story of Christ's birth. The event also includes over 100 international nativities displayed inside the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light display featuring the City Christmas Tree.
- Description
- Avondale transforms into a vibrant holiday scene with Santa visits, annual tree lighting, and the premier of the Avondazzle Holiday Light Display. Enjoy festive activities, including snow fall and letters to Santa, along with food and sweet treats.
- Where
- Avondale | More Info : WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
Holiday Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly event with various activities and a festive tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- 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, concluding with the Annual Holiday Light Parade.
- Where
- Apache Junction | More Info : Holiday Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
Lights at The Farm
- What to Expect
- World's largest inflatable Christmas obstacle course.
- Description
- Schnepf Farms transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with seasonal food, fun activities, and festive events. Enjoy the World of Illumination Express, ice skating, Santa's reindeer hayride, and the world's largest inflatable obstacle course. Explore Santa's magic workshop, participate in Mrs. Claus cookie decorating, and experience glow-in-the-dark mini golf and bonfire s'mores.
- Where
- Queen Creek | More Info : Lights at The Farm
Deer Valley Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with live performances and strolling characters.
- Description
- The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace features a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Santa photos, and strolling holiday characters. Enjoy games, giveaways, and holiday performances, including a BOOM LED Drum Line Performance and a Magic Show. Local vendors sell holiday gifts, and family-friendly activities are available throughout the event.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- What to Expect
- All-new version of "The Lost Christmas Eve" with pyrotechnics and lasers.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a renowned rock band known for their symphonic and theatrical performances, particularly during the holiday season. Their shows blend rock music with classical elements, featuring elaborate storytelling and visual effects like pyrotechnics and lasers. The band's music is deeply rooted in the spirit of the season, making their concerts a unique blend of rock and holiday tradition.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Nutcracker - Ballet Etude
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Ballet Etudes presents The Nutcracker, a classic holiday ballet featuring Clara's journey with life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's original score and colorful costumes.
- Where
- Chandler | More Info : The Nutcracker - Ballet Etude
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
- What to Expect
- Interactive family activities and a free red nose for every child.
- Description
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a heartwarming adaptation of the beloved animated television special. It follows Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius as they encounter the Abominable Snowman and journey to the land of Misfit Toys. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Holly Jolly Christmas," the show brings the North Pole to life with Santa Claus and his hilarious elves. It teaches us that what makes us different can also make us special.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
A Christmas Carol - Hale Centre Theatre
- What to Expect
- Traditional carols and memorable characters.
- Description
- A heart-warming production of Charles Dickens' classic tale, rich with traditional carols and stunning costumes, celebrating its 21st year in Gilbert.
- Where
- Gilbert | More Info : A Christmas Carol - Hale Centre Theatre
Holiday Pops
- What to Expect
- Seasonal music performance with a variety of carols and hymns.
- Description
- The Holiday Pops concert features carols and hymns from various traditions, conducted by Lawrence Loh, with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. This performance is designed to put you in a joyful and bright mood during the holiday season.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Holiday Pops
Deer Valley Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa - Litchfield's
- What to Expect
- Holiday breakfast buffet with Santa.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful holiday breakfast buffet at Litchfield's, featuring a variety of breakfast selections, including freshly diced fruit, assorted yogurts, granola, mini waffles, scrambled eggs, cheese, Wigwam breakfast potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, and sausage links. Enjoy a pancake station with buttermilk pancakes, strawberries, bananas, candied nuts, MMs, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, maple syrup, and whipped cream. Santa will be present to make the event even more special.
- Where
- Litchfield Park | More Info : Breakfast with Santa - Litchfield's
Cookies' N Cocoa 2024 - Grace Community Church
- Live auction and gourmet dinner with festive activities.
- Join us at Grace Community Church for a festive holiday event featuring a live auction, silent auction, musical performance by the 40 Days Jazz Band, and a gourmet four-course dinner with choices like garlic butter steak and lemon chicken. Enjoy free cookies, cocoa, and pictures with Santa while walking through a North Pole-themed setting.
- Phoenix | More Info : Cookies' N Cocoa 2024 - Grace Community Church
Christmas in the Park - Litchfield Park Special Events
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with a parade and various activities.
- Description
- Christmas in the Park is a family-focused event featuring a hometown parade, arts and crafts vendors, local stage acts, children's activities, and a holiday market with gift-giving items. The event includes free entertainment, holiday-themed activities, and the opportunity to take photos with Santa.
- Where
- Litchfield Park | More Info : Christmas in the Park - Litchfield Park Special Events