Last updated: November 11, 2024
Embark on an exciting holiday adventure in Fountain Hills! Our guide has all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of Fountain Hills's holidays.
One enchanting highlight this season is ZooLights, where the local zoo transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with millions of twinkling lights and festive displays. The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display showcases stunning lighted displays and beautiful nativity scenes, offering a serene and reflective holiday experience. And you definitely won't want to miss Glendale Glitters, a beloved tradition that brings downtown Glendale alive with vibrant lights and lively holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Community celebration with hot air balloons and festive lighting.
Join thousands of twinkling lights illuminated on the Avenue of the Fountains, featuring the official Town of Fountain Hills Christmas Tree. Enjoy live entertainment, Santa Claus in a big red fire truck, and the Balloon Glow at the Fountain Park.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Stroll In The Glow
World's largest inflatable Christmas obstacle course.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms features seasonal food, ice skating, and a variety of festive activities including the World of Illumination Express train ride, Santa's Reindeer Hayride, and the world's largest inflatable obstacle course.
Where: Queen Creek | More Info: Lights at The Farm
Unique blend of holiday lights and biblical nativity scenes.
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display feature thousands of twinkling lights and various biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor crèche underneath a lighted star, shepherds' field, Mary and Joseph figurines, and the prophet Isaiah. Over 100 international nativities are also showcased inside the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
Innovative light display with community-driven performances and charitable initiatives.
Glendale Glitters is a spectacular holiday event featuring a dazzling display of 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks in Historic Downtown Glendale. The event includes various performances, the Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and the introduction of 'Light the World' Giving Machines.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Glendale Glitters
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Immerse yourself in a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and vibrant visuals at the Phoenix Zoo, featuring a brand-new light show, an immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel, and exclusive performances. Enjoy warm treats by the fire, hot cocoa, and interactive glow experiences. Take photos with Santa and explore over 50 animal lanterns while celebrating the holiday season in a unique zoo setting.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: ZooLights
Life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and pyrotechnics.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features over 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, and a nightly parade. The event includes holiday shopping, live entertainment, and a life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and pyrotechnics. It also offers a western cowboy Christmas show and the Very Merry Christmas Parade.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Immersive jungle-themed drive-through light show with exotic animals and synchronized music.
Embark on a wild holiday adventure with Toukie Toucan as you trek over land, sea, and air through Enchanted Safari. Encounter exotic animals like peacocks and piranhas, soar with reindeer, outrun a T-Rex, and face the King of the Jungle. Navigate the Tunnel of Tentacles to fend off sharks and jellyfish, all while enjoying festive music and colorful lights.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Cosmic Sleighride
Unique, one-of-a-kind works of art from global diversity.
The Fountain Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts is a three-day event featuring nearly 450 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work in various mediums, including sculpture, painting, and jewelry. The festival offers shaded seating areas, live music, and a variety of food vendors, making it a sensory experience for all attendees.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Fountain Festival of Fine Arts
Family-friendly activities including Santa visits and live music.
Season’s Celebration is a free family-friendly event on December 14th, 2024, featuring picture opportunities with Santa, live music, cookie decorating, crafts, bounce houses, and a train ride for kids.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Season’s Celebration
World-class ballet performance in a unique outdoor setting.
Join Ballet Arizona for a free, family-friendly outdoor performance of Ballet Under the Stars at Fountain Park. Enjoy a combination of classical and contemporary ballet excerpts in a casual setting, featuring debut performances from the Class Act program. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit comfortably and enjoy the vibrant portrayal of diverse art forms.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Ballet Under the Stars
Commemorating 40 years with a "Best of 1984" theme.
The 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Parade in Fountain Hills features floats, marching bands, animal groups, and community performances celebrating the "Best of 1984." Local businesses, Veteran groups, and classic car clubs participate, culminating with Santa Claus's arrival.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Parade
Finisher medals awarded to all participants.
The 34th Annual Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning event featuring a 5K timed run and a 1.5-mile fitness walk around the world-famous fountain at Fountain Park. Participants can choose to dress in their favorite Thanksgiving-themed costumes for a costume contest, and registration includes a traditional long-sleeved t-shirt.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: 34th Annual Turkey Trot
Trick-or-treat adventure with over 25 community booths.
Spooky Blast is a family-friendly Halloween event at Four Peaks Park featuring candy, inflatables, a DJ, magic shows, a costume contest, and games. Local community groups will have games and hand out candy.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Spooky Blast
Unique outdoor gallery showcasing local valley artists.
The Fountain Hills Art on the Avenue is a weekly event featuring over 60 local artists showcasing their unique pieces in a park-like setting adjacent to the town's famous 560 ft Fountain. The event is free, dog-friendly, and offers a variety of art including pottery, furniture, wall art, fiber, and jewelry.
Where: Fountain Hills | More Info: Farmers Markets and Arts on the Avenue
Unique blend of outdoor festivals and winter activities.
Salt River Fields offers a diverse range of events, including the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival, AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews, and Holiday Snowfest. These events showcase the facility's versatility and commitment to hosting unique and memorable experiences.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Enchant at Salt River Fields
