Find your holiday happiness in Gilbert with our event guide.
One of the highlights of the season is the mesmerizing Temple Christmas Lights, transforming the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Experience the magic and nostalgia of the holidays aboard The Polar Express Train Ride, a journey that delights both the young and young-at-heart. And the Gilbert Days Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, celebrating the community with festive floats and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Gilbert
See these and even more events listed below!Gilbert Other Holiday Activities
Gilbert Days Parade
What to Expect:
Celebrates Gilbert's agricultural heritage
Description:
The Gilbert Days Parade marches through downtown, honoring the town's rich farming history. Colorful floats adorned with locally grown crops showcase Gilbert's agricultural roots. Spectators line the streets, cheering as community groups, marching bands, and equestrian units pass by. This annual tradition dates back to 1981, reflecting the town's growth from a small farming community to a thriving suburb. You can wave to local dignitaries and catch candy tossed from passing floats. The parade's lively atmosphere resonates with the sounds of hooves clapping and brass instruments playing.
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Nearby Events
Temple Christmas Lights (Mesa)
What to Expect:
Illuminated nativity scenes and religious displays
Description:
The Mesa Arizona Temple grounds transform into a luminous spectacle, featuring intricate nativity scenes and religious displays. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the temple's majestic architecture, creating a serene atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admiring the carefully crafted light installations. The event pays homage to the temple's significance as a centerpiece of the local Latter-day Saint community since its dedication in 1927. Choral performances echo through the grounds, adding a melodious touch to the evening. This display offers a unique blend of spiritual reflection and artistic appreciation.
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The Polar Express Train Ride (Williams)
What to Expect:
Immersive recreation of the beloved children's book
Description:
The Grand Canyon Railway transforms into the Polar Express, whisking passengers away on a journey to the "North Pole." Costumed actors bring the story to life, serving hot chocolate and cookies as the train chugs through the Arizona wilderness. The experience culminates with a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This adventure is set against the backdrop of Williams, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." You'll feel transported into the pages of the classic tale as the train's whistle echoes through the night. Passengers can sing along to holiday carols during the round-trip excursion.
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ZooLights (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light sculptures
Description:
The Phoenix Zoo illuminates the night with millions of lights, featuring stunning animal-shaped sculptures. These radiant creations pay tribute to the zoo's diverse inhabitants, from towering giraffes to playful penguins. Visitors can take a lakeside cruise to view the lights from a unique perspective. The event has been a Valley tradition since 1992, evolving from a small display to a major attraction. You'll encounter dazzling light tunnels and animated displays throughout the zoo grounds. The air fills with the aroma of roasting marshmallows as families gather around fire pits. This event combines wildlife education with holiday cheer.
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Glendale Glitters (Glendale)
What to Expect:
Largest free holiday light display in Arizona
Description:
Glendale's historic downtown sparkles with 1.6 million LED lights, creating a dazzling canopy over 16 blocks. This free event illuminates the area's vintage architecture, highlighting its charm. Visitors can enjoy nightly entertainment, including local musicians and street performers. Glendale Glitters has been a community tradition since 1993, growing from a small gathering to a major regional attraction. You'll find unique photo opportunities among the glittering displays. The event showcases Glendale's commitment to preserving its historic downtown while embracing modern holiday celebrations. Families can create lasting memories as they explore the twinkling streets together.
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Schnepf Farms Christmas Celebration (Queen Creek)
What to Expect:
Combines holiday festivities with a working farm experience
Description:
Schnepf Farms transforms into a winter playground, blending traditional holiday activities with its agricultural setting. Visitors can cut their own Christmas trees, a unique experience in the Arizona desert. The farm's vintage carousel and train rides are adorned with festive decorations, offering a nostalgic touch. This celebration highlights the farm's 80-year history as a Valley landmark. You can warm up with freshly baked treats from the country store. The event features ice skating under the stars, an unexpected delight in Queen Creek's mild climate. Hayrides through illuminated orchards provide a distinctive way to enjoy the holiday lights.
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Schnepf Farms Christmas Celebration
Merry Main Street (Mesa)
What to Expect:
Giant holiday-themed LEGO sculpture display
Description:
Mesa's Main Street comes alive with holiday cheer, featuring a unique display of giant LEGO sculptures with festive themes. These intricate creations stand alongside traditional decorations, offering a modern twist on holiday displays. Visitors can ice skate on a real outdoor rink, an unusual treat in the desert climate. The event showcases Mesa's commitment to blending art and community celebration. You'll find local artisans selling handcrafted gifts, perfect for holiday shopping. The aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, adding to the sensory experience. This celebration highlights Mesa's vibrant downtown culture and artistic spirit.
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Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Luxury resort transformed into a winter village
Description:
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort metamorphoses into an opulent winter village, complete with an ice-skating rink and a four-story musical tree. Visitors can ride the Princess Express Train through illuminated lagoons and past twinkling cacti. The event features a "Christmas Characters" meet-and-greet, bringing holiday stories to life. This celebration reflects Scottsdale's reputation for luxury experiences. You can indulge in gourmet s'mores around fire pits under the starry desert sky. The resort's transformation includes a replica of the Northern Lights, projecting colorful auroras across the night. This event offers a high-end holiday experience unique to the Southwest.
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Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Combines Southwestern traditions with botanical beauty
Description:
The Desert Botanical Garden glows with the soft light of thousands of luminarias, honoring a cherished Southwestern tradition. These hand-lit paper lanterns line the garden paths, creating a serene atmosphere among the cacti and desert flora. Visitors can enjoy the haunting melodies of Native American flute players echoing through the night. This event dates back to 1978, evolving alongside the garden's growth. You'll discover artistic light installations that complement the natural desert landscape. The celebration offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, showcasing the Sonoran Desert's distinctive charm during the holiday season.
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Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (Tempe)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade on Tempe Town Lake
Description:
Tempe Town Lake sparkles with the reflections of decorated boats gliding across its surface. This unique parade features vessels of all sizes adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Spectators line the shores, watching as the illuminated flotilla creates a moving light show on the water. The event, which began in 1999, has become a cherished tradition in this landlocked state. You can enjoy live music and food vendors along the lakeside. The parade culminates with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky over the urban lake. This celebration showcases Tempe's innovative use of its man-made waterway for community gatherings.
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Santa's Wonderland (Chandler)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience with cutting-edge technology
Description:
Chandler Fashion Center hosts an innovative Santa experience, blending traditional holiday elements with cutting-edge technology. Visitors can embark on a virtual sleigh ride using VR headsets, soaring over snowy landscapes. The event features an augmented reality station where children can see themselves as elves. This high-tech approach reflects Chandler's status as a growing tech hub in the Phoenix metro area. You'll find a "smart" nice list, where kids can see their names appear in real-time. The celebration includes a 3D-printed winter village, showcasing miniature replicas of Chandler landmarks. This event offers a glimpse into the future of holiday traditions.
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Electric Light Parade (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats and performers
Description:
Phoenix's streets come alive with a procession of dazzling floats and performers, all aglow with thousands of lights. This nighttime spectacle features intricate light displays on moving vehicles, creating a dynamic visual experience. Visitors can watch as illuminated marching bands and dance troupes pass by, their costumes twinkling in the darkness. The parade, which began in 1987, reflects Phoenix's growth into a major metropolitan area. You'll hear the cheers of spectators as each new float rounds the corner. The event showcases the creativity of local organizations and businesses, with many floats incorporating Phoenix landmarks and cultural elements.