Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for festive excitement in San Tan Valley! Our guide features all the exciting holiday happenings. For both locals and visitors, our guide unlocks the festive spirit of San Tan Valley.
Popular events this season include the captivating ZooLights, where Phoenix Zoo transforms into a dazzling display of millions of twinkling lights. Experience the vibrant wonder of Glendale Glitters, known for its breathtaking light displays and charming holiday market. And the enchanting Enchant at Salt River Fields is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring a stunning light maze and holiday-themed activities for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
San Tan Valley Holiday Light Displays
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show featuring exotic animals and jungle-themed displays.
- Description
- At World of Illumination, embark on a thrilling holiday adventure with Toukie Toucan as your host. Trek through Enchanted Safari, featuring exotic animals, soaring reindeer, and a T-Rex chase. Navigate the Tunnel of Tentacles to fend off sharks and jellyfish, culminating in Santa's Bazaar where your new animal friends deck the halls.
- 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 spectacular drive-through light show featuring millions of colorful lights, hundreds of animated displays, and a mile-long symphony of sight and sound. The event whisks you through mountainous terrain, glacial peaks, and northern ice caves to Santa’s Workshop, the world’s largest animated toy shop.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
Zoolights
- What to Expect
- Immersive light tunnel and synchronized light shows
- Description
- The Phoenix Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with millions of twinkling lights, new animal lanterns, and a brand-new light show. Enjoy vibrant visuals and mesmerizing music as you stroll through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats. Warm up with delicious treats at cozy s'mores pits and sip hot cocoa in the festive atmosphere. Take photos with Santa and explore interactive light displays, including a glowing dance floor and animal sculptures.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Zoolights
Las Noches de las Luminarias
- What to Expect
- Geometric light displays combining nature and light.
- Description
- Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features glowing luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holiday lights, musical performances, and festive food and drinks. This year, the event includes the stunning LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in geometric brilliance.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Las Noches de las Luminarias
Glendale Glitters
- What to Expect
- Dazzling holiday lights and live performances in historic downtown Glendale.
- Description
- Glendale Glitters is a six-week holiday celebration featuring a spectacular light display around Murphy Park in downtown Glendale. The event includes live music, performances, a Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and various other festive activities.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : Glendale Glitters
Enchant at Salt River Fields
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday light maze with interactive storytelling.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields features a world's largest Christmas light maze, unique ice skating experiences, and various festive attractions based on original holiday stories.
- 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 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, nightly parade, stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment.
- Where
- Chandler | More Info : Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
- What to Expect
- Large-scale outdoor light display with biblical scenes and international nativities.
- 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 more than 100 international nativities. The event is held on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple and includes free parking nearby.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
Lights at The Farm
- What to Expect
- World's largest inflatable Christmas obstacle course.
- Description
- Christmas at Schnepf Farms features seasonal food, ice skating, and a variety of festive activities including the World of Illumination Express, Santa's Reindeer Hayride, and the world's largest inflatable obstacle course. Visitors can also enjoy glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bonfire s'mores, and visits with Santa Claus himself.
- Where
- Queen Creek | More Info : Lights at The Farm
Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday light display with train and carousel rides.
- Description
- Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a captivating seasonal spectacle featuring holiday lights and enchanting displays. Each ticket includes train and carousel rides, with food and drink options available at Hartley’s General Store. Explore the Model Railroad Building, where intricate details bring the tiniest trains to life.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with live entertainment and Santa photos.
- 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
San Tan Valley Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with live performances and character appearances.
- Description
- The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace features a festive tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Santa photos, and strolling holiday characters. Enjoy free activities and crafts throughout the district.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
A Christmas Carol - Hale Centre Theatre
- What to Expect
- Traditional carols and stunning costumes.
- Description
- A heart-warming production of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters. Celebrating its 21st year in Gilbert, this show is a holiday classic.
- Where
- Gilbert | More Info : A Christmas Carol - Hale Centre Theatre
San Tan Valley Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of seasonal food, festive activities, and holiday shopping.
- Description
- Christmas at Schnepf Farms offers a variety of activities including the World of Illumination Express, ice skating, Santa's reindeer hayride, and the world's largest inflatable Christmas obstacle course. Enjoy seasonal food, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa Claus amidst a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Queen Creek | More Info : Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Cookies' N Cocoa 2024 - Grace Community Church
- Free holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.
- Join Cookies N' Cocoa 2024 at Grace Community Church for a free event featuring free cookies, cocoa, pictures with Santa, and more. This event is a tribute to Heather, honoring her love for Christmas and her students.
- Phoenix | More Info : Cookies' N Cocoa 2024 - Grace Community Church