Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your perfect holiday in Scottsdale with our guide. Discover all the best festive events and activities. For Scottsdale regulars and one-time guests, our guide is your compass through the winter wonderland.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of Enchant at Salt River Fields, where a stunning light maze and holiday market create a charming atmosphere. Featuring an ice skating rink, Christmas at the Princess offers a delightful blend of festive decorations and interactive experiences. And definitely don't forget the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights, a captivating display that enchants visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Scottsdale Holiday Light Displays
Enchant at Salt River Fields
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light maze with a story-driven quest.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields features a massive holiday light maze, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, and a charming holiday marketplace with local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts and seasonal treats.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Enchant at Salt River Fields
Christmas at the Princess
- What to Expect
- Grand holiday celebration with extensive light displays and ice skating.
- Description
- Christmas at the Princess is a grand holiday celebration featuring 10 million lights, 128 fire pits, and 6,000 sq. ft. of outdoor ice skating. Enjoy unique Santa experiences, meet lovable Christmas characters, and experience spectacular light displays and festive activities.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Christmas at the Princess
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Dazzling holiday lights and train rides through a festive landscape.
- Description
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with dazzling lights and captivating displays. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a memorable journey through the park's festive landscape. Enjoy train and carousel rides, explore the Model Railroad Building, and satisfy your cravings with food and drink options available at Hartley’s General Store.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
Glendale Glitters
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and community giving opportunities.
- Description
- Glendale Glitters is a festive event featuring twinkling lights, numerous selfie spots, and new ways to give back to the community, making it a vibrant holiday celebration.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : Glendale Glitters
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
- What to Expect
- Large-scale outdoor nativity scenes and international nativity exhibits.
- 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 over 100 international nativities. The event is held on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple and is open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily, with additional daytime viewing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
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. Explore themed lands filled with thousands of sparkling lights and whimsical surprises. View past-year artifacts and memorable moments, and celebrate the magic with the Very Merry Christmas Parade and western cowboy Christmas show.
- Where
- Chandler | More Info : Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Santa’s World of Illumination
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with unique themes.
- Description
- Santa's World of Illumination features over a million lights synced to music, creating an immersive holiday experience with unique themes and displays.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Santa’s World of Illumination
Christmas Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Live music and first snowfall at a holiday tree lighting event.
- Description
- Join Tempe Marketplace for the lighting of their brand new 50-foot holiday tree, featuring live music performances, including Scrooge The Musical by Arizona Theatre Company, LED Drum Line Performance, free hot chocolate from Cinnaholic, and festive cocktails from the Dave & Buster’s mobile bar. Enjoy professional Santa photos and witness the first snowfall of the season at the District Stage. Strike a pose next to the Naughty or Nice art installation.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace
Scottsdale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale
- What to Expect
- Seasonal events and activities in a historic downtown setting.
- Description
- Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale is a month-long holiday celebration featuring over 45 events, including the annual Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Meet Santa at the Farmers Market, and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment activities.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with live music by the Phoenix Symphony.
- Description
- Ballet Arizona's production of The Nutcracker features Ib Andersen's choreography and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's cherished score, performed by the Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara's wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : The Nutcracker
Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas
- What to Expect
- Nostalgic, jazzy holiday concert with comedic elements.
- Description
- Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet come together to present a holiday spectacular featuring classic and original songs, blending comedy and music in a nostalgic, jazzy style reminiscent of 1950s and 60s TV specials.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas
Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before...
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly acrobatic performances inspired by classic Christmas poetry.
- Description
- Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before... is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic, featuring thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack of re-invented holiday classics. The show tells the story of a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays through memorable lines from "A Visit from Saint Nicholas."
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before...
Merry-Achi Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-renowned mariachi ensemble performing traditional and modern holiday music.
- Description
- Maestro José Hernández and his platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México perform treasured holiday classics and favorites from the mariachi songbook in this holiday fiesta, blending classical, pop, jazz, swing, and Broadway tunes.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Merry-Achi Christmas
Scottsdazzle Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Joyful holiday sing-along with tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- Join in the holiday spirit with a joyful sing-along and the lighting of Scottsdale's iconic tree, featuring festive music, seasonal snacks, and live entertainment.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Scottsdazzle Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with live entertainment and strolling characters.
- Description
- The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace features a festive tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, strolling characters, and free Santa photos. Enjoy games, giveaways, and holiday performances, including a BOOM LED Drum Line and Magic Show.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
Scottsdale Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show on a historic train ride.
- 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 obstacle course. Enjoy seasonal food, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa Claus in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Queen Creek | More Info : Christmas at Schnepf Farms