Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get pumped for festive fun, Surprise! Our guide is packed with must-see events and activities. For Surprise experts and novices alike, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal wonders.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of ZooLights, where the Phoenix Zoo is transformed into a dazzling display of holiday lights and animal-themed creations. With its enchanting atmosphere, Glendale Glitters fills the downtown area with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a charming holiday scene. And the World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it takes visitors on an immersive journey through a winter wonderland of lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Surprise Holiday Light Displays
ZooLights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo features millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animal sculptures, and immersive light displays. Visitors can enjoy a brand-new light show, stroll through an even longer light tunnel, and get their photo taken with Santa. The event also includes cozy s'mores pits and hot cocoa stations, making it a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : ZooLights
Glendale Glitters
- What to Expect
- Large-scale holiday light display with diverse activities.
- Description
- Glendale Glitters is a spectacular display of 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks in downtown Glendale. The event includes musical performances, food vendors, and various festive activities. It features the annual Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight series, and LIBCON West at the Velma Teague Library.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : Glendale Glitters
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with exotic animal themes.
- Description
- World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is a drive-through light show featuring millions of colorful lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics. The event takes you on a wild holiday adventure with exotic animals, peacocks, piranhas, and a Tyrannosaurus rex, culminating in Santa's Bazaar where all your new animal friends are decking 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 drive-through light show featuring over 1 million colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, synchronized to festive tunes. The event takes you on a journey 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
Las Noches de las Luminarias
- What to Expect
- Geometric light displays merge 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 Garden presents an even brighter spectacle with LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning geometric brilliance.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Las Noches de las Luminarias
Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- What to Expect
- Dazzling holiday lights and train rides through a festive landscape.
- Description
- Join us for a captivating holiday spectacle at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, where dazzling lights and holiday displays transform the park into a vibrant seasonal spectacle. 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 : Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
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 life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and pyrotechnics, a magical train ride, nightly parade, and live entertainment. It also includes holiday shopping, western cowboy Christmas shows, and a Very Merry Christmas Parade.
- Where
- Chandler | More Info : Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
- What to Expect
- Largest volunteer-driven Christmas lighting display in the Southwest.
- Description
- The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various Biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor Nativity scene underneath a lighted star. 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
Enchant at Salt River Fields
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light maze with original stories.
- Description
- Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields features a world's largest Christmas light maze, unique ice skating experiences, and a variety of festive attractions including Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly caroling, mainstage entertainment, and a shopping village with seasonal food and drink.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Enchant at Salt River Fields
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday event with a festive street parade and tree lighting.
- 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 Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with a tree lighting and light parade.
- Description
- The Holiday Program & Light Parade at Flatiron Park in Apache Junction features Santa, vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, music, inflatables, food, and a Tree Lighting ceremony. The event concludes with the Annual Holiday Light Parade.
- Where
- Apache Junction | More Info : Holiday Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light display featuring the City Christmas Tree.
- Description
- Avondale transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with Santa visits, annual tree lighting, and the premier of the Avondazzle Holiday Light Display. Enjoy festive activities, including snow fall and letter writing to Santa, along with food and sweet treats available for purchase.
- Where
- Avondale | More Info : WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
Nightly Snowfall - Tempe Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Snowfall in the desert setting.
- Description
- Tempe Marketplace transforms into a winter scene with nightly snowfall, creating a serene and festive atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and community performances.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Nightly Snowfall - Tempe Marketplace
Surprise Holiday Markets and Shopping
Briar Patch Marketplace's Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Interactive photo ops with the Grinch and Santa.
- Description
- Briar Patch Marketplace is a vibrant holiday event featuring over 150 small businesses selling unique gifts, holiday decor, and scrumptious treats. The event includes appearances by the Grinch and Santa for photo opportunities, making it a delightful experience for all.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Briar Patch Marketplace's Holiday Event
Surprise Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Holiday tree lighting with live entertainment and Santa photos.
- Description
- The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace features a holiday tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Santa photos, and strolling holiday characters. Enjoy free activities, crafts, and holiday performances throughout the district.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
Surprise Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show on a festive farm setting.
- Description
- Christmas at Schnepf Farms offers a variety of holiday 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
Glistening Gardens - Butterfly Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive learning sessions with expert gardeners and artists.
- Description
- Explore the beauty of butterflies and rainforest animals at Glistening Gardens, where you can learn about butterfly gardens, attend a painting class, and enjoy various interactive experiences.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Glistening Gardens - Butterfly Wonderland
Christmas in the Park - Litchfield Park Special Events
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with a hometown 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 holiday market vendors selling gift-giving items and affordable art. The event includes free entertainment, food vendors, and holiday-themed activities like inflatables and a petting zoo.
- Where
- Litchfield Park | More Info : Christmas in the Park - Litchfield Park Special Events
Phoenix Festival of the Arts
- What to Expect
- Community-driven art festival with live music and local cuisine.
- Description
- The Phoenix Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of local art, music, and food in downtown Phoenix. Featuring over 150 art vendors, live performances, and a variety of interactive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Phoenix Festival of the Arts