LIGHTS OF THE WORLD
Nov. 16, 2017 – Jan. 2, 2018
While there is a Christmas zone, this isn’t just about Christmas. This huge festival of lanterns and lights celebrates regions and cultures of the world in downtown Phoenix. It’s on USA Today’s list of Top 5 Over-the-Top Holiday Lights. Closed on Dec. 26.
ZOOLIGHTS AT THE PHOENIX ZOO
Nov. 22, 2017 – Jan. 14, 2018
Each year the Phoenix Zoo puts up an amazing holiday display called ZooLights. This event is about holiday lights, music, and lighted animal sculptures, not live animals. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS
Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2017
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess puts on its holiday dress and transforms itself into a sparkling winter wonderland for this event. Skate on real ice on the resort’s Desert Ice Skating Rink and check out the Christmas tree light show against the resort’s facade. And who wouldn’t love to make a furry friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop?
LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS
Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2017
Each year during the holiday season the Desert Botanical Garden lines the paths of its extraordinary landscape with thousands of luminarias. You can get a bite to eat at the Patio Cafe and get a glass, bottle, or flight of wine. Live entertainment every night as a soundtrack for this one-of-a-kind experience. This is a ticketed event, and it is smart to book in advance. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
GLENDALE GLITTERS
Nov. 24, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2018
1.5 million multi-colored twinkling holiday lights throughout a 12-block area that includes the Old Towne and Catlin Court districts. Lights will shine brightly every night from 5 to 11 p.m.
MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Dec. 1 – Jan. 7. 2018
Take a train ride through many festive holiday lights and displays that turn the Railroad Park in Scottsdale into a winter wonderland. On opening night, Dec. 1, 2017, you’ll also be treated to a visit from Santa, a tree-lighting ceremony, and live entertainment. Santa will hold court in a historic train car until Dec. 23. You can ride the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through this holiday spectacle from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 4, 24, 25, and 31.
ILLUMINATION SYMPHONY OF LIGHT
Nov. 15, 2017 – Jan. 7, 2018
This 1-mile long driving attraction will feature millions of holiday lights synchronized to holiday music throughout 14 acres of the newest state of the art holiday lights and displays. Bounce houses, food trucks, selfie stations and more.Times: Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.Cost: $29.50 – $34.50 per car/
WESTGATE’S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24, 2017
Westgate Entertainment District is lighting its 33-foot tree on Nov. 21 followed by snowfall. Throughout the holiday season, there will be ice skating, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and a nightly snowfall, plus photos with Santa.
DOWNTOWN MESA’S MERRY MAIN STREET
Nov. 24 – Jan. 5, 2017
Throughout the holiday season, you can visit downtown Mesa and take part in their holiday festivities. Four-story Christmas tree, skate around their outdoor ice rink, and take pictures at “Santa’s Selfie Village.” Downtown Mesa, Main Street between Country Club and Mesa Drive Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (ice rink hours vary)Admission: $10 for one hour of skating.
THE 19TH ANNUAL FANTASY OF LIGHTS BOAT PARADE
Saturday, December 9th
The floating units enter Tempe Town Lake at the Tempe Town Lake Marina and make their way to the north shore. The U-shaped parade route travels west to the buoys east of Tempe Center for the Arts, where they begin to make their way back east on Tempe Town Lake along the north shore.
APS ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
Grab some hot chocolate and head down to central Phoenix to watch as dozens of lighted floats make their way down Central Avenue for the 30th edition of the APS Electric Light Parade! Parade begins at 7 p.m.
CHANDLER’S TUMBLEWEED TREE
December 2, 2017
3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 85225 Chandler has one of the more interesting and festive holiday light displays in the Valley – a 25-foot tree made from 1,000 tumbleweeds! 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parade – 7pm; Tree Lighting Ceremony – approx. 8pm
CAREFREE’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS
Dec. 1 – Dec. 23, 2017
Head north to Carefree for their annual “Have a Carefree Christmas” festival. There will be 35 tons of snow to play in, a gift market, visits with Santa, an electric light parade, carolers and more! Easy Street in downtown
Carefree.christmasincarefree.com
AHWATUKEE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov. 25, 2017 – Jan. 1, 2018
The beautiful white Ahwatukee lights can be seen on Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway every. They are worth going the long way home to see.