We’re eager to celebrate locally - and help you do the same. From holiday teas to transporting experiences, the Valley has so much to offer. And whether you’re experiencing the magic of the season with littles or recreating the cheer of seasons past, everything you need for magical memories can be found right here in Phoenix and Scottsdale. To inspire your holiday plans, we’ve scouted a few o the many local offerings. Enjoy, happy holidays, and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you! And keep checking back! We’ll be sharing more holiday happenings, seasonal sights, and ways to spread cheer as they develop!
HOLIDAY MARKETS & SANTA SIGHTINGS
The Santa Social at The Scottsdale Quarter (November 26th) will feature a full day of holiday cheer, including entertainment for littles, photos with Santa, caricature artists, puppy adoptions, special Christmas character appearances, the annual tree lighting celebration, and a holiday feature film! Learn more…
Paws & Claus (December 5th) at The Scottsdale Quarter is a special photo session for your furrier children. No matter if they’ve been naughty or nice, bring your pups for their very own portrait with Santa Paws. Learn more…
Phoestivus (December 14th - December 15th) is back for its thirteenth year in support of the DPTHX Farmers Market! Knock out your holiday shopping with over 200 small local vendors and enjoy food, drinks, music, and live art. Learn more...
Photos with Santa at The Quarter (November 18th - December 25th) is a holiday favorite - even if Santa isn’t your little’s favorite. Reservations are recommended. Learn more…
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Las Noches de la Luminarias (December 1st - December 31st) at The Desert Botanical Garden has been a seasonal must for 45 years and this year is no exception. In addition to yearly favorites - sparkling luminarias, entertainment, twinkling lights, and holiday delights - the Garden’s iconic trails will offer new experiences. This season, enjoy the bold and lyrical large scale sculptures of Playing with Stars by Rotraut and an interactive enchanted winter village building experience. Learn more...
ZooLights (November 23rd - January 15th) is another Valley favorite. Walk or drive the trail of lights and enjoy a new light show designed to take you around the world. Refuel on kettle corn and hot cocoa, then head to take a picture with Santa. Purchase tickets…
Holiday Lights McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (November 25th - December 30th) Hop on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. No trip to the park is complete without a spin on the historic Charros Carousel or a cup of hot cocoa from Hartley’s General Store. Santa will also be at the park on select evenings. Purchase tickets…
World of Illumination (November 20th - January 2nd) is the country’s largest drive-through animated holiday light show experience. Learn more…
Enchant Scottsdale (November 25th - January 1st) at Salt River Fields Let Enchant light up your holiday season. Bring your friends and family for a magical evening with over 4 million sparkling lights, our story-themed walk thru light maze, Ice Skating, and so much more Learn more…
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
The North Pole Experience (November 12th - December 24th) is a critically acclaimed Santa Experience located in the idyllic and breath-taking resort ski/summer destination of Flagstaff, AZ. North Pole Experience starts by taking families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop to experience Santa’s main factory floor, “Area 47” Sleigh Hangar, Elf University, and a visit with Mrs. Claus. Purchase tickets…
Christmas at the Princess (November 18th - January 2nd) see the Fairmont Scottsdale transformed into a snow-laden winter wonderland. From Chateau Champagne to Twinkle Town, the beloved tradition delivers joy and jubilee across its stunning 65 acres. Learn more…
Christmas at Schnepf Farms (November 25th - December 24th) Experience a winter wonderland with seasonal food, fun, and festivities for the whole family. Catch a ride on the World of Illumination Express, hop on a hayride (with snow!) to visit Rudolph, or journey through Santa’s magic workshop. Purchase tickets…
Scottsdazzle (November 26th - December 31st) transforms Old Town for the holidays. From the kickoff Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony to Scottsdazle Stroll, Scottsdazle anchors Old Town in the spirit of the season. Learn more…
CitySkate at CityScape (November 28th – January 1st) is a quintessential holiday experience. Enjoy outdoor skating under the stars throughout the season, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Learn more…
Holiday Par(tea) at Arcadia Farms (December 18th - December 22nd) is a seasonal favorite perfect for gathering with girlfriends. Indulge in housemade pastries, petite sandwiches, English teas, and other holiday fare and catch-up before the end of the year. Tickets required. Purchase tickets…
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical (November 19th - November 24th) at The Herberger Theatre Center is a musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. Purchase tickets…
Holiday Pops (December 2nd - December 4th) is The Phoenix Symphony’s most festive production of the year. Enjoy the season’s sounds - from carols to favorite secular songs - for a merry and bright evening. Purchase Tickets…
Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker (December 9th - December 24th) returns to Symphony Hall this season. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Learn more…
SEASON OF GIVING
Scottsdale Quarter Holiday Toy Drive (December 5th - December 21st) benefitting Arizona Helping Hands will accent new toys and clothing for babies, children, and teens. Stop by Santa City in The Quad and look for the donation bin in the cabin. Thanks to the generosity of the community, Arizona Helping Hands has made the holidays joyful for children throughout the state since 1998. View the wishlist…
Enjoy and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!