Holiday Lights in Phoenix 2026 ✨

Holiday light displays (7)

Walk-through light shows, luminarias and lit-up downtowns. Dates, hours and prices are as posted on each official site.

• Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027, nightly

  Christmas at the Princess

  Fairmont Scottsdale Princess · 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

  The resort's holiday festival across 65 acres: light shows in the Enchanted Plaza, ice skating, a big traveling Ferris wheel, s'mores by the fire, holiday characters and photos with Santa (extra fee). Rain or shine.

  Hours:

  Mon–Thu 5–10 pm · Fri–Sun 4–11 pm · daily 4–11 pm from Dec 17

  Price:

  Ticketed (buy ahead; it often sells out) · parking extra: self-park $35, valet $120 if bought before you arrive

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027

  ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

  Phoenix Zoo · 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

  Five million lights across more than two miles of Zoo trail: a lake light show with a 50-foot LED tree, a 200-foot light tunnel, the Glow Garden, a three-story Christmas tree, s'mores by the fire, kettle corn and cocoa, and photos with Santa through Dec 23 (separate fee). Most animals aren't visible at night. Least crowded: Monday to Wednesday nights.

  Hours:

  5:30–10:30 pm

  Price:

  General $35 · members $30 · children 2 and under free · Member Mondays $10 (members, select Mondays)

  Ages:

  All ages

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Lights nightly Nov 27 – Jan 1 · kickoff Nov 27–28

  Glendale Glitters

  Murphy Park, Historic Downtown Glendale, Glendale

  The city's 33rd Glendale Glitters lights up Historic Downtown Glendale. The two-night kickoff adds interactive light displays, holiday photo spots, local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, carolers and Santa; after that the lights stay on nightly through Jan 1 for a stroll past downtown's shops and restaurants.

  Hours:

  Lights 5–10 pm nightly · lighting ceremony Nov 27 at 5:45 pm · kickoff event Nov 27–28, 5–10 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Nov 27 – Dec 30 (no Holiday Lights Dec 24–25)

  Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

  McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park · 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250

  The park turns into a winter wonderland of lights and festive displays, seen from the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Warm up at S'more Land ($8 s'mores kits). Wristbands are required for entry and rides; tickets are sold online through ActiveNet (sales open Oct 27 at 8 am) and the event sells out every year.

  Hours:

  5:30–9:30 pm

  Price:

  $15 per person ages 3 and up, includes train and carousel rides · 2 and under free · members $5 off

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Nov 27–29 · Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31 · Jan 1–3

  Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

  Desert Botanical Garden · 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ

  Thousands of glowing luminarias, light displays and Sonoran-style holiday tree and wreath displays along the Garden's trails, with live music and performances (Traveler World Orchestra, Simply Three and Vinyl Station among them), the Super Bloom installation by Graphic Rewilding, and photos with Sonoran Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov 27–29 and Dec 18–23.

  Hours:

  5–9:30 pm

  Price:

  Adults $39.95–$44.95 (members $37.95–$42.95) · children 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95)

  Ages:

  All ages

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Nov 27 – Dec 30, nightly

  Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights

  Mesa Arizona Temple · 101 S LeSueur, Mesa, AZ 85203

  The Christmas lights on the temple grounds in downtown Mesa, on every night through Dec 30. Free; the Visitors' Center stays open until 10 pm during the lights.

  Hours:

  5–10 pm

  Price:

  Free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Dec 11–22

  Riparian After Dark

  Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch · 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ

  Gilbert's holiday glow along 1.5 miles of preserve trails and walkways, with thousands of lights and displays, warm drinks every night and a snack vendor on weekends. Tickets are required for everyone; paved, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paths; leashed pets allowed.

  Hours:

  5:30–9 pm (last time slot 8:30 pm, no entry after 8:45 pm)

  Price:

  $5 per person online (plus taxes/fees) · $10 at the gate · children 3 and under free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

Tree lightings (6)

City and neighborhood tree-lighting nights, most of them free.

• Mon, Nov 23

  Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace

  Desert Ridge Marketplace · 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

  Santa and Mrs. Claus light the holiday tree at 7:15 pm, with live entertainment, strolling characters, free holiday activities and crafts, and free photos with Santa from 7:30 pm.

  Hours:

  6–9 pm · tree lighting at 7:15 pm

  Price:

  Free (an optional 5–6 pm VIP early-access ticket benefits Phoenix Children's)

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Fri, Nov 27

  Merry Main Street Kick-off & Christmas Tree Lighting

  Downtown Mesa (Mesa's Christmas Tree), Mesa

  The start of Merry Main Street, downtown Mesa's month-long holiday celebration with a 6,000-square-foot real ice rink: a holiday market around Mesa's Christmas tree, then a holiday program and the tree lighting.

  Hours:

  From 5 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Sat, Nov 28

  Scottsdazzle Tree Lighting Spectacular

  Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank · 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ

  Scottsdazzle's opening night, celebrating Scottsdale's 75th: the 10-piece band Phat Cat Swinger, a Toyland play area for little ones, treats from Old Town vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a pop-up makers' market and the lighting of the 36-foot Scottsdazzle tree. On-street parking in Old Town is free.

  Hours:

  7–9 pm

  Price:

  Free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Mon, Nov 30

  Gilbert Water Tower Holiday Lighting

  Water Tower Plaza, Gilbert

  Gilbert's holiday kickoff at the newly transformed Water Tower Plaza: live music by Christie Huff, sledding on real man-made snow, inflatables, crafts while supplies last, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snowman contest and local food vendors. Free parking downtown; leashed pets welcome.

  Hours:

  6–8:30 pm · tower lighting with Mayor Anderson 6:45–7 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Sat, Dec 5

  Stroll in the Glow

  Avenue of the Fountains · 16705 E Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

  Fountain Hills lights the Avenue of the Fountains and the town Christmas tree; Santa arrives on a fire truck before 6 pm for free photos, and hot air balloons glow at Fountain Park from 6 to 8 pm.

  Hours:

  5–8 pm · Avenue lighting around 5:45 pm · balloon glow 6–8 pm

  Price:

  Free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Sat, Dec 5

  Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights

  Downtown Chandler (Dr. A.J. Chandler Park) · 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225

  Chandler lights its famous tumbleweed Christmas tree, with musical performances, free photos with Santa at Santa's House (closed 6:30–8 pm while Santa rides in the parade), letters to Santa, Chandler Fire's Stuff the Truck toy drive and the Parade of Lights through downtown. Carpool and arrive early for parking.

  Hours:

  4:30–9 pm · Parade of Lights 6:45–8 pm

  Price:

  Free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

Boat parades & parades of lights (3)

Lighted floats on city streets and decorated boats on Tempe Town Lake.

• Sat, Nov 28

  Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting

  Mill Avenue & CenterPoint Plaza, Downtown Tempe, Tempe

  Downtown Tempe's holiday kickoff: snack and drink vendors and live music, then floats, performers and holiday characters on Mill Avenue at 6 pm (viewing is first come, first served), followed by the lighting of the 36-foot holiday tree at CenterPoint Plaza, photos with Santa and a letters-to-the-North-Pole station.

  Hours:

  4–8 pm · parade steps off at 6 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Sat, Dec 5

  APS Electric Light Parade

  Central Ave. from Montebello Ave. to 7th St. and Indian School Rd., Phoenix

  Phoenix's 39th annual parade of lighted entries from families, neighborhood groups and businesses, from Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. to 7th St. and Indian School Rd. Central Ave. (Camelback to Bethany Home), 7th St. (Indian School to Osborn) and Camelback Rd. (1st Ave. to 7th St.) close 5–11 pm.

  Hours:

  Parade starts at 7 pm (run time varies) · road closures 5–11 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Sat, Dec 12

  Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

  Tempe Beach Park · 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ

  Boats decked out in holiday lights, inflatables and creative themes parade across Tempe Town Lake, with a holiday market, live entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, letters to and photos with Santa, and a fireworks finale over the lake. Clear bag policy for entry.

  Hours:

  4–9 pm

  Price:

  Free

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

Holiday markets & festivals (2)

Holiday markets, festival nights and month-long downtown celebrations.

• Nov 28 – Dec 31

  Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale

  Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale

  The city's holiday season in Old Town: seasonal décor and sparkling lights along the streets plus a calendar of events, many free, such as Meet Santa at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market, Winter at the Waterfront nights, a Starlight Movie Night, a public Hanukkah celebration and a Live Nativity and Choir Concert.

  Price:

  Many events free; some ticketed

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

• Fri, Dec 4 (Yule Y'all) and Fri, Dec 11 (Jingle Jam)

  Holidays on the Square

  Goodyear Civic Square, Goodyear

  Goodyear's holiday nights at Civic Square Park, with a new theme each week: Yule Y'all on Dec 4 brings country-flavored entertainment and holiday activities, and Jingle Jam on Dec 11 is a sing-and-dance-along party of holiday hits.

  Hours:

  5–8 pm

  Official site ↗Checked Oct 19 on the official site

Santa visits & free family fun (3)

Santa visits, plus free holiday events the organizer lists for families or all ages.

1. Thu, Dec 3, 5:30 PM

   Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library

   South Mountain Community Library, Phoenix · FreeKid-friendly

2. Sat, Dec 5, 3:00 PM

   Holiday Concert with CAFE Flutes

   Fountain Hills Library · FreeKid-friendly

3. Wed, Dec 9, 3:30 PM

   Afternoon Adventures - Holiday Card Day!

   Desert Sage Library, Phoenix · FreeKid-friendly

Holiday nights for grown-ups (4)

Listed 21+ or adults only by the organizer.

1. Tue, Nov 10, 7:00 PM · +94 more dates through Jan 3

   Drunk Shakespeare: A Drunk Christmas Carol (21+ Event)

   Rose Theatre at Arizona Center, Phoenix · check prices21+

2. Fri, Dec 4, 9:00 PM

   6th Annual Christmas Disco Party

   Thunderbird Lounge, Phoenix · check prices21+

3. Sat, Dec 19, 12:00 PM

   3rd Annual Melrose Ugly Sweater Crawl

   Thunderbird Lounge, Phoenix · check prices21+

4. Sat, Dec 26, 7:00 PM

   2nd Annual Yule Ball 2026

   Thunderbird Lounge, Phoenix · check prices21+

Holiday shows & concerts (38)

The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, holiday concerts and touring Christmas shows. Ticket prices are from the seller's listing.

1. Sun, Nov 15, 5:30 PM

   The Nutcracker - Phoenix

   The Madison Center for the Arts, Phoenix · check pricesKid-friendly

2. Fri, Nov 27, 5:00 PM · +58 more dates through Dec 24

   A Christmas Carol (No children under 5 permitted)

   Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona, Gilbert · check pricesKid-friendlyAges 5+

3. Fri, Nov 27, 7:00 PM · +7 more dates through Dec 6

   The Nutcracker Presented By Ballet Etudes

   Chandler Center for the Arts · check pricesKid-friendly

4. Fri, Nov 27, 7:30 PM · +1 more date through Nov 28

   Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

   Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix · check pricesKid-friendly

5. Sat, Nov 28, 3:00 PM · +2 more dates through Nov 29

   Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

   Mesa Arts Center · check pricesKid-friendly

6. Sun, Nov 29, 2:00 PM · +1 more date through Nov 30

   Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue

   ASU Kerr, Scottsdale · check pricesKid-friendly

7. Tue, Dec 1, 7:30 PM · +8 more dates through Dec 6

   Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

   ASU Gammage, Tempe · check pricesKid-friendly

8. Fri, Dec 4, 4:00 PM · +15 more dates through Dec 19

   Hi-Fi Holiday Concert

   Hale Centre Theatre - Concert Hall, Gilbert · check pricesKid-friendlyAges 5+

9. Fri, Dec 4, 7:30 PM · +3 more dates through Dec 6

   Phoenix Symphony - Holiday Pops Spectacular

   Phoenix Symphony Hall · check pricesKid-friendly

10. Sat, Dec 5, 2:00 PM · +2 more dates through Dec 6

    Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Tempe

    ASU Gammage Auditorium, Tempe · check pricesKid-friendly

11. Sun, Dec 6, 3:00 PM · +1 more time that day

    Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

    Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix · check pricesKid-friendly

12. Sun, Dec 6, 5:00 PM · +3 more dates through Dec 7

    Irish Christmas in America

    Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix · check pricesKid-friendly

More holiday events (8)

Crafts, cards, cookies, film nights and other events with an explicit holiday theme.

1. Tue, Dec 1, 6:00 PM

   Adult Crafting Adventures: Holiday Cards

   Georgia T. Lord Library, Goodyear · Free

2. Thu, Dec 3, 2:00 PM

   Diamond Art Ugly Sweater Party

   Ed Robson Library, Sun Lakes · Free

3. Mon, Dec 7, 10:00 AM

   Adult Craft: Holiday Wreath Painting on Wood

   Queen Creek Library · Free

4. Sat, Dec 12, 11:00 AM

   Gingerbread House Craft

   Fountain Hills Library · Free

5. Fri, Dec 18, 3:00 PM

   Gentri Christmas

   Mesa Arts Center · check pricesKid-friendly

6. Fri, Dec 18, 11:59 PM

   Holiday Pies and Cookies

   Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix · check pricesKid-friendly

7. Sat, Dec 19, 2:00 PM

   Pressed & Printed: Holiday Card Creations

   Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix · Free

8. Mon, Dec 21, 7:00 PM

   7th Annual Gingerbread House Making Party

   Thunderbird Lounge, Phoenix · check prices