Despite its desert environment, the Phoenix metropolitan area transforms into a festive hub during the Christmas season. The air fills with the spirit of the holidays, offering a captivating array of magical light displays, charming snowy scenes, creative cookie decorating opportunities, engaging crafts for children, exhilarating ice skating experiences, and heartwarming visits with Santa Claus throughout the season. Christmas in Phoenix offers many activities.
From capturing cherished memories with Santa Claus at various local venues to immersing yourself in the enchanting melodies of a holiday performance, witnessing the dazzling spectacle of tree lighting ceremonies, embarking on a scenic driving tour of breathtaking Christmas lights, or treating your family to a delightful Christmas Day dinner, Phoenix and its surrounding communities provide a wealth of activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy during this special time of year. Many events are free, but there may be parking or other fees for certain activities.
Here’s a guide to some of the most enchanting Christmas experiences Phoenix has to offer in 2022:
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Each year, the Phoenix Zoo embarks on a magnificent transformation, adorning its animal exhibits with a mesmerizing display of holiday lights. This spectacular showcase converts the zoo into a captivating winter wonderland, brimming with exciting activities that promise fun for the entire family. This year, ZooLights is scheduled to illuminate the Phoenix Zoo nightly from November 23, 2022, until January 15, 2023, between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Visitors have the option to explore ZooLights on foot or through a leisurely drive, depending on the specific night. Checking the calendar beforehand is highly recommended.
While the live animals may be less visible during the evening hours of ZooLights, the spectacle more than compensates with its stunning lighted animal sculptures. The event showcases millions of twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Additional attractions include encounters with live reindeer, a selection of delectable holiday foods and drinks, and the captivating Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 illuminated creatures that will spark wonder in visitors of all ages. Christmas in Phoenix truly shines with ZooLights.
Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland
Venture into the vibrant world of Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, which transforms into a captivating Christmas in the Rainforest experience. Beginning on November 25, 2022, and continuing until New Year’s Eve, this unique celebration combines colorful holiday décor with the ethereal beauty of thousands of butterflies from around the globe. The setting is the largest glass conservatory in the United States, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Guests can admire a captivating art exhibit featuring hand-blown glass, marvel at a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and enjoy weekend performances by a local Native American flute player, adding a touch of cultural richness to the festivities. Additionally, visitors can explore the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop, brimming with unique and enchanting souvenirs. Entrance to Christmas in the Rainforest is included with general admission to Butterfly Wonderland, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
During the holiday season, the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, Phoenix, embraces the spirit of the season with its enchanting Las Noches de las Luminarias celebration. On select nights, the garden’s pathways are lined with 8,000 luminaria bags, creating a warm and inviting glow that enhances the natural beauty of the desert landscape. The 2022 event will run from December 1, 2022, to New Year’s Eve.
Las Noches de las Luminarias transforms the garden into a magical wonderland, with the soft light of the luminarias illuminating the unique desert flora. Adding to the spectacle is the glow of the Wild Rising creatures—animal sculptures crafted from colorful, recyclable plastic—creating a captivating contrast between art and nature. Tickets, which include access to the event and live music performances, are $40 for adults and $17 for children.
Merry Main Street
The city of Mesa brings the holiday spirit to life with its Merry Main Street celebration. A central attraction is the 5,000-square-foot Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, open daily from November 25, 2022, until January 7, 2023, with the exception of Christmas Day. Advance tickets with a specified time slot are required for skating, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable experience. Each ticket is valid for one hour on the rink and includes skate rental.
Beyond the ice rink, Merry Main Street offers a wealth of holiday attractions, including Mesa’s towering four-story Christmas tree, a 12-foot Mesa Menorah, a Jack Frost-themed food truck area, and free visits with Santa Claus. On opening weekend, visitors can explore Santa’s Merry Makers Marketplace, filled with unique gifts and crafts.
Glendale Glitters
Historic Downtown Glendale transforms into a dazzling spectacle of light during Glendale Glitters, a beloved family tradition in the area. Spanning 16 blocks, the event creates an enchanted forest illuminated by over 1 million twinkling lights. The city is alight from November 21, 2022, until January 7, 2023, every night from 5–10 p.m. Christmas in Phoenix is not complete without it.
In addition to the breathtaking light display, Glendale Glitters features live entertainment, a variety of food trucks offering delicious treats, and the grand finale Glendale Glitter & Glow Block Party, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Scottsdazzle
Scottsdazzle transforms downtown Scottsdale into a holiday extravaganza. Running from November 26, 2022, through New Year’s Eve, the festival encompasses a variety of events, including holiday culinary tours, a beer festival, and a farmer’s market, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors.
Admire the city’s beautiful holiday tree, illuminated décor, and public art installations, which are scattered throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Many local restaurants and shops offer special deals during Scottsdazzle, so keep an eye out for extra incentives as you explore the town.
Christmas and Chanukah at the Carefree Desert Gardens
Venture a bit outside of Phoenix to Carefree Desert Gardens. Christmas in Carefree is a holiday light display that invites visitors to take a self-guided walking tour and witness the 25-foot Christmas tree under the largest sundial in the western hemisphere. Stroll along garden pathways adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, highlighting the beauty of the Sonoran desert flora and fauna.
The Chanukah Menorah lighting festivities commence on December 3, 2022, with a tree lighting ceremony, and continue for all eight nights of Chanukah until December 25, offering a celebration of light and tradition.
Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess presents Christmas at the Princess, a spectacular holiday event running from November 18, 2022, through January 2, 2023. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of holiday magic, featuring over 4 million sparkling LED lights, festive holiday characters, ice skating, light shows, shopping opportunities, photos with Santa Claus, marshmallow roasting, and many other festive activities.
Be sure to admire the resort’s magnificent Christmas tree, adorned with 70,000 LED lights that dance to classic holiday songs in the Enchanted Plaza. The annual Christmas Day brunch is available to hotel guests and community members alike.
Winter Wonderland Express at Enchanted Island
Embark on a whimsical journey aboard the Winter Wonderland Express holiday train to a snow-filled Enchanted Island in Phoenix. For this special event, 25 tons of snow are brought in, creating a wintry oasis in the heart of the desert. Families can play in fresh snow, race on sleds, visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and some candy canes, and immerse themselves in festive holiday décor. The Winter Wonderland Express runs at Enchanted Island on the weekends of December 10-11 and December 17-18, 2022, and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winter Wonderland at The Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Celebrate the holiday season at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix during its annual Winter Wonderland celebration. Guests can visit with Santa, offering a memorable photo opportunity, and go sock skating through the three levels of the museum, providing a fun and engaging activity for children of all ages. The event is free with the usual museum entry fee. This year’s Winter Wonderland takes place between November 19, 2022, and January 29, 2023. Visits with Santa are scheduled for December 3 and 4, 2022.
True Star Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale
Experience the magic of Christmas at this year’s True Star Hometown Christmas Parade in historic downtown Glendale, taking place on December 10, 2022. Churches, businesses, and community groups from around the area participate in this cherished event. Proceeds from the parade benefit Glendale’s local food bank, Hope for Hunger. In addition to cash donations, a city-wide food drive collects thousands of pounds of non-perishable, canned food for Hope for Hunger.
This free event is open to the public. The parade route begins at 51st Avenue and Glendale Avenue, then proceeds west on Glendale to 58th Avenue.
CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink
Enjoy the thrill of skating on real ice at CitySkate in downtown Phoenix. Afternoon and evening skate sessions are available from November 26, 2022, to January 5, 2023. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the rink and include skate rental.
During the CitySkate season, every Saturday and Sunday from 2-6 p.m., families can visit with Santa Claus, creating a memorable experience for children. Warm up at the hot chocolate stand provided by Copper Blues each Friday and Saturday, staffed by Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops who earn a portion of each beverage sold.
These are just a few of the many ways to experience Christmas in Phoenix. With its dazzling lights, festive events, and warm desert spirit, Phoenix offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience for all.
