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Holiday Activities for Kids in Scottsdale

As if the sunny days and mildly chilly nights aren’t enough reason to head to Scottsdale during the holidays, our resorts and attractions pull out all the stops to transform into winter wonderlands sure to cheer even the most Grinch-y members of the family – from tykes to teenagers.

 


SCOTTSDAZZLE


Scottsdazzle

This holiday extravaganza returns to Old Town with a host of activities for the whole family! Highlights include photos with Santa at the Old Town Farmers Market, a Live Nativity at the Old Adobe Mission, and the festive holiday Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 2023
Times: Vary by activity – see website for details.

 


ZOOLIGHTS


zoolights

One of the area’s most cherished holiday traditions, ZooLights, returns this season with millions of twinkling lights, new animal lanterns and light displays, a new Lake Light Show featuring a 50-foot LED tree and nightly snowfall, live entertainment and visits with Santa in the Polar Park. Admission to ZooLights also includes entrance to Dinosaurs in the Desert! On December 4, 2023, enjoy Sensory Friendly ZooLights, which features the same fantastic experience with modifications to make the event more sensory-friendly, including smaller crowds, quieter music and reduced flashing lights.

Dates: Nov. 22, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024
Times: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

 


CHRISTMAS AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS


fairmont holidays

Celebrate the splendor of the season at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where holiday festivities and an enchanting winter wonderland surrounded by 6.5 million twinkling lights. The fun starts with the four-story, musically animated Christmas tree, aglow with 70,000 LED lights that twinkle to the tune of 18 classic holiday songs. Next, try your skills at ice skating on the resort’s 6,000-square-foot Desert Ice Skating Rink. Other holiday highlights include S’mores Land, Mrs. Claus’ Story Time, sledding on Snow Mountain, Princess Express Train Rides and the Ultimate Santa Experience, where you can experience the Elf Academy, enjoy milk and specialty cookies, and meet the big guy himself during Santa storytime.

Dates: Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 6, 2024
Times: Vary based on attraction; see website for details.

 


HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK


Holidays at McCormick-Stillman

This event’s centerpiece is the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, which takes visitors on a magical ride through thousands of holiday lights and fanciful displays. This 5:12-scale train is an exact replica of the Colorado narrow gauge railroad and features three steam locomotives, two diesel engines and one electric engine. Before or after the train ride, hop aboard the historic Charros Carousel or delight in some hot cocoa at Hartley’s General Store. The event features limited capacity in two 90-minute time blocks each evening.

Dates: Daily from Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024 (except Dec. 24 and 25)
Times: Timed ticket options are 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (entry times at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.)

 


ENCHANT


Enchant

This returning event welcomes you to an illuminated winter wonderland where you can experience more than 4 million sparkling lights that create an immersive, walk-thru, story-themed maze. Enjoy ice skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more in the Village. Enchant is a spectacular annual event produced on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces, like Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Make plans to bring family and friends to Enchant for a heartwarming evening of Christmas cheer!

Dates: Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2023
Times: Gates open daily at 6 p.m.

 


THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY AT VERDE CANYON RAILROAD


Magical Christmas Journey

Embark on a magical train ride from Verde Canyon to the North Pole! This Christmas-themed experience features a miniature village at the train depot for even the tiniest tots to explore and a train ride with open-air viewing cars that will pass through an illuminated mystical tunnel before stopping at the North Pole. Passengers can soak up the Christmas spirit as the train slowly passes by Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery and the Ugly Sweater Factory, to name a few. Santa will board the train for the return trip and gift each child with a small memento to commemorate their journey!

Dates: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24, 2023
Times: Trains depart at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 


The Polar Express with Grand Canyon Railway


Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express

Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of the “North Pole” where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl! On the ride, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate cookies while listening to the timeless holiday story of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.

Dates: Nov. 10 – Dec. 30, 2023 (some blackout dates apply)
Times: Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

To plan your Scottsdale holiday getaway, click here!