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
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, Starlight Movie Night, Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa, Dazzling Magic Shows and the festive holiday Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Dates: Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2024
Times: Vary by activity – see website for details.
ZOOLIGHTS
It’s a wild night for the whole family at ZooLights! Enjoy hundreds of glimmering displays and millions of twinkling lights as they light the way through the Phoenix Zoo. This can’t-miss holiday favorite features a 200-foot-long light tunnel, the Lake Lights Show, Glow Garden, visits with Santa, and treats like hot cocoa and s'mores. This year's celebration also includes a Sensory Friendly ZooLights on Dec. 2, 2024 and the option to cruise ZooLights in your car on Nov. 10-12, 2024, and Jan. 13-14, 2025.
Dates: Nov. 27, 2024 – Jan. 14, 2025 (Jan. 13-14 for Cruise ZooLights only)
Times: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
As one of the city’s brightest places to celebrate the holiday season, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess creates a backdrop for families and friends to enjoy a magical night and make memories that last a lifetime. The resort transforms into a sparkly winter wonderland with the all new Starlights: An Electric Symphony, a desert ice skating rink, the Aurora Ice wonderland, Princess Express trains, holiday character appearances and more than 10 million dazzling Lagoon Lights. Be sure to stop by The Village, where you can go sledding down the new 200-foot Snow Mountain, ride the Chair Lift Ferris Wheel, toast marshmallows at Smoresland, and more!
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025
Times: Vary based on attraction; see website for details.
Holiday SnowFest
It’s going to be a white Christmas in Scottsdale this year, at least at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick! Holiday SnowFest is an action-packed winter wonderland crafted from more than 350 tons of real snow, with more than 50 tons of fresh snow added daily. As you walk through a magical tunnel of white twinkle lights, you’ll be transported to a glistening Snow Village featuring a 20-foot toboggan hill, snowman-building stations, and a Snow Cabin that boasts a spectacular light show every 30 minutes with real snow falling from the ceiling! There’s also a holiday vendor village for last-minute gift shopping, snowball throwing contests, Santa’s House and much more.
Dates: Nov. 27, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025 (Wed. – Sun.)
Times: Vary by day; see website for details.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park lights up the night with one of the most unique holiday events in the Valley. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a mesmerizing winter wonderland of twinkling lights and enchanting displays. Guests can enjoy food and drinks at Hartley's General Store, play a round of Glow-up Miniature Golf and tour the Model Railroad Building.
Dates: Daily from Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2024 (except Dec. 5, 24 and 25)
Times: Timed ticketed entries are at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY AT VERDE CANYON RAILROAD
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, the Reindeer Flight School 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. 29 – Dec. 24, 2024
Times: Trains depart at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cookie Decorating at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Festive cookies are a staple of every holiday season and this year you can learn to decorate them like a pro! Join Executive Pastry Chef Yudith Bustos in Proof restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale as she hosts two special cookie-decorating classes for children on December 8 and 15, 2024. Every child will embellish delicious gingerbread cookies to take home. The resort also will host a special Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 21 and 22, 2024.
Dates: Dec. 8 and 15, 2024
Times: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
World of Illumination
Just a short drive from Scottsdale, Illumination is the country’s largest drive-through animated holiday light show experience, featuring millions of brightly colored lights masterfully choreographed to your favorite holiday songs. This year, Arizona has two unique themes: Enchanted Safari at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe and Rockin' Christmas at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale. It’s a magical experience that will ignite your holiday spirit!
Dates: Nov. 15 – Dec. 29, 2024
Times: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
To plan your Scottsdale holiday getaway, click here!
