2021 Guide to The Best Holiday Lights Displays in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is aglow with holiday light this season, and you won’t want to miss the city’s brightest spots. Here are some of the best ways to add holiday cheer and festive fun for the whole family.
WORLD OF ILLUMINATION
November 17, 2021 - January 2, 2022*
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: Candy Rush in Glendale featuring a gigantic gingerbread village and Reindeer Road in Tempe featuring Santa's Workshop. It’s a magical experience that will ignite your holiday spirit!
*There are two Illumination locations in the Valley of the Sun: Glendale and Tempe Diablo Stadium. Check the website for individual park operation dates, times, themes and ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online only, no drive-up or gate transactions will be allowed.
ZooLights
November 24, 2021 - January 15, 2022
It’s a wild night for the whole family at ZooLights! Enjoy hundreds of glimmering displays as they light the way through the Phoenix Zoo. This can’t-miss holiday favorite features millions of sparkling lights, the Polar Slide, live reindeer and the Wildlife Lantern Safari, where you can see more than 60 creatures all aglow! Enjoy the classic walk-thru experience, or a Cruise ZooLights experience, from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Christmas at the Princess
November 16, 2021 - January 2, 2022
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 complete with a four-story musical tree, desert ice skating rink, Princess Express trains, holiday character appearances and more than 4.5 million Lagoon Lights. New this year, The Village features sledding down the 120 foot Snow Mountain, the Ice Maze and more!
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields is sure to dazzle with a drive-thru experience, featuring 5 million lights spread across 1.2 miles. The entire family will enjoy watching lights dancing to music that will be broadcast to a designated FM radio station. Take your experience to the next level by purchasing a Magical Carriage Ride, where a small or large carriage will drive you through the magical light experience. Holiday carriage reservations are limited.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Select Dates December 3 - December 31, 2021
Experience a magical, Southwestern holiday tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de Las Luminarias. Each evening features more than 8,000 hand-lit luminarias, thousands of white twinkle lights and live entertainment. This year, the event will shine extra bright with the inclusion of Chihuly in the Desert.
Scottsdazzle
November 27 - December 31, 2021
Make your holidays shine with Scottsdazzle, a celebration of the season in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Enjoy free signature events, culinary demonstrations and family activities in each of the Old Town districts, plus breathtaking public art installations and a stunning illuminated Christmas tree at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The kick-off event for Scottsdazzle will begin with a Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Saturday, November 27, at 7:00 p.m.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022
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 winter wonderland of lights and displays. Santa will also be at the park nightly through December 23 to visit and take photos with. The event will feature limited-capacity with one and a half hour blocks at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. nightly.
To plan your Scottsdale holiday getaway, click here!
