Winter in Scottsdale is about as perfect as it gets. Think sunny, blue skies and daily highs hovering near 72 degrees (22C) from December though mid-February. It’s a great season for exploring Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert, playing a round of championship golf or taking in one of our signature events. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to play in Scottsdale’s warm winter wonderland!
Explore the Sonoran Desert
Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert is a natural playground that welcomes you to get out and explore. Options include scenic hikes in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (above) and Pinnacle Peak Park, rugged off-road tours, hot air balloon flights and paddle boarding or kayaking on our local lakes and rivers. Best of all, no experience is required! Scottsdale’s adventure outfitters have everything you need for a fun, safe desert adventure!
Take a Swing at Desert Golf
The Scottsdale area is home to more than 200 golf courses, including desert target-style beauties like Grayhawk, Troon North (above) and TPC Scottsdale. These courses are as thrilling as they are scenic, offering golfers of all levels a chance to test their skills and enjoy the round of a lifetime.
Discover Scottsdazzle
Scottsdazzle is a month-long celebration of the holiday season, with dozens of events taking place from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve. This year’s festive happenings include the opening Sing-Along and tree Lighting Ceremony, plus musicals, holiday craft-making classes, scavenger hunts, movie nights, and a caroling concert—just to name a few!
Enjoy Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Hop on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a magical ride through a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays! Santa will be joining the festivities on select days, so be sure to bring your wish list. Other highlights include rides on the historic Charros Carousel, model railroad displays and hot cocoa (and more!) at Hartley’s General Store. All aboard!
Ice Skate During Christmas at the Princess
Celebrate the splendor of the season at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess! Each year, the resort transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland complete with a four-story musical Christmas tree, Desert Ice Skating Rink and The Village, which features sledding on Snow Mountain, an Ice Maze and the best aerial views in town from The Chair Lift.
Experience Las Noches de las Luminarias
Every holiday season, the trails of the Desert Botanical Garden glow with the light of more than 8,000 hand-lit luminarias and thousands of twinkling white lights. Live musical performances, entertainment and holiday treats like hot cocoa add to the ambiance.
Watch the Pros Play
The WM Phoenix Open has gained legendary status for combining the game’s top pros, superb weather and a party-like atmosphere unlike any other stop on the PGA TOUR – especially on the notorious 16th hole. Spend the day enjoying top-notch competition between the biggest names in professional golf, then head over to the Coors Light Birds Nest for live music by some of the country’s top bands and performers.
Celebrate Art
For more than 30 years, the Celebration of Fine Art has been the unrivaled place for art lovers and artists to connect. This juried, invitational show and sale features more than 40,000 square feet of working studios and works of art by 100 renowned and emerging artists from across the country. The Celebration takes place annually from mid-January through March and also includes Art Discovery Series events and an on-site café and sculpture courtyard.
Rev-up for Fun
Collector automobiles from around the world cruise into town every January for the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. This automotive and lifestyle event is designed to thrill novice and experienced collectors alike. From lovingly restored classics and shiny muscle cars to sleek-and-sexy European models, you’ll find your dream machine at Barrett-Jackson!
Giddy-Up for the Parada del Sol Parade
Gather your friends and family for the annual Parada del Sol Parade & Trail's End Festival, which takes place in early February each year! Hundreds of horses, riders and floats mosey along Scottsdale Road in Old Town. After the parade, join the Trail’s End Celebration, featuring live music, food, pony rides and games.
Check out our Weather page for current conditions, average monthly temperatures and top 10 lists for all the seasons!
