She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Scottsdale Christmas is one of the most vibrant events in Arizona that brings together thousands of visitors every holiday season.
The Scottsdale area, known for its nearby distinct landscapes of Arizona Sonoran Desert with towering Cacti might not offer a white winter wonderland, but there are many activities to bask in the festive spirit, with something in store for everyone.
Winter in Scottsdale is one of the best times to be outdoors as the pleasant sunny days offer plenty of attractions and things to see besides enjoying celebrations of Christmas in Scottsdale.
If you wonder what to do during Scottsdale Christmas with your kids, read on to find more.
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15 TOP SCOTTSDALE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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BEST SCOTTSDALE CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS
WITNESS SCOTTSDAZZLE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
One of the iconic Scottsdale Christmas events loved by the locals and tourists is the annual Scottsdazzle, celebrated by the City of Scottsdale.
Scottsdazzle is a month-long grand holiday celebration starting with a tree-lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving and ending on New Year’s Eve in Old Town Scottsdale.
Witness the Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Scottsdale Waterfront on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The city’s unique Christmas tree, imported from Italy, is decorated with more than one million lights, a spectacle to behold on the Soleri Bridge.
You can buy tickets for special events in Downtown Scottsdale, from wine-tasting to bourbon-tasting events, canal concerts, and painting parties.
Art lovers should check out the public art installations by talented local artists at the holiday-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk.
Check out a live nativity scene reenactment at the Old Adobe Mission in Old Town Scottsdale.
Kids can meet Santa while you enjoy shopping at the festive farmer’s market for local specialities, and taste hot cocoa, coffee, and seasonal treats.
CHRISTMAS AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
If you are looking for a resort-style holiday, head to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, one of the best destinations for Scottsdale Christmas.
The Fairmont’s Christmas at the Princess begins annually in mid-November and continues through the Christmas holiday.
The famous 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink, made with natural ice, offers a traditional winter experience surrounded by giant saguaros and other plants of the desert.
During the day, you can enjoy the sunshine at the Princess by lounging by the pool or playing golf on the adjacent course.
A row of brightly lit palm trees welcomes you to this colourful resort that hosts many fun activities and events every Christmas attracting thousands of locals and tourists.
The beautifully landscaped grounds of the Princess are decorated with over four million holiday lights.
You’ll love the brightly-lit trees, train rides, Ferris wheel, and roasting s’mores over a fire pit.
Funny characters come alive, which the kids love, ranging from a fishing Santa to the Grinch in its many ponds.
In the Princess Plaza, a gigantic, carol-singing Christmas tree towers in its outdoor courtyards, with the four-story tree decorated with over 65,000 LED lights!
Check with the resort for the annual schedule and admission price.
CHECK OUT WINTER WONDERLAND ARIZONA
Winter Wonderland Arizona is one of the most unusual residential holiday displays in Arizona, and you must add this spectacle to your Scottsdale Christmas trip itinerary.
The exhibit features 250,000 Christmas lights perfectly orchestrated and choreographed to music, Christmas tree lighting, and Chanukah menorah lighting.
The exhibit opens in the first week of December until the end of the month.
Kids can enjoy a carousel and other holiday rides, and have breakfast with Santa.
Shop for locally handmade items at the holiday gift market, and listen to live holiday music and dance performances.
ADMIRE THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE RAILROAD PARK
One of my favourite Scottsdale Christmas events is the lighting at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Primarily set up for children, the annual Holiday Lights display offers a fun experience for families and railroad lovers.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Holiday Lights event features train rides through a wonderland of holiday lights and displays on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad to the North Pole.
It usually opens in December and includes a tree-lighting ceremony.
After soaking in the brilliant lights on the train ride, let your kids continue the fun on Christmas carousel rides on the Charros Carousel, playing on slides and climbing structures and the Old West-themed play area.
Santa will also be at the park on Friday nights in December, along with live music and other entertainment.
Check out the model railroad displays at the museum in the train park. Drink hot cocoa from Hartley’s General Store.
Admission to the train park is free, while the train rides are $5 and carousel rides are $3.
ATTEND THE STROLL IN THE GLOW FESTIVAL
One of the many popular Scottsdale Christmas lighting events is the Stroll in the Glow Festival where you can see more than 65,000 colourful lights on the Avenue of the Fountains on the first Saturday of December every year.
Enjoy live music on the streets and a live nativity scene.
Wait for the visit from Santa Claus by fire truck.
You can even late night shopping thanks to dozens of shops open until midnight.
For more fun, check out Chill in the Hills skating rink to enjoy ice skating amidst stunning lighting.
ADMIRE THE LUMINARIA NIGHTS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
One of the top things to do in Phoenix, The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the iconic Arizona landmarks home to diverse, vast varieties of desert vegetation and distinct wildlife.
Every holiday season in December, the venue hosts Las Noches de la Luminarias, a Southwestern-inspired tradition, creating a desert wonderland.
Stroll in the garden amidst thousands of stunning luminarias and twinkling holiday lights lighting the paths, basking in the glow of lights.
Plus, musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights line the Garden’s iconic trails.
You can also see sculptures adorning the landscapes, created by talented artists.
You can build an enchanted winter village at Webster Auditorium.
ENJOY ZOOLIGHTS WITH YOUR KIDS
ZooLights is one of the most prominent holiday light displays in the Southwest.
And your Phoenix Christmas trip is incomplete without witnessing this spectacular event.
Approximately two-and-a-half million twinkling lights turn Phoenix Zoo into a magical winter wonderland.
Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider, and munch on holiday snacks available at kiosks throughout the zoo amidst revelling in the festivities.
A yearly tradition for the entire family, the ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo gets decked up with animal lanterns, and all sorts of quirky, creative displays.
Stroll through the park and head to listen to live music, and light show, and a nightly snowfall.
In addition to the lighting, there are many special events and activities planned every year catering to kids, from elves to Dinosaurs and more.
And the best part is you can enjoy ZooLights by walking or driving through, depending on the night, so check the calendar.
Check the official website for exact opening dates and timings.
ENJOY THE NUTCRACKER SHOW
Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker is a spectacular production that is definitely a must-see during the festive season.
Whether it is your first viewing of The Nutcracker, or it’s your family’s holiday tradition, one of the must-do things during Phoenix Christmas celebrations is watching this classic.
Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker, an annual holiday tradition, is one of the largest productions of the classic in the Southwest.
The classic holiday ballet tells the story of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince.
Over 150 talented dancers fill the stage for the Valley’s premier annual production of Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker, one of the top productions in the country.
With top-notch costumes and set designs (some weighing more than 30 kgs!), and a beautiful score performed by The Phoenix Symphony, you will be spell-bounded by the performance.
MORE FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS EVENTS TO ATTEND WITH YOUR KIDS
LISTEN TO THE SOOTHING SYMPHONY
If you love classical traditional Christmas music, this one is for you.
One of the top Phoenix Christmas events for music lovers, Handel Messiah, is an annual Christmas tradition bringing the famous “Hallelujah” chorus to lovers of classical Christmas music.
The Phoenix Symphony, along with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus, puts on a rousing rendition of the Christmas classic every December at different locations in the Valley.
Check their website for a complete list of this year’s venues.
TAKE A SEGWAY TOUR TO SOAK IN ALL LIGHTS
If you want a unique experience, tour the decorated Old Town Scottsdale on a segway.
Listen to holiday music and stop for hot cocoa cruising through the festive lights on this almost 2-hours long journey.
You will ride along the Historic Main Street, the Arts District, and the Scottsdale Waterfront. Segway Scottsdale is the famous company that hosts these fantastic tours.
CHECK OUT CHRISTMAS IN THE RAINFOREST AT BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Butterfly Wonderland, a month-long event that features butterflies from around the world, is one of the fun, family-family attractions to enjoy during your Scottsdale Christmas trip.
Take your kids to colourful butterflies from Latin America, Africa and Asia between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve at the Arizona Boardwalk entertainment centre.
Check out the glowing Noble Fir Christmas tree decorated in shades of blue, silver and white in honour of the Blue Morpho butterfly(themes may change).
From snowflakes to Santa’s reindeer, live musical performances and more, you will be entertained for a few hours here for sure.
ILLUMINATION SYMPHONY OF LIGHT
Head to Phoenix, a short drive from Scottsdale to watch Illumination Symphony of Light, the largest holiday drive-thru light shows in the metro Phoenix area.
One of the must-do events on your Scottsdale Christmas itinerary, your kids will thoroughly enjoy a slow drive through millions of lights synchronized to the sounds of classic holiday tunes.
The best part is, the lights are on display even after the New Year, through the first few weeks of January. It is best to buy tickets online in advance.
After driving through the light display, park at the venue’s own Holiday Boulevard for Christmas snacks, drinks and holiday games for kids.
MORE SCOTTSDALE CHRISTMAS EVENTS
ENJOY JAZZ CONCERTS
There is plenty of music and theatre for art lovers heading for a Christmas in Scottsdale.
Through the season, the Scottsdale Performing For the Arts Center hosts different music events, ranging from classical music to jazz and everything in between.
Theatre lovers can enjoy their festive holiday shows, including theatrical comedy and improvs.
HEAD TO THE PHOENICIAN FOR HOLIDAY TEA
Want some English touch to your Scottsdale Christmas trip?
Drive to Phoenix for a magical high tea experience at The Phoenician Resort during the holidays.
Reserve a table for Holiday Tea at the sumptuous Phoenician Resort, to revel in an upscale traditional English afternoon tea in their beautifully decorated lobby while listening to live holiday piano music.
With tea, order English food, including finger sandwiches, fresh scones with preserves, and tasty desserts.
Join their Cactus Garden Light Tour after the tea, and come home with their thoughtful holiday gifts.
ENJOY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT SALT RIVER FIELDS
Another drive through holiday lights display is at Salt River Fields.
This drive-through light show featuring a 1.2-mile stretch of dynamic, festive lights twinkling to holiday tunes.
While driving the light route, listen to holiday songs in your own car on a designated radio channel.
For a fairytale experience, rent an open holiday carriage to escort you through the light show.
You will arrive at the Santa Village where you can watch a dazzling display of lights at the Holiday Light Theater.
Here, you can also shop for local hand made crafts besides munching on holiday snacks and drinks.
GO ON A SHOPPING SPREE
No holiday is complete without shopping until your heart’s content.
And on your Scottsdale Christmas trip, there are many fantastic places for holiday-special shopping.
Head to the Scottsdale Quarter after Thanksgiving to enjoy live music and entertainment, while shopping for cute handicrafts, candles, fine arts and other souvenirs.
