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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Where can you find the best Christmas lights in Phoenix?
Christmas lights in Phoenix Arizona paint a peculiar picture: I’m cruising down Camelback Road in my air-conditioned car, Christmas carols blasting, while it’s still a balmy 70 degrees outside.
Welcome to the holidays in the Valley, where we deck our saguaros with tinsel and our palm trees sparkle brighter than the desert stars.
Having survived multiple “winter” seasons in the valley, I’ve mastered the art of finding holiday magic, one of the key highlights being dazzling Christmas lights in Phoenix.
After spending countless evenings exploring every corner of the Valley in search of the most spectacular displays (and yes, occasionally getting lost in those winding Scottsdale neighborhoods), I’ve become something of a self-proclaimed Christmas lights connoisseur.
From palm trees draped in twinkle lights to cactus-themed displays, discover Phoenix’s unique take on holiday decorations.
Let me be your guide to finding the best Christmas lights in the Phoenix Valley that includes neighborhoods and homes around town decked out with gazillion lights and decorations, where Santa probably shows up in shorts!
Click here for the complete guide to all Phoenix Christmas events.
OTHER GUIDES TO HELP YOU PLAN ARIZONA WINTER TRIPS
18 BEST CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS IN ARIZONA YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT
15 TOP SCOTTSDALE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
10 PRESCOTT CHRISTMAS EVENTS TO ENJOY WITH KIDS
27 BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN ARIZONA TO VISIT THIS YEAR
FLAGSTAFF IN WINTER – WHAT TO DO AND SEE
BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN PHOENIX ARIZONA
WORLD OF ILLUMINATION IN PHOENIX
Located in Phoenix, World of Illumination is the most prominent animated light show in the world, featuring nearly 2 million lights synchronized to holiday music.
If you only want to add watching one or two Christmas lights in Arizona on your holiday, this should be at the top of your list!
On this 25-minute drive-through event, you will pass through many fun attractions, themed characters and holiday lights including snowmen and snow angels as you drive through the tunnel.
Every year, you will witness different themes at different places, including Diablo Stadium, Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale, and the theme parks in the Phoenix metro area.
Wrap your cosy blankets, grab your hot chocolate and roll the windows to soak in the spectacle this holiday.
CHECK OUT THE LARGEST LANTERN FESTIVAL
One of the fun events that you should not miss to experience Phoenix Christmas is the Lights of the World, the largest light and lantern festival in North America.
Head to the Arizona State Fairgrounds downtown to take in the dazzling holiday light displays in this lantern festival.
Inspired by the traditional lantern festivals of China, the event, which runs through the early New Year, features more than 10 million dazzling lantern displays highlighting different cultures and civilizations worldwide.
After admiring this magnificent display, have fun playing carnival rides and games, and enjoy daily performances, including acrobatics and live music.
GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRITS AT GLENDALE GLITTERS
If you want more Christmas holiday lights in AZ near Phoenix, head to Glendale for the famous Glendale Glitters Festival, just 20 minutes drive away.
Glendale Glitters is known for its extravagant holiday block parties in the Southwest.
Glendale Glitters displays lights around Murphy Park in Historic downtown Glendale with a spectacular light display that will be illuminated each evening from 5 PM until 10 PM, as well as many festive and free holiday events.
Watch the annual Hometown Christmas Parade held usually on the first Saturday of December packed with hundreds of floats, lights, displays, and more.
Each Friday and Saturday in December, local acts will take to the stage for free holiday performances.
Bookworms like me should check out the fun LIBCON at the Velma Teague Library where you can meet comic book artists, cosplay groups, dozens of vendors, live performances, games, prizes and crafts for kids.
Enjoy a free night out with the family, and taste the local delicacies at the food trucks.
Spend the evening watching holiday classics and other movies.
Other celebrations include Winter Wonderland and Gingerbread Nights.
Every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas, the city features fun activities, concerts, food, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
ENJOY ZOOLIGHTS WITH YOUR KIDS
ZooLights is one of the biggest 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.
WATCH THE GLITTERING ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
One of the unique Phoenix Christmas events is the Electric Parade.
Run by APS for more than 40 years, the annual electric parade gets creative every year with different themes, and your kids will have a fun time watching it.
Watch the parade lined with elaborate floats with glitzy light displays, cheerful marching bands, and giant illuminated balloons in quirky shapes and sizes.
Lasting for around an hour approximately, the parade covers 2 miles. It is best to come early to get the best spot to enjoy this vibrant affair.
The parade starts at Central Ave. and Montebello Ave at 7 PM.
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.
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT THE CAREFREE DESERT GARDENS
The Carefree Desert Gardens, located about 50 minutes outside downtown Phoenix, is known for its pretty holiday celebrations.
While Halloween involves pumpkin carving, various family-friend events are on the calendar yearly, making it worth the short drive to enjoy Phoenix Christmas festivities here.
Take a self-guided walking tour to see the 25-foot Christmas tree under the largest sundial in the western hemisphere.
Stroll along the pathways adorned with twinkling holiday lights everywhere. Watch the tree lighting by Santa at the beginning of December.
Holiday concerts are performed by local artists as well.
WATCH THE BOAT PARADE ON TEMPE LAKE
Tempe Beach Park, one of the best lakes near Phoenix, attracts hundreds of visitors annually.
Home to the Fantasy of Lights Annual Festival, the lake transforms into a magical place for the glittering boat parade.
It is one of the unique Christmas lights in Arizona.
Held on Thanksgiving day(it is scheduled in Arizona you should check for December in 2023) on Mill Avenue, watch the dazzling display of over 40 floats, balloons, clowns, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Stay for the lighting of the giant decorated Christmas tree by Santa after the parade.
SEA OF LIGHTS
If you are looking to experience a unique type of holiday light in Arizona, head to Sea Life Arizona near Phoenix for the state’s largest and only underwater light.
Watch this spectacle, especially if you are traveling with kids as you’ll see a magical display of thousands of twinkling lights woven throughout the underwater wonderland.
AHWATUKEE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
One of the most-awaited holiday events in Phoenix is the Ahwatukee Festival of Lights.
If you want a unique experience of admiring Christmas lights in Arizona, be there in Pheonix to watch an incredible kickoff party the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
It is free to visit with music, food vendors, and even a beer tavern. Take your kids to fun carnival rides after hot chocolate and snacks.
THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN PHOENIX ARIZONA
MOON VALLEY
Moon Valley Neighborhood is one of the popular spots loved by the locals for its stunning Christmas lights in Phoenix.
There is even a contest for the best displays, which gets the residents of Moon Valley to go full length in decorating their homes.
You’ll be treated to dazzling lights adorning at least a dozen houses.
I highly recommend driving through the neighbourhood open until early January.
GOODYEAR
The suburb of Goodyear in Maricopa County has three beautiful residences that bask in the holiday displays, making them some of the best Christmas lights in Phoenix.
Check out the Crandall Residence (15128 W. Grant St.), known for its eight-foot gingerbread house among the beautiful lights. You can even get hot cocoa on selected nights. Open to visitors from 6 to 9 PM until Jan 3.
Corey Hoffman’s Hoffman Manor(15847 W. Glenrosa Ave.) has over 100,000 lights synchronized to 45 different songs! Visit between 6 to 10 PM until Jan 1.
Check out Robert Sanda’s “What is Christmas?” at Sanda Residence(13204 S. 176th Ave.,) where you will be treated to over 50,000 lights and a nativity scene between 6 to 9 PM until Jan 1.
WHERE TO STAY IN PHOENIX?
POPULAR HOTELS AND APARTMENTS
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown – Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown features accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. It is one of the most popular hotels in Phoenix and given its location and excellent amenities, it is no surprise! Check out their rooms and the latest prices here.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Phoenix –Airport North, an IHG Hotel – Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Phoenix – Airport North, an IHG Hotel is another popular hotel loved by families and couples. It provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Check prices and more here.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown – Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown is a 3-star hotel with room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Check prices here.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Phoenix West/Tolleson – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Phoenix West/Tolleson is a gorgeous 3-star hotel that features accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Check the prices here.
Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley – Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley, near the international airport, is one of the most popular hotels loved by families and couples for its location and excellent amenities. They also offer deals regularly. Check prices and room details here.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Phoenix Airport North, AZ, provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Check more details here.
LUXURY HOTELS AND APARTMENTS
Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt – Experience world-class service at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt, between the prestigious area of Biltmore and Scottsdale city centre; the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, part of Hyatt is a beautiful hideaway resort. Check prices and deals here.
AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore –AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore offers excellent accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Check prices and deals here.
Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Situated on 39 acres of lush gardens, Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort resort and spa offers a peaceful oasis, complete with exceptional on-site facilities, including 8 pools, along with first-class accommodations and amenities.
Each room offers a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom. Select rooms have a patio or balcony or a full kitchen. Check prices here.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North – Featuring an atrium, an indoor pool and a restaurant, Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North offers accommodation in the city centre of Phoenix. Check reviews, prices and best deals here.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Located in the centre of the Sonoran Desert, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa boasts 2 golf courses, spacious seating areas, multiple swimming pools and waterslides. The Desert Ridge Resort also boasts a spa with a lap pool and a fitness centre. Check this guide here.
The Westin Phoenix Downtown – Located at Arizona State University’s downtown campus, this eco-friendly hotel is a 10-minute walk to the US Airways Center. It features on-site dining, an outdoor pool and a gym. Check the prices here
