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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Listen, – there’s something delightfully absurd about searching for Christmas lights in Scottsdale.
Here we are, in a place where Santa would probably arrive in moisture-wicking sleigh wear, and yet we’ve managed to turn our desert paradise into a dazzling winter spectacle that would make the North Pole jealous.
Picture this: Palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, cactuses sporting Santa hats, and enough wattage in some neighborhoods to power a small country.
As your resident Christmas lights enthusiast (self-certified after countless nights of “research” involving peppermint mochas and questionable U-turns), I’ve mapped out where to find the most jaw-dropping Christmas lights in Scottsdale.
We’re talking displays so bright, astronauts probably use them for navigation.
Trust me, after seven years of living here, I’ve seen it all – from synchronized light shows that would put Vegas to shame to that one house in North Scottsdale that probably single-handedly keeps APS in business during December.
And let’s be honest, where else can you admire spectacular Christmas lights in Scottsdale while wearing flip-flops and sipping an iced peppermint latte?
Whether you’re a holiday light enthusiast, a family looking for some festive fun, or just someone who appreciates the irony of snowman decorations in 70-degree weather, this guide to Scottsdale’s Christmas lights will take you through our city’s most dazzling displays.
Just remember to bring your sunglasses – some of these displays are bright enough to qualify as a daytime attraction!
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER WINTER HOLIDAY GUIDES IN ARIZONA:
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
TOP PUBLIC PLACES TO WATCH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SCOTTSDALE
WITNESS SCOTTSDAZZLE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Scottsdale Waterfront
- Old Town streets
- Canal-side displays
- Free nightly entertainment
- Instagram-worthy photo opportunities throughout
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.
THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS:
- Waterfront canal bridges
- Old Town tumbleweed tree
- Love Lock Bridge with holiday lights
- Brown Avenue historic buildings with lights
- Floating light displays on the canal
- Arts District illuminated sculptures
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.
WHERE TO FIND PARKING:
Free parking at the Civic Center Library garage; Old Town parking garage on 3rd Avenue; Surface lots near 5th Avenue shops
CHRISTMAS AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Princess Express Train
- Enchanted Plaza
- Nativity Garden
- S’mores Land
Admission required, but worth every penny
Open through December 31st
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 colorful 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.
THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS:
- Lagoon Lights with desert backdrop
- Princess Express Train entrance
- 40-foot Christmas tree in the lobby
- S’mores Land fire pits
- Desert ice skating rink
- Life-sized snow globe displays
- Nativity scene with desert landscape
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.
WHERE TO FIND PARKING:
Self-parking ($20, validated with resort purchase); Valet available ($35); Ride-share drop-off area well-organized
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
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E Indian Bend Rd)
- Paradise Park Drive
- Via de Ventura displays
- Check out the bridges over the waterways – they’re especially magical when lit
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.
THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS:
- Railroad Park’s tunnel of lights
- Reflections on McCormick Ranch lakes
- The “Santa’s Workshop” house on Paradise Park Drive
- Bridge crossings with water reflections
- Train ride photo opportunities (get your camera ready for the tunnel!)
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.
WHERE TO FIND PARKING:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park main lot (free, fills quickly); Overflow parking at Paseo Village Shopping Center; Via de Ventura office complexes (after 6 PM)
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 rinks 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 villa
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.
ENJOY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT SALT RIVER FIELDS
- Salt River Fields holiday drive-through
- Resort exterior lighting
- Shopping district displays
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.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SCOTTSDALE – OFFBEAT/HIDDEN GEMS
GAINEY RANCH GLOW
Tucked behind stately gates, Gainey Ranch transforms into an enchanting holiday spectacle where sophistication meets seasonal sparkle.
Here, Christmas lights in Scottsdale take on a distinctly refined character – think champagne-hued LED strands draped across Mediterranean-style archways and meticulously wrapped palm trees that glow like elegant sentinels in the desert night.
The residents of this prestigious enclave don’t just decorate; they orchestrate entire light symphonies, where each home’s display complements its neighbors’, creating seamless corridors of illuminated artistry.
THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS:
- “White Light Villa” – stunning 40-foot lit cypress trees
- Community Center’s mirror-like reflecting pool
- Palm-lined bridge archway
- “Champagne House” featuring golden light curtains
- Mediterranean fountain with floating lights
- Corner estate’s illuminated grand staircase
- Estate Circle cul-de-sac’s coordinated display
- Light-wrapped olive trees along Secret Garden path
- Golf course waterfront with reflecting light displays
What sets Gainey Ranch apart is its understated opulence – you won’t find inflatable Santas or flashing technicolor here.
Instead, expect to see professionally curated displays where warm white lights trace architectural features, custom-designed lighting concepts illuminate manicured landscapes, and subtle color schemes create a cohesive winter wonderland effect.
Many homeowners work with the same high-end lighting designers, resulting in a harmonious flow from property to property that makes an evening drive through these streets feel like gliding through a sophisticated holiday soirée.
WHERE TO FIND PARKING:
Park at Gainey Village Shopping Center (8787 N Scottsdale Rd); Mountain View Drive (after 6 PM); Double Tree Ranch Road (west side)
DC RANCH
Enjoy a festive celebration complete with winter-themed activities, magical holiday lights, surprises and delicious treats with family and neighbours at DC Ranch.
Market Street at DC Ranch becomes a winter wonderland, and is one of the best places to admire Christmas lights in Scottsdale.
THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS:
- Market Street’s grand entrance arch with cascading lights
- Silverleaf Boulevard’s palm tree canopy
- The “Angel House” on Desert Camp Drive (known for its 20-foot illuminated angel)
- Desert Christmas Village display at Market Street Plaza
WHERE TO FIND PARKING:
- Market Street public garage (free) – the est base camp for walking tours
- Desert Camp Community Center lot after 7 PM
- Street parking allowed on Desert Camp Drive
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.
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.
CHECK OUT THESE BEST COMMUNITY PARKS
The city is known for its many fantastic parks, and for taking a night stroll surrounded by stunning Scottsdale Christmas lights. I recommend stopping at the below:
- Chaparral Park
- Indian School Park
- Civic Center Plaza
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SCOTTSDALE
Below are some of the other neighbourhoods I recommend driving through for glimpses of beautiful Scottsdale Christmas displays.
LEE & PATRICIA SEPANEK’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Lee & Patricia Sepanek’s Holiday Lights is one of the top Christmas lights in Scottsdale known for at least 250000 lights.
If you are with kids, they will be excited to see the windows packed with animated characters. The centre of the attraction here is the 100-foot Eucalyptus tree decked out in lights towering over the area.
GRAYHAWK AZ CHRISTMAS STREET
WHERE: 74th Way & E. Rose Garden Lane Scottsdale
Created by The Dillingham family and featured on the TV regularly, one of the best places to enjoy Christmas lights in Scottsdale is Grayhawk Az Christmas Street.
This Scottsdale neighborhood comes together to celebrate Christmas with music, lights and displays for a good cause.
You can even stop by Santa’s Cocoa Hut for some hot chocolate while you take in everything this community has on display.
ST. ANDREWS WAY
Step into a magical winter wonderland and join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for an unforgettable photo opportunity with their grand sleigh—perfect for creating cherished holiday memories with your family!
Don’t forget to add your name to Santa’s Nice List, ensuring it reaches the Big Man himself in time for Christmas!
KINGS AVE
This home comes to life with a dazzling computer-animated light show, showcasing delightful characters like four singing Christmas trees, eight mini trees, four leaping arches, three candy cane spirals, and a towering 20-foot spiral Mega Tree. The magic begins on December 1st!
OTHER STREETS FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SCOTTSDALE
If you have rented a car, I highly suggest driving around or stopping by Voltaire Avenue, Montevina Neighborhood, 59th Place, and Campo Bello Dr too.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN SCOTTSDALE
Here are some of the things you need to take into account to make the best of Scottsdale Christmas holiday lights displays:
- Most locations are busiest on Friday/Saturday evenings. So, weekday visits mean less traffic
- Many neighborhoods turn lights off by 10 PM
- Some private displays have scheduled shows – check times before visiting
- Popular spots are less crowded on weeknights
- Consider dinner reservations at restaurants with display views
- Several locations offer holiday beverages perfect for photos (hot chocolate at Princess, seasonal drinks at Old Town)
- Best viewing hours: 6-10 PM
- Most displays run from December 1st through January 1st
- Some neighbourhoods coordinate specific viewing nights
- Consider joining a guided light tour if you’re new to the area
