SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER – 25 THINGS TO DO

Scottsdale in winter is like finding out your strict teacher does stand-up comedy on weekends – full of delightful surprises.

As someone who once packed a heavy parka for my December visit (rookie mistake), I can tell you that this slice of Arizona serves up winter with a side of “wait, is this even legal?” perfection.

70-degree days feel like the weather gods finally read the room, nights cool enough to justify that hot chocolate you’ve been craving since July.

The locals here have a secret smirk during winter months – they know they’ve hit the meteorological jackpot while the rest of the country is scraping ice off their windshields.

The desert has its own version of seasonal changes like the way the saguaros somehow look more dignified against the crisp winter sky or how the snowbirds arrive in their natural habitat (luxury resorts) with the precision of a National Geographic migration special.

But here’s the real secret about Scottsdale in winter – it’s not just about escaping the cold.

It’s about discovering a desert that transforms itself into something unexpected, a place where every day brings a new possibility for adventure, relaxation, or that perfect sunset photo.

Let’s dive into the best ways to experience Scottsdale’s most enchanting season.

Let’s dive into the best ways to experience Scottsdale’s most enchanting season.

DOES IT SNOW IN SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER?

Does it snow in Scottsdale? Well, that’s like asking if a cactus needs sunscreen – technically possible, but highly unlikely.

While our northern neighbors in Flagstaff and Sedona are building snowmen and living their best winter wonderland lives, we here in the Valley of the Sun generally keep our relationship with snow strictly long-distance.

Scottsdale sees about ten inches of precipitation annually, but snow? That’s about as rare as finding a parking spot during peak tourist season.

Though occasionally, Mother Nature likes to throw us a curveball – particularly in North Scottsdale and Cave Creek, where the elevation is high enough to occasionally host a surprise winter party.

During the coldest months (December through February), you might catch a few snowflakes doing their best “winter in Arizona” impression before quickly realizing they’re in the wrong zip code.

Think of Scottsdale snow like that friend who says they’ll “definitely” show up to your party – it makes occasional appearances, causes a lot of excitement, and disappears before anyone can really get used to it being there.

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER

HIKE IN THE BEAUTIFUL MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE

• Distance from Scottsdale – 16 miles
• Driving duration – 21 minutes
• Average Hiking Distance – 3 to 8 miles one way(depending on the trail)
• Hiking duration – 3 to 6 hours
• Difficulty level – Easy to Moderate
• Parking – Available

One of the top spots to watch epic Scottsdale sunset and sunrise is the massive McDowell Sonoran Preserve, spanning 30,580 acres of Sonoran Desert, featuring over 225 miles of trails to explore, loved by outdoor lovers, hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers.

Open every day from sunrise to sunset.

You will be treated to gorgeous landscapes of the true Sonoran Desert wilderness packed with deep canyons, high mountain peaks, hundreds of varieties of cacti, and rich wildlife along its many trails. 

If you are here during spring, the most popular season, you will also come across the magical, vibrant wildflowers standing out distinctly in the arid landscapes.

There are many trails to choose from, depending on your preference.

To make it easy, pick a route or viewpoint that faces east for one of the best sunrise hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Reserve.

Here are our top picks for where to watch the sunrise in McDowell Sonoran Preserve when in Scottsdale.

Gateway Loop Trail

One of the most popular trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the Gateway Loop Trail, a beautiful 4.4 miles loop hike ideal for watching a stunning sunrise in Scottsdale and a sunset. 

This is a relatively more leisurely hike where you can take your dogs on a leash well.

You’ll find plenty of giant saguaro cacti everywhere and vibrant desert wildflowers in spring, glowing as the rising sun touch the wilderness.

TOM’S THUMB TRAIL

One of the popular hikes to watch sunrise in Scottsdale and over Phoenix, as well as the fantastic Scottsdale sunset, is Tom’s Thumb, a very challenging trail, harder than Pinnacle Peak, offering spectacular views of the Phoenix valley.

You will pass through many switchbacks on a steep hike, and best tackled with hiking poles as it can get slippery navigating loose gravel.

It is best to wear good hiking shoes with grip.

On the way, you have plenty of opportunities to stop, relax and take photos.

The landscapes look more surreal as you climb up on this well-maintained route.

The trail climbs at a low steady grade to the ridgeline along a smooth gravel trail.

After two miles on this marked trail, you will reach the signed junction for the East End Trail and the base of Tom’s Thumb. Here make a right and head towards the summit. 

You will require scrambling during the last stretch, but the trail is easy to follow.

Once at the top, you are greeted by the giant granite tower that is Tom’s Thumb at 1000 feet high, surrounded by alcoves to explore.

Restrooms are available, but there is no drinking water.

Carry sufficient water, snacks, a jacket, a hat, and sunglasses.

Watch out for rattlesnakes and scorpions. Bring a headlamp.

RINGTAIL TRAIL 

Although it is one of the famous sunset trails, one of the top spots for watching an epic sunset in Scottsdale in the Sonoran Reserve is Ringtail Trail, a 2.4-mile loop which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the rugged Sonoran Desert.

GO ON A ROAD TRIP TO NATIONAL PARKS

Winter in Arizona is the best time to explore the outdoors. And if you are in Scottsdale in winter, I highly recommend planning a road trip to one of the many Arizona National Parks.

If you want to admire life-sized mega cacti, head to

Saguaro National Park is just outside, filled with plenty of scenic views and hiking trails.

Or head to one of the natural wonders, the Grand Canyon National Park, which can be reached in about 4 hours.

ENJOY GOLFING

Scottsdale in winter transforms into a golfer’s paradise, where perfect temperatures and stunning desert vistas create the kind of golfing conditions that make your friends back home slightly jealous.

The star attractions are Troon North Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale, each offering 36 holes of world-class golf that manage to both challenge and charm players of every skill level.

But let’s talk about the main event that puts Scottsdale’s winter golf scene on the global map – the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.

This isn’t your typical hushed-tones tournament; it’s golf’s biggest party, drawing over 700,000 fans annually.

The infamous 16th hole transforms into a colosseum of excitement, where 20,000 spectators create an atmosphere that’s more like a rock concert than a golf tournament.

In 2024, they even brought in Post Malone to kick things off, cementing its reputation as the most entertaining stop on the PGA Tour.

Beyond the tournament excitement, Scottsdale’s golf portfolio reads like a who’s who of desert golf excellence.

The Boulders Club offers a unique landscape where massive granite formations create natural hazards. Grayhawk Golf Club and McDowell Mountain Golf Club round out the premium offerings, each providing its own distinct challenge against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.

Word to the wise: if you’re planning to play during the Phoenix Open (late January through early February), book well in advance.

The tournament creates a golf fever that spreads across the valley, making tee times about as rare as a snowfall in the desert.

The upside? Even if you can’t secure a tee time, you can join the festivities at the tournament, where the Coors Light Birds Nest after-parties prove that golfers really do know how to celebrate.

CHECK OUT OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

Scottsdale in winter transforms Old Town into a desert playground where high culture meets Wild West charm in the most delightful way possible.

Every Thursday evening, the Arts District comes alive during the weekly ArtWalk, where galleries throw open their doors and turn the streets into an open-air museum.

For those who prefer their art with a side of fresh air, the public art walking tour showcases over 10 installations that make perfect backdrops for those “casual” vacation photos you’ll definitely be using to make your friends jealous.

Fashion Square Mall offers retail therapy at its finest, while the historic district serves up enough Western heritage to make John Wayne feel at home.

But it’s after dark when Old Town really shows off its split personality – in the best possible way.

The Rusty Spur Saloon, a 70-year-old watering hole, dishes out that authentic cowboy experience complete with cold beers and country tunes that’ll have you saying “yeehaw” unironically.

Meanwhile, contemporary spots like ‘the vortex’ and Scapegoat Beer and Wine prove that Scottsdale knows how to party in both centuries.

Whether you’re wandering through art galleries, shopping up a storm, or two-stepping at the Rusty Spur, Old Town serves up a perfect cocktail of culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

It’s where you can start your day admiring fine art and end it line dancing – and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

Just remember: winter in Old Town means you can actually enjoy that outdoor patio without feeling like you’re starring in a desert survival show.

TAKE AN ATV TOUR

Scottsdale in winter isn’t just about golf swings and gallery walks – it’s also about kicking up some desert dust on an ATV adventure that’ll make your usual morning commute feel like a snooze fest.

While other destinations are dealing with frozen everything, Scottsdale in winter offers the perfect temperatures for unleashing your inner speed demon across the Sonoran Desert’s natural roller coaster.

Whether you’re rolling with Desert Wolf Tours or Arizona Outdoor Fun (seriously, could these names be any more perfect?), you’re in for the kind of adventure that’ll have you questioning why anyone would choose skiing when they could be power-sliding past saguaros.

The magic of ATV tours in Scottsdale in winter lies in the comfortable temperatures that let you actually enjoy getting dusty instead of feeling like you’re baking in nature’s oven.

You’ll weave through ancient desert trails, splash through seasonal washes (thanks, winter rains!), and stop at viewpoints so stunning.

Just remember: those cacti are not high-five-friendly, no matter how excited you get.

FARMERS MARKET FIESTA

Scottsdale in winter turns the Old Town Farmers Market into an agricultural humble-brag session.

While the rest of the country is thawing their frozen vegetables, local farmers are showing off winter produce that looks like it’s been professionally styled for a photo shoot!

DINE AT THE BEST PLACES IN OLD TOWN

Scottsdale in winter isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s a full-on culinary carnival with over 700 restaurants playing the role of taste bud entertainers.

While the snowbirds are flocking south, local chefs are turning up the heat in kitchens across the city, from strip mall hidden gems in North Scottsdale to the buzzing foodie playground of Old Town.

Let’s talk about local legends: Craft 64, housed in Old Town’s oldest surviving home, serves wood-fired pizzas and 35 local craft beers that prove Arizona knows its brew game.

They’re so serious about fresh ingredients that they make their own mozzarella daily – because apparently, store-bought cheese isn’t fancy enough for these culinary overachievers.

Meanwhile, Diego Pops is where traditional Mexican cuisine got a millennial makeover – their Brussels sprout nachos are what happens when healthy eating has an identity crisis, and trust me, you want to be there for it.

For those “treat yourself” moments that Scottsdale in winter practically demands, the James Beard-nominated Citizen Public House awaits with upscale American cuisine that doesn’t require a tie, while Cafe Monarch’s five-course dinner is basically edible theatre.

The Old Town Tortilla Factory proves that Mexican food can be both authentic and Instagram-worthy, serving up regional specialities in a historical setting that’s as charming as the winter weather itself.

The best part about dining in Scottsdale in winter? You can actually enjoy those gorgeous outdoor patios without feeling like you’re participating in a heat endurance challenge.

From the Scottsdale Wine Trail to the Arts District’s culinary corners, this desert oasis proves its dining scene is anything but dry.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER

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.

STROLL THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS

One of the top things to do in Phoenix in winter is to visit the incredible Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park.

This 140-acre (57-hectare) botanical garden is home to many walking trails that will take you through a stunning collection of exquisite desert flora and fauna, and is one of my favourite on my Arizona Bucket List.

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.

You can purchase tickets online through their website.

SOAK IN THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE RAILROAD PARK

One of my favorite 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. 

WATCH 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 STARGAZING IN LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK

Among the top and easy-to-access places to watch the sunrise in Scottsdale is Lost Dutchman State Park, at the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction and Gold Canyon.

It is one of my favorite spots that I always stop by, if I am driving from Scottsdale to Tombstone, and a must item on Arizona Bucket List.

Lost Dutchman State Park in the Sonoran Desert got its name after the fabled lost gold mine.

Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the top spots for stargazing in Scottsdale.

The stargazing experience here is as captivating as its legends, thanks to its excellent location away from city lights.

Lost Dutchman Park offers magnificent views of the Superstition Mountain ranges, making it a perfect spot to admire the star-studded skies.

An icon of the East Valley in the Phoenix Area, it is also a paradise for outdoor lovers. It is one of the top spots for Arizona winter hikes with your kids.

The parking lot is located at the entrance of Lost Dutchman State Park.

ADMIRE STUNNING SCOTTSDALE SUNSET IN SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK

Among the top attractions of Scottsdale, South Mountain Park is also one of the best places to watch an epic Scottsdale sunset.

You can spend a few hours or many days in this massive 16000 acres plus park offering tons of activities, from over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails to camping, rock climbing and much more.

South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the United States and one of the largest urban parks in North America. 

The best part is it is only about 30 minutes south of downtown Scottsdale, so it is one of the convenient places to enjoy stargazing in Scottsdale.

Dobbins Lookout is a popular pick by many locals for exceptional night skies.

The trek to Dobbins Lookout is the most famous sunrise trail within South Mountain Park and Preserve.

At over 2300 feet, Dobbins Lookout is the highest accessible point within South Mountain Park and Preserve, the perfect spot for watching the skies painted with yellow, red, golden, and orange as the sun goes down over the downtown skyline, the Greater Phoenix area, surrounded by majestic mountains in the valley.

There are two ways to reach Dobbins Lookout.

You can hike the 4.6-mile round trip out and down Holbert Trail or take the easy route by car if you are not in the mood for a hike in the afternoon.

The views on the trail are far more rewarding, though, so it is the better choice if you are willing to sweat it a bit.

The trail has only short stretches of incline at the start and the end but almost flats out in the middle.

Throughout the trail, you will be treated to the rustic wilderness of the Sonoran Desert landscapes are dotted with beautiful Arizona wildflowers if you are here in spring.

WINE TASTING WONDERLAND

Scottsdale in winter sets the perfect stage for the city’s exploding urban wine scene.

When the temperatures drop, the wine flows at spots like LDV Wine Gallery and Carlson Creek Tasting Room, where patio tastings become less about seeking shade and more about savouring Arizona’s surprisingly sophisticated vino collection.

The winter evening air adds an extra note of perfection to every sip, and you can finally wear that cute wine-tasting outfit without worrying about spontaneous combustion.

ARTWALK NIGHTS

Scottsdale in winter transforms Thursday nights into an art lover’s paradise, where gallery owners throw open their doors without fear of the AC escaping.

The Arts District comes alive with a mix of street performers, wine enthusiasts, and art collectors who can thoughtfully examine pieces without leaving sweat marks on the gallery floors.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER

KAYAK THE SALT RIVER

Scottsdale, in winter, reveals its secret superpower: a 200-mile liquid playground called the Salt River.

While everyone else is breaking ice on their local ponds, you’ll be gliding through the Tonto National Forest (Arizona’s largest, because apparently everything here needs to be supersized) on class-one rapids that are more “gentle massage” than “white-knuckle adventure.”

The real show-stealers? A herd of about 200 wild horses who clearly got the memo about prime riverside real estate, the majestic Four Peaks reaching 7,600 feet into the crystal-clear winter sky, and the Superstition Mountains living up to their mysterious name in the background.

The winter water flows are just right for kayaking, paddleboarding, or doing your best impression of a very happy drifting leaf.

TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Wake up before dawn in Scottsdale in winter, and you’ll find yourself about to experience what I like to call “Arizona’s ultimate humble-brag moment” – floating through desert skies in a hot air balloon while your friends back home are probably scraping ice off their windshields.

Sure, the early wake-up call might feel cruel, but trust me, Scottsdale in winter offers the kind of perfect balloon-flying conditions that make dawn feel like a reasonable hour to be vertical.

As your balloon gently lifts off (after some impressive fire-breathing action from those massive burners), you’ll realize this isn’t just another tourist activity – it’s basically like being in a slow-motion music video with the Sonoran Desert as your backdrop.

The winter morning light paints everything in golden hues, making even the cacti look like they’ve hired professional lighting designers.

Companies like Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders have mastered the art of making “floating in a wicker basket thousands of feet in the air” feel totally normal and absolutely magical at the same time.

Scottsdale in winter provides the perfect conditions for these aerial adventures – crisp, clear mornings with light winds and visibility so good you can probably spot your hotel’s pool from up there.

You’ll drift over frost-kissed desert landscapes (yes, the desert does get frosty in winter!), watch early-morning wildlife doing their thing (coyotes looking up at balloons with “what are these humans doing now?” expressions), and get a bird’s-eye view of those impressive mansion properties that make you reconsider your career choices.

The grand finale? A champagne breakfast in the desert, because apparently floating through the sky works up an appetite.

It’s a time-honoured tradition that dates back to the first French balloonists who needed to convince sceptical farmers they weren’t aliens landing in their fields.

Now it’s just a fancy way to humble-brag about your morning adventure while sipping bubbly in the middle of nowhere – and honestly, is there any better way to start a day in Scottsdale?

ATTEND THIS EPIC HORSE SHOW

Scottsdale in winter hits peak fancy when the Arabian Horse Show trots into town each February, turning WestWorld into what I like to call “The Met Gala of the Horse World.”

Picture the most elegant four-legged fashion show you’ve ever seen, where the models have better hair than your favorite influencer and more attitude than a teenager who just had their phone confiscated.

Since 1955, when this equine extravaganza was just a humble gathering at the Arizona Biltmore with 50 horses (basically a small dinner party by today’s standards), it’s grown into a spectacular event featuring 2,400 of the world’s most photogenic horses.

That’s right – this show has had a glow-up that would make any makeover show look like amateur hour.

These aren’t your average hay-munching horses, folks. We’re talking about Arabian horses so magnificent they make unicorns look basic.

Breeders and trainers fly in from across the globe, presumably in first class (though the horses fly coach… kidding!), to compete for prizes and prestige.

It’s like the Olympics meets a beauty pageant but with more graceful competitors and better manes.

Even if you don’t know the difference between a stallion and a mare (hint: one’s probably wearing horseshoes from the men’s department), you’ll be mesmerized.

These horses strut their stuff with the confidence of someone who definitely knows they’re having a good hair day – every day.

VISIT TALIESIN WEST

• Best time to visit: Evening tours in winter
• Nearest city: Scottsdale
• Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho – keeping with the mid-century modern theme
• Pro tip: The night lights tour makes everything look extra mysterious and fancy

Ever wondered what happens when architectural genius meets desert whimsy?

Welcome to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home-turned-architectural playground in Scottsdale.

Picture this: it’s the late 1930s, and Wright looks at the McDowell Range and thinks, “You know what this desert needs? A 500-acre architectural love letter to the Southwest.”

This isn’t your average historic landmark – it’s what happens when a revolutionary architect decides to play desert Tetris with rocks, wood, and a dash of genius, one among off the beaten Arizona landmarks you should add to your itinerary.

Wright and his students literally scavenged the desert for materials, picking up sun-bleached rocks (some with ancient petroglyphs, because why settle for plain rocks when you can have rocks with stories?) to create buildings that blend into the landscape like a chameleon at a desert party.

The real magic? This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just a pretty face – it’s where some of America’s most iconic buildings were born.

Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho

PLAN DAY TRIPS TO SEDONA

Scottsdale in winter makes the perfect base camp for Red Rock adventures, with Sedona just two hours away playing hard to get.

The drive itself becomes part of the experience – a scenic route that’s actually enjoyable when you’re not playing dodge-the-heat-waves.

Winter adds its own magic touch, occasionally dusting those famous red rocks with snow.

OUTDOOR MOVIES AT WESTWORLD

When Scottsdale in winter rolls around, Westworld turns into the desert’s answer to a drive-in theatre paradise.

There’s something magnificently ironic about bundling up (yes, actually bundling up) in the desert to watch movies under stars that seem close enough to touch.

It’s the perfect excuse to experience cinema like it’s 1955, but with better cars and snack options that go way beyond stale popcorn.

BARRETT JACKSON AUTO AUCTION

When Scottsdale in winter hits January, it brings the automotive equivalent of Fashion Week to town.

Here’s where you can spend a day pretending you’re seriously contemplating that 1957 Chevy while mentally calculating if selling your house would cover the down payment.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM (MIM)

Scottsdale in winter makes the perfect backdrop for this global symphony in a building.

The MIM isn’t your grandmother’s music museum – it’s like taking a world tour with headphones that magically know what you’re looking at (seriously, they do).

Winter brings special performances that sell out quicker than you can tune a guitar, transforming the venue into Phoenix’s answer to Carnegie Hall, but with better parking.

WESTERN SPIRIT – MUSEUM OF THE WEST

Scottsdale in winter brings the Old West indoors, where you can discover that real cowboys were more practical than rhinestone-loving Elvis impersonators would have you believe.

It’s where the West wasn’t just won – it was preserved, cataloged, and displayed with surprisingly good gift shop souvenirs.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re dawn-patrolling on a yoga mat or stargazing at an outdoor movie, Scottsdale winter here proves that the desert knows how to do cool – both literally and figuratively.

MAP OF SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER