Celebrating the Holidays in Arizona: Lights, Local Traditions, and Christmas Adventures
Written by Colin Tate
Colin writes for Elite Vacation Rentals, sharing insider guides and practical planning tips to build your ideal Arizona itinerary.
Arizona can be a great destination for a holiday getaway, with different experiences available depending on which part of the state you choose. For visitors to the Phoenix area, December brings mild desert temperatures, plenty of outdoor festivals, and a lineup of festive community gatherings. Just a couple of hours north in Flagstaff, you’ll find ski slopes, snow-covered evergreens, and that classic winter scenery you’d expect to see on a Christmas card.
Wherever you end up, you’ll find no shortage of ways to fill your Arizona Christmas itinerary. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season in the Grand Canyon State.
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In This Article:
- Take in the Holiday Lights Across the Valley
- Find One-of-a-Kind Gifts at Arizona Holiday Markets
- Make Time for a Holiday Performance
- Enjoy Snowy Adventures in Northern Arizona
- Find Your Arizona Holiday Home Base
Take in the Holiday Lights Across the Valley
One of the best aspects of a Christmas in Arizona is getting to enjoy outside festivities without necessarily having to bundle up for freezing temperatures. The Phoenix metro area hosts a wide range of annual attractions that always bring the Valley to life.
The Desert Lights Festival
Formerly known as Desert Farm Lights, the Desert Lights Festival in Surprise is a great addition to any holiday itinerary. Seasonal farm light displays, ice skating, a candy cane maze, and much more offer a fun, festive outing for visitors of all ages.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
A longtime Arizona Christmas tradition, ZooLights lights up the Phoenix Zoo after dark with colorful sculptures, animal-themed displays, and plenty of other festive decorations. It’s an obvious choice for families with kids, but the nighttime twist on the traditional zoo experience can be a great night out for groups of adults as well.
Glendale Glitters
Glendale Glitters brings the holiday spirit to Historic Downtown Glendale. Seasonal lights and decorations set the backdrop for a festive evening, with celebrations that include a mix of community gatherings, street vendors, and holiday-themed entertainment, depending on the day. This nightly, free-admission event is also a convenient opportunity to get in on the holiday fun while shopping or dining downtown.
Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights
For a holiday event on the water, head to Tempe Town Lake for the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. This annual parade features boats decked out in holiday lights, creating an impressive show for spectators along the shore. The free celebration also hosts a holiday market, live entertainment, and photos with Santa before a fireworks show caps off the evening.
Find One-of-a-Kind Gifts at Arizona Holiday Markets
Holiday shopping in Arizona isn’t limited to big retailers and crowded shopping malls. Seasonal markets and holiday events offer brilliant opportunities to find unique gifts while supporting local businesses.
Phoestivus in Phoenix
Phoestivus is the city’s premier local holiday market, serving as a beloved community tradition in Downtown Phoenix. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, artwork, accessories, and more from local vendors at this quirky, Seinfeld-inspired celebration. You’ll also find plenty of food trucks and seasonal treats alongside wines and craft beers from local breweries.
Merry Main Street in Mesa
Mesa's Merry Main Street brings seasonal activities to downtown, with holiday decorations, entertainment, and family-focused attractions. Throughout the event’s run, visitors can find an outdoor ice rink, a “food truck forest,” and several holiday markets with local vendors, artists, and live music.
Flagstaff Holiday Craft Show
For travelers heading north, the Flagstaff Holiday Craft Show offers another chance to shop for handmade gifts in a place known for its wintry mountain setting. Local vendors are great for finding unique decorations, artwork, jewelry, and other items.
Make Time for a Holiday Performance
Seasonal concerts and theatrical productions offer another way to enjoy the holidays in Arizona. Consider adding a showtime to your Downtown Phoenix plans.
The Nutcracker at Symphony Hall
Few productions are as synonymous with the holiday season as The Nutcracker. Performances by Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall bring the iconic score, costumes, and choreography to the stage in a beautiful rendition of the holiday classic.
Christmas Plays at the Orpheum Theatre
Phoenix’s historic Orpheum Theatre provides a memorable setting for live entertainment over the holidays. Seasonal programming includes local Christmas-themed productions and touring shows that can make for a fun and festive outing during your stay. Check the venue’s calendar to see what’s scheduled during your stay.
Enjoy Snowy Adventures in Northern Arizona
Another often-overlooked bonus to celebrating an Arizona Christmas is how easily you can trade the Valley’s mild winter weather for a snowy wonderland in Northern Arizona. If you’re planning an extended holiday stay, leave time for an adventure or two in the Flagstaff area.
Ski and Snowboard at Arizona Snowbowl
Located on the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Snowbowl is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding during the state’s winter season. Its varied terrain, along with on-site lessons and equipment rentals, make it appealing to winter athletes of every experience level.
Snow conditions and opening dates can change from year to year, so be sure to check the resort’s calendar before setting out.
Ride the Polar Express at Grand Canyon Railway
For a holiday outing that feels more like stepping into a classic Christmas tale, book a ride on the Polar Express at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams. This seasonal experience takes passengers on a nighttime train journey inspired by the beloved children's story, complete with holiday-themed entertainment and visits from Santa on select trips.
Find Your Arizona Holiday Home Base
Featured Glendale Vacation Rental: Ocotillo Glendale
From glowing downtown streets and festive markets to scenic snowy mountain escapes, celebrating the holidays in Arizona offers plenty of ways to make the season memorable. Whether you're planning a week-long winter escape or settling in for the season, Elite Vacation Rentals has a wide range of homes designed for unforgettable stays. Our properties include units with private hot tubs, pet-friendly accommodations, and golf getaways ideal for any holiday retreat. View our available properties today, find the home that’s right for you, and book direct with Elite Vacation Rentals to make this December your crew’s most memorable yet.
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