18 Magical Places to Celebrate Christmas in Arizona

Arizona may lack snow during the holiday season, but there are still plenty of places to experience the magic of Christmas in Arizona. Here are a few of our favorites!

*Updated December 2022

18 Magical Places to Celebrate Christmas in Arizona

Table of Contents

• Vertuccio Lights at the Farm
• World of Illumination
• Christmas at Schnepf Farms
• Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express
• Phoenix Zoo Glow Wild
• Christmas on Comstock
• Riparian After Dark
• The North Pole Experience
• Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
• Mesa LDS Temple Lights
• Merry Main Street
• Town of Gilbert Water Tower Plaza
• CitySkate
• McCormick Railroad Park
• Nutcracker Ballet at Orpheum Theater
• FQ Story Historic Home Tour & Street Fair
• Christmas at the Princess
• Winter Wonderland AZ

Vertuccio Lights at the Farm

Vertuccio Farms is located in Mesa, Arizona and hosts a fantastic “Lights at the Farm” holiday event.

You will find a walk-through light show spread across 10 acres and synchronized to Christmas music. There is also an interactive barnyard display, light tunnel, nativity, and a 30-foot Christmas tree made of corn husks.

Several activities are included in the price of admission like a Holiday Pallet Maze, mini-golf, corn hole, ping pong, petting zoo, and shooting gallery ($2 per game).

Photos with Santa are available on select dates for an additional charge.

Ice skating on the large synthetic skating rink is also available for an additional charge. There are even fire pits around the ice skating rink with s’mores kits available for purchase.

If you are hungry, there are a variety of food trucks and vendors selling snacks and holiday treats.

Ticket prices are discounted if you purchase them online. The event runs seven days a week from mid-November to the beginning of January. Check the website for dates and times.

Dogs on a leash are welcome at the farm.

For more things to do in Mesa, check out our guide 15 Fun Things to Do in Mesa with Kids!

World of Illumination

There are two different locations for World of Illumination. One is at the Tempe Diablo Stadium and the other is in Glendale at the Westgate Entertainment District.

The World of Illumination is the world’s largest drive-through holiday light display.

Once you arrive, tune your radio into their station and drive through the maze of lights while they are synchronized to the music.

You must remain in your vehicle at all times while driving through the display, but you’ll want to roll down your windows and open the sunroof to fully enjoy the magical light display!

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they often sell out so it is highly recommended to purchase them in advance. Keep in mind that the price is discounted if you visit during the week.

If you are hungry, concession stands with holiday treats are located at the entrance. Restrooms are also located at the entrance.

* Related post: If you’re looking to experience a real winter wonderland, our favorite places to play in the snow are at Snowbowl in Flagstaff and Pinetop in the White Mountains!

Christmas at Schnepf Farms

Schnepf Farms is located in Queen Creek and hosts a fun Christmas festival. They have a holiday village with a toy shop, candy shop, street carolers, and plenty of light displays. 

You can even stop by Santa’s house and get a photo with Santa. There are craft stations set up around the village and kids can write a letter to Santa and mail it to the North Pole.

The majority of the activities are included in the price of admission. There is an inflatable obstacle course, a bounce house, an outdoor movie, a carousel, mini-golf, a giant slide, and a hayride to feed the reindeer.

On the hayride, guests will climb aboard the tractor and sing carols while on the short ride to the reindeer pens. Once you get there, they will have hay, popcorn, and sometimes carrots to feed the deer.

Ice Skating is also one of our favorite things to do at the farm. A 15-minute skate session and skate rental are included with the price of admission.

For an additional charge, guests can climb aboard the Illumination Express Train to ride through Christmas light displays around the farm.

There are also a variety of food trucks where you can get some dinner or just hot chocolate and donuts. Fire pits are scattered around the farm where you can warm up while enjoying your food.

Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express

The Grand Canyon Railway is located in Williams in Northern Arizona.

The historic Grand Canyon Railway is located here and has been festively decorated and transformed into the Polar Express.

While on the train, you’ll sing Christmas songs, drink hot cocoa, eat chocolate chip cookies, and listen to The Polar Express story.

Once the train reaches the “North Pole”, Santa will climb on board to visit the children and hand each guest a silver bell memento.

It is a fun and memorable experience for kids and adults alike. Tickets sell out quickly, so book far in advance. Tickets are cheaper during the week than on the weekends, and Christmas Eve rates are even higher.

There are two train departures each night at 5:30 and 7:30. The total trip is approximately 90 minutes.

Guests do not get off the train at the “North Pole”. The North Pole consists of cut-outs depicting Santa’s workshop and the village. It is a little anti-climactic, but keep in mind that the train ride itself is where the magic happens.

Check the website for package deals including a hotel stay and dinner.

Phoenix Zoo Glow Wild

The Phoenix Zoo comes alive at night during the holiday season as it is lit up with millions of lights and lanterns.

Guests can walk around the zoo and admire the light displays while catching a peek at a few nocturnal animals that might be awake for the party! Just keep in mind that portions of the zoo are closed during Zoo Lights.

Other activities are available, including the Polar Slide, the Reindeer Village and photos with Santa. Festive food and drinks available for purchase

You can also add the “Polar Pass” to your ticket and you can watch the 4D Polar Express movie and take unlimited rides on the Polar Slide.

The event runs mid-November through mid-January, check the website for specific dates and times.

Christmas on Comstock

Stop by Christmas on Comstock in Gilbert to see one of the best neighborhood light displays in the Valley!

Thirteen homes on this street have put together a computer-animated Christmas light show that is choreographed to music.

The incredible light display earned this Gilbert neighborhood the first place spot on ABC’s 2015 “Great Christmas Light Fight”.

They collected the $50,000 grand prize and you can even see the grand prize trophy on display!

You can drive along the street, but the traffic gets quite backed up. I would recommend parking at the nearby Basha’s or San Tan Charter School and walking to the neighborhood.

The lights are on seven days a week throughout December. Check the Facebook page for dates and hours of operation.

Voluntary donations are collected for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, so be sure to bring some cash.

More of the best neighborhoods to see Christmas lights in Arizona:

• Christmas on Cherry Lane: Also referred to as “Natal Circle”. Located in Mesa on Natal Circle just off Cherry Lane at Rancho Del Mar, near Country Club and Guadalupe.
• Christmas on Orchid Lane: Located on Orchid Lane in Chandler near Kyrene and Ray Rd.
• Hunter’s Christmas Wonderland: Christmas home tour with each room decorated and an interactive room for kids. Located at 2467 E Aris Dr in Gilbert.
• Best Holiday Homes: Scary Christmas House (4431 West Escuda Dr, Glendale), Cox Family Lights (8607 E Via Del Palacio, Scottsdale), Sepanek Family Lights (4415 E Calle Tuberi, Phoenix)
• Here is a map of the best holiday lights in Phoenix.

Riparian After Dark

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch puts on a free walk-through light display every holiday season.

The trail around the lake at the Riparian Preserve has been lit up with Christmas lights, displays, and hundreds of luminaries.

Performances are often put on by local school choirs, carolers, and other live holiday entertainment. Refreshments are also available for purchase.

The event runs from 5:30 pm- 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays throughout December.

Admission is free, but collections will be made by a local non-profit agency to help those in need. Check the website to see what donations are needed.

The North Pole Experience

The North Pole Experience is located in Flagstaff at the Little America Hotel.

It has been voted “Best Holiday Experience for Children” by the Arizona Foothills Magazine.

Take a trolley ride from the Little America Hotel through the magic portal and enter into Santa’s workshop. The ride is about 10 minutes and is filled with lots of singing and Christmas cheer.

Santa’s workshop is filled with plenty of hands-on activities. You will visit the Toy Hall of Fame, help the elves make toys, and visit the sorting and gift-wrapping room.

Other activities include a stop at Santa’s Bakery for hot cocoa and treats, attending Elf University, visiting Santa’s mail room, and seeing Santa’s sleigh and control room at the “Area 47” Sleigh Hangar.

Each family will get a private meet and greet with Santa along with a free digital photo.

Children with a paid ticket (18 months+) will also receive a free teddy bear.

Tickets sell out quickly so try to book far in advance. The prices of admission varies depending on the date and time. Children 17 months and younger are free. Check the website for details.

Daytime tours are cheaper and the experience inside the workshop is the same. It is also a better option for younger kids with an earlier bedtime.

The tour lasts about 1 hour 35 minutes from the time of departure.

Discounted overnight rates are available at the Little America Hotel for visitors. While you’re at the Little America Hotel, be sure to tour their property and see the holiday light displays.

The Little America Hotel also hosts a breakfast with Santa and a North Pole Experience dinner.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is held annually at Tempe Town Lake.

Each year, thousands of guests gather on the shores of Tempe Town Lake to watch this unique holiday parade.

The water parade consists of over 50 boats festively decorated with lights. You’ll even see Santa riding on a boat!

Enjoy live entertainment before the parade and a fireworks show is held at the end of the parade. A variety of food vendors are on-site as well as a holiday market.

The annual event is held in mid-December, check the site for the exact date and time. Admission is free.

Parking is available at Tempe Beach Park, 201 S. Ash Parking Garage, and Hayden Ferry Lakeside Parking Garage.

The city also hosts the annual Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade. This parade is held through the streets of Tempe around the end of November and is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Mesa LDS Temple Lights

Celebrate Jesus’ birth through light displays and scenes set up all around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint Mesa Temple grounds. You can also enjoy musical performances on select evenings.

Step inside the visitor center where you can view a large collection of nativities from around the world.

This event is free and open to the community.

Parking is available at the parking lot on the south side of the temple, or a larger lot is located just north of the visitor center.

Visit the nearby Food Truck Forest at Pioneer Park for dinner and holiday treats.

Merry Main Street

Mesa’s Merry Main Street hosts fun holiday events on Main Street in Mesa from Country Club to just east of Mesa Drive.

Ice skating at the Winter Wonderland Ice rink at City Plaza is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with the whole family.

Visit Mesa’s city Christmas tree located on Macdonald north of Main Street. Be sure to check the calendar for the tree-lighting ceremony.

The Mesa Christmas Market is held by the Christmas tree and features unique handmade gifts from local vendors.

Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest is located nearby at Pioneer Park where you can enjoy tasty holiday treats, watch an outdoor movie, and play some lawn games. They even have visits from Santa every Friday and Saturday night.

Climb aboard the Polar Express Light Rail Car. Wear your pajamas, sing songs, enjoy cookies, and maybe even meet Santa! Available on select weekends in December, check the website for details.

Free parking is available in all open lots and on-street parking areas in downtown Mesa. See the locations of different activities on this map.

Events run from the end of November through the end of December.

Other ice skating rinks in Phoenix: City Skate in downtown Phoenix, Desert Ice Skating Rink at Fairmont Princess, Ice Skating on the Farm at Schnepf Farms, Skate Westgate at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Lights at the Farm Skating Rink at Vertuccio Farms.

Town of Gilbert Water Tower Plaza

Gilbert’s historic Water Tower Plaza hosts an annual holiday tower lighting and holiday concert held at the end of November.

In the plaza, you’ll also find multiple Giving Machines. These are vending machines that allow you to purchase a variety of items for charity. This can be anything from socks to a goat!

The money donated will be used to purchase the item in need. With a wide variety of items for all budgets, this is a great way for kids to be able to serve and give back.

While you are nearby, stop at the Great Gadsby Bakery for decadent holiday treats, with everything from Yule Tide Logs to Hot Chocolate Trays.

The Toasted Mallow is also a great place to warm up on a winter’s night with gourmet hot chocolate and elaborate s’mores creations. It’s one of the Best Places to Get Dessert in Phoenix!

Just note that Great Gadsby and The Toasted Mallow are located on Gilbert Road, but not within walking distance of the Water Tower Plaza.

However, there are a variety of delicious restaurants in historic downtown Gilbert that are within walking distance. We love Joe’s Real BBQ, Joy Ride Taco, Postino East, and Liberty Market.

Historic Downtown Gilbert is a fun place to walk around. It has a festive atmosphere with lights strung across the street and music often filling the air.

The Hale Center Theater is right across the street where holiday performances are held. Be sure to book tickets in advance for their annual performance of “A Christmas Carol”.

Free parking is located at the parking garage near the water tower, as well as open lots and street parking.

CitySkate

*Update: CitySkate was closed for the 2023 season, and it is unclear if they are reopening for 2024.

Get into the holiday spirit at CitySkate located at CityScape in downtown Phoenix.

Tucked in between the towering office buildings, you’ll find an ice rink with a massive Christmas tree right in the center and music playing from speakers.

It’s reminiscent of a small-scale version of ice skating at Rockefeller Center, one of the Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas!

The price is $20 per person and includes the skate rental. There is a $5 discount if you bring your own skates.

The ice rink is relatively small and can get crowded. I would recommend going to the earliest session during the week in order to avoid crowds.

There are no advanced reservations, but check the website for session times.

The best place to park for CitySkate is at the CityScape parking garage. If you make any purchases from the stores or restaurants at CityScape then you can get your parking validated.

McCormick Railroad Park

Take a train ride through a winter wonderland of lights at the McCormick Railroad Park!

Opening night festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa riding the steam locomotive.

Visitors can also ride the historic Charros Carousel and visit the model train displays.

Santa will be visiting on select dates. The cost to see Santa is $5 per family, but you are free to take your own pictures with him.

Tickets for the Holiday Lights Train Ride and carousel are sold separately, kids 2 and under are free with a paying adult.

If you don’t want to wait in line, you can purchase a Holiday Lights Train Ride Fast Pass, but there are only a limited number of passes each night.

The event runs from the end of November to the beginning of January, check the website for dates and times.

Nutcracker Ballet at Orpheum Theater

The Phoenix Ballet puts on a fantastic performance of the Nutcracker Ballet at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix.

While The Nutcracker is performed at other locations around Phoenix, the Orpheum Theater is the best venue to watch the performance.

The Orpheum Theater is a historic theater that was built in the 1920s with beautiful ornate details that add to the experience.

I would recommend getting balcony seats. The ticket prices are less expensive and the view is still great. Check Groupon for discount tickets.

The show runs from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.

If you would like to grab dinner before the show, here is a list of the best places to eat in Phoenix.

FQ Story Historic Home Tour & Street Fair

The FQ Story Historic District is located from 7th Ave. to 15th Ave. on Roosevelt & Portland Streets, and from 11th Ave. to 15th Ave. on Latham Street in Phoenix.

During the holidays, the sidewalks are all lined with luminaries and you can tour 9 historic homes all decked out for Christmas.

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and coffee as you walk around. Two food trucks are also on-site, including a 50’s diner food truck.

There are also over 40 local vendors selling handmade treats and gifts and live music from carolers.

The tours are held on one select weekend in December, check the website for dates and times.

Discounted tickets are available online starting in October through the beginning of December. Kids under 12 years are free.

On the day of the event, tickets can be purchased at the corner of 11th Avenue and Portland Street. Bring a non-perishable food item for a discount.

Christmas at the Princess

One of our favorite places to enjoy Christmas in Arizona is at the Fairmont Princess Hotel in Scottsdale.

Each season, the resort transforms into a festive holiday wonderland with over 6.5 million Christmas lights and different themed areas.

There are also dozens of activities that are all included with the price of admission.

Activities at The Village include Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, an Ice Maze, the Polar Glide where you can tube down an ice slide, and S’mores Land where you can roast marshmallows around a campfire in a Christmas Tree Forest.

Ice Skating at the Alpine Ice Trail is also available for an additional charge and includes ice skating at the Desert Ice Rink as well.

VIP Igloos are also located in The Village and are available by reservation for an additional cost.

Activities at Twinkle Town include a variety of carnival rides like high-flying swings, spinning hippos, merry-go-round, Alpine Slide, and many more.

Take a ride on the Princess Express Train to see the Lagoon Lights where you’ll see graceful swans floating on the water, a buccaneer pirate ship, a mermaid, Nessie, and more.

The Enchanted Plaza features a four-story musical tree, an animated light show, live performances, and photos with Santa (additional charge).

Visit the Frosty Ice Bar at Winterland for a hot winter drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available). You’ll also find a life-sized snow globe, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and live musical performances at Winterland.

You can also walk around the Nativity Garden to see the narrated light show. Keep your eye out for nightly appearances by holiday characters from the North Pole.

There are also a variety of restaurants and food vendors around the property.

General Admission wristbands are $80 for 4 people and include self-parking (valet extra). Additional wristbands are $20 per person. Check Groupon for discounted tickets, usually $60 for 4 people but they sell out fast.

Guests who book an overnight stay receive complimentary self-parking, general admission, and VIP express wristbands.

The event runs from the end of November through the beginning of January.

Winter Wonderland AZ

One of the best holiday homes in the Valley is Winter Wonderland AZ located at 8414 E Valley Vista Drive in Scottsdale.

Each year this private residence transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Guests line up around the block to walk through themed outdoor spaces.

The details and effort are mind-blowing! You’ll see train displays, fake snow machines, synchronized lights, scenes from Frozen, and Elf, and so much more!

It is free to visit, but donations are greatly appreciated. Please consider donating to help keep this Christmas tradition running!

S’mores kits are available for purchase to roast around the fire. Hot chocolate is also for sale.

Parking is available along N Granite Reef Road and within the neighborhood. Just be respectful of the residents, do not park in front of driveways, and keep the noise to a minimum.

A few more places to experience an Arizona Christmas:

• Pioneer Winter Wonderland: Experience a Western-themed holiday at Pioneer Winter Wonderland, where you can watch live entertainment, visit the elf lodge, pan for star dust, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Clause (complete with cookies and hot cocoa), and so much more!
• Enchant Scottsdale: This magical winter wonderland is located at the Salt River Fields and includes ice skating, a light maze, a Christmas village, and more!
• Scottsdale’s Canal Convergence Art & Light Festival: Free holiday activities and events at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
• Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Your kids will love the sock skating holiday pop-up event, as well as other adventure play, crafts, and activities.
• Jolly Trolley Santa Adventure: Enjoy a Christmas sing-a-long while riding this holiday trolley around Prescott to look at lights and meet Santa.
• Santa Calls: Visit Westgate to get a personal one-on-one call with Santa from a big-screen tv in the holiday room. Schedule the free 5-minute virtual call in advance. The booth can be found next to the Christmas tree in Fountain Park.
• Arizona Lights in the Night: Drive-thru light show located in Mesa, tickets are $30/vehicle.
• Skate at Westgate: Outdoor holiday ice skating rink at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale.
• Pratt Brothers Christmas: This Christmas spectacular is located at Bell Bank Park and includes an impressive light show, train ride, and other activities.
• Glendale Glitters: Arizona’s largest free light display with glittering lights spread across 16 city blocks.
• Verde Canyon Railroad Magical Christmas Journey: Hop aboard this magical train ride. Enjoy holiday songs and drinks on your way to visit the north pole.
• Bass Pro Shops: Visit Santa for free and snap a holiday photo.
• Arizona Broadway: Enjoy dinner while watching the performance of A Christmas Carol.

We hope this helps as you plan magical activities to celebrate Christmas in Arizona!

And if you’re wondering what Fall activities Arizona has to offer, be sure to check out our guide 11 Places to Experience Fall in Arizona!

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