50+ Scottsdale Christmas Activities & Winter Holiday Events (2024)

The holiday season sparkles with merry activities in the Valley of the Sun, especially with this array of Scottsdale Christmas events. Celebrate the 2024 winter holidays with displays of festive lights, family-friendly amusements, special dining experiences, New Year’s Eve activities, and other revelries. As a longtime Scottsdale resident, I’ve got the scoop on all there is to do. Enjoy a jolly season with more than 50 things to do during Christmastime in the Phoenix area!

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Canal Convergence

Canal Convergence warms up locals and visitors to the 2024 holiday season with lights and impressive art installations along the Scottsdale Waterfront and throughout Old Town from November 8 to 17.

Scottsdazzle Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Scottsdazzle Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony officially kick off the holidays in Scottsdale. Listen to live Christmas music, sing along, and sip hot beverages while watching the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Scottsdazzle tree. Attend this free event on November 30, 2024, from 7 to 9 pm at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This resort transforms into a fantastical winter wonderland each year. This season, join the festivities from November 22, 2024, through January 4, 2025.

My family loves Christmas at the Princess so much, we attend every year. My advice: go early in the evening for festivities with fewer crowds and shorter lines! You may be dazzled by a beautiful sunset, too.

Fairmont Christmas Amusements

Queue up for the Princess Express Train, which carries riders through a Lagoon Lights display. New for 2024 is Starlights: An Electric Symphony, which transforms the lagoon into a radiant techno wonderland during an 8-minute show.

Then, take a spin on an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees. The Desert Ice Skating Rink is made with real ice! There’s an extra charge to skate (even if you bring your own skates).

In The Village, take a spin on a Ferris Wheel, tube down the Snow Mountain Ice Slide, and challenge your friends or family to nine holes of putt-putt on the Nordic Nine Mini Golf Course. Find more included rides in Twinkle Town, including a carousel and the Santa Sleigh Ride. All of these amusements are included with your wristband fee.

Christmas at the Princess Tickets

Purchase tickets in advance since this event often sells out. Children 3 years old and younger receive free entry. Save money on Christmas at the Princess when you purchase tickets through Groupon. Monday through Thursday, the event runs from 5 pm to 10 pm. Friday through Saturday, the Christmas at the Princess takes place from 4 pm to 11 pm.

General Admission tickets do not include self-parking, which is sold separately. Valet Parking includes admission for up to four guests. Better yet, do as we do and take an Uber or Lyft to the resort.

Festive Fairmont Dining & Drinks

Book dinner at one of the resort’s three signature restaurants to take advantage of free valet parking when you spend $85 on food and beverages. Probably most tempting for kids is Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda. Pan-Latin cuisine is available at the upscale Toro. Also, look for classic American fare at Bourbon Steak and Ironwood American Kitchen.

Additionally, visitors can dine at the holiday pop-up restaurant, The Lodge. Purchase other holiday treats from food booths, like Christmas cookies and mini cinnamon doughnuts. S’mores kits are also available for roasting around plentiful fire pits. Purchase holiday cocktails and mocktails throughout the resort, too.

Holiday Season Stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale

To make the most of these family-friendly events, book an overnight stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort during Christmas time. You’ll receive complimentary general admission to Christmas at the Princess, as well as VIP Express wristbands for use throughout your stay. VIP Express Lane allows overnight guests to enjoy reduced wait times for rides and attractions, excluding ice skating and photos with Santa.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights

The annual McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights is a magical experience with festive light displays and twinkling tunnels. Faux snow allows desert dwellers a chance to get a brief taste of a white Christmas in Scottsdale, too! Climb aboard the miniature Paradise Pacific Railroad for a sparkling tour of the North Pole.

In addition to train rides, kids will love a large playground with plenty of slides and climbing structures. Also, look for a smaller Old West-themed play area. If visiting the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with young children, then a spin on the Charros Carousel is a must, no matter the season.

Attend this event from 6 to 9:30 pm, November 29 through December 30, 2024. Advanced reservations are required through the City of Scottsdale website are required. Children aged 2 and younger enter for free.

Christmas Markets

What could be more festive than a Christmas Market? There are a few fabulous options for holiday shoppers in Scottsdale.

Santa at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Attend the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market on Saturdays from fall through spring to purchase handmade items, fresh produce, and tasty eats. On December 7, 2024, shop for unique holiday gifts from 8 am to 1 pm and get your photo taken with Santa at the market until noon.

Christmas Markets at Arizona Boardwalk

Arizona Boardwalk (home to Odysea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and more amusements) hosts the Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market on December 7 and 8, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. In addition to more than 80 vendors selling crafts and more, enjoy live music, face painting, glitter tattoos, and special character appearances.

On December 14, look for a free Family Fun Holiday Fair & Marketplace from 10 am to 2 pm with bounce houses and slides, face painting, coloring contests, live on-stage entertainment, photos with Santa, snow “blizzard,” and more.

Merry Mercantile Market at the Scottsdale Civic Center

The Merry Mercantile Market is an expansive Christmas market at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Attend on December 14, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. Expect 100+ vendors, holiday giveaways, Christmas crafts, live music, and various food trucks at this free event. Kids will enjoy a ball pit and bounce house, too. You might even spy Elsa and Anna from Frozen!

Old Adobe Mission Christmas Events

While holiday shopping Old Town Scottsdale, be sure to stop by the Old Adobe Mission, the oldest Catholic church and one of the few remaining adobe structures in Scottsdale. It was built by Mexicans who settled in Scottsdale in the late 1910s. Admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style and handmade stained glass windows.

The Miracle of Roses Pageant

The Miracle of Roses Pageant takes place on the second Saturday of December at the Old Adobe Mission each year. In 2024, the play will be performed at 4 pm on December 7. Watch a reenactment of the miraculous appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego near Mexico City, which occurred in 1531.

Live Nativity

On Saturday, December 21, from 6 to 8 pm, look for the Old Adobe Mission’s live nativity. Live actors and animals represent the birth of Jesus in this Christmas manger scene. A chorale concert commences at 7 pm.

Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Arizona

Sugar Plum Fairies dance into your dreams with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet by Ballet Arizona from December 6 to 24, 2024. Save money by booking your Nutcracker Ballet tickets through Groupon.

The famous Christmastime ballet is accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall. Of this performance, Alistair Macaulay of the New York Times said, “Ballet Arizona’s ‘Nutcracker’ is one of the three finest productions of the nearly 20 I’ve seen across America.”

Phoenix ZooLights

For a dazzling holiday lights display, reserve tickets for the beloved Phoenix ZooLights. Zoogoers will be treated to millions of twinkling lights, a multitude of glowing animal sculptures, and a 200-foot-long light tunnel. Hot cocoa and other treats like kettle corn are available for purchase.

Phoenix ZooLights runs November 27, 2024, through January 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. Sensory Friendly ZooLights takes place on December 2 with smaller crowds, quieter music, reduced flashing lights, and other modifications. You can enjoy the lights displays from the comfort of your car on November 10, 11, and 12 or January 13 and 14 for Cruise ZooLights as well.

Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium

The OdySea Aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk gets a holiday makeover and transforms into a Winter Waterland each year. This year’s festivities run November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Admission to Winter Waterland is free with regular admission.

The aquarium’s Winter Waterland features holiday decorations and a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt for kids. Additionally, Voyager, the world’s only rotating aquarium exhibit, is narrated by Santa as it spins through four separate watery habitats that feature animals like sea lions and sharks. New in 2024, pay an additional fee to help Santa’s elves prepare for the holidays during a virtual reality experience.

The best part is seeing Santa Claus underwater in the Deep Ocean Theater at designated times! Children squeal with joy when he magically appears after “The Night Before Fishmas” is read aloud.

SeaTREK Santa makes appearances November 29 through December 19 at noon, Mondays through Thursdays, and noon plus 4:30 pm Fridays through Sundays. From December 20 through January 4, look for Santa under the sea at noon and 4:30 pm. (No appearance on Christmas Day. Only noon appearance on New Year’s Day.)

Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland

Also located at the Arizona Boardwalk entertainment center, Butterfly Wonderland is adorned with seasonal decorations like snowflakes, Christmas trees, Santa’s reindeer, and holiday lights.

Glistening Gardens begins November 23, 2024, and runs through January 5, 2025. The beautiful Butterfly Conservatory glows with sparkling meadow grass, firefly lights, and fairy-lit birch trees. Listen for live musical performances in the garden or pose with a butterfly fairy on select dates during the holiday season.

Holiday SnowFest at Salt River Fields

Replacing Enchant, Holiday SnowFest is new to the Valley of the Sun in 2024. Visitors of all ages enjoy snowman-building stations and snowball-throwing contests in over 2,000 pounds of real snow.

The highlight is the only toboggan run in the Phoenix area made with real snow. This 20-foot sliding hill features a canopy of 50,000 lights.

Look also for a striking 30-foot-tall Christmas tree and a Snow Cabin light show every 30 minutes. Children will enjoy a snowman-shaped bounce house, a station for sending letters to Santa, and opportunities to meet Mr. Claus in person. Food trucks, s’mores stations, and drinks like hot cocoa and holiday cocktails keep everyone satiated.

Sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers, Holiday SnowFest takes place at Salt River Fields from November 27, 2024, through January 4, 2025.

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

Build a spectacular holiday season at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona from November 29 to January 1 at Arizona Mills Mall in Tempe. Snap photos with a giant LEGO DUPLO sleigh. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt to find the hidden LEGO snowman throughout MINILAND.

On weekends during the holiday season, pay a few bucks to meet Gingy the LEGO Gingerbread Man and decorate gingerbread cookies. Get a chance to pose with LEGO Santa, too, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Sea Life Arizona

Next door at the LEGOLAND Sea Life Aquarium, enjoy holiday lights and décor on display throughout this themed aquarium. Kids will also enjoy pop-up tanks where you can pose with the fish, touch tanks, and a huge indoor jungle gym.

Purchase discounted LEGOLAND Discovery Center tickets from our trusted partner, GetYourGuide.

Holiday Teas

Celebrate the holiday season with a holly jolly high tea for all ages.

Holiday High Tea at the Phoenician

For an upscale traditional English afternoon tea, reserve a table for Holiday High Tea at the sumptuous Phoenician Resort. Listen to live music in their beautifully decorated lobby every Wednesday through Monday, November 27, 2024 to January 3, 2025.

Included are finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, pastries, a selection of teas, and a holiday gift for all attendees. Make your teatime even more festive by adding a glass of bubbly. The Phoenician will happily provide gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian menus with 24-hour advance notice.

Nutcracker Ballet Tea at the English Rose Tea Room

The English Rose Tea Room in Carefree hosts an Annual Nutcracker Ballet Tea with dance performances by young ballerinas from local ballet schools. Enjoy tea sandwiches, scones, and petit fours in the beautifully decorated tea room while watching excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite on November 22, November 30, or December 8, 2024. Gluten-free options are available.

Gingerbread Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Scottsdale

Guests and locals alike can book a Gingerbread Afternoon Tea at Onyx Bar & Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. This service combines the elegance of a traditional tea with a whimsical holiday twist. It takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon from December 6 to 29, 2024.

Holiday Season Live Theater Performances

The spirit of the holidays comes to life with live theater performances throughout the Valley of the Sun.

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

It’s an annual tradition for my family to watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Scottsdale’s Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. Every seat is a good one at this venue because of its petite size. This Christmas classic runs from November 14 to December 23 this year.

Arizona Broadway Theatre

We’ve also enjoyed watching Arizona Broadway Theatre‘s special holiday performances in Peoria. In 2024, book seats at Beauty and the Beast from November 15 to December 29.

Hale Centre Theatre

I was impressed by the swanky small theater and high-quality acting at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert. Reserve seats for A Christmas Carol from November 29 to December 24, 2024. Also showing is Hi-Fi Holiday, a cozy tribute to favorite Christmas songs of yesteryear, from December 5 to 21, 2024.

Herberger Theater

At the Herberger Theater in Downtown Phoenix, celebrate the holiday season with EleMenTrio. Acclaimed as the “modern three tenors,” you will hear traditional Christmas carols and other holiday favorites sung by Terry Barber, Victor Valdez, and Vincent Connor.

Phoenix Theatre Company

All ages love Miracle On 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Show at the Phoenix Theatre Company, running November 20 to December 28, 2024. Families will also get a kick out of Seussical the Musical, with tickets available from December 18, 2024, through January 26, 2025.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden 

Wander through the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, with 8,000 glowing luminaries lighting pathways among desert plants. Listen to live musical performances and purchase holiday treats as you explore the botanical gardens. In 2024, Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place on select days, November 29 to December 30.

Come on December 17 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm to celebrate the Mexican holiday tradition of La Posada. Enjoy singing processions, traditional Mexican cuisine, and a piñata breaking experience for kids.

‘Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is celebrating the season with decked halls and special events. On December 14 and 15 in 2024, enjoy live Christmas and Hanukkah music performances, attend music-making workshops, get photo booth pics snapped, and listen to Kwanzaa storytelling. Gallery Mini-Tours are available throughout the weekend, with a special focus on holiday celebrations from around the world.

Also, throughout the season, attend separately ticketed holiday concerts at MIM, like Salsa Navidad by Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Luminous by The Phoenix Boys Choir, or Comfort and Joy 2024 by Jim Brickman.

Holiday Lights Segway Tours

For a unique way to take in the glow of the holidays, experience Old Town Scottsdale’s holiday lights and decorations via Segway from the end of November through the month of December. Book Segway of Scottsdale‘s Christmas Lights Tour with holiday lights wrapped around each Segway and a hot chocolate stop mid-way, or sign up for a lights tour with Scottsdale Segway Tours.

Valley of the Sun Chanukah Celebrations

Chanukah starts on December 25, 2024, and concludes on the night of January 2, 2025. This eight-day winter holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd Century B.C. and is also known as the Festival of Lights. (Did you know there are 16 different ways to spell Hanukah?)

Chompie’s Chanukah Menu

Chompie’s is a local delicatessen that has been serving traditional New York-style Jewish cuisine in Arizona since 1979. Go to one of their several Valley locations for a tasty Chanukah menu, available onsite or to go. Enjoy potato latkes, matzo ball soup, brisket, and more.

The Klezmatics Toward the Light

Get tickets for The Klezmatics Toward the Light concert on December 21 at 7:30 pm at the Musical Instrument Museum.

Giant Menorah Lighting & More

Celebrate the start of Chanukkah at the Scottsdale Quarter on December 26. Beginning at 4:45 pm, there will be a giant menorah lighting, live music, and Hanukkah treats.

Find more Chanukah events on the Chabad of Scottsdale website.

Spirited Dueling Pianos at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen

If you don’t like fun, skip the Spirited Dueling Pianos Show. But if you’re up for a night of live music played by request and tons of laughter, then book a table at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen in Old Town Scottsdale on December 5, 12, 19, or 26. Shows starring Cactus Keys with Joe Fladung & One F Jef, start at 5 pm and 7:30 pm. It’s a festive evening you won’t soon forget, depending on how many holiday cocktails you order. I can’t wait to attend this hand-clapping, foot-stomping, lively holiday singalong again in 2024!

Phoenix Symphony Holiday Concerts

The Phoenix Symphony offers many ways to experience the sounds of the holiday season. Holiday Pops by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Chorus presents religious and secular songs of the season from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Experience Handel’s Messiah performed by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Chorus at various churches in the Phoenix area on select dates in December. Cirque Holiday features live symphony music, cirque acrobatics, and dance on December 6, 7 and 8 at the Orpheum. Book tickets through The Phoenix Symphony website.

World of Illumination

Be dazzled by a Rockin’ Christmas lights display presented by World of Illumination at the Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale from November 16 through December 29, 2024. There’s also an Enchanted Safari-themed option for the same dates at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe. Drive through these lights displays Tuesday through Sunday, 6 to 10 pm. Tune in to a special radio station to enhance this experience with music and sounds.

Arizona Lights the Night

Experience the wonder of the season from your own vehicle. Drive through a memorable holiday lights show at the Thompson Event Center in Mesa at Arizona Lights the Night. Expect life-sized snowmen, giant glowing candy canes, and Christmas trees galore. Look also for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa displays. This attraction is open seven nights per week from November 27 through December 28, 2024. Purchase tickets in advance to save money on entry.

Dazzling Magic Shows

Celebrate the magic of the season at Dazzling Magic Shows. Scottsdale Magician Craig Davis entertains crowds with humor and mesmerizing tricks. Attend free magic shows on Marshall Way Bridge in Old Town Scottsdale on December 15, 2024, at 3 and 4 pm. Registration is not required but are helpful.

JoyRides AZ Holiday Lights Tour

Sit back, relax, and take in the holiday lights displays in Old Town Scottsdale during a 75-minute tour in an open-air vehicle driven by a local guide with JoyRides AZ. Carts seat up to six guests with seatbelts. Infants are welcome if secured in a car seat.

Listen to your choice of holiday Bluetooth music and stop for photo opportunities along the route. JoyRides AZ Holiday Lights Tours are available from November 29 to December 30, 2024.

Scottsdale Holiday Shopping

Scottsdale is a shopper’s paradise, particularly during the holiday season. Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter outdoor shopping districts get dolled up with lights and trees galore, plus strolling carolers and live holiday concerts. Meanwhile, the largest shopping mall in Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square, offers 218+ retail stores and restaurants with Christmas décor and deals aplenty.

Find unique artwork plus Southwest and Arizona-themed gifts and ornaments in Old Town Scottsdale. Shop Scottsdale Saturday on November 30, 2024, celebrates shopping local with live strolling performances by the Jingle Belles, free gifts, and complimentary wrapping service. Visit the Pop-Up Shop Scottsdale tent to learn more.

Gold Palette Artwalk provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy Old Town Scottsdale’s numerous art galleries during the holiday season from 6:30 to 9 pm on December 12, 2024.

Photos with Santa in Scottsdale 

Kids and kids-at-heart can meet with Santa Claus at locations throughout Scottsdale. Look for photos with Santa at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Biltmore Fashion Park, and Phoenix ZooLights. Purchase hardcopy and/or digital photos. Make reservations for these venues in advance at WhereIsSanta.com.

You can also find Santa at holiday happenings at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona, Omni Montelucia, and other events detailed in this Scottsdale Christmas activities directory.

Wine Girl Holiday Events

One of the most darling wine bars anywhere, Wine Girl in Old Town Scottsdale, is hosting a few festive holiday events in 2024.

Attend Ornament Painting & Wine on Wednesday, December 18, from 6 to 8 pm. Participants will get a glass of sparkling wine, three ornaments, paint brushes, a palette, and paint.

Enjoy winter wine flights during Seasonal Delights on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, or 17. Choose from Santa’s Reds or Winter Whites. Flights come with four wines and a mini Christmas tree-shaped charcuterie board.

Bar Blitzen by Culinary Dropout

Culinary Dropout is hosting a holiday pop-up bar called Bar Blitzen at its Tempe and Gilbert locations in 2024. Both are open from November 20 to December 31. Order merry cocktails like the Junior & Mrs. Mint made with vanilla-infused vodka, white chocolate, cream, and peppermint schnapps. Santa Snacks are also available with options like soft pretzels & provolone fondue or steak frites with black truffle butter.

Holiday Pub Crawls

Get your jollies during a holiday pub crawl in the Phoenix area.

The Official Christmas Bar Crawl

The Official Christmas Bar Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale on December 14 from 4 pm to midnight. Be sure to check in before 6 pm at Boondocks Patio & Grill. Expect drink specials, a stadium cup, no cover charge at participating venues, and free Santa hats for the first 100 at registration.

Scottsdale Santa Crawl

Each year, Yuletide revelers don their Santa hats and other holiday gear to make merry in Old Town Scottsdale during the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. This year’s event is from 2 to 8 pm on December 14. Tickets include cover charge at Wasted Grain, Casa Amigos, Barstool Sports, and Mother Tucker’s Tavern plus three penny ($.01) drink vouchers and drink specials.

Phoenix’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

Cozy up in your silliest Hanukkah or Christmas sweater for Phoenix’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl on December 21, 2024. Contest prizes will be awarded throughout the event, which takes place from 4 to 9:30 pm in Downtown Phoenix.

Holiday Events at Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia‘s Christmas season commences with an annual 20-foot tree lighting on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm. Enjoy refreshments, live music, firepits, and cookie decorating at the resort. This complimentary event is open to hotel guests as well as day visitors. No need to make reservations.

Breakfast with Santa

Kids will long remember Breakfast with Santa at the Omni Montelucia on Saturday, December 21, between 8 am and 1 pm. Make reservations through OpenTable.

Camelback Chalet

Adults aged 21+ can cozy up in the Camelback Chalet, a ski lodge-inspired holiday pop-up bar on Omni Montelucia’s Joya Terrace. Sip holiday-themed cocktails on Fridays and Saturdays in December from 4 to 6 pm.

Holiday Stay at Omni Montelucia

Save on a holiday season stay with the Magical Memories offer, featuring 20% off your stay and a dining credit. You can upgrade your stay with a Winter Wonderland setup, including festive décor, a Christmas tree, and an in-room s’mores experience, or the Golden Gelt Getaway with a menorah and special Hanukkah touches.

Hotel guests will enjoy Sweet Treats & Holiday Screenings every Saturday in December from 6 to 8 pm. Watch Christmas movies while drinking complimentary hot cocoa. For an additional fee, purchase s’mores kits for roasting around fire pits.

Another reason to love Omni Scottsdale at Montelucia? It tops my list of the best spa resorts in Scottsdale!

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona

Children will adore Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona Indoor Waterpark & Resort. Snowland takes place from November 25, 2024, through January 6, 2025.

Hotel guests enjoy photos with Santa, holiday story times, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and Snowland Yoga. Plus, all ages are invited to rock out to holiday music around the Christmas tree in the lobby during Frosty Fest Family Dance Parties. (Day Pass guests may not participate in Snowland activities at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona.)

Scottsdale New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Ring in 2025 with festive food, music, and spirits in the Scottsdale area.

New Year’s Eve Performances

• Don your sequined bell bottoms for a far-out Disco Inferno New Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Symphony Hall. This groovy show starts at 7:30 pm.

Special New Year’s Eve Restaurant Menus

• Choose from three wine-tasting options a The Wine Collective of Scottsdale for $20 to $30 per person.
• Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace hosts a New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu for $75 per person.
• For live music, a 4-course meal, party favors, and Champagne toast — book a table at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar for $135 per person.
• Enjoy a 4-course special menu in Fat Ox‘s beautiful dining room for $150 each.
• Cala Scottsdale hosts an upscale Greek, white attire dinner for $175 for every attendee.
• For a luxurious evening, make reservations at Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain for a 4-course dinner costing $300 per diner.
• The Phoenician Scottsdale offers several ways to ring in the New Year, from Champagne and cheese boards by firepits at the Thirsty Camel Patio to pre-fixe menus at their three restaurants: J&G Steakhouse, Mowry & Cotton, and The Phoenician Tavern.

Kid-Friendly New Year’s Events

Children’s Museum of Phoenix hosts two New Year’s celebrations on December 31 (9 am to noon or 1 pm to 4 pm). Sip sparkling cider, make colorful noisemakers, join a dance party, and count down to a festive balloon drop. Tickets for this special event must be purchased in advance.

Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at 12 pm with noisemakers and sparkling cider at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Tempe on December 31, 2024.

Last year, my husband and I went to the Phoenix Zoo during the day on New Year’s Eve, and we received noisemakers, but there wasn’t much else going on beyond the usual animal viewings and interactions. You could, however, attend Phoenix ZooLights at 5:30 or 10:30 pm on December 31 or January 1.

Stay in this New Year’s and set goals for 2025 in a fun and inspiring way with a family-friendly vision board party.

Scottsdale New Year’s Eve Parties

• DoubleTree Resort in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale is selling tickets for $100 to $1,920 to their 7th annual AZ Baby Boomers NYE 2025 Gala. Enjoy a live band, dancing, dinner, and cash bar at this semi-formal event. All ages 21+ are welcome.
• Pedal through Old Town Scottsdale with Arizona Party Bike. Ages 21+ skip the lines and covers and get drink specials and free champagne at Bevvy.
• Attend an 18+ New Year’s Eve party with a live DJ, band, bar and food service, and complimentary toast at midnight at The Phoenician Scottsdale’s Thirsty Camel.

More to Do in Arizona

Find even more fun for the whole family with this list of activities in Scottsdale for kids.

Explore the charms of Arizona’s Christmas City with my guide to Prescott.

In winter, you’ll likely experience snow in Northern Arizona with these things to do in Flagstaff.

Learn the pros and cons of every season in the Valley of the Sun and discover the best time of year to visit Scottsdale.

Save These Scottsdale Christmas Events

For future reference, save this list of things to do in Scottsdale during the holiday season. Just pin the image above or below to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these Scottsdale holiday events appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: I spend a lot of time updating this list of Scottsdale Christmas events each year to bring you the best holiday activities in the Phoenix area. I received monetary compensation from Experience Scottsdale in 2020 related to this story. Over the years, I have also accepted complimentary admission to Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and World of Illumination. All opinions are mine, as always. If you would like to add an activity, please email me.

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