The holiday season is brimming with merry activities in the Valley of the Sun, especially with this array of Scottsdale Christmas events. Celebrate the season with festive lights displays, kid-friendly amusements, special dining experiences, and other revelries. Enjoy a jolly season with more than 30 things to do during the winter holidays in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Experience Scottsdale.
1. 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 November and December. My advice: go early in the evening for fewer crowds and shorter lines!
Wintry Activities
To start, queue up for the Princess Express Train, which carries riders through their Lagoon Lights display. Then, enjoy amusements in S'moresland including Frosty's Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Carousel. Kids especially love Snow Mountain sledding hill.
Also, be sure to take a spin on an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees. The Desert Ice Skating rink is made with real ice! The icy fun doesn't end there, though. There's also an Ice Maze, Alpine Skate Trail, and an uplifting Chair Lift.
Christmas Season Entertainment
Enjoy live performances like Christmas carols sung by roving costumed carolers. Music by local bands adds to the holiday cheer. Don't miss the mesmerizing animated holiday light show in the Enchanted Plaza near the entrance, either.
Festive Dining
Book dinner at one of the resort's signature restaurants to take advantage of 50 percent off valet parking, which includes up to 4 general admission wristbands to Christmas at the Princess. Pan-Latin cuisine is available at the upscale Toro. Probably most tempting for kids is Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda. Look for classic American fare at Bourbon Steak and Ironwood American Kitchen.
Additionally, special savory and sweet treats can be found at special snack stops. Purchase holiday cocktails and mocktails throughout the resort, too. S'mores kits are also available for roasting around fire pits.
Book a Stay
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. Plus, Arizona residents can enjoy 30 percent off their stay!
This extraordinary Scottsdale Christmas event runs nightly from November 18, 2022 through January 2, 2023.
2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
The annual McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights is a magical experience with lots of 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.
This event takes place from November 25 through December 30, 2022. Advanced reservations are required.
3. Scottsdazzle Holiday Art Activities
Scottsdazzle celebrates the holiday season in Scottsdale with two months of activities. Canal Convergence kicks things off from November 4 to 13 with lights and impressive art installations along the Scottsdale waterfront and throughout Old Town.
Both Scottsdazzle Stroll and Gold Palette Artwalk provide perfect opportunities to enjoy Old Town Scottsdale's numerous art galleries in December.
Take advantage of hands-on creativity classes as well. Sign up to make your own art at Merry Make & Take or the Holly-Jolly Painting Party. Create your own wreath, Christmas tree, ornaments, or holiday gifts at Holly-Jolly Wine Cork Crafting. Or, get in touch with nature at Festive Floral Workshops. You can also make your own scented soy wax candle at Candle Making Classes.
4. Scottsdazzle Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Listen to live Christmas music and sip hot beverages while watching the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Scottsdazzle tree on November 26 at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
5. Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market Christmas Market
On Sundays during the holiday season, shop for handmade gifts and fresh produce at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market while listening to live holiday music. Get your photo taken with Santa at the market on Saturdays, too.
6. Live Nativity and Miracle of Roses Pageant at the Old Adobe
While shopping Old Town Scottsdale, be sure to stop by the Old Adobe Mission, the oldest Catholic church in Scottsdale. There you can view a live nativity, celebrating the birth of Jesus with a living manger scene.
Additionally, the Miracle of Roses Pageant takes place at 4 pm at the Old Adobe Mission on December 10, 2022. Watch a reenactment of the appearances in the 1500s of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego near Mexico City.
7. Holiday Scavenger Hunts
For a fun (and competitive!) way to explore Old Town Scottsdale, register for a holiday scavenger hunt via golf cart at one of three varieties of Prancer's Puzzle Rides. You could join Holly-Jolly Holiday Relay as a team to compete to discover Christmas clues. Alternatively, the family-friendly Highjacked by Elves is appropriate for ages 4+. Meanwhile, Jingle Bar Hop caters to a 21+ crowd. Learn more.
8. Scottsdazzle Food and Spirits Events
Toast the season with four special events for wine drinkers. Feel festive with wine tastings at the Cellar Room Wine & Bites event. Get playful with your cabernets at the Coal or Cabernet challenge. Santa's Wine Flights is sure to please oenophiles, too. Or, go all out at the Holiday Celebration at the Chef's Table.
If mixed drinks are more your vibe, then taste the spirit of the season with Christmas Cocktails. Meanwhile, whiskey connoisseurs won't want to miss Whiskey Tasting at the North Pole. For beer lovers, Blitzen's BBQ & Brews should hit the spot.
Teetotalers and children need not feel left out. Enjoy finger pastries, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and cold lemonade at the Sugar Plum Tea Party.
Festive Food Demos will please home chefs during the month of December, too.
9. Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Arizona
Sugar Plum Fairies dance into your dreams with Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet by Ballet Arizona from December 10 to 24, 2022. 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.” The famous Christmastime ballet is accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall.
10. Phoenix ZooLights
For a dazzling holiday lights display, reserve tickets for the beloved Phoenix ZooLights. Zoogoers will be treated to millions of twinkling lights and a multitude of glowing animal sculptures. Hot cocoa and other treats like kettle corn are available for purchase.
In addition to member preview nights on November 21 and 22, ZooLights runs from November 23, 2022 through January 15, 2023.
11. Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk gets a holiday makeover between November 25 and December 31, 2022. 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. The best part, though, is seeing Santa himself underwater in the Deep Ocean Theater at designated times.
Admission to Winter Waterland is free with regular admission. Check Groupon for discount entry tickets before you go!
12. Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland
Also located at the Arizona Boardwalk entertainment center, Butterfly Wonderland hosts Christmas in the Rainforest from November 26 through December 31, 2022.
Look for seasonal decorations like snowflakes, Christmas trees, Santa's reindeer, and holiday lights. Ambassador animals make appearances, too. Also, listen to live musical performances on select dates during the holiday season.
13. Holiday Tea at The Phoenician
For an upscale traditional English afternoon tea with a holiday twist, reserve a table for Holiday Tea at the sumptuous Phoenician Resort. Celebrate the season in their beautifully decorated lobby while listening to live holiday piano music.
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.
14. Holiday-Themed Live Theater Performances
Holiday theater performances abound in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
It's an annual tradition for my family to watch It's a Wonderful Life at Scottsdale's Don Bluth Front Row Theater. Every seat is a good one at this venue because of its petite size. This Christmas classic runs from November 17 to December 30 in 2022.
We've also enjoyed watching Arizona Broadway Theatre‘s special holiday performances in Peoria. In 2022, book seats at A Christmas Carol, The Musical, from November 18 to December 29.
At the Herberger Theater in Phoenix, view And Now…a Word from Our Holiday Sponsors performances from November 28 to December 16, 2022. This lighthearted, fictional show takes place on Christmas Eve in 1953 during a live coast-to-coast performance by a fictional TV family named the Felixes.
Meanwhile, live theater fans can choose from A Christmas Story or The Velveteen Rabbit at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre in November and December 2022.
15. 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 2022, Las Noches de la Luminarias takes place on select days, December 1 through 31.
16. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
Children will adore Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona. Snowland takes place from November 18, 2022 through January 4, 2023.
Hotel guests enjoy photos with Santa, holiday storytimes, games, crafts, 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. Look for daily menorah lightings throughout Chanukah, too.
Miss snow in Scottsdale at Christmas? Great Wolf Lodge Arizona provides a magical indoor snowfall.
17. Enchant Christmas Light Maze and Village
New this year, Enchant promises to be the world's large Christmas light maze and village. This winter wonderland is Presented by the Hallmark Channel. It can be found at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick from November 25, 2022 through January 1, 2023.
Browse Enchant's Village, a Christmas market bursting with quaint shops selling crafts and gifts. Look for live entertainment, too.
Then wind your way through lighted tunnels and past holiday displays in The Maze to find a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. Perhaps most impressive is the dazzling forest of sparkling trees you'll skate through on their ice rinks.
Come hungry. There are hot entrees and specialty sandwiches to be had. Why not celebrate the Festival of Lights with a serving of potato latkes topped with applesauce and sour cream? Top off your evening with a holiday treat like s'mores or freshly made doughnuts.
Children will want to visit Little Elves Play Place. There, they can make ornaments, play reindeer games, and listen to Christmas stories told by Mrs. Claus herself. Santa's available for photos with the backdrop of an Alpine chalet, too.
For grown-ups aged 21+, there's a chilly Polar Ice Bar serving three vodka cocktails. There are additional beverage stations, too, serving spiked hot chocolate, a Merry Mocktail, and other libations.
18. Holiday Lights Segway Tours
For a unique way to take in the glow of the holidays, sign up for a Segway lights tour of Old Town Scottsdale. Segways are decorated with Christmas lights on the Scottsdale Segway Tours Old Town Holiday Lights Tour. Meanwhile, Segway of Scottsdale‘s Christmas Lights Tour includes holiday lights wrapped around each Segway and a hot chocolate stop mid-way through the ride.
19. Valley of the Sun Chanukah Celebrations
Chanukah starts on Sunday, December 18 and concludes the night of Monday, December 26 in 2022.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Lots of Latkes on December 18 at the East Valley JCC in Chandler. Families will enjoy music, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and a menorah lighting. Of course, there will be lots of latkes to eat, too!
Teens from across Arizona are invited to participate in a Chanukkah Regional Party hosted by Chabad of Phoenix. Expect dreidels, latkes, and much more.
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. Think potato latkes, matzo ball soup, brisket, and more.
20. Winter Wonderland Arizona Residential Holiday Lights Display
Find 250,000 digitally computerized lights, faux snowfall, and bubbles on display at this Scottsdale home owned by serious holiday lovers. Winter Wonderland Arizona is free to the public but a suggested $5 donation is appreciated.
This is the 36th year of this amazing light display, which runs this holiday season from December 6, 2022 to January 2, 2023. The homeowners ask that visitors park on Granite Reef.
21. 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. Meanwhile, the indoor Scottsdale Fashion Square's 240 retail stores and restaurants offer darling Christmas décor and deals aplenty. Additionally, find unique artwork plus Southwest and Arizona-themed gifts and ornaments in Old Town Scottsdale.
22. 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 the jolly old elf at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona, and Enchant at Salt River Fields.
23. Phoenix Symphony Holiday Pops
Tap your toes along to the merry beat of Holiday Pops by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Chorus. Enjoy both religious and secular songs of the season from December 2 to 4, 2022 at Phoenix Symphony Hall.
24. Special Christmas Menus at Scottsdale Restaurants
Celebrate Christmas with holiday menus at restaurants throughout the Valley of the Sun. Whether you're looking for an intimate setting or a family-friendly eatery with festive flair, you're sure to find a menu that pleases your palate. Take a look at Christmas dining options in Scottsdale.
25. Scottsdale Santa Crawl
Each year, revelers don their ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and other holiday gear to make merry in Old Town Scottsdale during the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. Tickets include admission to participating bars, three penny ($.01) drink vouchers, and drink specials.
This year's Santa Crawl is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
26. Drive-Through Holiday Lights Displays
Experience the wonder of the season from the comfort of your own car. There are a few drive-through holiday lights displays to choose from in the Phoenix area.
Arizona Lights the Night
Drive through a memorable holiday lights show in Mesa at Arizona Lights the Night. Expect life-sized snowmen, giant glowing candy canes, and Christmas trees galore. The attraction is open seven nights per week from November 23, 2022 to January 8, 2023.
World of Illumination
Choose from three themed lights displays presented by World of Illumination. Tune in to a special radio station at each to enhance the experience with music and sounds.
Enjoy a sweet wonderland at Candy Rush at Tempe Diablo Stadium or rock out at a Rockin' Christmas at Hurricane Harbor in North Phoenix from November 16, 2022 through January 1, 2023. In Glendale, embark on a lighted animal safari at Enchanted Safari from November 24 through January 1.
27. Spirited Dueling Piano Shows
You'll laugh, you'll sing, you'll clap, and you may even dance along during Spirited Dueling Piano Shows at Belle's Nashville Kitchen in Old Town Scottsdale. Listen to your favorite holiday songs, along with country and rock favorites during this lively show. Talented pianists compete for your applause (and tips) during this improvised show, featuring audience requests.
Bourbon is the star beverage at this 21+ show. Choose from two seatings on December 9, 2022.
28. 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 two free shows on Marshall Way Bridge in Old Town Scottsdale on December 10 and December 11, 2022.
29. Holidays Events at Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia‘s Christmas season commences with an annual 20-foot tree lighting. Enjoy refreshments, live music, firepits, children's crafts, and cookie decorating on December 3 at the resort.
Kids will long remember Breakfast with Santa at the Omni Montelucia on Sundays during the month of December. Also, look for special holiday meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Revelers will enjoy a multicourse New Year's Eve dinner and a special New Year's Day brunch with live music, too.
30. Scottsdale New Year's Eve Parties
Ring in 2023 with festive food, music, and spirits in the Scottsdale area. For New Year's Eve, several local restaurants are offering multi-course prix fixe meals with a glass of bubbly. Other Valley venues are offering high-energy parties featuring DJs or live music, dancing, and drinks. Discover ways to celebrate the New Year in Scottsdale.
Explore More in Arizona
Find even more fun activities for the whole family in the Valley of the Sun with this list of activities in Scottsdale with kids.
Discover the charms of Arizona’s Christmas City in my guide to Prescott.
In winter, you'll likely experience snow in Northern Arizona with these things to do in Flagstaff.
Learn Arizona history and explore the state's natural beauty with a visit to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments.
Save These Scottsdale Christmas Events
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Which of these Scottsdale holiday events appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This list of Scottsdale Christmas happenings is updated annually. I received monetary compensation from Experience Scottsdale in 2020 related to this story. I also accepted complimentary admission to Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, OdySea Aquarium, and Butterfly Wonderland, and World of Illumination. All opinions are mine, as always.
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
wow it great to see many activities available for the holidays.
Ruby – Happy to share the Scottsdale holiday cheer!
Wow, there are so many things to see and do in the holidays given that we do not have much chance to move around this year. I love the weather in December in Arizona and thanks a lot for all the suggestions! – Knycx journeying
Next year instead, maybe?!
So many great things to do! I love Christmas!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…especially in Scottsdale!
wow such a beautiful holidays trip. Specially the sky at Christmas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It’sire look like fire over the sky. I would love to visit Scottsdale. Too many beautiful things there need to see.
I hope you can visit Scottsdale someday, Yudith!
Wow! I haven’t been to Scottsdale yet! There’s so much to do! Wow!
Yes…all year round! 🙂
Nice place and I am glad that you were able to enjoy your holiday in that place.. Keep safe!
Thanks, Gervin! I actually live in Scottsdale, which made researching these holiday activities fun AND easy!
Oh man, what I would do too be able to travel to places like this right about now! I’ve been itching for a new adventure.
Maybe next year you can come to Scottsdale during the holiday season instead?!
I love a good light festival and this looks great! I was hoping to get to travel to some good christmas market this year, but it will have to wait until 2021, keeping my fingers crossed!
Cheers to a happy and healthy 2021!
Wow! Scottsdale looks awesome during the holiday season! I’d really like to checkout the food there.
I hope you can come visit Scottsdale and tour our many fabulous restaurants!
I love the idea of being able to skate outdoors. Here, the rink is inside the malls.
So much more fun to skate outside! I hope you can come experience Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess someday!
Wow, there are so many fun things to do that are right up my alley for the holiday season. Thank you for sharing this wonderful list of activities. Sofun!
In researching this blog post, I was really surprised by just how much there is to do during the holiday season in Scottsdale! Glad you like our list!
I’ve got to get to the Botanical Gardens this year for the holidays. Have never done that!
Such a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season!
I have no idea Scottsdale has so many Christmas activities to offer. I would love to plan a trip there. It would be great for kids to receive mail from Santa too.
Julie- You can get your letter from Santa without visiting Scottsdale, too. Fill out the form online and your kids can experience the magic from home!
A wonderful list, full of holiday activities. It is great to see so many activities available for the holidays, after spending a lot of time at home, being able to enjoy some nice things to do outside it great! Definitely planing a trip to Scottsdale this christmas!
It’s so nice to have so many outdoor activities with social distancing measures in place. Really, I felt safe at all of the events I attended in-person. Enjoy your trip to Scottsdale!