Arizona is well known as very tourist friendly state during the winter months. The warmer temperatures in the winter months are a major attraction to people looking to escape the cold winter temperatures. It is also the best time of the year to live in Arizona due to the weather.

Because of the winter temperatures, Arizona has many Christmas and holiday themed events to entertain visitors and locals alike. Since this is such a nice time of the year to get out of the house and do things, I decided to pick my top five favorite Christmas themed events that happen annually in Arizona and feature them in a post. Some of them are well known events while others are things I like to do myself.

Christmas at the Princess

Christmas at the Princess is a holiday themed event held every year at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess resort. The event has all kinds of activities for attendees including photo opportunities with Santa, ice skating, light display, and more. It is an event that requires a paid ticket to get in, but tickets can be purchased without requiring the attendees to stay for the night at the resort. In 2024, a ticket to attend costs $35 per person. If you are interested in attending, please check online to see what is included in the ticket and what is not. For an example, the light show admission comes with the ticket while photos with Santa require a separate paid ticket to attend. Also, parking is not free. Please check the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess’ website for more details about how much parking will cost.

 

APS Festival of Lights

The APS Festival of Lights is a large light parade held in Phoenix, Arizona. It is normally held every year on the first week of December and is free to attend. If you cannot attend in person, the parade is also shown on local TV stations and is also streamed online. Please look at the Phoenix Parks and Recreation website here for further information about it.

 

Look at Neighborhood Lights

Looking at neighborhood lights is the most cheapest and cost effective event on this list. Simply drive around neighborhoods and look at the homes decorated with lights. I have heard for many years Arizona has really good neighborhood light displays, making it a great state to look at neighborhood lights.

 

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo is a family friendly event that people of all ages can enjoy. If you never heard to Zoolights, it is an event held at a zoo where the park, walkways, and more are decorated in lights for the holiday season. Sometimes there are special events held in honor of Zoolights and the holiday season. Normally the Phoenix Zoo’s Zoolights starts around Thanksgiving and end shortly after New Year’s.

 

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a ballet staple and an enjoyable show to watch every holiday season. There are performances of the classic ballet all across the state, but Ballet Arizona’s version of the show is one of my favorites. It is performed at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona with live music by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.

 

That’s all for now! Thank you for reading!