The weather outside may not be frightful and we may have more strings of light wrapped around cacti than we do any where else, but that’s what makes a Phoenix Christmas so special. Make your holiday season merry and bright by taking advantage of the many activities around town. From ice rinks and snowfalls to colorful light displays and festive food, you can find something for everyone all across the Valley. Keep reading for our top 5 picks for a joyful night of fun.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is known for its annual Christmas festivities and this year the five-star resort has transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a four-story tree with 70,000 LED lights that dance to Christmas songs throughout the night. Lace up your skates at the Desert Ice Skating Rink or cozy up fireside at one of the many rinkside fire pits. Perfect for families and date nights, some of the other activities include a s’mores land, a Build-a-Bear workshop, Santa’s headquarters, character appearances, a nativity garden, multiple light shows and the Princess Express Train, among more. Christmas at the Princess is happening nightly now through December 31.
For the Valley’s largest and most visited holiday rink, head to Downtown Phoenix where CitySkate is taking place. Highlighted by a 36-foot Christmas tree in the center, the rink also features a photo opportunity with an installation by Joe Pagac called Desert Wonderland in the City with a 3-D mural blending real desert and painted plants. Every Saturday and Sunday, Copper Blues will host a hot chocolate bar and the Phoenix Art Museum is transforming some of the retail space into an interactive art pop-up shop. Guests can also enjoy on-site performances, music, hands-on activities and more. CitySkate is taking place now through January 7.
For those in the West Valley, cruise over to the only real outdoor ice skating rink in the area, Skate Westgate. Free activities include horse-drawn carriage rides every Friday and Saturday night, a nightly snowfall, photos with Santa, a 36-foot Christmas tree and more. Skate Westgate is taking place now through January 7.
4. Scottsdazzle
For a glittering way to spend the holidays, visit downtown Scottsdale for Scottsdazzle, a fun festival that shines bright with various activities and events including concerts, an art walk and a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree imported from Italy with more than 1 million lights. Scottsdale Public Art will have two art installations on show, PRISMATICA and Reflection Rising. Other features include a live nativity and adult choir, a Sugar Plum Avenue and more. For even more fun, old town merchants and restaurants will offer additional events, specials and more.
5. Illumination
Arizona’s largest holiday drive-thru light show will definitely make your night merry and bright. Located just off the I-17 freeway north of the Jomax exit, the symphony of light show features millions of lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. The one-mile long attraction features tunnels of lights, the only 30-foot holiday light sphere tree and Holiday Boulevard, a park, play and eat area. Bounce houses, food trucks, selfie stations and more are also on-site. Illumination is taking place nightly now through January 7.
