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The vacation season is brimming with merry actions within the Valley of the Solar, particularly with this array of Scottsdale Christmas occasions. Have a good time the winter holidays with festive lights shows, kid-friendly amusements, particular eating experiences, and different revelries. Get pleasure from a jolly season with greater than 33 issues to do throughout Christmastime in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2023 – 2024.
This story is dropped at you in partnership with Expertise Scottsdale.
1. Christmas on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Get into the vacation spirit at Christmas on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This resort transforms right into a fantastical winter wonderland every November and December. My recommendation: go early within the night for festivities with fewer crowds and shorter traces!
Wintry Actions
To start out, queue up for the Princess Specific Practice, which carries riders by a Lagoon Lights show. Then, get pleasure from amusements in S’moresland together with Frosty’s Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Carousel. Children particularly love Snow Mountain sledding hill.
Additionally, make sure to take a spin on an out of doors ice skating rink surrounded by palm timber. The Desert Ice Skating rink is made with actual ice!
New for 2023, Aurora Ice Lounge + Chill is an icy area illuminated to resemble the Northern Lights. The chilly enjoyable would not finish there, although. There’s additionally an Ice Maze, Alpine Skate Path, and a Chair Elevate.
Christmas Season Leisure
Get pleasure from stay performances like Christmas carols sung by roving costumed carolers. Music by native bands provides to the vacation cheer. Do not miss the mesmerizing animated vacation gentle present within the Enchanted Plaza close to the doorway, both.
Festive Eating
Ebook dinner at one of many resort’s three signature eating places to make the most of free valet parking whenever you spend $120 on meals and drinks. Most likely most tempting for youths is Mexican delicacies at La Hacienda. Pan-Latin delicacies is offered on the upscale Toro. Additionally, search for traditional American fare at Bourbon Steak and Ironwood American Kitchen.
Moreover, particular savory and candy treats could be discovered at particular snack stops. S’mores kits can be found for roasting round fireplace pits. Buy vacation cocktails and mocktails all through the resort, too.
Ebook a Keep
To profit from these family-friendly occasions, guide an in a single day keep on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort throughout Christmas time. You may obtain complimentary basic admission to Christmas on the Princess, in addition to VIP Specific wristbands to be used all through your keep. VIP Specific Lane permits in a single day visitors to get pleasure from lowered wait occasions for rides and sights, excluding ice skating and pictures with Santa.
Christmas on the Princess Tickets
This extraordinary Scottsdale Christmas occasion runs nightly from November 17, 2023 by January 6, 2024. Buy tickets upfront since this occasion usually sells out. Get monetary savings on Christmas on the Princess by buying admission through Groupon. Youngsters 3 years outdated and youthful obtain free entry.
Monday by Thursday, the occasion runs from 5 pm to 10 pm. Friday by Saturday, the Christmas on the Princess takes place from 4 pm to 11 pm.
Basic Admission tickets don’t embrace self-parking, which is offered individually. Valet Parking consists of admission for as much as 4 visitors.
2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Vacation Lights
The annual McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Vacation Lights is a magical expertise with numerous festive gentle shows and twinkling tunnels. Fake snow permits desert dwellers an opportunity to get a short style of a white Christmas in Scottsdale, too! Climb aboard the miniature Paradise Pacific Railroad for a glowing tour of the North Pole.
Along with practice rides, children will love a big playground with loads of slides and climbing buildings. Additionally, search for a smaller Outdated West-themed play space. If visiting the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with younger kids, then a spin on the Charros Carousel is a should, regardless of the season.
This occasion takes place from 6 to 9:30 pm, November 24, 2023 by December January 7, 2024. Superior reservations are required.
3. Scottsdazzle Vacation Artwork Actions
Scottsdazzle celebrates the vacation season in Scottsdale with two months of actions. Canal Convergence kicks issues off in 2023 from November 3 to 12 with lights and spectacular artwork installations alongside the Scottsdale waterfront and all through Outdated City.
Further artsy Scottsdale occasions happen in December. Gold Palette Artwalk gives the proper alternative to get pleasure from Outdated City Scottsdale’s quite a few artwork galleries through the vacation season from 6:30 to 9 pm on December 7, 2023.
Create your personal dazzling artwork this vacation season. Signal as much as make your personal festive saguaro cactus on the Holly-Jolly Portray Celebration at 10 am on December 10.
Create a festive centerpiece to enrich your own home vacation décor at a Merry Centerpiece Making Class at 1 pm on December 10.
Make six cookies that includes three merry designs at Ice it Up, a cookie adorning class taught by a pastry chef for attendees aged 14+ on December 10 at 3:30 pm.
Or, make a craft from wine corks, eat gentle bites, and luxuriate in a glass of wine at Cork Crafting 10:30 am on December 2, 9, or 16 (age 21+ solely).
4. Scottsdazzle Sing-Alongside and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Take heed to stay Christmas music, sing alongside, and sip scorching drinks whereas watching the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Scottsdazzle tree. The occasion takes place 7 to 9 pm on November 25, 2023 on the Scottsdale Waterfront.
5. Outdated City Scottsdale Farmers Market Christmas Market
Attend the Outdated City Scottsdale Farmers Market on Saturdays from fall by spring to buy handmade objects, contemporary produce, and attractive eats. Through the vacation season, hearken to stay Christmas music as you store for items and extra. From November 25 by December 16, you may get your photograph taken with Santa on the market, too.
Probably the most festive day to go to in 2023 is on December 2 for the Merry Mercantile Market. From 10 am to 4 count on 80+ distributors, vacation giveaways, Christmas crafts, and varied meals stalls. Children will get pleasure from a ball pit and bounce home, too. You would possibly even spy Elsa and Anna from Frozen!
6. Outdated Adobe Mission Miracle of Roses Pageant and Dwell Nativity
Whereas vacation purchasing Outdated City Scottsdale, make sure to cease by the Outdated Adobe Mission, the oldest Catholic church and one of many few remaining adobe buildings in Scottsdale. It was constructed by Mexicans who settled in Scottsdale within the late 1910s. Admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural fashion and handmade stained glass home windows.
The Miracle of Roses Pageant takes place on the second Saturday of December on the Outdated Adobe Mission every year. In 2023, the play can be carried out at 4 pm on December 4. Watch a reenactment of the miraculous appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego close to Mexico Metropolis, which occurred in 1531.
On December 16 from 6 to eight pm, search for the Outdated Adobe Mission’s stay nativity. Dwell actors and animals characterize the start of Jesus on this Christmas manger scene.
7. Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Arizona
Sugar Plum Fairies dance into your goals with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet by Ballet Arizona from December 8 to 24, 2023.
The well-known Christmastime ballet is accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Corridor. Of this efficiency, Alistair Macaulay of the New York Instances mentioned, “Ballet Arizona’s ‘Nutcracker’ is among the three most interesting productions of the almost 20 I’ve seen throughout America.”
Get monetary savings by reserving your Nutcracker Ballet tickets by Groupon.
8. Phoenix ZooLights
For a stunning vacation lights show, reserve tickets for the beloved Phoenix ZooLights. Zoogoers can be handled to hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, a mess of glowing animal sculptures, and a brand new 200-foot-long gentle tunnel. Scorching cocoa and different treats like kettle corn can be found for buy.
Phoenix ZooLights runs November 22, 2023 by January 14, 2024 from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. Sensory Pleasant Zoolights takes place on December 4 with smaller crowds, quieter music, lowered flashing lights, and different modifications. You possibly can benefit from the lights shows from the consolation of your automobile on November 6 for Cruise ZooLights as properly.
9. Enchant Christmas Mild Maze and Village
Enchant debuted in Scottsdale in 2022 and staked its declare because the world’s largest Christmas gentle maze and village. Previously introduced by the Hallmark Channel, this winter wonderland could be discovered at Salt River Fields at Speaking Stick from November 24 by December 31, 2023.
Browse Enchant’s Village, a Christmas market bursting with quaint outlets promoting crafts and items. Search for stay leisure, too.
Then wind your method by lighted tunnels and previous vacation shows in The Maze to discover a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. Maybe most spectacular is the dazzling forest of glowing timber you may skate by on their ice rinks. On this yr’s new gentle maze, assist Santa recuperate lacking toys whereas trying to find a mischievous elf named Eddie and Sparky the reindeer.
Come hungry. There are scorching entrees and specialty sandwiches available. Why not rejoice the Pageant of Lights with a serving of conventional Hanukkah potato latkes served with applesauce and bitter cream? High off your night with a vacation deal with like s’mores or freshly made doughnuts.
Youngsters will need to go to Little Elves Play Place. There, they will make ornaments, play reindeer video games, and hearken to Christmas tales instructed by Mrs. Claus herself. Santa’s out there for pictures with the backdrop of an Alpine chalet, too.
For grown-ups aged 21+, there is a chilly Polar Ice Bar serving three vodka cocktails. There are extra beverage stations, too, serving spiked scorching chocolate, a Merry Mocktail, and different libations.
10. Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk will get a vacation makeover over the vacations, beginning November 24, 2023. Admission to Winter Waterland is free with common admission.
The aquarium’s Winter Waterland options vacation decorations and a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt for youths. Moreover, Voyager, the world’s solely rotating aquarium exhibit, is narrated by Santa because it spins by 4 separate watery habitats that function animals like sea lions and sharks.
One of the best half, although, is seeing Santa Claus underwater within the Deep Ocean Theater at designated occasions. Youngsters squeal with pleasure when he magically seems after “The Evening Earlier than Fishmas” is learn aloud!
11. Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
Additionally positioned on the Arizona Boardwalk leisure heart, Butterfly Wonderland is adorned with seasonal decorations like snowflakes, Christmas timber, Santa’s reindeer, and vacation lights. Ambassador animals make appearances, too. Take heed to stay musical performances on choose dates through the vacation season, too.
New for 2023, Glistening Gardens will start the day after Thanksgiving on November 24. The already stunning Butterfly Conservatory will glow with fairy lights.
12. Puzzle Rides
For a enjoyable (and aggressive!) method to discover Outdated City Scottsdale, register for considered one of three Puzzle Rides. Board a golf cart to unravel holiday-themed brainteasers on both November 25 or New Yr’s Eve.
Households with children aged 5+ take part in Highjacked by Elves, an escape room-style scavenger hunt with a Puzzlemaster Elf driving the way in which. These aged 21+ resolve puzzles to find the particular vacation “drink of the bar” in a Jingle Bar Hop. Adults aged 21+ can even unscramble vacation clues at Holly Jolly Vacation Relay at an Outdated City Scottsdale restaurant or bar.
13. Scottsdazzle Wine and Spirits Occasions (aged 21+)
Toast the season with two particular occasions for wine drinkers at LDV Vineyard in 2023. Use all of your senses to expertise wine tasting extra deeply at Wine Aroma Remedy on November 29 or December 13 at 6 pm. Create your personal charcuterie board at a Wine Charcuterie Class on November 30, December 14 or 21 at 6:30 pm.
Whiskey connoisseurs will not need to miss Whiskey Tasting on the North Pole on the Christmas Pop up Bar the North Pole, above Porters Western Saloon on December 6 or 13 at 6 pm. Style three choose whiskeys and prime off the night with an Outdated Long-established.
14. Vacation Tea
Have a good time the vacation season with a holly jolly excessive tea for all ages.
Vacation Excessive Tea on the Phoenician
For an upscale conventional English afternoon tea, reserve a desk for Vacation Excessive Tea on the luxurious Phoenician Resort. Take heed to stay music of their fantastically embellished foyer each Wednesday by Monday, November 25 to December 30, 2023.
Included are finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, pastries, a collection of teas, and a vacation reward for all attendees. Make your teatime much more festive by including a glass of bubbly. The Phoenician will fortunately present gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian menus with 24-hour advance discover.
Sugar Plum Tea Celebration
Get pleasure from kid-friendly flavored finger sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, scorching chocolate, and chilly lemonade on the Sugar Plum Tea Celebration on the Scottsdale Waterfront. Watch a efficiency by the Greasepaint Theatre as you dine. Tea partiers will get an opportunity to take a photograph with the Sugar Plum Fairie herself, too. Join December 9, 2023 at 10 am or 1 pm.
15. Vacation-Themed Dwell Theater Performances
It is an annual custom for my household to look at It is a Fantastic Life at Scottsdale’s Don Bluth Entrance Row Theatre. Each seat is an efficient one at this venue due to its petite measurement. This Christmas traditional runs from November 16 to December 23 this yr.
We have additionally loved watching Arizona Broadway Theatre‘s particular vacation performances in Peoria. In 2023, guide seats at White Christmas from November 17 to December 30.
I not too long ago noticed a efficiency at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert and was impressed by the swanky small theater in addition to the standard of the performing. Reserve seats for A Christmas Carol from November 30 to December 23, 2023.
On the Herberger Theater in Downtown Phoenix, households will get pleasure from Rudolph the Pink-nosed Reindeer from November 18 by December 24, 2023. Additionally taking part in is Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen, based mostly on Hans Christian Andersen’s wintery fairy story of the wrestle between good and evil, from November 27 by December 14 this vacation season.
16. Las Noches de las Luminarias on the Desert Botanical Backyard
Wander by the attractive Desert Botanical Backyard in Phoenix with 8,000 glowing luminaries lighting pathways amongst desert crops. Take heed to stay musical performances and buy vacation treats as you discover the botanical gardens. In 2023, Las Noches de la Luminarias takes place on choose days, November 24 by December 30.
Come on December 17 to rejoice the Mexican vacation custom of La Posada. Get pleasure from singing processions, conventional Mexican delicacies, and a piñata breaking expertise for youths.
17. Snowland at Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona
Youngsters will adore Snowland at Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona Indoor Waterpark & Resort. Snowland takes place from November 24, 2023 by January 8, 2024.
Lodge visitors get pleasure from pictures with Santa, vacation storytimes, video games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and Snowland Yoga. Plus, all ages are invited to rock out to vacation music across the Christmas tree within the foyer throughout Frosty Fest Household Dance Events. (Day Go visitors might not take part in Snowland actions.)
Miss snow in Scottsdale at Christmas? Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona gives a magical indoor snowfall.
18. ‘Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is celebrating the season with decked halls and particular occasions. On December 9 and 10, make a vacation tambourine craft, get pleasure from stay Christmas and Hanukkah music performances, attend a music-making workshop, get photograph sales space pics snapped, and hearken to Kwanzaa storytelling. Gallery Mini-Excursions can be found all through the weekend, with a particular give attention to vacation celebrations from all over the world.
19. Vacation Lights Segway Excursions
For a singular method to absorb the glow of the vacations, join a Segway lights tour of Outdated City Scottsdale from November 24 by December 31, 2023. Segways are embellished with Christmas lights on the Scottsdale Segway Excursions Outdated City Vacation Lights Tour. In the meantime, Segway of Scottsdale‘s Christmas Lights Tour consists of vacation lights wrapped round every Segway and a scorching chocolate cease mid-way by the journey.
20. Valley of the Solar Chanukah Celebrations
Chanukah begins on December 7 and concludes the night time of December 15 in 2023. This eight-day vacation commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem within the 2nd Century B.C. and is also called the Pageant of Lights. (Do you know there are 16 alternative ways to spell Hannukkah?)
Children and adults aged 6+ will rejoice Chanukkah by making their very own menorahs at Sunshine Sunflower Studio in Phoenix on November 12.
Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix hosts a Hanukkah get together on December 7, 2023. The festivities begin at 6 pm with stay music, a menorah lighting, Brooklyn Beer from New York Metropolis, jelly donuts, latkes, and brisket tacos at this free occasion. All ages and faiths are welcome.
Adults aged 21+ will make a Blissful Hanukkah portray at Portray with a Twist in Tempe on December 7, 2023 at 7 pm. Contributors are welcome to deliver their very own beer and wine to devour through the class.
Chompie’s is an area delicatessen that has been serving conventional New York-style Jewish delicacies in Arizona since 1979. Go to considered one of their a number of Valley areas for a tasty Chanukah menu, out there onsite or to go. Get pleasure from potato latkes, matzo ball soup, brisket, and extra.
See extra Hanukah happenings in Arizona listed by Jewish Information.
21. Winter Wonderland Arizona Residential Vacation Lights Show
Discover 265,000 digitally computerized lights, fake snowfall, and bubbles on show at this Scottsdale residence owned by severe vacation lovers. Winter Wonderland Arizona is free to the general public however a steered $5 donation is appreciated. This superb gentle show started in 1987.
Winter Wonderland Arizona runs each night time from December 8, 2023 to January 1, 2024. The non-public residence deal with is 8414 East Valley Vista Drive Scottsdale, Arizona 85250. The householders ask that guests park on Granite Reef.
22. Scottsdale Vacation Procuring
Scottsdale is a consumer’s paradise, notably through the vacation season. Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter outside purchasing districts get dolled up with lights and timber galore. In the meantime, the indoor Scottsdale Vogue Sq.‘s 240+ retail shops and eating places supply darling Christmas décor and offers aplenty. Moreover, discover distinctive art work plus Southwest and Arizona-themed items and ornaments in Outdated City Scottsdale.
23. Images with Santa in Scottsdale
Children and kids-at-heart can meet with Santa Claus at areas all through Scottsdale. Search for pictures with Santa at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Vogue Sq., Biltmore Vogue Park, and Phoenix ZooLights. Buy hardcopy and/or digital pictures. Make reservations for these venues upfront at WhereIsSanta.com.
You too can discover the jolly outdated elf at vacation happenings at Outdated City Scottsdale Farmers Market, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona, Enchant at Salt River Fields, and Omni Montelucia.
24. Phoenix Symphony Vacation Concert events
Faucet your toes alongside to the merry beat of Vacation Pops by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Refrain. Get pleasure from each spiritual and secular songs of the season from December 1 to three, 2023 at Phoenix Symphony Corridor.
Buy tickets to expertise Handel’s Messiah carried out by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Refrain at varied church buildings within the Phoenix space on December 14, 15, 16, and 17. It is usually carried out in Spanish (Handel’s Mesías en Español) on December 9 at Central United Methodist Church.
25. Particular Christmas Menus at Scottsdale Eating places
Have a good time Christmas with vacation menus at eating places all through the Valley of the Solar. Whether or not you are on the lookout for an intimate setting or a family-friendly eatery with festive aptitude, you are positive to discover a menu that pleases your palate. Check out Christmas eating choices in Scottsdale.
Foodies will savor the flavors at Vacation Celebration on the Chef’s Desk at Marcellino Ristorante at 6 pm on December 5, 2023. A multi-course genuine Italian holiday-themed dinner can be served together with completely paired wines.
26. Scottsdale Santa Crawl
Every year, Yuletide revelers don their ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and different vacation gear to make merry in Outdated City Scottsdale through the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. Tickets embrace admission to collaborating bars, three penny ($.01) drink vouchers, and drink specials.
27. World of Illumination
Be dazzled by a North Pole-themed lights show introduced by World of Illumination in Glendale from November 18 by December 31, 2023. Tune in to a particular radio station to reinforce this drive-through expertise with music and sounds.
28. Arizona Lights the Evening
Expertise the surprise of the season from your personal car. Drive by a memorable vacation lights present in Mesa at Arizona Lights the Evening. Count on life-sized snowmen, large glowing sweet canes, and Christmas timber galore. The attraction is open seven nights per week from December 1 to 31, 2023. Buy tickets upfront to economize on entry.
29. Spirited Dueling Piano Reveals
You may giggle, you may sing, you may clap, and chances are you’ll even dance alongside throughout Spirited Dueling Piano Reveals at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen in Outdated City Scottsdale. Take heed to your favourite vacation songs together with nation and rock favorites throughout this vigorous present. Proficient pianists compete in your applause (and ideas) throughout this improvised present, that includes viewers requests.
Select from 4 nights: November 30 or December 7, 14, or 21, 2023.
30. Dazzling Magic Reveals
Have a good time the magic of the season at Dazzling Magic Reveals. Scottsdale Magician Craig Davis entertains crowds with humor and mesmerizing tips. Attend magic free reveals on Marshall Method Bridge in Outdated City Scottsdale on December 9 (at 1 pm) and 16, 2023 (at 1 or 2 pm).
31. Holidays Occasions at Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia‘s Christmas season commences with an annual 20-foot tree lighting. Get pleasure from refreshments, stay music, firepits, kids’s crafts, and cookie adorning on the resort.
Children will lengthy keep in mind Breakfast with Santa on the Omni Montelucia on Sundays through the month of December. Additionally, search for particular vacation meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Revelers will get pleasure from a multicourse New Yr’s Eve dinner and a particular New Yr’s Day brunch with stay music, too.
Another excuse to like Omni Scottsdale at Montelucia? It tops my record of the finest spa resorts in Scottsdale!
32. JoyRides AZ Vacation Lights Tour
Sit again, loosen up, and take within the vacation lights shows in Outdated City Scottsdale throughout a 75-minute tour in an open-air car pushed by an area information with JoyRides AZ. Take heed to your alternative of vacation Bluetooth music and cease for photograph alternatives alongside the route. JoyRides AZ Vacation Lights Excursions can be found from November 25 to December 23, 2023.
Carts seat as much as six visitors with seatbelts. Infants are welcome if secured in a automobile seat.
33. Scottsdale New Yr’s Eve Events
Have a good time New Yr’s Eve at Cirque Spectacular on the Phoenix Symphony Corridor. The spellbinding present begins at 7:30 pm. It options superb acrobatics, juggling, aerial performances, classical dance, and extra carried out by Troupe Vertigo. The efficiency is led by Aloysia Gavre, previously of the internationally famend Cirque du Soleil.
Ring in 2024 with festive meals, music, and spirits within the Scottsdale space. For New Yr’s Eve, a number of native eating places are serving multi-course prix fixe meals with a glass of bubbly. Different Valley venues are providing high-energy events that includes DJs or stay music, dancing, and vacation drinks. Uncover methods to rejoice the New Yr in Scottsdale.
Extra to Do in Arizona
Discover much more enjoyable for the entire household with this record of actions in Scottsdale for youths.
Discover the charms of Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis with my information to Prescott.
In winter, you may doubtless expertise snow in Northern Arizona with these issues to do in Flagstaff.
Be taught the professionals and cons of each season within the Valley of the Solar and uncover the finest time of yr to go to Scottsdale.
Save These Scottsdale Christmas Occasions
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Which of those Scottsdale vacation occasions appeals most to you? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
Disclosure: This record of Scottsdale Christmas happenings is up to date yearly. I acquired financial compensation from Expertise Scottsdale in 2020 associated to this story. Through the years, I’ve additionally accepted complimentary admission to Christmas on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, World of Illumination, and Enchant. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
