December has arrived. We think it’s past time to quit dwelling on the pandemic, enjoy being alive, and join in the holiday fun that Phoenix has to offer. Of course, the list is far longer than this, but we’re serving you a sample of what’s available. Choose a few to enjoy and bring us in a photo. We’d love to share the joy. Happy December!
Lights:
See the dazzling light display at Longwood Christmas .
For Details: https://longwoodgardens.org/visit
Glendale Glitters
We’re excited for everyone to come to downtown Glendale, walk around, and enjoy our spectacular display of 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks.
The lights will twinkle nightly from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. starting 11/25/2020 through 1/9/2021.
Details: 5-11 p.m. nightly through Saturday, January 6. Historic downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues.
Scottsdazzle
This monthlong display in Scottsdale includes a tree from Italy with more than 1 million lighting options and will shine every night on Soleri Bridge. Entertainment, holiday décor, restaurant specials, and more are part of the fun.
Details: Through December. Arizona Canal banks alongside Scottsdale Waterfront and Southbridge, Scottsdale.
There are multiple events scheduled – check it out.
https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/event/scottsdazzle-holiday-extravaganza/366393/
World of Illumination – World’s largest drive-thru animated light show – At Tempe and Glendale, AZ
Date: November 27, 2020, to January 3, 2021, daily
Phone: (480) 550-1777
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Price: $22.99+
Info: https://tickets.worldofillumination.com/
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights
The Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens are decorated for the Christmas season with hundreds of thousands of colorful lights. Enjoy the illuminated palm trees and flower gardens, a nativity scene, recorded messages in English and Spanish, and more.
Details: 5-10 p.m. nightly through December 31. Mesa Arizona Temple, 525 E. Main St. Free. mesachristmaslights.com.
ZooLights
The Phoenix Zoo extravaganza glows with millions of lights, hundreds of displays, Music-in-Motion displays by the lake, a lighted tree, carousel rides, etc.
5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly through Sunday, January 14. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. $17.95-$23.95; see website for value nights.
602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.
Illumination Symphony of Light
The massive display, new this year, is near Interstate 17 and Jomax Road in north Phoenix. Organizers say the show has 1.7 million lights synchronized to Christmas music along a 1-mile driving loop.
Details: 602-567-3618, illuminationaz.com.
Events with Santa:
Queen Creek: Through December 31: Christmas at Schnepf Farms offers 25 acres of family holiday entertainment nightly, including a Santa’s workshop letter-writing station, pine-cone decorating, a Christmas carousel, snow-globe mini golf, hayrides ice skating, train rides, and a Christmas-themed obstacle course.
Rawhide Snowy Christmas
Enjoy festive decorations, including a 100-foot Christmas tree and more at Rawhide. The entire Western town will be decorated for the holidays, Santa will visit on the weekends, and you might even get to see some snow.
Free. 480-502-5600, rawhide.com.
Kid Action:
Holiday Bricktacular
Head to Legoland Discovery Center every weekend in December and literally and figuratively build holiday memories.
Details: Every weekend in December. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona, 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. Ticket prices vary; check the website for more information. arizona.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Gather up the kiddos and head to the Phoenix Children’s Museum for some fun and creative gingerbread house decorating. Use royal icing and assorted candies to adorn a pre-constructed house, and sip on hot cocoa as you work.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, December 23. Phoenix Children’s Museum, 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $35 for up to four people, plus museum admission.
602-253-0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.
