As the holiday season sparkles into life, immerse yourself in the joy and magic of local festivities. From enchanting light shows to heartwarming theatrical performances, these holiday events promise memorable experiences.
SANTA’S HOUSE
When: Dec. 2, 7, 9, 16
Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
What: Stop by Santa’s house in downtown Chandler for a free family photo during select hours – December 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; December 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on December 9 and 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events
CHRISTMAS AT SCHNEPF FARMS
When: Dec. 7 -10 and 14 – 24
Where: Schnepf Farms, 24810 E. Rittenhouse, Queen Creek
What: Spread over 30 acres, this festive destination is adorned with sparkling lights and features over 40 holiday-inspired attractions. This season, enjoy new additions like a petting zoo, a hayride to visit reindeer, caroling, and a visit to Santa’s workshop. Don’t miss the ice skating and snow-globe mini golf! Plus, seize the chance to do some holiday shopping from local vendors showcasing their unique products.
Info: schnepfchristmas.com
“SCROOGE!”
When: Dec. 8 – 30
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
What: This captivating performance features a collection of unforgettable holiday songs and is an ideal choice for family looking to celebrate the season.
Info: tempecenterforthearts.com
SIPPIN’ SANTAS PUB CRAWL
When: Dec. 9
Where: Downtown Chandler
What: Join the Merry Santas Bar Hop in Chandler City Center for a holiday pub crawl. Encompassing over 25 vibrant spots around town, savor $4 beverage deals, delicious eats, and entertainment at some of Arizona’s most spirited pubs and eateries. The event includes live music, Santa photos, and themed drinks. Explore at your pace with friends across three distinct sessions, each kicking off at the Maple House. Participants must be 21 years or older.
Info: visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events
12 DAYS OF SNOWFALL
When: Dec. 13 – 24
Where: Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
What: Tempe Marketplace turns into a mesmerizing winter wonderland each evening. Starting from December 13 until Christmas Eve, witness this magical transformation at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. near the District Stage. Embrace the opportunity to create your own Arizona snowmen and snow angels, and revel in the unique charm of snow in the desert.
Info: tempemarketplace.com/events
CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS 5K
When: Dec. 16
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 54 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
What: A festive, tropical twist, the Caribbean Christmas 5K Run/Walk is a wonderful chance to indulge in an island-style celebration surrounded by friends and family. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere, pulsating music, spirited volunteers, and the top-notch amenities of a premier racing event.
Info: 131events.com/caribbean-christmas-5k-az
“A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix
What: A Valley Holiday tradition for over 26 years is back as Valley Youth Theatre brings Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and all your favorite Woodland Friends to life on the stage for this special musical performance about the importance of teamwork, friendship, and family.
Info: vyt.com
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert
What: This production is filled with cherished carols, captivating costumes, and unforgettable characters that will add an extra layer of joy to your holiday season, making it a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Info: haletheatrearizona.com
PRATT BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler
What: This magical experience features over 6 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, a nightly parade, jaw-dropping stunt shows, holiday shopping, live entertainment, and much more.
Info: prattbrotherschristmas.com
LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS
When: Through Dec. 30
Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
What: Enjoy a holiday evening filled with sparkling luminarias, musical performances, entertainment, and holiday delights that line the garden’s iconic trails.
Info: dbg.org
LIGHTS AT THE FARM
When: Through Dec. 30
Where: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa
What: Get set for millions of dazzling lights and synchronized displays that come to life with your favorite Christmas classics. This year, Lights at the Farm has teamed up with Vertuccio Farms to create Arizona’s Largest Walk-Thru Synchronized Light Show. Meander through the enchanting lights, marvel at larger-than-life illuminated displays, and get lost in the mesmerizing tunnel of lights.
Info: lightsatthefarm.com
WORLD OF ILLUMINATION COSMIC SLEIGHRIDE
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe
What: Experience “The world’s largest animated drive-through light show” at World of Illumination. Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. This mile-long journey starts at 6 p.m. and features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music.
Info: worldofillumination.com/tempe-arizona-diablo-stadium
HOLIDAY BRICKTACULAR
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: LEGOLAND Discover Center, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
What: This holiday special at LEGOLAND includes large-scale LEGO builds, delightful encounters with LEGO Santa and the Gingerbread Man, festive decorations across the venue, and much more! As an extra festive indulgence, enjoy an exclusive interaction with Gingy, the LEGO Gingerbread Man, and have fun decorating tasty gingerbread cookies.
Info: legolanddiscoverycenter.com
DOWNTOWN CHANDLER SUGARLAND
When: Through Jan. 2
Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
What: Capture a memorable photo in the large candy carriage, enjoy sliding down a massive fruit roll-up, navigate through enormous marshmallows overflowing from a gigantic hot chocolate mug, and wander among towering candy canes – an ideal setting for festive family pictures. Sugarland’s Luminous Canal along the Commonwealth Canal on Commonwealth Avenue offers a dazzling display and over 500 vibrant lights choreographed to move in sync with festive tunes.
Info: visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events
ZOOLIGHTS
When: Through Jan. 14
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
What: ZooLights is back with millions of twinkling lights, all-new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience, and a brand new music and light show! Plus, guest entry to ZooLights includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert, the not-to-be-missed dino-mite experience!
Info: phoenixzoo.org
As the festive lights twinkle and the air fills with the melodies of the season, these events offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories. Don’t forget to check the event websites for the latest updates and details.
