The city of Scottsdale is pleased to announce the return of its popular annual holiday celebration, Scottsdazzle. This season, the city is introducing new decor and entertainment to level up the spirit of this beloved event.
“I look forward to the annual Sing-Along, Tree Lighting and the official launch of the Scottsdazzle holiday season,” said Mayor David D. Ortega. “Delight in favorites including the magical Scottsdazzle Stroll and Santa at the Farmer’s Market as well as a Holiday Movie Night screening of ‘The Grinch’. Many fantastic Scottsdazzle specials are offered throughout the month by Old Town businesses so bring your family and friends.”
The month-long seasonal extravaganza kicks off with the signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Following, the city, in partnership with many local Old Town businesses, presents nearly 45 engaging activities at various locations through Dec. 31, 2024.
As the event evolves, the city works hard to offer a large number of the activities free of charge, allowing residents and visitors alike to take advantage of multiple Scottsdazzle events without breaking their holiday budgets.
“This season brings the community together through unique activities, offering both residents and visitors a festive opportunity to experience Old Town Scottsdale,” said Rachel Smetana, director of tourism and events for the city of Scottsdale. “This year, we look forward to offering more free events and expanding programs into new districts, further opening up the opportunity for more businesses and attendees to participate.”
This year’s Scottsdazzle lineup includes many favorite signature events as well as new happenings such as:
Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 7-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdazzle’s signature event features jubilant holiday music, live entertainment, seasonal sips and snacks and more to ignite the spirit of the season. Guests are invited to sing along to joyous classic and modern holiday tunes and watch in awe as Scottsdazzle’s signature tree is set aglow with the assistance of Santa, lighting up Old Town for the remainder of the season. Attendance is free.
Meet Santa at the Market
Saturdays — Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 | Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.;
Santa: 9 a.m.-noon
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market — 1st St. and Brown Ave.
Scottsdale’s beloved farmers market comes to life with holiday spirit thanks to the guest of honor — Santa! Saturdays throughout Scottsdazzle, kids, kids at heart and four-legged friends can visit with Jolly Old St. Nick as they shop, sip and snack their way through the aisles lined with vendor booths, many of which will be stocked with holiday gifts and provisions. Visits and photos with Santa are free.
Shop Small Scottsdale
Saturday, Nov. 30 | All day
Throughout Old Town Scottsdale
A day dedicated to supporting small businesses, holiday shoppers are encouraged to shop ’til they drop at the many local retailers and businesses throughout Old Town, many of which will feature seasonal merchandise. Enjoy live music performances by the Jingle Belles and a gift-with-purchase souvenir too!
Merry Movie Night
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 6-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center
Cozy up under the stars at the beautiful Civic Center for an outdoor screening of the fan-favorite film, “The Grinch”. Arrive early to grab a sweet treat and enjoy holiday caroling. Attendance is free.
Scottsdazzle Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 |6-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland and stroll to the beat of local musicians! Get enveloped in the spirit of the season while meandering along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is illuminated with holiday lights and decor. Stop by the stunning 36-foot Scottsdazzle Tree for a selfie or a family photo, enjoy concerts and live entertainment and warm up with hot cocoa, coffee and sweet seasonal treats from local food vendors. Attendance is free.
Ultimate Family Play Date
Saturday, Dec. 7 |9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center
Hosted by Scottsdale Public Library, this event is sure to stir up some holiday spirit! Bring the whole family to this free, winter-themed play date extravaganza featuring interactive art, science, sports and more fun activities. Attendance is free.
Gold Palette ArtWalk
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Arts District
The Scottsdale Arts District gets into the festive spirit with this Scottsdazzle-themed ArtWalk featuring holiday and seasonal artwork by locally and nationally renowned artists. Enjoy live holiday entertainment from strolling carolers while staying warm with hot cocoa. Attendance is free.
Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 9-10 a.m.; 11 a.m.-noon
Marshall Way Bridge
Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear holiday-themed pajamas for a festive breakfast that features a meet and greet with Santa Claus, dance performances by Greasepaint Theatre and arts and crafts. Tickets are $30
Dazzling DIY Décor
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2-5 p.m.
Marshall Way Bridge
While humming to the sounds of live holiday music at the beautifully decorated Scottsdale Waterfront, join the Scottsdale Artists’ School for a hands-on 3D ornament-making session. Professional artists will lead attendees in creating and designing their very own unique holiday decoration. Attendance is free.
Peppermint Plaza
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 9-11 p.m.
Entertainment District
The bars and clubs in the Entertainment District add a dash of spice to the night with peppermint-themed cocktails, promotions and street activations. This event is for adults 21 and older.
Dazzling Magic Shows
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 3-5 p.m.
Marshall Way Bridge
Delight in the awe of these merry magic shows that will leave guests believing in more than just Santa Claus! Master Magician Craig Davis reveals the magic of the season through entertaining and interactive performances designed for all ages. Attendance is free.
Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 21; 9-11 a.m.
Start location Mashall Way Bridge
Discover Old Town in a whole new way! Led by a city of Scottsdale police detective, this holiday head-scratcher invites guests to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town for a seasonal scavenger hunt. Puzzles and riddles lead participants from clue to clue, culminating in one final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Participants are encouraged to elevate the festive fun even further by decorating their bikes and dressing in their best (or worst) holiday attire. Registration is required.
Scottsdazzle Shake
Sunday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 28; 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Hotel Valley Ho
Gather with friends at ZuZu and indulge over a Scottsdale favorite, the iconic Hotel Valley Ho “Show Stopper” Shake, an over-the-top delight with house-made ingredients piled on top. The Scottsdazzle Shake will be featured this holiday season. The cost is $20; $1 of each shake sold will be donated to Scottsdale nonprofit STARS.
In addition to these signature events, favorites such the Live Nativity at Old Adobe Mission, celebrations by the Chabad of Scottsdale and more will also be returning.
For complete Scottsdazzle lineup details and to register for specific events, visit scottsdazzle.com.
