Polar Express

Through Dec. 30, 2025 / WILLIAMS – Grand Canyon Railway Depot
The classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg comes to life when the Grand Canyon Railway train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the “North Pole.” Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children’s faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift.
For more information, visit https://thetrain.com/events/polar-express/.

Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest

Dec 1–23 / MESA – Daily, hours vary • Vertuccio Farms
Stroll through the farm’s winter wonderland, complete with a musical Christmas tree, tube slides, a petting zoo, s’more fire pits, and boutique vendor marketplace.
For more information, visit: https://www.vertucciofarms.com

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights

Dec 1–30 / MESA – 5:00–10:00 p.m. nightly • Mesa Arizona Temple & Visitors’ Center
View a grand display of Christmas lights around the temple’s north lawn and explore a nativity exhibit featuring hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world.
For more information, visit: https://mesatemple.org/Christmas/

Merry Main Street Holiday Fest

Dec 1–31 / MESA – All month • Downtown Mesa
Celebrate the season on Main Street with a 40-foot Christmas tree, outdoor ice rink, live music, seasonal markets, and visits with Santa.
For more information, visit: http://www.merrymainst.com/

ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo

Dec 1–31 / PHOENIX – 5:30–10:30 p.m. nightly (select dates) • Phoenix Zoo
The zoo lights up with millions of lights, animal lanterns, and music-synchronized displays. There’s also a sensory-friendly night on Dec 15.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events/

Glendale Holiday Lights / Downtown Glendale Display

Dec 1–31 / GLENDALE – Evening • Historic Downtown Glendale
Downtown Glendale sparkles all month long with holiday lights, festive storefronts, and local events – part of the city’s winter holiday traditions.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitarizona.com/like-a-local/twinkling-lights-and-holiday-delights-across-arizona/

APS Electric Light Parade

Dec 6 / PHOENIX – 7:00 p.m. • Central Avenue (Parade Route)
A glowing parade with floats, lights, and community groups traveling down Central Avenue in a festive evening march.
For more information, visit: https://www.phoenix.gov/elp

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade

Dec 6 / CHANDLER – 4:30–9:00 p.m. • Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
See Chandler’s iconic 35-ft “tumbleweed tree” light up, joined by a holiday parade, live music, and family activities.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events/

Oro Valley Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

Dec 6–7 / ORO VALLEY – Dec 6: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Dec 7: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. • Oro Valley Marketplace
Enjoy a weekend festival featuring more than 150 artisans, live performances, a 35-ft Christmas tree lighting, seasonal food trucks, and family craft activities.
For more information, visit: https://artstateaz.org/oro-valley-holiday-festival-of-lights-tree-lighting-celebration/

Sparkling Surprise Lights Display

Dec 6–31 / SURPRISE – Evening hours • Surprise Recreation Campus
A dazzling holiday light display fills the Surprise Recreation Campus and grounds around Surprise Stadium, offering a family-friendly stroll through light installations.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitphoenix.com/events/annual-events/holiday-events/

Stroll in the Glow

Dec 7 / FOUNTAIN HILLS – Evening • Avenue of the Fountains
Celebrate at the annual lighting ceremony on the Avenue of the Fountains, followed by a festive community gathering with local shops and holiday activities.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitphoenix.com/events/annual-events/holiday-events/

Scrooge! (Musical)

Dec 7–28 / TEMPE – Times vary • Tempe Center for the Arts
Enjoy this theatrical rendition of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” featuring local performers and seasonal music.
For more information, visit: https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/december-events-fuelfest-sumo-in-the-garden-phoenix-festival-of-the-arts-scrooge-holiday-lights-and-more

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Dec 13 / TEMPE – Evening • Tempe Town Lake
Watch festively decorated boats glide across Tempe Town Lake, followed by fireworks and lakeside holiday entertainment.
For more information, visit: https://www.tempetourism.com/blog/spend-the-holiday-season-in-tempe-arizona/

Menorah Lighting (Downtown Chandler)

Dec 14–22 / CHANDLER – Nightly lighting • Downtown Chandler
Celebrate Hanukkah with nightly menorah lighting in downtown Chandler in partnership with local Chabad.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitchandler.com/events/holiday-events/