Local Holiday Light Displays, Exhibits, And Events In The Phoenix Valley Area

We don’t have a white Christmas here in the Phoenix area. We don’t own snowshoes or skis or even snow suits.  But what we do have is the biggest light show in the southwest, namely Zoolights, a two-and-a-half million light extravaganza called Zoolights. Nov 23-Jan 8 $13.95-$19.95 per person.

There is other high-voltage fare to be found. We’ve compiled a list of a few holiday light events to brighten up your holiday mood. Since we know the holidays are also about budgeting, many of these options are free or partially free so you and your family can have some good cheer without breaking the bank. We’ve divided it up by location in case you don’t want to drive far.

Zoolights. You have to pay for it, but it might be worthwhile.

West Side Fun:

Glendale Glitters lights up the downtown Glendale area (and presumably it’s retail merchants) every weekend in December, the last of which features hot air balloons and live music galore.

Peoria Old Town Holiday Festival will have free parking and admission. It’s located South of Grand and Peoria on Dec 2. Live entertainment, Santa, and more.

Middle of the Valley Fun:

The APS 30th annual Electric Light Parade, Dec 3, which begins at the North Phoenix Baptist Church with float judging and pre-parade fun on Friday, Dec. 2.

East Side Fun:

Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens CHristmas Lights. Starting on November 25

Chandler Tumbleweed Tree

The Tumbleweed Tree lighting/Parade of Lights in Chandler, also on December 3rd, which begins at Arizona Avenue and Frye Road. Many of the activities at this event are free, and there are $10 wristbands for the rides.

The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade Nov 26 6--9 PM launches from Mill Avenue at Rio Salado.

Boat parade Starts at 4:30 pm on Dec. 10

Ahwatukee Foothills Festival of Lights Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway is illuminated with more than a million white lights. carnival, craft fair, community stage, Harley‑Davidson Parade, Santa's Village.

Carefree Christmas Festival is planning for 32 tons of snow. They will also have an electric light parade and fireworks. The fun starts at 6 pm on December 12.

For the adults, there is The Coach House in Scottsdale, where every single splotch of space is covered with lights, icicles and wrapping paper.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights will feature a train ride through the park, which is filled with lights and displays $4. (There are also carousel rides for $2, but you don’t go far.)

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort will have a pre-show (5:30 pm),a tree lighting ceremony and Santa on Nov 22. A Nativity Garden, menorah lighting in the lobby, and Lagoon Lights. Free on that day, but $35 per carload for non-guests the rest of the season. There are wristbands and fees for some of the attractions like ice skating and the train.

As the song says, may your days be merry and bright! But we hope that this list will also help your evenings be merry and bright! 

Happy holidays, everyone!

Light parades abound