BEST WINTER HOLIDAY EVENTS IN SCOTTSDALE IN 2025
Why is Scottsdale the best place to enjoy winter holiday events?
Scottsdale shines as a place to enjoy the best winter holidays thanks to its variety of events and comfortable weather. Temperatures tend to reach the 60s and 70s during the day and rarely drop below 50 degrees in the evening. This allows visitors to linger at holiday events without being bundled up or risking frostbite.
The following is a list of the best winter holiday events that make it worth spending a few days in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area in November and December. They range from free options to tickets that require advanced purchase.
Canal Convergence at the Scottsdale Waterfront
Canal Convergence kicks off the winter holiday season with a ten-day event at the beginning of November. Alongside and suspended over the canal, innovative large-scale artworks respond to guest interactions.
A fire show lights up the canal on the half hours, and a variety of musical groups and dance troupes perform throughout the night. Tours and workshops are available each day and require signing up.
Admission is free, and the event tends to draw large crowds. Weekends tend to be the most crowded. Parking is available in the Fashion Square Mall and Waterfront parking garages.
Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
The one absolutely can’t-miss event each year for me is Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. Several musical acts play holiday songs at intimate stations throughout the garden, covering an array of genres.
I grab a delightful spiked hot chocolate from one of the bars near most acts and wander along the paths lined with luminarias to spend some time with each group. Each season offers a unique temporary art installation throughout the grounds complementing the lighted trees and cacti.
Las Noches de Las Luminaries runs from after Thanksgiving through the end of December. The dates usually sell out, so purchase your tickets in advance and choose the opening time so you have plenty of time to enjoy all the music and art.
Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo
I also attend Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo each year to explore the trails filled with four million glimmering lights illuminating the foliage and elaborate animal shapes. The central pond hosts a light show set to music, highlighted by a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree with rotating LED figures.
My favorite activity is buying hot chocolate and strolling along the Arizona Trail with my daughter, identifying the animals arrayed in colorful lights. We also enjoy hanging out near Jengo, the talking giraffe, to hear his interactions with visitors.
Zoo Lights occurs from the end of November through mid-January. The days after Christmas tend to be less crowded. You can buy tickets at the zoo, but save some time by purchasing them online.
Scottsdazzle in Downtown Scottsdale
Scotttsdazzle launches with a tree lighting on the Waterfront the weekend after Thanksgiving. Events continue through December on the Waterfront and in Old Town, including concerts, shopping, and visits by Santa.
You can learn more about Scottsdale on a walking or bicycle tour or hop aboard a fun golf cart ride with Puzzle Tours Scottsdale. You can also sign up for a food or wine class. This is also the best time of year to wander the Waterfront and Old Town areas, decked out for the holidays.
Many of the activities at Scottsdazzle are free, but some require advance purchase of admission.
Gold Palette Artwalk in the Scottsdale Arts District
On Thursday evenings throughout the year, the art galleries in the Scottsdale Arts District host open houses, often including refreshments, live music, and artist appearances. Once per month, from November through April, the festivities at the Gold Palette Artwalk ramp up, with the December date featuring the holidays.
Don’t miss my favorite galleries: Anticus, The Marshall Gallery, and Xanadu Gallery along Main Street in Old Town.
Holiday Lights at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park
When my daughter was young, we attended the Holiday Lights at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park every year. A ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad, fun any time of year, transforms into a trip through a fantasyland of lights. Other highlights include special visits by Santa and the Grinch, s’mores by the fire, ice cream at Hartley’s General Store, and an extensive indoor miniature train display.
The $15 admission fee includes train and carousel rides.
Christmas at the Princess Resort
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort in North Scottsdale hosts a grand winter festival every year. Enjoy a variety of elaborate light displays in the Village, Winterland, and around the Lagoon. The activities include rides, ice skating, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, and an HD video projected onto the resort’s façade. Dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants or buy drinks and snacks around the fest.
Purchase tickets and the parking fee in advance, as this event is very well attended. For an additional cost, you can reserve seats with a fire pit or within an igloo.
Neighborhood Lights on Scottsdale Homes
A few homes in Scottsdale light up their neighborhoods with festive displays that last throughout the season. Drive around the city to discover animal characters, holiday music, fabricated snow, hot cocoa, and a ton of good cheer among neighbors.
I have enjoyed visiting Winter Wonderland Arizona for many years, near Route 101 and McDonald Drive. You may need to park a block or more away from these homes on busy nights. Find a list here.
Conclusion
With warm weather and plenty of options for celebrating, you can enjoy the best winter holiday events in Scottsdale.
While visiting Scottsdale, check out the best places to dine and spend time in nature.
