Scottsdale Santa Sightings
Santa’s Scottsdale Stops: 16 Spots to See Santa in 2024
Scottsdale is brimming with holiday cheer and Santa magic this season! From festive light displays and winter markets to cozy breakfasts and special appearances by Mrs. Claus herself, there are endless ways to experience the joy. This guide highlights 16 must-visit spots for Santa sightings and holiday fun—perfect for creating magical memories with your loved ones. Grab your wish lists and cameras, and get ready to meet the North Pole’s finest right here in Scottsdale!
16 Scottsdale Santa Sightings:
November 30 – 2-8pm
Celebrate the season at The Santa Social with family-friendly fun, including photos with Santa, puppy adoptions, festive entertainment, and a tree lighting ceremony, capped off with a showing of Elf!
November 27 – January 4
Experience the ultimate winter wonderland at Holiday Snowfest, featuring Arizona’s only toboggan run, over 2,000 pounds of falling snow, snowball contests, Santa’s House, and so much more—all under a dazzling canopy of lights at Salt River Fields. Meet & take a picture with Santa & The Abominable Snowman!
December 21 – 8am – 1pm
Enjoy a festive Breakfast with Santa at Prado on December 21, featuring a holiday buffet, cookie decorating, and hot cocoa, plus photos with Santa—open to the public with reservations required!
November 30 – 7-9pm
Kick off the holiday season at the Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony, where festive tunes, sparkling lights, and a towering Scottsdazzle tree bring the Scottsdale Waterfront to life in holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available throughout the evening for photos.
November 22 – January 4
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at the Princess, where millions of dazzling lights, ice skating under the desert sky, and magical encounters with Santa create unforgettable holiday memories for the whole family.
November 22 – January 5
Discover the magic of Jingle at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, where a winter wonderland awaits with ice skating, festive bites, virtual skiing, snowball fights, and unforgettable photo ops with Santa in his giant sleigh.
November 27 – January 12
Step into the magic of ZooLights, where millions of twinkling lights, a brand-new light show, and festive treats transform the Zoo into a dazzling holiday wonderland perfect for making unforgettable memories. Enjoy a stroll through the 200-foot-long light tunnel and get your photo with Santa!
November 30 – December 21 Saturdays 9am-noon
Enjoy a festive Saturday morning at Old Town Scottsdale’s Farmers Market, where kids can meet Santa, snap a keepsake photo, and explore unique holiday gifts from local vendors.
November 29 – December 30
Climb aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a magical ride through a winter wonderland, glowing with holiday lights and enchanting displays that create unforgettable memories for all ages.
December 7 & 14 1-2pm
Bring the kids for Storytime with Mrs. Claus on December 7 and 14 at Kierland Commons, where holiday magic comes to life in Santa’s winter wonderland!
December 14 – 10am-4pm
Discover unique gifts and holiday cheer at the Merry Merchantile Market, featuring over 150 local vendors, live music, hands-on workshops, and festive fun with Santa, Disney Princesses, and more—all while supporting small businesses!
November 29 – January 4
Dive into holiday magic at OdySea Aquarium’s Winter Wonderland, where SeaTREK Santa makes underwater appearances, and the Voyager transforms into a festive “ride-thru” with stunning marine life and holiday cheer.
Saturdays 12:00-3:00pm
Enjoy festive weekend entertainment at Scottsdale Quarter starting Black Friday, with live holiday music from Dickens Carolers, character appearances, and more seasonal fun as you shop and stroll through Santa City in The Quad!
December 6 – 6-8 PM
Celebrate the season at Omni Montelucia’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6, with live music, Santa photos, s’mores, and festive activities for all ages—no reservations needed!
December 7 – 5-8pm
Experience the holiday spirit at Fountain Hills’ annual “Stroll in the Glow,” featuring the lighting of the Avenue, Santa’s arrival, a holiday bake-off, and the mesmerizing Balloon Glow at the Fountain.
Now thru December 24
Capture the holiday magic with Photos With Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s winter wonderland, located in Palm Court. Visits with Santa are free, with photo packages available, plus special events like Signature Santa and Pet Nights!
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