Scottsdale
Holiday Happenings
Holiday Happenings Around Scottsdale:
40+ Festive Events to Light Up Your Season!
This holiday season, Scottsdale is shining brighter than ever with a lineup of festive events! From twinkling lights at ZooLights to the charm of Scottsdazzle, the iconic Christmas at the Princess to the brand-new Jingle at the JW, and a Nutcracker ballet performance by the Arizona Ballet & Phoenix Symphony, there’s a joyful experience waiting for everyone. With family-friendly outings, romantic evenings, and everything in between, our guide has the top ways to bring magic to your winter days and nights.
40+ Fun Holiday Events In Scottsdale
November 21 – January 3
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 29 – 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.
November 28 – December 30
Experience the magic of the season with glowing luminaria paths, sparkling lights, live entertainment and festive treats. Plus, be captivated by Framerate: Desert Pulse for an immersive Sonoran Desert holiday like never before.
November 29 – 2-8pm
Celebrate the season at The Santa Social with family-friendly fun, including photos with Santa, hot chocolate & crafts, festive entertainment, and a tree lighting ceremony, capped off with a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
December 12-27
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker as Ballet Arizona and The Phoenix Symphony bring this beloved holiday tale to life, filling Symphony Hall with joy, wonder, and timeless charm.
November 29 – 10am-5pm
Shop small, shop Scottsdale! Old Town is filled with locally owned boutiques, galleries, and restaurants serving up the best in local flavor. Enjoy the festive spirit as the Jingle Belles sing and dance their way through Historic Old Town and the 5th Avenue Shopping District.
November 26 – January 16
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.
November 29 – December 20 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 28 – 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.
November 28-30
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture.
November 21 – January 3
Step into a world of holiday wonder at Jingle at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge! Glide across the ice, race down real snow tubing lanes, hop on the Jingle Train, or stroll through the glowing Lazy River. A festive experience pass gives you unlimited access to all the fun!
December 6 – 5-8pm
Stroll in the Glow returns to Fountain Hills with Santa arriving by fire truck, free photos, and the magical Balloon Glow at the Fountain. Enjoy a night of holiday lights, music, and community cheer as the Avenue comes alive with the spirit of the season.
November 14 – January 4
Turn up the holiday spirit with Rockin’ Christmas produced by World of Illumination. In this mile-long symphony of sight and sound, you’ll see everything from life-sized musical notes to retro Santa spinning it old school. Featuring millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, the world’s largest animated drive-through audio-visual experience is a mesmerizing event that will rock your holidays.
December 6 – 6-8 PM
Join us for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Cortijo Plaza. Enjoy a festive evening with a live drumline, Santa photos, s’mores, cookie decorating, and a Santa’s Workshop with a cider station and letter-writing. This complimentary event is open to the public, with cocoa provided and a cash bar available.
December 21 – 1:30-3:30pm
Join Scottsdale’s elves at their enchanted workshop and be whisked away into the magic of the season! Have fun decorating Christmas and Hanukkah crafts and writing letters to Santa. Gather ‘round for a jolly Library Storytime reading of The Gingerbread Man and dance and sing along with the festive Jingle Belles performing trio.
December 14 – 11am
Join Maria Corral of Los Olivos Mexican Patio for a festive tamale-making workshop! Learn family recipes passed down through generations, enjoy tastings, and bring home inspiration to add this delicious tradition to your own holiday gatherings.
December 5-7
Celebrate the season of joy at our annual Holiday Pops Spectacular! This festive performance is sure to lift your spirits, featuring carols and hymns from various traditions. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with music that will leave you feeling merry and bright.
December 13 – 9-10:30am
Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear holiday-themed pajamas for a festive breakfast that features a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, hands-on crafts and a musical performance by Greasepaint Theatre. Pre-registration is required.
December 6 – 6:30PM
Grab a cozy blanket, friends and family, and head over to the Scottsdale Civic Center to enjoy a seasonal showing under the stars of the popular holiday movie, Home Alone. The film starts at 7 PM, but early arrivers can grab a sweet treat and enjoy holiday caroling before the show.
November 24, December 1 & 8 – 4-7PM
Bring your furry friends for festive photos with Santa at Center Plaza! A visit with Santa is free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Walk-ups welcome, or book online for a personalized Santa message ahead of your visit and other fun bonuses.
December 6 – 9am – 1pm
Hosted by Scottsdale Public Library, this 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.
November 28 – January 4
Sstep into the enchanting ‘Glistening Gardens’ at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. The glistening Butterfly Conservatory is sure to ignite the holiday spirit!
November 8 – 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!
December 11 – 6:30-9:00pm
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 and browse dozens of stunning galleries. You might even see an artist at work!
December 20 – 8am – 1pm
Join us for Breakfast with Santa featuring a festive buffet with smoked salmon, seasonal pastries, quiche, Eggs Benedict, BYO waffles and omelets, plus applewood bacon, spiced breakfast potatoes, and Christmas cookie decorating. Parents enjoy a complimentary glass of Cava and kids sip warm cocoa. Reservation is required.
December 20 – 6-8pm
During the holiday season, the Old Adobe Mission presents a Nativity Scene with live performers and animals to honor the birth of Christ.
November 28 – 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.
December 17 – 5:30pm
Gather around the beautiful 9-foot Menorah and join Valley of the Sun J and other community organizations for a family-friendly evening celebrating Hanukkah. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts. Candle lighting begins at 6:30 PM.
December 6 & 7 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Celebrate the season with Holidays at MIM, where global holiday traditions come to life through music, performances, hands-on activities, and festive storytelling, creating a cultural holiday experience for all ages!
Saturdays & Sundays in December
Mrs. Claus is hosting breakfast at Meritage and you’re invited! Bring friends and family for a festive breakfast and commemorate the moment with a one-of-a-kind photo with Mrs. Claus herself! She can’t wait to see you there!
December Saturdays – 6-9pm
Stroll through Old Town’s dazzling winter wonderland at the Scottsdazzle Stroll & Shop! Enjoy live music, twinkling canal lights, festive snacks, and photos by the giant Scottsdazzle Tree—plus a new pop-up shopping experience at The Merchantile featuring local boutiques and seasonal treasures.
Saturdays & Sundays – 11am-2pm
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 – 4:00pm
Celebrate the Miracle of the Roses with a beautiful reenactment of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to Juan Diego, performed at the Mission with light refreshments following the pageant.
November 29 – December 30
Experience Old Town Scottsdale’s holiday lights on a guided JoyRidesAZ tour, complete with festive music, photo ops, and seasonal charm.
December 5 – 14
Catch the magic of Elf The Musical Jr. at Greasepaint Youtheatre, with a special sensory-sensitive performance on December 8th—perfect for supporting our talented young artists this holiday season!
November 29, December 6, 7, 21 – 1:00-3:oo pm
Enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town. From strolling carolers to dancing trios and Lasso Steve, festivities jingle jangle on the streets of Old Town. If you spot a performer, snap a photo and share on social media #Scottsdazzle.
December 5 – 5-8pm
A festive evening to ignite your creative spark! While enjoying a glass of Arizona-grown wine and live music, a Brush Bar artist will host a DIY ornament decorating activity using acrylic paint to get into the holiday spirit! Bring the girlfriends for an ornament exchange or create a thoughtful gift for someone special on your list.
November 24 – January 6
Experience the magic of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, where winter-themed activities like festive dance parties, family bingo, competition games, and a holiday scavenger hunt make for unforgettable holiday memories.
December 14 – 1-4pm
Join us for a lively and free holiday-themed dueling piano event on the beautifully decorated Marshall Way Bridge! Watch Mikey and Fouad face off with a variety of songs, including holiday music and even jump in for a sing-along or two. Surrounded by stunning holiday lights and cheerful vibes, it’s the perfect stop for some spontaneous seasonal fun!
December 21 – 4:30pm
Gather around the larger-than-life Menorah and join the Chabad of South Scottsdale for a family-friendly public menorah lighting. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts.
November 28-30
Enjoy beautiful holiday decor and great shopping from over 50 talented vendors! Plus, activities for kids include face painting, glitter tattoos, and character appearances. Free Outdoor Event! No Admission or Activity Fees Required!
December 21 – 6pm
Unrivaled and uninhibited, fifth-generation mariachi musician Maestro José Hernández and his platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México® are musical ambassadors of their genre, delivering the humor, the heartache, and the bittersweet romance that is mariachi. This special performance includes treasured holiday favorites and treasured selections from the mariachi songbook.
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