8 dazzling holiday light displays in Phoenix

Check out these eight must-see holiday light displays in Phoenix throughout December. 

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than exploring the dazzling light displays across the Phoenix Valley. From breathtaking drive-through spectacles to immersive walk-through experiences, we’re highlighting various options that offer something magical for family-friendly outings, romantic evenings, or a lively night with friends.

This guide features eight must-see holiday lights displays, showcasing the best of Phoenix’s seasonal magic. From the beloved ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo to the enchanting Scottsdazzle festivities, let these twinkling lights and joyful cheer guide you through an unforgettable holiday adventure.

1. World of Illumination 

Why brave the cold and tire yourself out walking when you can sit back and enjoy a drive-through holiday lights experience? Voted “the best drive-through Christmas lights show in the U.S.” by Forbes, World of Illumination features two themed shows around the Valley: Rockin’ Christmas in Glendale and Enchanted Safari in Tempe. Expect more than 1 million lights synched to music and tickets that are priced per vehicle.

2. Phoenix ZooLights 

Each year, the Phoenix Zoo hosts one of the Valley’s favorite traditions: ZooLights. Guests are treated to the millions of twinkling lights that guide them through the illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats and Zoo trails. This year, there’s a brand-new light show featuring vibrant visuals and mesmerizing music. Other fan favorites include warming up with treats at the cozy s’mores pits and sipping hot cocoa, strolling through the 200-foot-long light tunnel, and getting a photo with Santa.

3. Christmas at the Princess

If you’ve experienced one Christmas at the Princess at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, chances are you return year after year. Now in its 15th consecutive year of bringing families and the community together during the holiday season, this is a don’t-miss for many Valley residents. The iconic AAA Five Diamond resort features all the most-loved attractions, such as Desert Ice ice skating, Lagoon Lights, and the Princess Express Train, along with new ones, such as Starlights: An Electric Symphony and the Aurora Ice: Christmas Classics. Be sure to visit the Snow Mountain ice slide, S’mores Land, and the VIP igloos.

4. Scottsdazzle

Started in 2015 as a way to bring the community together in a fun and magical way, Scottsdazzle serves as the town’s signature holiday event. Enjoy a month-long holiday extravaganza featuring more than 40 activities, including the annual Sing-Along, a Starlight Movie Night, Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa, Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunts, and more. Bring the whole family to wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland during the Saturday Scottsdazzle Strolls along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is illuminated with holiday lights and decor. Stop by the 36-foot Scottsdazzle Tree for a selfie or a family photo.

5. Tianyu Lights Festival 

Check out the elaborate lantern sculptures of different animals and plants at the first-ever Tianya Lights Festival, a nighttime walk-through experience at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, open now through January 5, 2025. With over 40 sets of larger-than-life lanterns, wander into the four different themed lands to see illuminating forest critters, fantasy creatures, ocean dwellers, and friendly pandas in “Panda Land.” This festival was created to bring nature and art together and to remind visitors of the importance of nature preservation and protecting endangered animals. Enjoy browsing the onsite marketplace of handcrafted gifts, too. 

6. Arizona Party Bike’s Holiday Lights Bar Crawl

From now through the end of December, peddlers can explore the festive streets of Old Town Scottsdale on a fully decked-out Christmas-themed party bike complete with a premium sound system—get ready to sing along to all your favorite holiday hits. Soak in the dazzling holiday display of Scottsdazzle as you hop from the best holiday-themed bars, like Giligin’s and the 50 Shades of Christmas Experience pop-up, all offering exclusive holiday-themed drink specials. 

7. Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden’s longest-running tradition is Las Noches de las Luminarias (Luminaria). Enter this desert wonderland and enjoy an evening filled with luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment, and festive food and drinks. This year, the Garden offers an even brighter spectacle with LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning, geometric brilliance. 

8. Arizona Lights in the Night

On select nights through December 28, this immersive experience features over 1 million synchronized lights and holiday music, creating a magical atmosphere for guests of all ages. The one-mile drive-through event is held at the Thompson Event Center in Mesa, near Loops 101 and 202. Marvel at the breathtaking displays of twinkling lights, from glowing reindeer and candy canes to oversized snowmen, all choreographed to classic and modern holiday tunes. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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