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The vacation season is brimming with merry actions within the Valley of the Solar, particularly with this array of Scottsdale Christmas occasions. Rejoice the season with festive mild shows, kid-friendly amusements, particular eating experiences, and different revelries. Get pleasure from a jolly season with greater than 30 issues to do through the winter holidays in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This story is delivered to you in partnership with Experience Scottsdale.
1. Christmas on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Get into the vacation spirit at Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This resort transforms right into a fantastical winter wonderland every November and December. My recommendation: go early within the night for fewer crowds and shorter strains!
Wintry Actions
To begin, queue up for the Princess Specific Practice, which carries riders by their Lagoon Lights show. Then, get pleasure from amusements in S’moresland together with Frosty’s Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Carousel. Children particularly love Snow Mountain sledding hill.
Additionally, you should definitely take a spin on an outside ice skating rink surrounded by palm timber. The Desert Ice Skating rink is made with actual ice! The icy enjoyable would not finish there, although. There’s additionally an Ice Maze, Alpine Skate Path, and an uplifting Chair Carry.
Christmas Season Leisure
Get pleasure from stay performances like Christmas carols sung by roving costumed carolers. Music by native bands provides to the vacation cheer. Do not miss the mesmerizing animated vacation mild present within the Enchanted Plaza close to the doorway, both.
Festive Eating
Guide dinner at one of many resort’s signature eating places to reap the benefits of 50 p.c off valet parking, which incorporates as much as 4 normal admission wristbands to Christmas on the Princess. Pan-Latin delicacies is obtainable on the upscale Toro. Most likely most tempting for youths is Mexican delicacies at La Hacienda. Search for basic American fare at Bourbon Steak and Ironwood American Kitchen.
Moreover, particular savory and candy treats might be discovered at particular snack stops. Buy vacation cocktails and mocktails all through the resort, too. S’mores kits are additionally obtainable for roasting round hearth pits.
Guide a Keep
To take advantage of these family-friendly occasions, e-book an in a single day keep on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort throughout Christmas time. You will obtain complimentary normal admission to Christmas on the Princess, in addition to VIP Specific wristbands to be used all through your keep. Plus, Arizona residents can get pleasure from 30 p.c off their keep!
This extraordinary Scottsdale Christmas occasion runs nightly from November 18, 2022 by January 2, 2023.
2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Vacation Lights
The annual McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Vacation Lights is a magical expertise with a lot of mild shows and twinkling tunnels. Fake snow permits desert dwellers an opportunity to get a short style of a white Christmas in Scottsdale, too! Climb aboard the miniature Paradise Pacific Railroad for a glowing tour of the North Pole.
Along with prepare rides, youngsters will love a big playground with loads of slides and climbing buildings. Additionally, search for a smaller Previous West-themed play space. If visiting the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with younger youngsters, then a spin on the Charros Carousel is a should, irrespective of the season.
This occasion takes place from November 25 by December 30, 2022. Superior reservations are required.
3. Scottsdazzle Vacation Artwork Actions
Scottsdazzle celebrates the vacation season in Scottsdale with two months of actions. Canal Convergence kicks issues off from November 4 to 13 with lights and spectacular artwork installations alongside the Scottsdale waterfront and all through Previous City.
Each Scottsdazzle Stroll and Gold Palette Artwalk present good alternatives to get pleasure from Previous City Scottsdale’s quite a few artwork galleries in December.
Make the most of hands-on creativity lessons as nicely. Signal as much as make your individual artwork at Merry Make & Take or the Holly-Jolly Painting Party. Create your individual wreath, Christmas tree, ornaments, or vacation items at Holly-Jolly Wine Cork Crafting. Or, get in contact with nature at Festive Floral Workshops. You can even make your individual scented soy wax candle at Candle Making Classes.
4. Scottsdazzle Sing-Alongside & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Take heed to stay Christmas music and sip scorching drinks whereas watching the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Scottsdazzle tree on November 26 on the Scottsdale Waterfront.
5. Previous City Scottsdale Farmers Market Christmas Market
On Sundays through the vacation season, store for handmade items and recent produce on the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market whereas listening to stay vacation music. Get your photograph taken with Santa at the market on Saturdays, too.
6. Reside Nativity and Miracle of Roses Pageant on the Previous Adobe
Whereas purchasing Previous City Scottsdale, you should definitely cease by the Old Adobe Mission, the oldest Catholic church in Scottsdale. There you’ll be able to view a live nativity, celebrating the delivery of Jesus with a residing manger scene.
Moreover, the Miracle of Roses Pageant takes place at 4 pm on the Previous Adobe Mission on December 10, 2022. Watch a reenactment of the appearances within the 1500s of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego close to Mexico Metropolis.
7. Vacation Scavenger Hunts
For a enjoyable (and aggressive!) option to discover Previous City Scottsdale, register for a vacation scavenger hunt through golf cart at certainly one of three types of Prancer’s Puzzle Rides. You possibly can be a part of Holly-Jolly Vacation Relay as a group to compete to find Christmas clues. Alternatively, the family-friendly Highjacked by Elves is acceptable for ages 4+. In the meantime, Jingle Bar Hop caters to a 21+ crowd. Learn more.
8. Scottsdazzle Meals and Spirits Occasions
Toast the season with 4 particular occasions for wine drinkers. Really feel festive with wine tastings on the Cellar Room Wine & Bites occasion. Get playful along with your cabernets on the Coal or Cabernet problem. Santa’s Wine Flights is certain to please oenophiles, too. Or, go all out on the Holiday Celebration at the Chef’s Table.
If blended drinks are extra your vibe, then style the spirit of the season with Christmas Cocktails. In the meantime, whiskey connoisseurs will not wish to miss Whiskey Tasting at the North Pole. For beer lovers, Blitzen’s BBQ & Brews ought to hit the spot.
Teetotalers and kids needn’t really feel neglected. Get pleasure from finger pastries, candy treats, scorching chocolate, and chilly lemonade on the Sugar Plum Tea Party.
Festive Food Demos will please house cooks through the month of December, too.
9. Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Arizona
Sugar Plum Fairies dance into your desires with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet by Ballet Arizona from December 10 to 24, 2022. Of this efficiency, Alistair Macaulay of the New York Instances mentioned, “Ballet Arizona’s ‘Nutcracker’ is among the three most interesting productions of the practically 20 I’ve seen throughout America.” The well-known Christmastime ballet is accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Corridor.
10. Phoenix ZooLights
For a stunning vacation lights show, reserve tickets for the beloved Phoenix ZooLights. Zoogoers will probably be handled to thousands and thousands of twinkling lights and a mess of glowing animal sculptures. Scorching cocoa and different treats like kettle corn can be found for buy.
Along with member preview nights on November 21 and 22, ZooLights runs from November 23, 2022 by January 15, 2023.
11. Winter Waterland at OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk will get a vacation makeover between November 25 and December 31, 2022. The aquarium’s Winter Waterland options vacation decorations and a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt for youths.
Moreover, Voyager, the world’s solely rotating aquarium exhibit, is narrated by Santa because it spins by 4 separate watery habitats that characteristic animals like sea lions and sharks. The most effective half, although, is seeing Santa himself underwater within the Deep Ocean Theater at designated occasions.
Admission to Winter Waterland is free with common admission. Check Groupon for discount entry tickets earlier than you go!
12. Christmas within the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland
Additionally positioned on the Arizona Boardwalk leisure middle, Butterfly Wonderland hosts Christmas within the Rainforest from November 26 by December 31, 2022.
Search for seasonal decorations like snowflakes, Christmas timber, Santa’s reindeer, and vacation lights. Ambassador animals make appearances, too. Additionally, hearken to stay musical performances on choose dates through the vacation season.
13. Vacation Tea at The Phoenician
For an upscale conventional English afternoon tea with a vacation twist, reserve a desk for Vacation Tea on the luxurious Phoenician Resort. Rejoice the season of their superbly embellished foyer whereas listening to stay vacation piano music.
Included are finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, pastries, a choice of teas, and a vacation present for all attendees. Make your teatime much more festive by including a glass of bubbly. The Phoenician will fortunately present gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian menus with 24-hour advance discover.
14. Vacation-Themed Reside Theater Performances
Vacation theater performances abound in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
It is an annual custom for my household to observe It is a Fantastic Life at Scottsdale’s Don Bluth Front Row Theater. Each seat is an efficient one at this venue due to its petite measurement. This Christmas basic runs from November 17 to December 30 in 2022.
We have additionally loved watching Arizona Broadway Theatre‘s particular vacation performances in Peoria. In 2022, e-book seats at A Christmas Carol, The Musical, from November 18 to December 29.
On the Herberger Theater in Phoenix, view And Now…a Phrase from Our Vacation Sponsors performances from November 28 to December 16, 2022. This lighthearted, fictional present takes place on Christmas Eve in 1953 throughout a stay coast-to-coast efficiency by a fictional TV household named the Felixes.
In the meantime, stay theater followers can select from A Christmas Story or The Velveteen Rabbit at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre in November and December 2022.
15. Las Noches de las Luminarias on the Desert Botanical Backyard
Wander by the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix with 8,000 glowing luminaries lighting pathways amongst desert crops. Take heed to stay musical performances and buy vacation treats as you discover the botanical gardens. In 2022, Las Noches de la Luminarias takes place on choose days, December 1 by 31.
16. Snowland at Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona
Kids will adore Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona. Snowland takes place from November 18, 2022 by January 4, 2023.
Resort friends get pleasure from pictures with Santa, vacation storytimes, video games, crafts, and Snowland Yoga. Plus, all ages are invited to rock out to vacation music across the Christmas tree within the foyer throughout Frosty Fest Household Dance Events. Search for day by day menorah lightings all through Chanukah, too.
Miss snow in Scottsdale at Christmas? Great Wolf Lodge Arizona supplies a magical indoor snowfall.
17. Enchant Christmas Gentle Maze and Village
New this yr, Enchant guarantees to be the world’s massive Christmas mild maze and village. This winter wonderland is Introduced by the Hallmark Channel. It may be discovered at Salt River Fields at Speaking Stick from November 25, 2022 by January 1, 2023.
Browse Enchant’s Village, a Christmas market bursting with quaint outlets promoting crafts and items. Then wind your method by lighted tunnels and previous vacation shows in The Maze to discover a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. Maybe most spectacular is the dazzling forest of glowing timber you will skate by on their ice rinks.
Come hungry. There are scorching entrees and specialty sandwiches available. High off your night with a vacation deal with like s’mores or freshly made doughnuts.
Kids will wish to go to Little Elves Play Place. There, they’ll make ornaments, play reindeer video games, and hearken to Christmas tales advised by Mrs. Claus herself. Santa’s obtainable for pictures with the backdrop of an Alpine chalet, too.
For grown-ups aged 21+, there is a chilly Polar Ice Bar serving three vodka cocktails. There are extra beverage stations, too, serving spiked scorching chocolate, a Merry Mocktail, and different libations.
18. Vacation Lights Segway Excursions
For a singular method to soak up the glow of the vacations, join a Segway lights tour of Previous City Scottsdale. Segways are embellished with Christmas lights on the Scottsdale Segway Tours Previous City Vacation Lights Tour. In the meantime, Segway of Scottsdale‘s Christmas Lights Tour consists of vacation lights wrapped round every Segway and a scorching chocolate cease mid-way by the journey.
19. Valley of the Solar Chanukah Celebrations
Chanukah begins on Sunday, December 18 and concludes the evening of Monday, December 26 in 2022.
Rejoice the Pageant of Lights at A number of Latkes on December 18 on the East Valley JCC in Chandler. Households will get pleasure from music, a bounce home, arts and crafts, and a menorah lighting. After all, there will probably be a lot of latkes to eat, too!
Teenagers from throughout Arizona are invited to take part in a Chanukkah Regional Party hosted by Chabad of Phoenix. Count on dreidels, latkes, and far more.
Chompie’s is a neighborhood delicatessen that has been serving conventional New York-style Jewish delicacies in Arizona since 1979. Go to certainly one of their a number of Valley places for a tasty Chanukah menu, obtainable onsite or to go. Suppose potato latkes, matzo ball soup, brisket, and extra.
20. Winter Wonderland Arizona Residential Vacation Lights Show
Discover 250,000 digitally computerized lights, fake snowfall, and bubbles on show at this Scottsdale house owned by severe vacation lovers. Winter Wonderland Arizona is free to the general public however a urged $5 donation is appreciated.
That is the thirty sixth yr of this wonderful mild show, which runs this vacation season from December 6, 2022 to January 2, 2023. The householders ask that guests park on Granite Reef.
21. Scottsdale Vacation Purchasing
Scottsdale is a consumer’s paradise, notably through the vacation season. Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter out of doors purchasing districts get dolled up with lights and timber galore. In the meantime, the indoor Scottsdale Style Sq.’s 240 retail shops and eating places provide darling Christmas décor and offers aplenty. Moreover, discover distinctive paintings plus Southwest and Arizona-themed items and ornaments in Previous City Scottsdale.
22. Photographs with Santa in Scottsdale
Children and kids-at-heart can meet with Santa Claus at places all through Scottsdale. Search for pictures with Santa at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Style Sq., Biltmore Style Park, and Phoenix ZooLights. Buy hardcopy and/or digital pictures. Make reservations for these venues prematurely at WhereIsSanta.com.
You can even discover the jolly previous elf at Previous City Scottsdale Farmers Market, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Nice Wolf Lodge Arizona, and Enchant at Salt River Fields.
23. Phoenix Symphony Vacation Pops
Faucet your toes alongside to the merry beat of Vacation Pops by the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Refrain. Get pleasure from each non secular and secular songs of the season from December 2 to 4, 2022 at Phoenix Symphony Hall.
24. Particular Christmas Menus at Scottsdale Eating places
Rejoice Christmas with vacation menus at eating places all through the Valley of the Solar. Whether or not you are on the lookout for an intimate setting or a family-friendly eatery with festive aptitude, you are positive to discover a menu that pleases your palate. Check out Christmas dining options in Scottsdale.
25. Scottsdale Santa Crawl
Every year, revelers don their ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and different vacation gear to make merry in Previous City Scottsdale through the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. Tickets embrace admission to collaborating bars, three penny ($.01) drink vouchers, and drink specials.
This yr’s Santa Crawl is scheduled to happen on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
26. Arizona Lights the Evening
Drive by a memorable vacation lights present in Mesa at Arizona Lights the Night. Count on life-sized snowmen, big glowing sweet canes, and Christmas timber galore. The attraction is open seven nights per week from November 23, 2022 to January 8, 2023.
27. Spirited Dueling Piano Exhibits
You will chortle, you will sing, you will clap, and you might even dance alongside throughout Spirited Dueling Piano Shows at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen in Previous City Scottsdale. Take heed to your favourite vacation songs, together with nation and rock favorites throughout this energetic present. Proficient pianists compete on your applause (and ideas) throughout this improvised present, that includes viewers requests.
Bourbon is the star beverage at this 21+ present. Select from two seatings on December 9, 2022.
28. Dazzling Magic Exhibits
Rejoice the magic of the season at Dazzling Magic Shows. Scottsdale Magician Craig Davis entertains crowds with humor and mesmerizing methods. Attend two free exhibits on Marshall Method Bridge in Previous City Scottsdale on December 10 and December 11, 2022.
29. Holidays Occasions at Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia‘s Christmas season commences with an annual 20-foot tree lighting. Get pleasure from refreshments, stay music, firepits, youngsters’s crafts, and cookie adorning on December 3 on the resort.
Children will lengthy bear in mind Breakfast with Santa on the Omni Montelucia on Sundays through the month of December. Additionally, search for particular vacation meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Revelers will get pleasure from a multicourse New Yr’s Eve dinner and a particular New Yr’s Day brunch with stay music, too.
30. Scottsdale New Yr’s Eve Events
Ring in 2023 with festive meals, music, and spirits within the Scottsdale space. For New Yr’s Eve, a number of native eating places are providing multi-course prix fixe meals with a glass of bubbly. Different Valley venues are providing high-energy events that includes DJs or stay music, dancing, and drinks. Uncover ways to celebrate the New Year in Scottsdale.
Discover Extra in Arizona
Discover much more enjoyable actions for the entire household within the Valley of the Solar with this record of actions in Scottsdale with youngsters.
Uncover the charms of Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis in my information to Prescott.
In winter, you will possible expertise snow in Northern Arizona with this stuff to do in Flagstaff.
Study Arizona historical past and discover the state’s pure magnificence with a go to to Montezuma Fortress and Tuzigoot Nationwide Monuments.
Save These Scottsdale Christmas Occasions
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Which of those Scottsdale vacation occasions appeals most to you? Tell us within the feedback under!
Disclosure: This record of Scottsdale Christmas happenings is up to date yearly. I acquired financial compensation from Expertise Scottsdale in 2020 associated to this story. I additionally accepted complimentary admission to Christmas on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, OdySea Aquarium, and Butterfly Wonderland. All opinions are mine, as all the time.
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