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The magic of the holidays returns!
Phoenix has emerged as a vibrant retirement hub, attracting snowbirds and full-time residents alike with its allure of great weather and Arizona’s sun-kissed days. Whether you live here year-round or are a seasonal snowbird, let the Valley of the Sun be the canvas for creating unforgettable moments this holiday season.
Below is a list of our favorite Christmas, Hanukkah, and holiday activities in Phoenix and Maricopa County for 2025. Remember that creating the perfect holiday itinerary is not just about visiting entertaining landmarks; it’s an opportunity to weave together family bonding, cherished traditions, and connections that will echo through generations.
We hope this article inspires you to honor your loved ones by planning the ultimate holiday weekend and creating lasting memories that bridge generations.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to revisit this page annually for a fresh perspective on the most festive events Phoenix has to offer, as we meticulously update this calendar each year.
Editor’s Note
Be sure to revisit this page annually for a fresh perspective on the most festive events Phoenix has to offer, as we meticulously update this calendar each year.
2025 Phoenix Christmas and Holiday Calendar
Nov 14th – Jan 4th (Glendale) – Cosmic Sleighride
Nov 26th – Jan 16th (Phoenix) – Zoo Lights
Dec 1st (Gilbert) – Water Tower Lighting
Dec 1st – 31st (Scottsdale) – Scottsdazzle
Dec 6th (Phoenix) – 38th Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Dec 10th and 22nd (Phoenix) – A Christmas Carol
Dec 16th (Tempe) – Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Dec 12th – 27th (Phoenix) – The Nutcracker Baller
Top Awarded Holiday Event: Scottsdazzle
Get ready to sparkle this holiday season! The 10th annual Scottsdale celebration, nestled right in charming Old Town Scottsdale, has once again captured hearts and the prestigious 2025 Arizona Travel Award for the top community event—that’s two years in a row! Come immerse yourself in pure holiday spirit! You’ll find festive dining, marvelous shopping opportunities, stunning seasonal decor, thousands of sparkling lights, and the chance to meet the jolliest man himself, Santa! The evening will be even more magical with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony and live, joyful music.
Top Community Holiday Event: Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza
Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza, located at 45 W Page Avenue, transforms into an enchanted outdoor holiday market every December. Adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, this magical experience showcases holiday vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and family-oriented activities. If you choose one night to experience the Christmas market, we recommend the water tower lighting – a community gathering that illuminates the historic 230-foot-tall water tower, originally built in 1925.
Top Holiday Performance: Ballet Nutcracker at Phoenix Symphony Hall
Step into the magic of Christmas and honor E.T.A. Hoffmann’s enchanting 1816 fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King! Witness the spectacular Nutcracker Ballet at the Phoenix Symphony Hall (Dec 12th – 27th), a holiday classic that whisks you away with Clara and her brave, magical Nutcracker Prince to the glorious, sparkling Enchanted Land of Sweets. Prepare to be dazzled as world-class ballet dancers leap and twirl in breathtaking perfection. This is an unforgettable spectacle for the entire family! Tickets start at $88—secure your spot for this mesmerizing journey!
Discover an array of festive performances and holiday shows by following this link to the Phoenix Theater.
Top Drive Through Light Show: Cosmic Sleighride
Buckle up for the Cosmic Sleighride, an unparalleled holiday spectacle from World of Illumination! Trade in your typical winter drive for a dazzling, magical journey. This immersive experience transforms the night as you glide past miles of vibrant, synchronized light displays and animated characters that pulse and dance to a soundtrack of your favorite festive holiday tunes. Find this unforgettable, family-friendly enchantment at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale—it’s the perfect way to soak up the season’s joy from the warmth and comfort of your own car.
Top Christmas Parade: Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Christmas Parades are more than just an event; they are celebrations of togetherness, hope, and community. With numerous holiday parades throughout Maricopa County, the 38th Annual APS Electric Light Parade is the one you don’t want to miss. Starting at 7 pm, at Central Ave and Montbellow Ave, the parade is a vibrant tapestry of festivities, showcasing sparkling floats adorned with festive decorations and festooned cars gliding like moving works of art. The desert nights can get chilly, so make sure to wear your coziest holiday sweaters and gloves.
Top Holiday Event in Phoenix for Kids: ZooLights
One of Phoenix’s most enchanting family holiday traditions unfolds at the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation. From November 27th to January 12th, ZooLights awakens the Phoenix Zoo, transforming it into a luminous, otherworldly spectacle. As your kiddos wander down shimmering trails, bathed in the glow of millions of lights, they’ll journey not just through a winter wonderland but through the heart of wildlife conservation, discovering the magic and fragility of animal habitats and endangered species. It’s a radiant fusion of nature’s majesty and artistic brilliance that will ignite wonder in every visitor, young and old.
Top New Year’s Event: Dinner at Wrigley Mansion
Perched high above Phoenix, the magnificent Wrigley Mansion is more than a historic landmark; it’s a window into 1930s elegance, now infused with contemporary culinary artistry. This holiday season, escape the kitchen and immerse yourself in a Christmas Eve dinner within this timeless estate. With 360-degree panoramic views of the city lights glittering below and the surrounding mountains, the mansion offers a setting as grand as its history. Picture-perfect vistas, the gentle melody of a grand piano, and a menu of mouthwatering cuisine create an unforgettable, luxurious experience across its three distinct dining spaces. Be sure to secure your reservation quickly—this unique opportunity to dine among the clouds is highly sought after.
Top Chanukah Event: Menorah Lighting at Ragsdale MLK Park
Presented by Downtown Tempe and ASU Chabad, join the Phoenix Jewish community in the 4th annual grand Menorah lighting ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park in Tempe, Arizona. Lighting the Menorah is not just a Hanukkah mitzvah; it’s a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, celebrating the miracle of the oil and a reminder of the brave Maccabees who fought for religious freedom. Bring the whole mishpacha for fun! The little ones can spin the dreidel, sing Hebrew piyutim, listen to Hanukkah ma’asim, and savor those oh-so-good golden-brown latkes.
Top Santa Sighting: Camelback Santa
Seek out Santa on an unforgettable desert expedition that blends exhilarating heights with the serene beauty of the Sonoran landscape. Camelback Santa, also known as Scottsdale local John Cressey, ascends Camelback Mountain every December weekend, carrying a sustainably sourced Christmas tree, ready to capture holiday memories with fellow adventurers. Though December’s air holds a refreshing chill, it’s the ideal season to secure your hiking gear, pack your hydration, and embark on a mystical trek through Phoenix’s captivating desert trails—where a festive rendezvous with Santa awaits at the summit.
Conclusion
From everyone at Immanuel Campus of Care, we hope this article inspires you to plan an unforgettable holiday experience for your family and loved ones. Be sure to check back every year, as we update this article annually with the latest holiday events in Phoenix and Maricopa County.
If you are looking for senior living in Phoenix, please contact Immanuel Campus of Care to schedule a tour of our wonderful community. We provide assisted living, independent living, mental & behavioral health, counseling, and skilled nursing. We are looking forward to meeting you!
