Best 2025 holiday events in Phoenix

The desert doesn’t see much snow, and we’ve got far more cactuses than pine trees, but somehow, the Valley feels awfully festive during the holidays.

It’s probably because of all the holiday events going on. In every corner of metro Phoenix, the holidays are marked with lights, parades, hot chocolate, visits from Santa, movies, ice-skating, music and more.

Here’s our guide to some of the holiday happenings. Do you know of a public event that’s not on our list? Send us the details at editorial@newtimes.com.

Phoenix holiday events in 2025

‘Black Nativity’
Through Dec. 14
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St.
Black Theatre Troupe’s annual production of “Black Nativity” features a company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivering a message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Tickets are $46.

‘A Christmas Carol’
Through Dec. 21
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria
TheaterWorks presents a live-action version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts who teach him a lesson or two. Tickets start at $47.

Christmas at Petersen House
Through Dec. 21
Petersen House Museum, 1414 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
Enjoy some old-fashioned holiday fun at the 1892 historic house. Enjoy free tours, live entertainment and fun activities for all ages. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Through Dec. 28
Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
Schnepf Farms hosts all sorts of fun during the holidays. Activities at the southeast Valley property include hayrides, the Sleigh Bell Slide, a carousel, visits with Santa, Christmas movies, ice-skating, Christmas lights, bonfire, miniature golf and more. Tickets start at $19.95 for people ages 3 and over. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.

Christmas on the Farm
Through Dec. 28
DH Farms, 2209 N. 99th Ave.
The West Valley attraction is packed with things to do for the holiday, including visits with Santa, a Nativity trail ride, ice-skating, the Twinkle Trail of lights, a holiday market, live entertainment, refreshments and more. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $27.

Desert Farm Lights
Through Dec. 28
Justice Brothers Ranch, 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell
This dazzling 18-acre wonderland features millions of twinkling lights, an immersive candy cane maze, train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, nightly visits with Santa and more. Cost is $23. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pratt Brothers Christmas
Through Dec. 28
Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler
Experience 20 acres of holiday cheer, complete with a 100-foot-long gingerbread house light show with pyrotechnics, an immersive train ride, a nightly parade, stunt shows, characters, live entertainment and over 15 other attractions. Tickets start at $31.39. Additional experiences are available with the purchase of a VIP package.

The Rinq at Holidays on the Square
Through Dec. 28
1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear
Merry Christmas to us: The city of Goodyear is offering free ice-skating and skate rental this December. The Rinq is open 5 to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday, and all you have to do to get a free 30-minute skate session is show up and sign a waiver. You do have to bring your own socks, though.

Holiday Lights 2025
Through Dec. 30
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
The popular family-friendly attraction gets a holiday upgrade for the season. Attendees can take a train ride through a winter wonderland. Tickets are $15; upgrades such as a s’mores kit and a visit with Santa are available. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Glendale Glitters
Through Dec. 31
Historic Downtown Glendale
The West Valley will be aglow with millions of lights during Glendale Glitters. Every night through the end of the year, visitors can walk around the area to enjoy the lights, hear Christmas Carols, see Santa and shop for gifts. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. There’s no cost to attend.

Avondazzle
Through Jan. 1
Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
The city of Avondale’s holiday lights will be up from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. Every half-hour from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., a light show will commence. There’s no cost to attend. 

Jingle at JW
Through Jan. 3
JW Marriott Desert Ridge, 5350 E. Marriott Drive
The Jingle at JW attraction is back for a second year and even bigger than the 2024 edition. The Jingle Experience Pass, which starts at $29 per person, includes ice-skating, snow tubing, virtual skiing, a train ride, light shows and photo ops. For extra fees, you can throw snowballs, get photos with Santa, decorate a gingerbread house or reserve a table at the Ember Fire & Food fire table area. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. nightly.

‘A Christmas Carol’
Through Jan. 4
The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave.
The Phoenix Theatre Company presents a live-action musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts who teach him a lesson or two. Tickets start at $60.

Christmas at the Princess
Through Jan. 4
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale
The north Scottsdale resort transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland once again for Christmas at the Princess. Features include Christmas lights, rides such as a Ferris wheel, ice-skating, photos with Santa, marshmallow-roasting and much, much more. Tickets start at $40; parking and activities such as photos with Santa cost extra. See the website for tickets and the full list of prices. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday through Dec. 18, and 4 to 11 p.m. daily beginning Dec. 18.

‘Drunk Christmas Carol’
Through Jan. 4
The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., #1010
The folks who brought you “Drunk Shakespeare” are back with a funny, festive, raunchy, adults-only take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Tickets start at $69.

Ho Holidays
Through Jan. 4
Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
Midcentury gem Hotel Valley Ho is getting in on the holiday action this year. The resort is offering visitors a retro roller-skating rink, plus a photo station, lawn games, letters to Santa, a coloring station, a kids’ scavenger hunt and cookie decorating. Seasonal treats and cocktails are available for purchase. Tickets start at $25. You can also upgrade to a firepit or cabana, which come with extra amenities.

Merry Main Street
Through Jan. 10
Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa lights up during the holiday season. Over the next several weeks, that part of the city will be lit up and will play host to things such as visits from Santa, food truck events and ice-skating. Check the website for the schedule and costs.

ZooLights
Through Jan. 16
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix Zoo’s holiday tradition continues with the 2025 edition of ZooLights. The grounds of the zoo will be lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights, animal-shaped lanterns, a glow garden, the lake lights show and more. Other actitivies include a storybook garden, photos with Santa and animal presentations. Cost is $35 for everyone ages 3 and over. Hours are 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 12-14
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St.
The classic holiday ballet is performed by Convergence Ballet and Ballet Theatre of Phoenix. Tickets are $52.50.

Mesa Santa Express
Dec. 12-14
440 E. Main St., Mesa
Valley Metro invites children and their families to board the Mesa Santa Express for a free whimsical holiday ride featuring stories from elves, jingling bells and cheerful holiday music. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

A Nightscare Before Christmas
Dec. 12-21
Scarizona Scaregrounds, 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa
Still wish it was Halloween? A Nightscare Before Christmas brings together the scary and the sweet. Guests will encounter sinister elves, a menacing Krampus and a cast of other twisted seasonal characters. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets start at $28.

‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 12-27
Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St.
Ballet Arizona’s production of “The Nutcracker” is one of the Valley’s most treasured holiday traditions. See the classic tale come to life accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony. Tickets start at $40. VIP packages are available.

Las Noches de las Luminarias
Dec. 12-30
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway
A beloved Valley holiday tradition returns for 2025. In addition to thousands of luminarias, the garden will host activities and live entertainment. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 to 14, 18 to 23 and 26 to 30. Tickets are $40.95 to $45.95.

Santa’s Workshop
Friday, Dec. 12
The Promenade Scottsdale, 16243 N. Scottsdale Road
This family-oriented north Scottsdale event will include complimentary photos with Santa, hands-on holiday crafts, train rides, live entertainment, seasonal treats like hot cocoa and peppermint cotton candy and more. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m.

Holidays on the Square
Friday, Dec. 12
1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear
The city of Goodyear is hosting two special holiday nights this year. On Dec. 12, attendees can watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with a live theater performance by CAPA (Creative Arts and Production Company), go ice-skating, get their faces painted, take photos with Santa, do holiday crafts and more.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13
Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
The waters of Tempe Town Lake will reflect the lights of boats decorated for the holiday. Attendees can also enjoy a holiday market, photos with Santa, live entertainment and seasonal eats and treats. The night wraps up with a fireworks show above the lake. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. There’s no cost to attend.

Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl
Saturday, Dec. 13
Downtown Chandler
A self-guided holiday bar crawl is coming to downtown Chandler. Sign up for the Nice List (noon to 3 p.m.) or the Naughty List (3 to 6 p.m.), dress in your festive best and enjoy live entertainment and food and drink specials at more than two dozen establishments. Cost is $23.18.

SantaCon
Saturday, Dec. 13
Old Town Scottsdale
Celebrate the holidays by drinking heavily during the SantaCon bar crawl. Dress in your festive attire for a seven-bar bacchanal that starts at Not My First Rodeo and ends at 50 Shades of Rose and get waived cover, drink specials and a whole lot of holiday cheer. The (obviously) 21-and-over event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get tickets and details on the Pub Crawls website.

‘Let Your Spirit Sparkle’
Dec. 13-14
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
The Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus promises dazzling harmonies, heartfelt moments, and plenty of glitter and cheer during its “Let Your Spirit Sparkle” program. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets are at $32, with discounts for students, seniors and children.

‘Elf’
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Harkins Theatres locations
Harkins Theatres’ Tuesday Night Classics series is devoted to holiday favorites in December. On Dec. 16, laugh your stockings off at modern Christmas classic “Elf.” Cost is $6.85. Showtime is 7 p.m. at all Valley Harkins Theatres locations.

‘The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show’
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
Join drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon for a holiday-themed evening of over-the-top camp spectacle, side-splitting gags, brand new songs, heartfelt storytelling, thrilling dance numbers and iconic costumes. Start time is 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49.62. VIP packages are available.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Cirque du Soleil’
Dec. 18-28
Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St.
The fun and wonder of a Cirque du Soleil production gets a holiday upgrade in the charming, thrilling “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Tickets start at $48.

‘A Chorale Christmas’
Dec. 19-22
Multiple Valley locations
The Phoenix Chorale will fill the winter air with song during a series of holiday concerts at venues around the Valley. The program includes a mix of religious Christmas carols and popular holiday music. Tickets start at $47.50, with discounts for students and seniors. See the website for the list of shows.

Holiday Fiesta on Central
Friday, Dec. 19
7436 S. Central Ave.
Celebrate the holiday season at this free Valley Metro event and enjoy visits with Santa, hot cocoa, baked goods, local vendors, food, live entertainment, kids’ crafts and more. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Avondazzle Dash
Saturday, Dec. 20
Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
Get a run in before the big meals begin in earnest. The Avondazzle Dash has a 1K Winter Waddle for kids, plus 5K and 10K runs for kids and adults. The 5K and 10K start at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. At the end of the race, participants will find the Frosty Finish Line Party that includes breakfast and holiday lights. See costs and register to participate on the website.

Holiday Collective Market
Dec. 20-21
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2402 E. Camelback Road
Get into the spirit of the season during this shopping event. Pick up gifts from local vendors, get photos with Santa and enjoy music and cocktails. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
See the 1992 family film starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge in the beautiful and historic Orpheum Theatre. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14.17 for adults and $10.90 for children ages 3 to 12.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Harkins Theatres locations
Harkins Theatres’ Tuesday Night Classics series is devoted to holiday favorites in December. On Dec. 23, get lit up by the Griswold family light display in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Cost is $6.85. Showtime is 7 p.m. at all Valley Harkins Theatres locations.