Courtesy of Scottsdale Quarter
Audio By Carbonatix
December is here, and as the year 2025 winds down, the event calendar ramps up.
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.
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JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix holiday events in 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 5
The Esplanade, 2501 E. Camelback Road
The newly renovated Esplanade complex will host a tree-lighting event on Dec. 6. Highlights include photos with Santa, a complimentary cocoa bar, a group of carolers singing and more. Hours are 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the tree will be lit at 5:20.
Winter Wonderland
Dec. 5-6
ASU West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale
The westside campus of Arizona State University invites the public to come celebrate the holiday. Enjoy sparkling holiday lights, sing along to live performances, partake in free holiday crafts and indulge in festive treats. There’s no cost to attend. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. at the campus’s Center Mall and Delph Courtyard.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Dec. 5-21
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.
The Rinq at Holidays on the Square
Dec. 5-28
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.
Mittwinternachtmarkt
Friday, Dec. 5
Four Peaks Brewing Wilson Taproom, 2401 S. Wilson St., Tempe
Four Peaks is throwing its first-ever Mittwinternachtmarkt — a holiday night market with up to 50 local vendors, including flash tattoos, quirky gifts, ghost hunting opportunities and a beer brewed just for the event. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. There’s no cost to attend.
Holidays on the Square
Friday, Dec. 5
1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear
The city of Goodyear is hosting two special holiday nights this year. On Dec. 5, the theme is Merry & Mistmatched. Attendees are invited to wear tacky holiday sweaters to enjoy pictures with Santa, ice-skating, face painting and live holiday dances and music performances. The official lighting of the Goodyear holiday tree happens at 6 p.m.
Christmas at Petersen House
Dec. 6 to 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 Tumbleweed Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 6
3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
You don’t really get more Western than decorating a tumbleweed instead of a Christmas tree. Head to Chandler for their unique holiday tradition, which includes an appearance by Santa and live music. Hours are 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Avondale WinterFest
Saturday, Dec. 6
Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
The southwest Valley will get into the holiday spirit with a free festival that includes a visit from Santa, activities and entertainment, the premiere of the holiday light show, annual tree lighting and food and drink for purchase. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Premier Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 6-7
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
Clara falls asleep on Christmas Eve and has some pretty wild dreams in this classic ballet featuring music by Tchaikovsky. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. Tickets start at $41.89.
Avondazzle
Dec. 7-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.
‘Celebration of Christmas’
Sunday, Dec. 7
Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
The Pinnacle Concert Series continues with two performances by the Pinnacle Chancel Choir, soloists, handbells and a chamber orchestra. Along with the music, enjoy Christmas-themed readings and poetry. There is no cost to attend. Performances are at 2 and 5 p.m.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Harkins Theatres locations
Harkins Theatres’ Tuesday Night Classics series is devoted to holiday favorites in December. On Dec. 9, take the family to see legendary Christmas flick “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Cost is $6.85. Showtime is 7 p.m. at all Valley Harkins Theatres locations.
‘The Nutcracker’
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
Classical Arts Entertainment presents a one-night-only production of “The Nutcracker” performed by international ballet stars. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.81.
‘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.
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.
Ed Flores/Angie Slade Design
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
A scene from “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”
Courtesy of Disney
‘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.
