Arizona’s Top Festivities to Celebrate the Holiday Season
As we think about indulging on our upcoming Thanksgiving feasts, we can’t help but also daydream about the joyous holiday season ahead and the annual winter festivities that get us into the spirit of the season.
From light shows, to ice rinks to winter wonderlands, the Valley is filled with endless holiday festivities fit for the whole family. Check out our list of sensational seasonal celebrations to get you ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Apache Junction Holiday Program and Light Parade
A short drive from Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, the Apache Junction Holiday Program and Light Parade boasts festive fun for all. Hosted by the City of Apache Junction Parks & Recreation, the December 7 holiday event includes a variety of vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, live entertainment, inflatables, 30-feet of snow, visits from Santa, a tree lighting ceremony and the annual city light parade. Attendees should arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony and 7 p.m. for the annual light parade.
Rawhide Snowy Christmas
Located at the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler, Rawhide Snowy Christmas is a town celebration where families can experience the true magic of the season. Open from Thanksgiving through December 22, the seventh annual event features thousands of lights, weekend tree lighting ceremonies, nightly snowfall and, of course, Santa. Visitors are able to deliver letters to Santa himself at Rawhide’s “Delivery to the SW Pole” Post Office and children will receive a personalized letter in return. Photo opportunities with Santa are also available, and admission is free.
ZooLights: Glow Wild at the Phoenix Zoo
Experience the zoo in a whole new light at Zoolights: Glow Wild at the Phoenix Zoo this holiday season. The family friendly event, which runs from November 27 through January 19, is open from 5:30-10:30 p.m. and features millions of sparkling lights, hundreds of dazzling displays, live reindeer, festive food, drinks and more. New to this year’s exhibit, the Wildlife Lantern Safari allows visitors to stroll through more than 60 illuminated, animal-shaped lanterns to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Event tickets on sale soon.
CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink
Celebrate the season at downtown Phoenix’s signature holiday destination event, CitySkate. Open from November 23 through December 16, CitySkate offers an ice rink in the middle of downtown, as well as a delicious hot chocolate stand provided by Copper Blues.
Don’t want to deal with the crowds on Black Friday? Mark your calendars for CitySkate’s annual tree lighting ceremony on November 29. Beginning at 3 p.m. with a visit from Santa, the ceremony will showcase professional figure skating performances, a light show and, of course, an official tree lighting ceremony to kick-off the season.
The Phoenix Symphony - Holiday Pops Concert
Embrace the magical music of the season at The Phoenix Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert series. Running from November 29 through December 1, the beloved seasonal tradition features The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and acclaimed Broadway vocalists performing a collection of your favorite holiday sing-alongs. Tickets are available on The Phoenix Symphony website.
After the show, venture over to CitySkate’s holiday ice rink for a full evening of festive fun in downtown Phoenix.
Lights at the Farm Hosted by Vertuccio Farms
Enjoy an evening of extravagant holiday lights at the second annual Christmas Lights Extravaganza – Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms. Co-hosted with Dazzling Lights AZ, the immersive light experience takes visitors through more than 10 acres of synchronized lights displays. Lights at the Farm is open from November 22 through January 10. Hot chocolate, coffee, kettle corn, cake pops and more are available for purchase.
Hosting your own holiday event this season? Consider planning it at the Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. Our team can help deliver a festive and unforgettable event that will be sure to get you into the spirit of the season. For more details, contact us at (480) 677-6639.
