Phoenix Christmas Events: Lights, Parades and Ballet for Big Groups
The 2026 season of Phoenix Christmas events stretches from November 18, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Snow is rare here, so the season looks different. Much of it happens outdoors in cool evening air, and the Valley supplies its own snow. You will find real snowfall at a Scottsdale resort and candlelit paths in a desert garden. An orchestra plays for a downtown ballet.
If you are bringing a large group, this guide helps you choose among the Phoenix Christmas lights, parades and stage shows that suit everyone. Each section shows what you will see, plus the arrival details that matter.
Christmas at the Princess in Scottsdale
Christmas at the Princess returns for its 17th year at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. From November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027, the grounds hold more than 17 million lights and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Winterland adds real snowfall and snow-covered trees to a desert evening.
You can skate under the lights and then watch snow fall on the trees. Guests from outside the resort need event wristbands, so check that each person has one.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
ZooLights fills the Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, with lights from November 25 to January 15, 2027. Evenings run from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Parking is free, and the zoo lists a front drop-off zone. Everyone can begin the evening at the front entrance.
Large groups can ask the zoo about group tickets, which start at 50 admissions.
Garden Evenings with Timed Entry
On the same road, Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place at the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Thousands of candlelit luminarias line the paths, a tradition that dates to 1978. Garden evenings run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on these dates:
- November 27 to 29
- December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 16 to 23 and 26 to 31
- January 1 to 3
Super Bloom, a new exhibit of towering flower installations, spreads across 21 locations in the Garden this season. The Garden recommends reserving dinner at Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s through OpenTable on event dates.
Your ticket carries a timed entry window, and the Garden suggests allowing extra time to park. Leave time for unloading and the walk in, too. An early arrival gives you a calm first look at the luminarias.
For an evening among the holiday lights, a charter bus lets the whole group arrive and step out together.
Lights Farther Out: Desert Ridge and Surprise
Two more displays sit in the north and northwest Valley.
The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, opens Jingle at JW Desert Ridge on November 18. The event continues through January 3, 2027. New this year, ICE! featuring Elf joins the skating, snow tubing, and snow toss.
In Surprise, Desert Farm Lights opens nightly from November 20 to December 27 at 14629 W. Peoria Avenue, except on December 25. It closes only on December 25. Evenings end at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, giving weekend visitors an extra hour.
The parking gate closes one hour before each night ends. Arrive early enough to enjoy the full display.
Glendale and Tempe Open on November 27 and 28
Two openings land back-to-back, which lets you see both on separate evenings.
Glendale Glitters celebrates 33 years in Murphy Park. Its lighting ceremony starts at 5:45 p.m. on November 27. Kickoff events run from 5 to 10 p.m. on both days.
Downtown Tempe hosts the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade on November 28. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m., and the parade starts at 6 p.m. at Mill Avenue and 3rd Street. Live music plays at CenterPoint Plaza before and after, and the tree lighting comes last. Santa poses for free photos afterward.
A second Fantasy of Lights event, the Boat Parade, follows two weeks later on December 12 at Tempe Town Lake.
December 5: Choose One Parade
Saturday, December 5, 2026, brings two parades that overlap, so you need to choose one.
- The APS Electric Light Parade starts at 7 p.m. at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue.
- The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Chandler Parade of Lights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. The tree event is free, and the parade goes from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Chandler’s parade is still marching when the APS parade begins. Pick the one your family or friends will love most.
Stage Shows Downtown
Two shows move the season indoors at Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd Street. The Holiday Pops Spectacular plays December 4 to 6, and the Friday show starts at 7:30 p.m. It runs 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The Ballet Arizona Nutcracker follows from December 11 to 27 with live orchestral music and lasts about two hours, including intermission. Matinees fall on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27.
Both shows have set runtimes, so you know when the final bow comes.
Ballet Arizona also holds Nutcracker matinees for K-12 classes at 10:30 a.m. on December 11 and 17. The company does not provide transportation, so schools arrange their own. A charter bus brings the whole class in together, and teachers count heads once at the curb.
Dress for the Evening Chill
December days in the Valley feel mild, with an average high of 66°F. The evenings feel different. The average low is 45°F. Most displays open between 5 and 5:30 p.m. You walk in as the daylight fades, and the air cools as the evening goes on.
One warm layer makes the walk far more enjoyable. For most paths, a light jacket works well. Skating and snow tubing mean extra time in cold air, so gloves are welcome too. Evening air feels cooler than the daytime forecast suggests, so pack a jacket. Everyone in your group will enjoy the lights longer when they feel warm.
Christmas in Phoenix Is Best Shared
Each of these outings gives your group something simple to share. You walk side by side, point out your favorite display and talk longer than usual.
That shared time gives Christmas in Phoenix its warmth. Grandparents, children, friends and coworkers can all find a place on the same path. Bring the people you most want beside you. In January, these are the evenings everyone will still talk about.
