Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays! From dazzling light displays to special dining experiences, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during the winter season. Scottsdazzle is a month-long celebration of everything related to the holidays, from tree lighting and Santa's wine to a Holly Jolly painting party and seasonal sausages Teach% 26% Taste. The Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields offers a unique driving experience on a 1.2-mile stretch of road filled with Christmas lights and screens. The Princess Express train takes visitors through the lights of the lagoon, who also have the opportunity to see a video show projected on the resort's façade, rent private fire pits from the Winterland igloo, and meet Santa and his elves. The centerpiece of this winter wonderland is the resort's musical Christmas tree, with its lights dancing to the beat of 18 classic Christmas songs.
The Desert Botanical Garden hosts The Nights of the Luminaries, a quieter and very different light show that enchants visitors. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows hosts its annual outdoor Christmas Luminaries Market, featuring local vendors and products and services from Arizona. Old Town Scottsdale is also a great place to enjoy holiday lights with Scottsdale Segway Tours or by attending the Old Town Christmas Lights event. Children have the opportunity to meet Santa while adults shop at the festive farmers market, enjoy a wine tasting offered by local wineries during the Wine Dazzle event, or enjoy the city's best art during the Christmas-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk. For a fairytale experience, visitors can rent beautiful open Christmas carriages.
Two local ballet companies present different versions of this Christmas classic for audiences in Scottsdale and Phoenix every year in December. The Phoenix Symphony performs Handel's Messiah in Scottsdale, while the Symphonic Hall presents its annual holiday concert by the Holiday Pops choir. Party goers put on their ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and other holiday items for fun in Old Town Scottsdale during the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. Start the holiday season in the Arizona Christmas City, when 35 to 40 festively lit floats light up the night with the Prescott Christmas Light Parade, the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy snow that falls in the Arctic Zone or savor a cup of hot chocolate at the Zoo Café or in the trolleys as you travel through a colorful wild paradise in this Tucson holiday tradition. The Tempe Arts Festival has more than 50 years of history in Tempe and is held in early December and late March each year.
The road ends in Santa's Village and culminates in the new Holiday Light Theater, a dynamic and festive light show that is presented on one screen. Celebrate the splendour of the season at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where holiday festivities and an enchanting winter wonderland are celebrated in the 13th annual Christmas at the Princess. Be sure to stop by Old Adobe Mission, the oldest Catholic church in Scottsdale. Throughout the season, the Scottsdale Interpretation Center for the Arts presents holiday shows, including everything from theatrical comedy to mariachis, jazz, a ukulele performance, and classical music.
