I get asked all the time what people should do for Christmas in the AZ valley. The best part about Christmas in Arizona is the weather. Due to the fact that it’s so nice out there’s so much to do outside.
We always start out our season with some Christmas lights. Whether you’re looking for Christmas lights that dance to music or amazing home light displays, there’s something for everyone. Best part, most of them are free.
Here are the best light shows in the valley:
- Zoolights- see the Phoenix zoo lit up with lights every evening in December. There are lights shaped as animals. Some swing through trees as monkeys, or hid in bushes as tigers. They have a giant display in the lake that puts on a show to music. My kids love finding all the animals and drinking hot chocolate as we walk the park.
- Cherry Street lights, Mesa- walk a neighborhood full of the best displays you’ve ever seen. Each house has a theme and is decked out from top to bottom in said theme. One house even has a choir come sing on the weekends leading up to Christmas and has a live trail you can walk through depicting the birth of Jesus. 748 W Guadalupe St, Mesa, AZ
- Christmas on Comstock- the best drive through musical lights around. Go to their facebook page, Christmas on Comstock, to get all traffic and direction information. You can drive through this set up with your radio set to their station or you can get out and walk where you can enjoy hot chocolate and extra festivities.
- Phoenix Botanical Gardens Christmas display
Next on our list is Santa. We’ve done Santa a few different ways. We’ve been the mall, had breakfast with the ol’ nick, and even had him come to our house for a visit. Here’s a list of the best Santa’s the east valley
- Santa at San Tan Village. For a mall this is the best one around. The set up isn’t completely cheesy, there is multiple photo opportunities, Santa is wonderful, and the crowd is minimal. This has been our go to the past couple years because it’s so easy. You can make your reservations online and show up for your time slot without waiting in line. There’s two different opportunities to get pictures of your kids, which includes with and without Santa. It’s good if you have a kid who isn’t particularly a Santa fan. You can hope for at least one good pic. Get your reservations here.
- Breakfast with Santa at Omni Resort Montelucia- It’s a cute set up with good food. What more do you need!? Reserve your seats here. Keep in mind this one is a bit pricey.
- Breakfast with Santa at McCormick Ranch Resort- This one is similar to the one at the Omni however the price isn’t as steep. Check their website for reservation information.
What would Christmas be with out all the pretty decor and experiences. There is some of the best things to do in the valley and surrounding cities within a couple hours drive.
- Christmas time at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess- whether you stay the night or not, there are tons of holiday festivities to do. Ice skating, smores by the fire, caroling, cookie decorating, character meet n’ greets, and some of the prettiest decor you’ve ever seen are just a few of the things to join in on. You can check out all the festivities here. If you’re wanting to splurge check out the Santa Suite.
- The Polar Express in Williams, AZ.- this is definitely something you have to do at least once. They do an amazing job at recreating the legendary movie for the entire family. Enjoy the lights, sounds, dancing, and singing while riding a replicated train. The kids even get to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies just like in the movie. The train ride ends with each child receiving a bell from Santa. It’s magical and once in a lifetime experience for the entire family. Tickets go fast, click here to check it out.
- Skiing at Snowbowl– what could possibly be more of a typical winter activity than to go skiing or snowboarding. Snowbowl has amazing packages for the entire family.
- City snow days- check local city pages to find out when they’ll be bringing in snow for the kids to play in. Typically this takes place in a parking lot within each city.
- McCormick Train Park- ride the train at night through tunnels and Christmas scenery the kids will love. Make sure and bundle up as the train is open.
Merry Christmas,
Jackie, The Reality Mom
