Holiday Events 2025

The holidays are in full swing, and that means a full line up of fun & exciting holiday themed events are happening all across the Valley.

Below is a curated list of local & valleywide events you may be interested in this holiday season.

The event at Peoria Sports Complex promises a fun-packed outing featuring 150+ vendors, food trucks, Santa photos, snow and bubble play, bounce houses, cookie decorating, axe-throwing and more, perfect for families looking for lively holiday festivities.

Glendale Glitters will continue nightly through December 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the magic. Stroll through the charming streets of Downtown Glendale, explore unique shops, and indulge in festive treats while taking in the dazzling lights and joyful atmosphere.

In addition to the ongoing lights, Santa Claus will be at Santa’s Village every Friday and Saturday, beginning December 5 through December 20. Starting at 6 p.m. families can visit Santa at 5836 W Palmaire Ave, with photos available for $5.

***My daughter & I went to Glendale Glitters this past Saturday, and it was crazy crowded. I also had forgotten that the event location has been adjusted due to the construction happening on City of Glendale facilities. It is still a good time, just be mindful of when you go and have the proper expectations.

Parade date and time: December 6, 2025​​ 
The parade starts at 7:00 p.m. and its run-time varies.

Starting location: Central Ave. and Montebello Ave.
Ending location: 7th St​​. and Indian School Rd. 

Lighted floats and balloons make their way to Seventh Street and Indian School Road in this annual Valley tradition. 7 p.m. Begins at N. Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., Phoenix, 602-534-FEST.

Arrowhead Lakes Boat Parade & Block Party, Arrowhead Lakes Waterfall Park

Saturday December 20, 2025, 06:00 – 9:00pm

Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as your drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. Tempe will have a Rockin’ Christmas theme, while Cosmic Sleigh Ride will be the theme of Glendale’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices.

Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe; and Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ

Experience an enchanting night at the Tianyu Lights Festival in Phoenix! Wander through breathtaking luminous art installations and immerse yourself in Bugs Aglow, Color of Holidays, Rainforest, and Prehistoric Animals. Indulge in delicious foods and beverages at our Food Court, and complete your visit with a trip to the Marketplace, where you’ll find unique, handcrafted treasures.

Camelback Ranch-Glendale, 10710 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ.

The Tempe Festival of the Arts transforms Mill Avenue into a lively, open-air celebration with more than 350 juried artists, live music, street performers and great food. The event is free, family friendly and one of the top ranked art festivals in the country. It’s a perfect place to browse handmade art, enjoy local entertainment and soak up the creative energy of downtown Tempe.

​Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide is Arizona’s premier family experience during the holidays.

This magical experience features over 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, a nightly parade, stunt shows, holiday shopping, live entertainment, and so much more. Learn all about Things To Do

Located at Rawhide Western Town: 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

November 28th - December 28th, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Valley’s favorite holiday event will dazzle the eyes with millions of LED lights, a three-story-tall Christmas tree, a sparkling music-in-motion show and life-size animal lanterns ranging from a herd of elephants to a purple people eater. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $25-$35, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org

Decor and entertainment level up the holiday spirit along the Scottsdale Waterfront this month! The season long celebration kicks off with a Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 25 from 7pm – 9pm. Attendance is free. Full lineup of festivities at scottsdazzle.com

The garden’s collection of beautiful desert plant life will take on a warm glow when thousands of luminarias light up the garden trails and courtyards. Select dates, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $16.95-$39.95. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org

West Valley holiday lovers no longer need to head across town for Christmas cheer. The event features illuminated mazes, bounce houses, obstacle courses and a gingerbread slide. Stop by Santa’s Workshop afterward. Kids can also say hi to the North Pole’s most famous resident. 5:30-10 p.m., $20, 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell, desertfarmlights.com

From the creators of Harvest Nights A brand-new holiday tradition at DH Farms — where vintage farm charm meets dazzling light displays, festive music, and unforgettable memories for the whole family.

December 4 – 28, 2025 DH Farms, West Valley, AZ, Loop 101 & I-10

Christmas on The Tolmachoff Farm brings the spirit of the season to life in Glendale. From December 1st-23rd, the farm’s Christmas tree lot is open daily (9:00 AM–9:00 PM), where families can pick their own Douglas, Nordmann or Noble tree.

Evenings are extra festive — on Fridays and Saturdays (Dec 5–Dec 20, 6:00–9:00 PM) enjoy twinkling lights, fire pits, a bounce-pillow, playhouse, hot cocoa and snacks (admission $7; train rides $5; under-1 free) for a cozy farm-style holiday outing.

Join us for the Southwest's most extraordinary celebration, where generations of Scottsdale residents and visitors gather for an enchanting and treasured holiday tradition unlike any other.

November 21st, 2025 THROUGH January 3rd, 2026 Monday – Thursday | 5 – 10 PM, Friday – Sunday | 4 – 11 PM *Beginning December 18, daily hours are 4 – 11 PM

Is there an event I missed and should be listed here? Please reach out with the details.