Tis The Season

Ah, End of year festivities. One must not go far to experience the dazzling light displays popping up all over Phoenix and the surrounding areas this year. From Neighborhood lighting competitions, to public displays such as the Phoenix Zoo's Zoo Lights, the opportunities for gazing at lovely Christmas displays are plentiful. Buckle up, here come my recommendations for you and the family.

Pratt Brothers Christmas

Excitement awaits at the Rawhide Western Town's own "Pratt Brothers Christmas." Featuring over 7 million dazzling lights, shows, stuntmen, live entertainment, a parade, and even holiday shopping. Round up the family and head on down. Tickets here: Purchase Tickets

Glendale Glitters

Location: 5750 W Glenn Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301

Take a nice brisk walk through downtown Glendale this season. This annual festival features holiday lights, music, vendors, and carriage rides. Plenty of props for photo opportunities as well. Just come on out for a budget friendly X-mas outing. 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.

Holiday Light Display will continue nightly through December 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the magic.

Desert Farm Lights

The annual west valley favorite Christmas festival in Phoenix, open every night of the week, all month long starting mid November through Christmas (closed for holiday). Your ticket includes access to all but the premium experience attractions. You’ll find nearly everything you could dream of in a winter wonderland! Escape the maze, watch movies, explore lights galore, roast s’mores and dogs over the fire, jump, slide and play to your heart’s content for the night. Sit with Santa and get grinchy too!

If you’d like to get the full experience, you can choose to purchase additional activities like ice skating, cookie decorating, carriage rides, and reserve a festive igloo to enjoy a fun, catered dining experience. This west Phoenix Christmas festival is open 7 days a week starting at 5pm. Tickets and details are on their website. Find the festival at 14629 W. Peoria Ave, Surprise, AZ, 85355.

Country Christmas At The Farm

Stroll through the Christmas wonderland of life size snowmen, festive scenes you’re sure to recognize, and farm-themed rides like a ropes course, pony rides, and the sand pit. This Christmas festival is just outside of Phoenix, perfect for a short northern trip and cooler weather. Special events are one-day only like the free Christmas tree lighting where you’ll have access to the apple barn, the farm-to-table dinner, and Santa’s visit.

During his only day at the farm. your Santa photos will grant you access to the farm all day long; kids can write Santa a letter and get one back. Reservations are required for this experience, but the farm is open from 7am to 7pm daily. Map your route to 12907 AZ-169, Dewey, AZ 86327.

Christmas At The Princess

Giant ferris wheel, holiday shows, and slides, oh my! The Princess is home to the annual Christmas Festival in the northern Phoenix metro. Some included activities for families to enjoy are s’more making, dazzling light and scene sights to explore, friendly characters, train rides and a trip to Santa’s mailroom.

Extras available for purchase include the ice skating pass, pictures with Santa, hanging with Santa in his workshop for the day, a festive scavenger hunt and a souvenir wand that you can bring with you again and again, each Christmas. The 65 acre festival runs from mid November through early January, hours vary by day. There are so many things to explore, be sure to get tickets and have your questions answered in their FAQ page including parking and fees. Find your way there with directions to 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Candy Cane Lane

Mark your calendar for the Peoria Sports Complex holiday festival only for one weekend in December! Give back by bringing a toy for their toy drive to drop off before you take the kids to meet princesses, jump to their heart’s content, get face paintings and see some dinos. A rare sight in the desert, you’ll get to play in a little snow and bubbles and take plenty of pictures at photo ops throughout the venue. Adults won’t feel left out while you enjoy adult-drinks and test your axe throwing skills. Low ticket cost and free parking are available. Celebrate this Christmas in this west Phoenix 2-day festival located at 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382.

Winterfest

Another Christmas festival filling the local streets of a west Phoenix metro city is Winterfest! Kick the night off when you watch as the light parade makes its way by. Then, set off to enjoy live music, bounce castles, axe throwing and local food and business vendors to keep your bellies and stockings full! Visit El Mirage for the holiday fun at 14010 N. El Mirage Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335.

Thanks for looking! Be merry and enjoy a bright holiday season.