Your Winter Guide for things to do in Scottsdale
Although the temperatures may not feel like it’s the holidays, the town’s festivities say other wise! Check out what Scottsdale and Phoenix have going on this year around. Be sure to save some ideas that all families, friends, and visitors can enjoy this winter season!
Kick your festivities off with Scottsdazzle!
Come check out the 6th year of Scottsdale’s way to bring the community together during this winter season. A holiday event with something for everyone! Starting with the signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by celebrating, shopping, and the unveiling “dazzling” holiday tree. Parking is free. Click here for the events page.
When: November 27th through December 29th
Christmas at the Princess
A holiday tradition for Scottsdale for the last 12 years! Rediscover the magic of Christmas this winter as our resort transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland with festive decorations and over 6 million sparkling LED lights. Savor the splendor of the season and discover the place where Christmas cheer lives all season long. Go ice skating and watch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores together. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus and meet our cute holiday characters. With kid-friendly activities and entertainment all season long, it's the perfect destination to make magical memories before the year comes to a close. Click here for tickets or more details on the event.
When: November 16 - January 2
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Hop on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. No trip to the park is complete without a spin on the historic Charros Carousel or a cup of hot cocoa from Hartley’s General Store. Santa will also be at the park nightly through December 23 to visit and take photos with. Click here for ticket purchases!
Ticket Information
Tickets are $15 per person
Free admission for children two years old and younger
The ticket fee reserves a one and a half hour block of time from 6 – 7:30 p.m. or 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Includes unlimited train and carousel rides
Access to holiday photo pods
Visit with Santa (until Dec. 23)
Food and drinks available for purchase in Hartley’s General Store
Model Railroad Building will be open for viewing our tiniest trains
When: November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 6p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
ZOOLIGHTS
One of Arizona’s favorited holiday tradition, ZooLights will return with millions of lights, animal sculptures, a large Christmas tree display, holiday music, and even Santa and his elves. There is a walk or drive through cruise available this year! Click here to get your tickets!
Dates: Nov. 7, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022 (Walk-Thru*) | Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14, Jan. 3-4, 10-11 (Cruise)
*Some blackout dates apply; see website for details.
Times: 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Walk-Thru) | 5:30-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9:30 p.m. (Cruise)
Cost: $20/person, children 2 and under are free.
More Holiday Lights At The Salt River Fields
Its second year back, cruise through holiday extravaganza for 1.2 miles along the Salt River Fields. Enjoy spectacular light displays that are synchronized to Christmas songs that bring popular holiday themes and characters to life.
Dates: Nov. 19, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022
Times: Daily from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets!
WINTER WATERLAND AT ODYSEA
ODYSEA AQUARIUM IS THE PLACE TO VISIT FOR FESTIVE FUN ALL MONTH LONG!
SeaTREK Santa is making a splash again this holiday season with underwater appearances on select dates from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve.
SeaTREK Santa appearances at 12:15pm & 4:15pm: Nov. 26-28; Dec. 4 & 5; Dec. 11 & 12; Dec. 18 & 19; Dec. 20-24*
*1pm appearance only
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Mail Your Letters to SeaTREK Santa
Write or draw your wish to SeaTREK® Santa and drop it in the mailbox located at the Discovery Desk. Sea TREK® Santa will respond to all those that request!
Click here for event information and tickets.
SCOTTSDALE SANTA CRAWL
Whether you're naughty or nice, it's time to get into the holiday spirit for the Scottsdale Santa Crawl! Imagine it! You and your friends sporting your favorite ugly Christmas sweaters, strolling through the best bars in Old Town. This is a party even the Grinch wouldn't miss!
When: Saturday, December 18th, 2:00 - 8:00 PM
In Old Town Scottsdale
Tickets get you admission, 3 penny drink vouchers, a Santa hat, drink specials & more! This is the holiday bar crawl you don't want to miss!
TAste HOLIDAY SPIRIT AND COCKTAILS AT LOCAL BARS
COACH HOUSE
7011 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Coach House has been a staple of the Scottsdale community since 1958. This local dive bar does something amazing during the holiday season; they cover the entire interior with festive Christmas lights!
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GILIGIN’S BAR
4251 N Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Giligin’s bar features a decked out Christmas Bar with fun cocktails and great food!
Winter in Scottsdale is as perfect as it gets, with sunny skies and temperatures averaging around the 70’s during the day. Enjoy exploring the best season in the Sonoran Desert.
