Central City Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Embark on an out-of-this-world holiday adventure with Cosmic Sleighride, a dazzling drive-through light show. Journey with Shiny the Star past the sun and through celestial portals, encountering astro elves and Santa City. This immersive experience promises a stellar ride filled with cosmic wonder and joyful surprises.

Embark on a magical road trip through World of Illumination's spectacular drive-through light shows. Experience millions of dazzling lights synchronized to festive music, featuring unique themes like 'Rockin' Christmas' and 'Enchanted Safari'. It's more than just a light show; it's an unforgettable memory-making experience designed to immerse visitors in a...

Experience the magic of ZooLights, the Valley's beloved holiday tradition at the Phoenix Zoo. Wander through a wonderland of millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal lanterns, and immersive light tunnels. Enjoy spectacular shows, interactive light displays, and festive treats. It's a must-see holiday spectacle for all ages.

Experience the magic of the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park. This beloved tradition transforms Tempe Town Lake into a dazzling spectacle of holiday lights as decorated boats cruise by. Enjoy live entertainment, a bustling holiday market, delicious food and drinks, and photo opportunities with Santa. The...

Experience Arizona's premier holiday event at Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide. This magical celebration features over 7 million lights, a dazzling gingerbread house light show, and a festive train ride. Enjoy nightly parades, thrilling stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment for the whole family.

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display. Marvel at the breathtaking light displays that adorn the temple grounds, creating a truly festive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season by exploring a captivating collection of international nativity scenes, each...

Get ready for a high-energy, full-throttle musical extravaganza with Rockin' Christmas by World of Illumination. This mile-long drive-through experience features millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, all synchronized to a rocking holiday soundtrack. Hosted by the energetic MC Mic, the show includes retro Santa scenes and larger-than-life...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Avondazzle Holiday Light Display. This enchanting event features a spectacular light show on the City Christmas Tree, with performances every 30 minutes. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the magical illumination with loved ones.

Step into an enchanting world of light at the Tianyu Lights Festival in Phoenix. This spectacular event features breathtaking luminous art installations, including themed zones like 'Bugs Aglow,' 'Rainforest,' and 'Prehistoric Animals.' Discover unique handcrafted treasures at the marketplace and indulge in delicious food and beverages. It's a magical experience...

Step into Sugarland, a magical holiday wonderland in Downtown Chandler's Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West. This interactive display invites visitors to explore whimsical decorations, including a candy sleigh, a fruit roll-up slide, and giant marshmallows. As night falls, the 'Canal of Lights' illuminates the Commonwealth Canal with over 500 colorful...

Experience the magic of the holidays at Chandler's Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. This beloved community event invites everyone to celebrate in Downtown Chandler. Behold the iconic Tumbleweed Tree, meet Santa Claus for free photos, and enjoy musical performances and dazzling light displays. It's an evening of...

Experience the magic of the holidays at Mother Nature's Farm! This festive event offers a delightful array of activities for all ages, including a thrilling hayride, a challenging straw bale maze, and the exhilarating Mega Slide. Meet Santa Claus, explore the Christmas Village, and find the perfect fresh-cut Christmas tree....

Experience the Southwest's most enchanting holiday tradition at Christmas at The Princess. This spectacular event transforms 65 acres into a winter wonderland with over 16 million lights, a 120-foot tree, and a real ice skating rink. Enjoy unique attractions like the Starlights electric symphony, Santa experiences, and festive dining.

Experience the magic of Valor Christmas, a dazzling walk-through light show in Gilbert, Arizona. Formerly Lights at the Farm, this event now spans 2.5 acres at Valor Christian Center, featuring millions of synchronized LED lights set to beloved holiday music. It's the perfect new tradition for families and friends to...

Sparkling Surprise transforms the city into a festive wonderland with a dazzling holiday light display. This event is designed to bring cheer and a magical holiday spirit to the community, offering a beautiful visual spectacle for all to enjoy.

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park 2025, a free holiday event in Surprise, AZ. They offer a festive atmosphere with dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and a special Christmas concert. Families can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, ornament making, bounce houses, and even snow! Don't miss the...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with the Phoenix Symphony's 'Holiday Pops' concert. This enchanting performance features the full orchestra playing beloved holiday classics and seasonal melodies that capture the magic of the season. It's the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

Join Pooh and his friends for a heartwarming holiday musical that celebrates friendship and family. This beloved Valley tradition brings A.A. Milne's characters to life on stage, offering a magical experience for all ages. Don't miss the special sing-along performance or the free showing for military families.

Ballet Arizona presents the enchanting holiday classic, The Nutcracker, with live music by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara's magical adventure as she battles mice and dances with the Sugar Plum Fairy. This heartwarming tradition, featuring Ib Andersen's choreography, promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its stunning performances and...

Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of mariachi music with the acclaimed Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández. This special holiday performance features beloved festive favorites and timeless selections from the mariachi songbook, delivered with the passion and artistry that has made them international stars.

Get into the holiday spirit with the 'Spirit of Christmas' show, a dazzling performance by over 100 dancers from the Christian Dance Academy. This energetic variety show features a captivating mix of dance styles, special guest performers, a champion hoop dancer, and even a horse and carriage. Hosted by Mark...

Experience the heartwarming and hilarious holiday adventure of 'A Christmas Story' live on stage. Follow young Ralphie Parker's quest for the ultimate Christmas gift, the Red Ryder Carbine BB Gun, amidst his quirky family's antics and encounters with bullies. This festive production features a dazzling score and plenty of holiday...

Scottsdazzle transforms Old Town Scottsdale into a winter wonderland with a month-long celebration of holiday cheer. This 10th annual event features a dazzling array of activities, from the Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular to unique shopping events and festive tours. Explore the Tinsel Trail's artistic window displays and find...

Experience Ahwatukee's premier family-friendly holiday celebration at the Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival. This vibrant event transforms Desert Foothills Park into a festive wonderland with live music, community performances, and a bustling marketplace. Discover unique gifts from over 75 local artisans, savor delicious food from nearly 20 food trucks, and...

Step into the festive spirit at the Glendale Holiday Open House, a cherished tradition in Historic Downtown Glendale. This event invites visitors to explore a charming collection of shops and boutiques, many of which will be adorned with holiday cheer and offering special promotions. Discover unique gifts, handcrafted items from...

Bar Blitzen, the popular holiday pop-up, returns to Gilbert and Tempe from November 19th to January 3rd. They offer a festive experience with merry cocktails, dazzling décor, and a lively atmosphere. A portion of the cover charge benefits the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley.

Join the vibrant Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade, a cherished community event celebrating the true meaning of the season. This festive procession through downtown Glendale features dazzling floats and a lively marching band competition. It's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the spirit of giving, with proceeds benefiting Hope for Hunger, a...

The annual Parade of Lights illuminates Downtown Chandler with a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of lights. Local businesses, community organizations, and families come together to showcase creative floats and vibrant performances, bringing joy and holiday cheer to all ages. Witness the glowing pageantry and celebrate the season.

Lace up your skates for a magical experience at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink! This expansive 6,000 sq. ft. real ice rink offers public skating sessions throughout the holiday season. Special events like Inclusive Skate Nights provide a sensory-friendly environment, while Teen Skate sessions cater to younger crowds. Tickets are...

Ring in the New Year at the Across The Years Ultra Marathon Festival, a premier running event held at the Peoria Sports Complex. This unique festival offers a wide range of challenges, from multi-day fixed-time races like the 6-day, 72-hour, and 48-hour events, to fixed distances including 200 miles, 100...

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at The Wigwam's annual Tree Lighting. This festive event marks the beginning of holiday cheer at the historic resort, inviting guests to gather and celebrate. Enjoy the magical illumination of a grand holiday tree, surrounded by festive decorations and a welcoming atmosphere. It's...