Arizona Lights Up the Holidays

Arizona's holiday season gets a shiny boost with an array of lighting festivals and twinkling displays to delight individuals and families of all ages. Be sure to check the websites for individual dates, times and entry information.

Greater Phoenix

World's Largest Drive-Through Animated Light Show

‍‍Founded in 2016, World of Illumination has two locations in the Valley — one in Glendale and one in Tempe. Bring the whole family for this spectacular drive-thru experience of stunning lit holiday-themed displays that are synced to your favorite holiday songs.

ZooLights

‍‍Adventure is everywhere at one of the Valley's favorite holiday traditions, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. Embrace the holiday spirit as more than four million twinkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland with over two miles of glimmering tree-lined trails, dozens of life-like animal lanterns and the tallest floating tree in North America, featuring an all-new light show.

Glendale Glitters Spectacular

‍‍The nighttime sky over Murphy Park lights up with twinkling lights as part of this annual tradition. Opening night activities frequently include holiday entertainment, food, crafts, children's wonderland and snow and horse-drawn carriage rides. The festivities continue throughout the holiday season with  interactive displays, local shops and vendors, delicious seasonal treats, carolers and even Santa Claus himself.

Las Noches de las Luminarias

‍‍Each night of Luminaria, the Desert Botanical Garden comes to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and unexpected views of familiar spaces. Walk along the garden paths and be entertained by the sights and sounds of nine entertainment ensembles.

North Central Arizona

Christmas City Parade and Courthouse Lighting

Experience the magic of Prescott, aka Arizona's Christmas City, with signature, family-friendly events in the historic downtown area. Kick off the festive season with the annual Holiday Light Parade and Bonfire Festival. Enjoy the dazzling displays at the Christmas Parade and Annual Courthouse Lighting that ends with fireworks.

Wildlights and Animal Sights

‍‍Visit the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, which transforms into a holiday wonderland with spectacular light displays, festive holiday decorations and music. Don't miss the gift shop to find some special holiday gifts.

victorian christmas and Candlelight Tours

‍‍Enjoy the celebration of a Victorian Christmas with traditional candlelight tours provided by re-enactors dressed in period clothing.

Southern Arizona

Winterhaven Festival of Lights

‍‍The central Tucson neighborhood of Winterhaven adorns itself each holiday season with lavish lights and holiday décor. Tour the lights on a hayride wagon, bus trolley, a pedal-powered group bike or on foot.

LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination

‍‍Designed by nationally known public garden landscape architect Tres Fromme, a carefully curated and artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences transforms the Tucson Botanical Gardens into a compelling holiday show. Six distinct thematic zones with their own unique color palettes lead visitors through more than a million lights, custom-built oversized installations and pieces created by local artisans such as luminaria chandeliers and archways.

Western Arizona

12 Days of Christmas

Bring the family for a stroll under the London Bridge along the walkway or take your boat on a night cruise through the Bridgewater Channel. Get into the holiday spirit with twinkling lights and joyful music throughout the holiday season. Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, roast s’mores by the fire pits, drop off your letters to Santa and watch out for a mischievous visit from The Grinch. Or enjoy delicious bites from local food vendors and sip on cheerful holiday drinks.

Dorothy Young Memorial Electric Light Parade

‍Yuma's favorite holiday tradition returns. This all-ages event features marching bands, floats and vehicles decorated with beautiful Christmas lights.

Dates of events are subject to change, please check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information. Header image credit: Michael Wilson.