Here’s your guide to holiday attractions in the Valley
Wondering whether your favorite holiday event or attraction is happening in metro Phoenix this year?
Us too.
We can tell you what’s had to be canceled due to COVID-19: CitySkate, Chandler’s annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights, Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, ice skating at Tempe Marketplace and Westgate Entertainment District, the Phoestivus holiday market and more.
But other favorite annual traditions will go on. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ 6,000-square-foot ice skating rink will be open, and there will be meet-and-greets with Santa and a train ride through an LED-light tunnel that is now outfitted with plexiglass dividers
between train cars.
Desert Botanical Garden has adapted Las Noches de las Luminarias by welcoming masked visitors to admire 8,000 lanterns lighting up the desert sky but forgoing live entertainment to allow for social distancing.
If you decide to partake in any of these activities, keep in mind safe practices such as social distancing, wearing a face covering in any public setting, washing or sanitizing hands regularly and staying home if you have any signs of illness.
From ice skating to holiday lights and shows, here are your outdoor entertainment options in metro Phoenix in 2020.
Holiday lights
Las Noches de las Luminarias: Eight thousand lanterns light the night sky in this Southwest tradition at Desert Botanical Garden. COVID-19 precautions include limited capacity and advance reservations by phone or online.
Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 1113, 17-23 and 26-31. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. From $29.95, $10.95 for ages 3-17. 480-941-1225, https://dbg.org.
Glendale Glitters: Glendale Glitters will light up 16 blocks in downtown Glendale with 1.7 million lights for its 27th year, albeit without performances and street vendors in Murphy Park.
Details: 5-10 p.m. daily Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Jan. 9. Downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues. Free. https://www.glendaleaz.com.
World of Illumination: Admire almost 2 million lights from inside your car the the World of Illumination drivethrough parks in Glendale and Tempe. The Glendale park’s theme is “World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas.” In Tempe, enjoy “World of Illumination’s Arctic Adventure,” featuring the 32-foot tall Sunny the Snowman and his pals. Online reservations are required for both locations; no tickets will be sold at the gate.
Details: Both locations are open 6-10 p.m. daily through Sunday, Jan. 3. 6797 N. 93rd Ave., Glendale, and 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. Weekday tickets are $29 plus taxes and fees per vehicle; weekend and holiday tickets are $39 plus taxes and fees per vehicle. https://worldofillumination.com.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms: With the help of World of Illumination, the Illumination Express train takes visitors on a trip through an LED light tunnel at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. There also will be pinecone decorating, a Christmas carousel, ice skating, reindeer-feeding and mini golf. Capacity will be limited inside the shops, and staff will be wearing masks. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time and maintain social distancing.
Details: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 2; closed Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $15 online, $17 at the door; $5 with valid military ID; free for age 2 and younger. https://schnepfchristmas.com.
ZooLights: The Phoenix Zoo has two options for enjoying the millions of lights, animal sculptures and Wildlife Lantern Safari this year: Cruise ZooLights and ZooLights Walk-Thru. New sights and sounds are featured this year, kettle corn and cocoa are available for purchase. The ZooLights Walk-Thru option will be closed to foot traffic on the drive-through Cruise ZooLights nights; all tickets must be purchased in advance.
Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 31. Check website for which days are walk through and which are drive through. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. Cruise ZooLights is $75 per car; Zoo Lights Walk-Thru is $20 per person. 602-286-3800, https://www.phoenixzoo.org.
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields: This twinkling 1.2-mile drive-through experience has more than 5 million lights that will dance to music you can enjoy from your car, thanks to a designated FM radio signal, or on an electric carriage. On Thursday, Dec.10, a Hanukkah celebration will take place when the lights will turn blue and white during the 7 p.m. hour. Tickets are available at the gate; online reservations are encouraged.
Details: 5:45-10 p.m. daily through Thursday, Dec. 31. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. Ticket prices vary depending on day, type of vehicle and in-car or carriage option; check website for details. 480656-9940, https://holidaylightssrf.com .
McCormick-Stillman Park:
Railroad The holiday lights are back with limited capacity and advance reservations. Get on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and enjoy the lights and displays, then take a spin on the Charros Carousel. Masks are required inside the holiday lights fenced area for ages 6 and
up. Tickets must be purchased online.
Details: One-hour blocks at 6, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Jan. 3. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. $15, free for ages 2 and younger. 480-312-2312, https://www.therailroadpark.com.
Ice skating
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: COVID-19 considerations include timed entry for a 60-minute time slot, with reservations required. Face coverings are required when you pick up and return your skates.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Jan. 2. Mesa City Plaza, 20 E. Main St. $10. http://merrymainst.com/icerink.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Ice skating is still on at the resort’s 6,000square-foot rink this year. The cost is $35 per person, with a $7 discount if you bring your own skates. The Princess is also presenting a host of holiday lights, rides, visits with Santa and more. Day visitors can get self-parking and four wristbands for $60 per vehicle. People who arrive by ride share or walk-up can purchase a wristband for $15 each. Overnight guests get a VIP express pass. Those who spend at least $75 dining at
the resort get half off admission. According to the hotel’s website, masks are required indoors and out for everyone age 6 and older.
Details: 4-11 p.m. Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-31; 5-10 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. https://www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
Holiday shows
“A Christmas Carol”: The Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix will host an outdoor performance of “A Christmas Carol,” starring longtime Valley actress Katie McFadzen. Seating for the one-woman show will be socially distanced, and masks are required.
Details: 7 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. $22.50-$35.50. 602-252-8497, https://www.herbergertheater.org.
“Nutcracker Suite”: Ballet Arizona’s holiday tradition moves online this year. Fans can stream the “Nutcracker Suite” for 24 hours on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.
Details: 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. $20$95. 602-381-1096, https://balletaz.org.