Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Phoenix (2026)
Desert garden luminarias, glowing neighborhoods, drive-through shows and festive downtowns across the Valley, with the details that make a good night out.
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Phoenix does Christmas lights its own way: luminarias tucked among desert plants, a tree made from tumbleweeds, palm-lined resort grounds and whole residential streets joining in. You can spend a full evening at a big light show or keep it simple with a free downtown stroll and dinner.
For a first big outing, we'd choose ZooLights. Las Noches de las Luminarias is our pick for a date or visiting family, while Christmas at the Princess goes all in on the holiday spectacle. For a free evening, start with the Mesa Temple, Glendale Glitters or the Scottsdale Waterfront.
This guide covers the best Christmas lights in Phoenix and across the Valley, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Surprise, Queen Creek and Litchfield Park. The right choice often comes down to your side of town, so build the night around one main stop and give yourself time to enjoy it.
Phoenix Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | 2026 dates | Admission | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo (Papago Park) | Nov 25–Jan 15 | $35/person | The best all-around family lights night |
| Las Noches de las Luminarias (Desert Botanical Garden) | Select nights Nov 27–Jan 3 | Adults $39.95–$44.95 | A distinctly Arizona holiday evening |
| Christmas at the Princess (North Scottsdale) | Nov 20–Jan 2 | From $35; parking extra | The full-evening holiday splurge |
| Jingle at JW Marriott Desert Ridge (North Phoenix) | Nov 18–Jan 3 | Per activity or bundle; parking extra | Resort lights with a major indoor display |
| McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale) | Nov 27–Dec 30; closed Dec 24–25 | $15 ages 3+ | Young kids and anyone who loves a train ride |
| The Desert Lights Festival (Surprise) | Nov 20–Dec 27; closed Dec 25 | $24.95–$25.95 ages 3+ | Active kids who want to play between the lights |
| Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek) | Select nights Nov 27–Dec 27; closed Dec 25 | $19.95–$27.95; train extra | A farm Christmas with a light-show train |
| Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest (Southeast Mesa) | Dec 4–23 | $15/person | A casual farm outing at a lower price |
| Arizona Christmas Lights (Gilbert) | Dec 4–27; closed Dec 7–8, 14–15 and 25 | From $12.95 adult | A compact synchronized light show |
| Riparian After Dark (Gilbert) | Dec 11–22 | Ticketed; reserve online | A gentle evening walk in a nature setting |
| World of Illumination: Candy Rush (West Valley) | Nov 12–Jan 3, select nights | From $39.99/car | A big light show from your own car |
| World of Illumination: Reindeer Road (Tempe) | Nov 13–Jan 3, select nights | From $39.99/car | The East Valley drive-through |
| Glendale Glitters (Historic Downtown Glendale) | Nov 27–Jan 1 | Free | The classic free West Valley lights stroll |
| Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights (Downtown Mesa) | Nov 27–Dec 30 | Free | A substantial free garden-lights outing |
| Scottsdazzle and the Scottsdale Waterfront (Old Town) | Nov 28–Dec 31 | Free to stroll | A lights walk before or after dinner |
| Sparkling Surprise (Surprise Community Park) | Dec 4–27 | Free | A family park walk in the northwest Valley |
| Merry Main Street (Downtown Mesa) | Nov 27–Jan 9 | Free to stroll | A tree, dinner and an optional skate |
| Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree (Downtown Chandler) | Lighting Dec 5; later schedule to come | Free | The most Arizona Christmas photo |
| Ahwatukee's Chandler Boulevard Lights | Returning for 2026; dates to come | Free | A simple holiday drive through white lights |
| Moon Valley (North Phoenix) | 2026 dates to come | Free | A neighborhood wander with variety |
| Christmas on Comstock (Gilbert) | 2026 dates to come | Free; donations welcome | A coordinated neighborhood light show |
| Agritopia (Gilbert) | Varies by household | Free | A residential stroll with an old-fashioned feel |
| Grayhawk Christmas Street (North Scottsdale) | 2026 dates to come | Free; donations welcome | A neighborhood tradition with a charitable spirit |
| North Phoenix Lights (Central Ave. and Union Hills) | 2026 dates to come | Free; donations welcome | A carefully produced display at one home |
The Best Ticketed and Drive-Through Christmas Light Shows in Phoenix
Choose the experience your group will enjoy most, then build dinner and travel around it. Visit lengths are our planning estimates; allow extra time for busy lines.
The two World of Illumination drive-throughs at the end of this list run Tuesday–Sunday, plus Mondays Dec 7, 14, 21 and 28, and one ticket covers everyone in the car. Cruise ZooLights is a separate drive-through night at the Phoenix Zoo on Jan 17, 2027, with its own reservation. Four of these, the Princess, JW Desert Ridge, The Desert Lights Festival and Schnepf Farms, also have ice rinks; our Phoenix holiday ice skating guide has the prices.
ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
When several generations need to agree on a holiday outing, ZooLights is the one we'd book. The zoo has room for a proper evening wander, with animal-shaped light sculptures, a long illuminated tunnel and the Lake Lights Show giving everyone something to look forward to. Take your time around the water instead of racing between photo stops. Go for the lights: most live animals aren't visible during the event. Details: 5:30–10:30 p.m. · Allow: 2–3 hours. Members pay $30 and kids 2 and under are free. Dec 8 is a separately ticketed Sensory Friendly ZooLights evening with reduced flashing and softer music.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
For us, this is the most memorable way to show an out-of-town guest Christmas in the desert. Glowing luminarias lead you along the garden paths, musicians give you a reason to linger, and the desert plants stay part of the scene. It suits a date, an evening with parents or anyone who'd rather wander slowly with a warm drink. Details: 5:30–9:30 p.m. on operating nights · Allow: 2–3 hours. Operating nights are Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23 and 26–31; and Jan 1–3. Ages 2–17 are $18.95, and parking is free.
Christmas at the Princess
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
The Princess is the most extravagant version of a Phoenix Christmas night: glowing resort grounds, a train, big light displays and enough rides and seasonal stops to keep a family busy for hours. It works just as well for a dressed-up date if you build the evening around a few favorites and a drink by the lights. Day visitors are welcome; you don't need a hotel room. Details: Vary by date; check your reservation · Allow: 3–4 hours or a full evening. Standard admission doesn't include parking, so book it at the same time (some packages bundle both). Village attractions are limited on Nov 30.
Jingle at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
Jingle suits a resort evening with more than outdoor lights. Follow the Christmas Tree Trail, take in the illuminated grounds and add whichever activities appeal to your group. The headline for 2026 is ICE! featuring Elf, a walk-through of carved ice scenes with ice slides. Hotel guests and day visitors can both attend. Details: Vary by activity and date · Allow: 2–3 hours, longer with dinner. ICE! needs a timed ticket and is kept at 9°F; parkas are supplied. Budget for resort parking.
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
For a small child, a train through the lights can be the whole point of Christmas. The Railroad Park keeps that front and center, with illuminated scenes along the track, carousel rides and model trains to explore. It's one of the easiest paid picks when you want a special outing without committing to a resort-sized night. Details: 5:30–9:30 p.m., timed arrival · Allow: 1.5–2 hours. Admission covers the train and carousel, and kids 2 and under are free. Busy nights can still mean ride lines.
The Desert Lights Festival
14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA
Formerly Desert Farm Lights, this festival is built for families who want to keep moving. The Candy Cane Maze, illuminated swings, a train and play attractions make the lights more than a backdrop for photos. West Valley families who'd rather make one substantial stop will get the most out of it. Details: Opens 5 p.m.; closes 10 or 11 p.m. depending on the date · Allow: 2–3 hours. Skating costs extra and the event is cashless. The parking entrance closes an hour before the festival does.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, USA
Schnepf is a strong southeast Valley pick for a whole-family evening. The farm gives you room to move between festive activities, photo stops and fires, while the Illumination Express carries you through the synchronized lights. The train is the reason we'd put it on a lights itinerary. Details: 5–10 p.m.; twilight entry from 7:30 p.m. · Allow: 2–3 hours. Generally open Thursday–Sunday, then nightly Dec 21–27 except Christmas Day. The train is $10 extra for ages 3+, parking is free, and the farm has uneven ground.
Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest
4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
Christmas Fest is a cheerful choice for families who want lights and space to play. The giant ornament, cornstalk tree and musical Christmas tree supply the photo stops, while the open play area and farm animals keep younger kids busy in between. It feels like an evening at the farm with Christmas woven through it. Details: 5:30–9:30 p.m. Sun.–Thu.; until 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. · Allow: 1.5–2.5 hours. The train, corn maze and mega slide are closed for this event. Santa photos run Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–23.
Arizona Christmas Lights
3015 E Warner Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
Arizona Christmas Lights sits nicely between a quick stop and a big night out. The walk-through display at Valor Christian Center pairs synchronized lights with Christmas music, with cocoa and kids' activities along the way, so you get a proper show without an all-night expedition. For something extra, pick a drone-show night between Dec 18 and 23. Details: 6–9:30 p.m. Sun.–Thu.; until 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. · Allow: About an hour, longer with extras. Regular tickets are $12.95 adults and $9.95 ages 3–12; drone nights are $17.95 and $14.95. Tax is extra, under-3s are free and so is parking.
Riparian After Dark
2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
Choose Riparian After Dark when the walk itself is part of the appeal. Holiday lights follow the preserve's paths, which gives the evening a different feel from a resort or a ride-filled festival, and it pairs easily with dinner elsewhere in Gilbert. The route uses paved paths suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers. Details: 5:30–9 p.m.; last admission 8:45 p.m. · Allow: 45–75 minutes. Park at Southeast Regional Library and use the north entrance. An earlier ticket slot leaves more time before the lights go off at 9.
World of Illumination: Candy Rush
10710 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85037, USA
Candy Rush turns your car into the viewing room for a candy-colored trip past oversized sweets, tunnels and lights moving to the music. It's the practical pick for a group that wants a big display with very little walking, or a family whose kids will happily sing along from the back seat. Details: 6–10 p.m. · Allow: 20–30 minutes in the display, plus the line. The show is marketed as Glendale, but Camelback Ranch has a Phoenix address. Prices vary by date.
World of Illumination: Reindeer Road
2200 W Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
Reindeer Road brings the same carload format to Tempe, with a trip through illuminated forests, ice caves and Santa's workshop. It's especially handy for visitors staying around Tempe or the airport and for East Valley families. Details: 6–10 p.m. · Allow: 20–30 minutes in the display, plus the line. Follow the event signs for the vehicle route rather than ordinary stadium directions, and stop for a restroom before you join the line.
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The Best Free Christmas Lights in Phoenix
Free downtown walks, park displays and one very Arizona tree, most with dinner close by.
Glendale Glitters
W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Glendale Glitters earns its place because the setting is part of the pleasure. Start around Murphy Park, wander the decorated downtown streets and make a night of the shops and restaurants, including nearby Catlin Court. It's an easy answer when you want a festive atmosphere without buying tickets for everyone. Details: Nightly 5–10 p.m. · Allow: 45–90 minutes, plus dinner.
Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights
101 S Lesueur, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA
Our first free pick in the East Valley has illuminated gardens, trees reflected in the pools and enough to see for a real evening walk. The display celebrates the birth of Jesus, with Nativity imagery woven through the grounds, so the religious character is part of the experience. Details: Nightly 5–10 p.m. · Allow: 45–75 minutes, longer with the Nativity exhibit. Admission and nearby parking are free, and you don't need to attend a service.
Scottsdazzle and the Scottsdale Waterfront
7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
We'd send a couple here when they want a festive night without making the lights the whole agenda. Walk the canal, see the holiday tree and decorations, then head into Old Town for dinner or a drink. Details: Evening stroll; event times vary · Allow: 30–60 minutes, plus dinner. The free Tree Lighting Spectacular is Nov 28, 7–9 p.m. Public parking is available around Old Town; follow posted time limits.
Sparkling Surprise
16089 N Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ 85374, USA
Sparkling Surprise is proof that a good family lights night can be uncomplicated. The park and recreation campus fill with illuminated displays, themed areas and photo stops, and the lake gives the walk a pleasant sense of space. Details: Nightly 5:30–10 p.m. · Allow: 45–75 minutes.
Merry Main Street
1 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Merry Main Street keeps things easy: a big holiday tree, festive streets and plenty of places to eat. Come for a relaxed wander or add a skate if your group wants an activity. It works well as the first half of a Mesa night before the temple lights. Details: Activity hours vary · Allow: 30–60 minutes for the lights. Skating has its own admission and schedule. Leave time for dinner between downtown and the temple.
Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree
3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA
A tree made from tumbleweeds is exactly the sort of holiday tradition you hope to find in Arizona. Chandler's illuminated tree makes a great photo stop after dark, especially paired with dinner downtown. Details: Dec 5 celebration 4:30–9 p.m.; later viewing schedule to come · Allow: 15–30 minutes for the tree. Allow extra time for parking on Dec 5.
Neighborhood Christmas Lights Worth a Detour
These are longstanding Valley traditions run by residents, not venues. Each sets its own schedule, so check the current neighborhood or owner announcement before a dedicated trip. When you go, stay on public streets and sidewalks, park legally, keep music low and leave driveways clear.
Ahwatukee's Chandler Boulevard Lights
S 24th St & E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048, USA
White lights threaded through the Chandler Boulevard medians make one of the Valley's prettiest simple holiday drives. Make a slow pass through the corridor or enjoy it from the sidewalks; it's an easy, low-effort option if another ticketed night doesn't fit. The lights are returning for 2026, with exact dates still to come. Where: Chandler Boulevard between S. 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. The separate Light Up Ahwatukee festival is at a different location.
Moon Valley Christmas Lights
N Coral Gables Dr & W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023, USA
Moon Valley is the neighborhood we'd keep near the top of the list for homemade Christmas lights. The fun is in the variety, from carefully decorated homes to bigger statement displays, and the streets reward a little wandering. Participation varies from block to block, and an earlier evening is kinder to residents. Where: Start near W. Thunderbird Road and N. Coral Gables Drive.
Christmas on Comstock
E Comstock Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
If you love the moment a whole street seems to join the same Christmas song, keep an eye on Comstock. The neighborhood's coordinated animated display has a charitable spirit, and it has historically been free with donations welcome. Follow the traffic and music instructions the neighborhood posts. Where: E. Comstock Drive, Gilbert.
Agritopia Neighborhood Lights
E Valencia St, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
Agritopia suits people who'd rather stroll a neighborhood than follow a programmed route. Residents decorate their homes and streets, and the Valencia Street area is often known locally as Candy Cane Lane. Nearby food turns it into an easy Gilbert night, but don't assume commercial parking lots are open to light viewers. Where: E. Valencia Street and surrounding residential streets, Gilbert.
Grayhawk Christmas Street
E Rose Garden Ln & N 76th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Grayhawk's Christmas Street is the north Scottsdale tradition to watch. Decorated homes and the longstanding Cocoa Hut fundraiser for St. Mary's Food Bank give the block a warm, community feel. Leave time to walk slowly and enjoy the residents' work. Where: N. 76th Way and E. Rose Garden Lane in Montevina, Scottsdale.
North Phoenix Lights
18639 N 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027, USA
North Phoenix Lights shows how much imagination can fit into one residential display. It's a concentrated stop for anyone who enjoys the craft of a home light show, with optional donations supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Treat it as a short visit and give the neighbors plenty of room. Where: 18639 N. 1st Avenue, Phoenix, near Central Avenue and Union Hills.
Light Parades and Tree Lightings
These happen on one date only. Make one the evening's main event and allow time for crowds, parking and the trip home. Tree lightings at Desert Ridge Marketplace, Westgate, Tempe Marketplace and The Wigwam are in the dates table below.
APS Electric Light Parade
N Central Ave & E Montebello Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Illuminated entries make their way through central Phoenix, and the pleasure is settling into a spot and watching the parade arrive. Bring layers and reach the route early. When: Saturday, Dec 5, 7 p.m., starting at Central and Montebello avenues. Road closures run 5–11 p.m. Viewing is free.
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
W 3rd St & S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Downtown Tempe's lively kickoff brings floats and performers down Mill Avenue, followed by the tree lighting at CenterPoint Plaza. Arrive early to eat and find a spot. When: Saturday, Nov 28, 4–8 p.m.; the parade steps off at 6 from Mill Avenue and 3rd Street. Free.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
The most distinctive one-night lights outing in the Valley. Decorated boats cross Tempe Town Lake, with a holiday market, entertainment and food at Tempe Beach Park and fireworks to finish. When: Saturday, Dec 12, 4–9 p.m. Check the parade timetable and the clear-bag policy before you go. Free.
Christmas Lights Dates to Know in Phoenix
| Date | Event | Time and details |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 23 | Desert Ridge Marketplace tree lighting | 6–9 p.m.; switch-on 7:15 |
| Nov 24 | Westgate tree lighting, Glendale | 6:30–9 p.m.; switch-on 7 |
| Nov 25 | Tempe Marketplace tree lighting | 6–8 p.m.; switch-on 7 |
| Nov 27 | The Wigwam tree lighting, Litchfield Park | 5–8 p.m. |
| Nov 27 | Merry Main Street kickoff | 5–10 p.m. |
| Nov 27–28 | Glendale Glitters kickoff | 5–10 p.m.; lights continue nightly after |
| Nov 28 | Tempe street parade + tree lighting | 4–8 p.m.; parade at 6 |
| Nov 28 | Scottsdazzle tree lighting | 7–9 p.m. |
| Dec 5 | Chandler Tumbleweed Tree celebration | 4:30–9 p.m. |
| Dec 5 | APS Electric Light Parade | Parade at 7 p.m. |
| Dec 8 | Sensory Friendly ZooLights | 5:30–10:30 p.m.; separate ticket |
| Dec 12 | Tempe boat parade | 4–9 p.m. |
| Jan 17 | Cruise ZooLights | Drive-through; separate reservation |
Planning a Phoenix Christmas Lights Night
A free night in Mesa. Start at Merry Main Street for the tree and dinner, then head east to the Mesa Temple grounds. Allow about 2.5–3.5 hours with food; the pairing works Nov 27–Dec 30.
A Scottsdale date. Have dinner in Old Town and finish with a stroll along the Waterfront during Scottsdazzle. For a bigger occasion, give Las Noches de las Luminarias its own evening.
Young children. Book an early arrival at the Railroad Park and let the train and carousel be the event. Kids who'd rather run around between activities will like Vertuccio or The Desert Lights Festival. Plan around bedtime.
Before you go: choose one side of the Valley per evening, compare the full bill (drive-throughs charge per car, most walk-throughs per person, and parking, skating and train add-ons can be extra), and bring a layer, since warm afternoons turn chilly after dark.
Make it a full evening with our guides to Phoenix's most festive Christmas restaurants, Christmas and holiday markets and Christmas bars.
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