PHOENIX — The holiday season is upon us, which means neighborhoods are illuminated with sparkling lights, cities are hosting festivals and memories are ready to be made.
There are several events to get the whole family into the holiday spirit across the Valley.
ZooLights
The Phoenix Zoo is illuminated with nearly 4 million lights during this popular holiday event. The event has the tallest floating Christmas tree in North America.
Enjoy s'mores stations, make your way through the interactive Glow Garden and walk through the 200-foot light tunnel for amazing photo opportunities.
ZooLights is happening until Jan. 14 from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $30, $25 for members if bought in advance online. Prices go up $5 when buying at the gate.
There will be a sensory-friendly night on Dec. 4 with smaller crowds, quieter music and reduced flashing lights.
The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway.
Glendale Glitters
Head over to the Glendale Civic Center in Glendale for the annual Glendale Glitters event, happening nightly until Jan. 1.
This year, the city is celebrating 30 years of "holiday sparkle" with the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 at the Glendale Civic Center, which will kick off a season full of family fun.
Attendees can expect festive cuisine offerings, local arts and craft vendors, visits by Santa Claus and carolers spreading cheer throughout downtown Glendale, the city said.
World of Illumination
The largest drive-thru Christmas light display in Arizona will dazzle the entire family. From now until Dec. 31, pack up the family in the car and head to the Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale for a night of audio-visual experiences.
Tickets start at $39.99 per car and are available online here. The Desert Diamond Casino is located at 9431 West Northern Avenue in Glendale.
In Tempe, World of Illumination will take the family on a "supersonic holiday road trip" at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Tempe Diablo Stadium is located at 2200 West Alameda Drive.
Lights at the Farm
Starting on Dec. 1, take the family to Lights at the Farm in Mesa for an unforgettable holiday experience. This is Arizona's largest synchronized walk-through light show complete with an ice-skating rink and visits from Santa.
"There are over 2 million LED lights and displays, driven by over 12,000 computer channels, synchronized to your favorite Christmas songs," organizers said on their website.
Tickets are $15 a piece and can be bought here. The address is 4011 South Power Road in Mesa.
Enchant at Salt River Fields
"A mischievous little elf named Eddie and his pal Sparky the reindeer have misplaced eight toys meant for children on Santa’s list! Help find the missing toys before Santa’s big night!"
Enchant at Salt River Fields, which is presented by Hallmark Channel, is now open until Dec. 31 and there are activities for the whole family to enjoy including an all-new light maze, The Village, where tiny storefronts open for holiday shopping, and ice-skating trail and of course, appearances from Santa at Santa's Landing.
Tickets start at $34 for adults and $25.50 for kids 3-17. Infants and toddlers under the age of three get in for free.
Enchant will be at 7555 North Pima Road in Scottsdale.
Christmas at the Princess
Find a winter wonderland in Scottsdale for Christmas at the Princess.
The event features 7.5 million holiday lights, 128 fire pits and igloos, a 6,000 square-foot ice-skating rink and a 95-foot tall Ferris wheel. Take pictures next to the Christmas tree that stands four stories tall.
The event runs until Jan. 6 and is open Monday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. On Friday through Sunday, the event is open from 4-11 p.m. You can buy tickets, which start at $35, by clicking here.
The Scottsdale Fairmont Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
With over 6 million lights dancing through a dazzling light show, this event will have the whole family in awe. There will be magical train rides, a nightly parade, stunt shows and more at the Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide.
The event takes place in Chandler and tickets start at $24.75. For more information including opening hours and dates, click here.
Sea of Lights
The SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium invites you to "Arizona’s only indoor light display with the ambiance and wonder of coming face to fin with our oceans most amazing creatures."
There will be Scuba Claus dives and chances to get up close and personal with some of the aquariums creatures.
Sea of Lights is open until Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Check their website here for ticket pricing and information.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
"Garden lights on winter nights is a must this holiday season at Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias."
Luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights make for a picture-perfect holiday season night in the desert. Experience the event on weekends from now until Jan. 1.
For ticket information, click here. The Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway.
At the theatre
Elf the Musical
What is Christmas without Buddy the Elf?
The Phoenix Theatre Company will put on Elf the Musical until Dec. 30 at the Mainstage Theatre.
"Based on the beloved 2003 film, and coming back to The Phoenix Theatre Company for a second time, this musical adaptation is a sugary treat the whole family will enjoy during the holiday season."
The show is PG-13 due to some "slightly crude humor and mild language," organizers said. Tickets start at $55, which you can purchase here.
The Nutcracker
The holiday tradition continues with The Nutcracker with Ballet Arizona and The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall. Shows will run from Dec. 8 through Dec. 24.
"Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!"
Tickets are available for purchase here and start at $35.
For more on what's happening this holiday season around the Valley, check out the Visit Phoenix list here.
