Viewing holiday lights displays has been a holiday tradition for many families throughout the decades.
Phoenix may not have snow, snowmen or ice sculptures, but the holiday decorations are stunning.
From more formal corporate driven displays to neighborhoods who go above and beyond, there is something for everyone, in just about every Phoenix neighborhood.
I’m not going to re-write an already wonderfully written article that was posted in the Phoenix New Times on November 21, 2016. Benjamin Leatherman does a great job highlighting the “Holiday Lights in Metro Phoenix: 12 Must-See Displays in 2016.”
I will give you the addresses and hours, but click the link above to see a full description. Leatherman gives you a full description of each of the homes offerings.
Candy Cane Lane
2801 East Pinchot Avenue
Dates and Times: On display nightly from Thanksgiving through January 1, starting at 5 p.m.
Emilio Palacio’s South Park Tribute
7734 North 41st Avenue
Dates and Times: On display nightly from December 1 through January 1 starting at dusk
Chickie Sirakis’ Superhero Display
6060 West Charter Oak Road, Glendale
Dates and Times: Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 5 to 11 p.m. from Thanksgiving until January 4
Loop of Lights
Pecan Creek Drive and Carolina Avenue, San Tan Valley
Dates and Times: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly, from December 1 until December 25
Christmas Spectacular
8535 South Stanley Place, Tempe
Dates and Times: On display nightly, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., from Thanksgiving weekend through January 1
Natal Circle
663 W. Natal Circle, Mesa
Dates and Times: Running nightly, 5 to 11 p.m., from Thanksgiving weekend through January 1
Christmas in Scottsdale
8543 East Avalon Drive, Scottsdale
Dates and Times: Sunday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m., through January 3
Phoenix Winter Wonderland
4237 West State Avenue
Dates and Times: Open every night in December, 6 to 10 p.m.
Chris Birkett’s Winter Wonderland
8414 East Valley Vista Drive, Scottsdale
Dates and Times: Nightly, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., from December 6 through December 31
Tasker Residence
8211 South 63rd Avenue, Laveen
Dates and Times: Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 6 p.m. until 1 a.m., from Thanksgiving weekend through January 2
Sepanek Residence
4415 East Calle Tuberia
Dates and Times: Nightly, 5 to 10 p.m., from Thanksgiving weekend through January 1
Christmas on Comstock
3642 East Comstock Drive, Gilbert
Dates and Times: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends from December 1 until December 30.
Corporate Organized Events
For a more corporate organized lights display there are many events around the valley to take the family to. Among them are these annual events. It doesn’t matter if you take your family every year, the events are always a joy and sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
ZooLights is an annual holiday tradition taking holiday lights displays to another level. The event features 3-D and 4-D animal sculptures and music. There is an admission charge; however your money goes towards the care of more than 1,400 animals. ZooLights is the largest annual fundraiser for the Phoenix Zoo.
November 23 through January 8, 2017
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive
Now in its seventh year, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess creates a magical wonderland in the midst of the desert, including an ice skating rink.
New features this year include Santa’s Secret Headquarters, where the whole family can stop by to have their portraits taken. And who would want to miss out on S’mores Land & Campfires, a mystical winter play land.
The resort is beautifully decorated for both the young and young-at-heart to enjoy.
November 22 – January 1, 2017
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Hot cider, hand bells, Mariachis and 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, I’m sold! The already beautiful landscapes of the gardens are heightened by thousands of twinkle lights along the paths creating the scene for a romantic holiday event.
Food, beverages and live entertainment are also a part of this lovely event. We do recommend purchasing advanced tickets, as the event is known to sell out.
November 25 – December 31
Glendale Glitters
Glendale’s award-winning holiday lighting event comes to life each holiday season with 1.5 million LED multi-colored twinkling holiday lights located throughout a twelve-block area that includes the Historic Glendale area.
Something new this year is a walk-through ornament light attraction allowing guests to feel as if they are surrounded by lights.
There is no cost to walk or drive around the area.
November 25 through January 7, 2017
Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens Christmas Lights
Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
The annual Mesa Temple Garden Christmas Lights display attracts over a million visitors each year.
The holiday display conveys peace and goodwill of the season with a unique and spectacular exhibit featuring thousands of colorful lights concert performances by local musical groups and more.
Free admission, free parking and within walking distance of the Valley Metro Light Rail stop on Main Street and Mesa Drive.
Friday, November 25 through Saturday, December 31
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
Take the train route through the fifty thousand lights, plus seasonal decorated displays that turn the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland.
Free admission. Train ($4) and carousel rides ($2). 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
December 9 – January 1, 2017 (closed December 24, 25, and 31)