Check out our guide to holiday activities in Arizona!
INTERACTIVE MAP FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
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Our Top Ten Free Holiday Activities
1. Free Digital Photos with Santa
Desert Ridge Marketplace – Located Inside The District Near AMC Theatres
Sunday, December 8 | 4PM – 6PM
Capture a magical memory with Santa inside The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Receive a complimentary digital holiday photo that can be texted or emailed directly to you for sharing!
2. Arizona’s Largest Christmas Tree in Anthem
This year’s white fir tree measures 70-feet tall and will be topped with a three-foot tall copper star, which is a nod to the state’s official metal. More than 1.5 miles of LED lights, approximately 10,000 bulbs, will illuminate the tree and roughly 5,000 ornaments and bows will finish off the breathtaking spectacle. The festivities start at 5pm.
3. Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Dec 14: One of the Valley’s most unique holiday events and a celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and spectacular fireworks show. This event is free and family friendly. 4-8pm. For more details and schedule of events, please visit: downtowntempe.com/BoatParade
4. Cookies N Cocoa
Tempe – Friday, December 13th!
As always, this is a FREE event where families can come and experience the hope and joy of Christmas! Get free cookies, free cocoa, free pictures with Santa, meet Mrs. Clause, and more! Cookies N’ Cocoa is an event that was started in 2019 after founder, Cierra Chamot, lost her best friend, Heather, in a car accident. Heather was a school teacher and loved both her students and Christmas so Cierra wanted to do something that honored both those things and kept Heather’s memory alive.
More information can be found at: cookiesncocoa.org
5. Christmas Adventure
Hope Church Lutheran
3030 E Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix
Dec 8: Kids, come on out and build a nativity scene, using graham crackers, frosting and candy. Yum! And, there will be hot chocolate for you to enjoy while you’re working! 10:30am-11:30am
6. APS Electric Light Parade
Central Phoenix
Dec 7: For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been an event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city come together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The “It’s Electric” themed parade starts at 7pm beginning at Central and Montebello Avenues and travel south on Central Avenue, then east on Camelback Road, then south on 7th Street ending at Indian School Road.
7. Scottsdazzle
Old Town Scottsdale
Santa at the Market, Dec 7, 14, 21: Scottsdale’s beloved farmers market gets into the holiday spirit with a very special guest — Santa! Santa will visit the market to spread some holiday cheer. Children can sit with Santa and receive a printed photo to cherish for years! 8am-1pm. Many market vendors offer special items throughout the season so shoppers can check off their holiday lists while they pick up delicious local produce, artisans breads and other delicious items.
Ultimate Family Play Date, Dec 7: Hosted by Scottsdale Public Library, this is sure to stir up some holiday spirit! Bring the whole family to this free, winter-themed play date extravaganza featuring interactive art, science, sports and more fun activities. Look for the Grinch at the playdate and catch a fun photo with him! Free to attend. 9am-1pm at the Scottsdale Civic Center
8. Holidays in Downtown Tempe
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Dec 14: One of the Valley’s most unique holiday events and a celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and spectacular fireworks show. This event is free and family friendly. 4-8pm. For more details and schedule of events, please visit: downtowntempe.com/BoatParade
9. Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival
Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park
Located at Peoria and Grand Avenues
Dec 14: Head to Old Town Peoria for holiday fun for the whole family including live music, meet-and-greets with Santa, entertainment, a variety of interactive activities and much more. Several local craft vendors will be selling gift items, and a variety of food and beverage trucks will be onsite. Don’t miss the highlights of the night, which include a tree-lighting ceremony in Osuna Park and photos with Santa! Free to attend. The fun happens from 5-9pm.
10. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
3030 E Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix
Dec 24: Come experience the hope of Christmas this year with special music, a message on “The Purpose of Christmas,” and candlelight at the conclusion of each service.
4:00 & 5:30pm – Contemporary
7:00pm – Traditional
Traditional – 8am
Contemporary – 9:30am & 11am
Livestream – 8am & 9:30am
