Best Things to Do in Arizona in the December Holiday Season

December arrives with a sense of joy that feels almost irresistible across Arizona. Streets glow with warm lights, towns fill with music, and the air carries a festive spark that invites everyone to slow down and savor the season. At Good Life Vacations, we love this time of year because it brings families, friends, and travelers together in a way that feels comforting and familiar. It is a month filled with cozy night markets, cheerful parades, outdoor adventures, and classic holiday traditions that return year after year. From lantern festivals and winter concerts to the sweet smell of tamales and chocolate treats in Scottsdale, December offers something for every kind of holiday seeker. You may want peaceful evenings under soft lights, lively outings with music and crowds, or a chance to explore Arizona’s winter beauty with snow, slopes, and Santa. No matter your plans, this is the perfect time to make new memories and enjoy a cheerful break from your daily routine. Explore our handpicked things to do in Arizona in December to enjoy the holiday season and find festive moments that match the way you love to celebrate. Let the season guide you, and discover the magic that unfolds all month long.

Holiday Magic Awaits: Explore December’s Top Events

Tianyu Lights Festival

Oct 24, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

The Tianyu Lights Festival brings a soft holiday glow to Phoenix. The festival invites you to wander through glowing scenes filled with Bugs Aglow, Color of Holidays, Rainforest, and even playful Prehistoric Animals. If you have a furry friend at home, save Saturday, December 6, for Twinkle Tail Night, a sweet pet-friendly evening that always draws smiles. After exploring the lights, grab a warm treat at the Food Court and browse the Marketplace for handcrafted gifts that make the night even more special.

Best Things to Do in Arizona in the December Holiday Season

Holiday Magic Awaits: Explore December’s Top Events

Tianyu Lights Festival

Oct 24, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

The Polar Express

Nov 07, 2025 – Dec 30, 2025

Williams, AZ

The Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express is a classic holiday experience that feels just as magical for adults as it does for kids. Each winter, families gather in Williams to board the festive train and take a cozy journey through the quiet nighttime desert toward the “North Pole”. Children sip hot chocolate, nibble on chocolate chip cookies, and listen to the timeless story that brings this whole adventure to life. With nightly departures at 5:30 and 7:30, the ride feels calm, cheerful, and perfectly lit for the holidays.

ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo

Nov 26, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is a holiday tradition that just never loses its magic. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by millions of twinkling lights that instantly put you in a festive mood. The zoo transforms into a glowing winter wonderland, with over two miles of sparkling, tree-lined paths and dozens of beautifully crafted animal lanterns lighting the way. One of the highlights is the towering floating tree, the tallest in North America, now paired with an all-new light show that makes it feel even more enchanting.

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights

Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 30, 2025

Mesa, AZ

The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights display is one of those holiday traditions that instantly fills you with a sense of peace and joy. Each night, the temple grounds glow with hundreds of thousands of vibrant lights wrapped around palm trees, citrus, cacti, and every corner of the landscape. As you wander through, you’ll also find beautifully crafted biblical vignettes that gently share the story of Christmas. It’s the kind of gentle, heartwarming outing that can become a treasured holiday ritual.

Glistening Gardens

Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026

Scottsdale, AZ

Step into the dreamy magic of Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland, where the holidays meet the rainforest most charmingly. This cozy indoor escape feels like stepping into another world, with soft lights guiding you along lush garden paths. All around you, butterflies glide through the air, adding a touch of wonder to the Conservatory. The entire space is dressed in sparkling holiday decorations, creating a gentle, glow-filled atmosphere that feels perfect for strolls with family and friends.

APS Electric Light Parade

Dec 06, 2025

Phoenix, AZ

The APS Electric Light Parade feels like a community celebration under the stars. This beloved Phoenix tradition brings families, friends, and neighbors together for a magical evening filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer. The parade winds through downtown Phoenix, starting at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, and travels along a glowing 2.3-mile route filled with floats, light-covered displays, marching bands, and festive energy. As night falls and the floats begin, the streets become alive with color and warmth.

Annual Prescott Christmas Parade

Dec 07, 2025

Prescott, AZ

Each year, the streets of downtown Prescott light up with holiday cheer during the Annual Prescott Christmas Parade. With over 80 festive floats, marching bands, community groups, and cheerful performers, it brings together neighbors, families, and visitors in one joyful celebration. On parade day, you’ll see vibrant decorations, creative floats, and smiling faces as locals line the sidewalks, bundled up and ready for laughter, music, and holiday spirit.

Courthouse Lighting & Fireworks

Dec 07, 2025

Prescott, AZ

Every December, the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott transforms into something magical for the Annual Courthouse Lighting & Fireworks. As night falls, live holiday music begins, and soon after, the crowd gathers in eager anticipation. The historic courthouse and the surrounding trees burst into light, hundreds of twinkling bulbs turning the square into a holiday glow. Then the sky lights up too, with a fireworks display that makes the evening feel downright magical.

NYElectric 2026

Dec 31, 2025

Tempe, AZ

Ring in the New Year in unforgettable style at the NYElectric 2026 Phoenix Countdown Party, hosted on the stunning rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown. This high-energy celebration is one of the hottest New Year’s Eve events in the Valley, offering 5 hours of prepaid drinks, panoramic 180° views of the city and mountains, and multiple vibrant spaces to explore. Guests can enjoy top Arizona DJs spinning House, chic cabana seating, a wrap-around bar, and festive party favors that keep the night glowing.

Arrive in Arizona on a quiet Sunday afternoon and feel the warm desert sun fade into a cool evening sky. Begin your days with calm mornings on the patio, then explore red rock trails or wander through charming desert towns. When night settles in, gather by the fire with hot cocoa or wine and enjoy the clear, starry sky. Our Arizona vacation rentals give you comfort, space, and a peaceful base for both adventure and rest. Enjoy it all with 15% off when you check in Sunday through Wednesday from November through December 17 using promo code ‘WEEKDAY15’.

Wake up to soft winter sunlight and start the day with coffee on a warm Arizona patio. The air feels crisp, the sky bright, and the mood easy as the holiday season begins. Spend your days on red rock trails, wandering through outdoor markets, or exploring small desert towns dressed in twinkling lights. Evenings bring glowing sunsets, simple holiday traditions, and quiet time with the people you love. Make this season even sweeter with 10% off stays in our Arizona vacation homes when you use promo code ‘GOODLIFE’.