Christmas Lights in and near Phoenix, AZ 2024-2025

It wouldn't be Christmas without twinkling light displays that brighten up the darkest winter nights and fill our hearts with joy. Phoenix is a great place to celebrate the season with its holiday lights and events galore. So choose the most appealing light show, drive-thru, or train ride, and hurry up for Christmas in Phoenix, as the season is mostly over by early January.

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (November 27, 2024–January 12, 2025)

Phoenix Zoo is considered by many to be a favorite holiday destination, as it hosts one of the largest lighting displays in the Southwest. Millions of lights go on nightly at 5:30 pm and shine through 10:30 pm. ZooLights traditionally features lighted animal sculptures and a Wildlife Lantern Safari complete with 66 glowing animal lanterns. A general walk-thru ticket costs $20 per person, whereas drive-thru admission costs $75 per vehicle. The last entry is at 9:30 pm.

Visitors can indulge in delightful treats at the s'mores pits and enjoy hot cocoa while immersing in the festive ambiance. Everyone can stroll through the expansive light tunnel, seize the opportunity for a memorable photo with Santa, and cherish the moments created in this enchanting setting. Music, light shows, and artist performances are also on the program. Here, you can find more about the Phoenix ZooLights event.

World of Illumination: Enchanted Safari and Rockin' Christmas (November 15–December 29, 2024)

Another must-see is the World of Illumination, labeled the world's largest drive-thru animated light show. In Arizona, it occurs at Tempe Diablo Stadium, just east of Phoenix, 6 miles (10 km) south of the zoo, and also at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale, about 16 miles (26 km) northwest of downtown Phoenix. Each show has a different theme: Enchanted Safari for Tempe and Rockin' Christmas for Glendale. So choose one and set off to explore a mile-long corridor illuminated with millions of lights synced to your favorite Christmas tunes. Admission starts at $39.99 plus tax per vehicle, with light shows running nightly from 6 pm to 10 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, from November 15 to December 29, and on select Mondays—December 9, 16, and 22.

If you're in Arizona and seeking a new holiday tradition or the iconic spot to take your special someone for a festive date night, each of these places is perfect for creating lasting memories.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden (November 29–December 30, 2024; on select dates)

Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Las Noches de las Luminarias by wandering through luminaria-lit trails, enjoying twinkling holiday lights, live musical performances, and festive food and drinks. This year, the Garden offers an even more enchanting experience with the introduction of LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO. This limited-time exhibit blends nature and light in a stunning display of geometric brilliance, transforming the Garden into a captivating landscape. As the sun sets, LIGHT BLOOM illuminates the desert with intricate light installations, casting vibrant colors and intricate shadows across the scenery.

The LIGHT BLOOM exhibit runs from October 12 to January 20, while Las Noches de las Luminarias will last on November 29-30, December 1, December 6-7, 13-15, 18-23, 26-30. Las Noches de las Luminarias is available to explore from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Admission prices are $36.95 for adult members and $41.95 for general admission, while children's tickets are priced at $14.95 for members and $16.95 for general admission. Gather your loved ones and create unforgettable holiday memories at the Garden. To find out more about the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, click here.

Christmas at the Princess (November 22, 2024–January 4, 2025)

For a perfect family holiday experience, visit the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, a stunning destination that captures the magic of Christmas. Located about 23 miles (37 km) northeast of downtown Phoenix, the resort hosts the annual Christmas at the Princess event, where its lagoons sparkle with 10 million brilliant LED lights. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or take a scenic ride on one of the two Princess Express Trains, passing through glowing infinity tunnels, pirate ships, and mermaid displays. The Enchanted Plaza offers mesmerizing light and music shows, while the festivities wouldn't be complete without ice skating, roasting marshmallows, making s'mores, and visits with Santa.

General admission tickets are priced at $35 per person, with complimentary entry for children aged 3 and under. Note that general admission does not include parking. Both self-parking and valet options are available, with self-parking costing $35 per vehicle and valet parking priced at $120 per vehicle. Ice skating passes are available for $35, and the Santa photo experience is offered for $50.

Christmas at the Princess's schedule is from Monday to Thursday, hours are from 5 pm to 10 pm, while on Fridays through Sundays, the event is open from 4 pm to 11 pm. Starting December 18, the daily hours extend from 4 pm to 11 pm.

Holiday Train Rides at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (November 29–December 30, 2024)

There's another place offering glittering train rides, with better proximity to downtown Phoenix—McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Here, you'll immerse yourself in more than a million Christmas lights while riding a steam-powered locomotive of the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. The lights will shine from 6 pm through 9:30 pm. Apart from the holiday train, there will be a historical Charros Carousel and traditional Christmas refreshments such as hot cocoa. The admission is $15 and includes both train and carousel rides. Kids aged two and younger enter for free. Note that there will be no Holiday Lights on December 24 and 25.

Regardless of numerous Christmas light events, you can always browse Phoenix's area at your own pace and see how locals decorate their neighborhoods. Who knows, maybe you'll discover a stunning home display masterpiece that will outshine all the rest.