The Ultimate 2026 Holiday Guide to the Phoenix Valley

by Alec Lebeck

Every light show, tree lighting, parade, market and holiday photo spot from Scottsdale to Buckeye, all in one place.

Palm trees wrapped in holiday lights in the Phoenix Valley

By Lacey Lebeck | House of AZ | Real Broker | @laceylebeck · @houseofarizona

Hi friend! 🎄

Every year I get the same DMs: "Where should we go to see lights?" "Is the Princess worth it?" "Where can we get cute Christmas photos without a full shoot?" So Alec and I pulled it all together for you this year.

This is my holiday guide to the Valley for 2026. It covers the big festivals, the small-town tree lightings, the free stuff, and a few studios with Christmas sets you can book. It runs across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Buckeye and the rest of the Valley. Save it, share it with your group chat, and send it to the friend who always plans the family outing.

Prefer the quick version? Swipe through my holiday calendar carousel on Instagram or watch the holiday guide on TikTok. 🎄

How to read each listing: Name (City) | Dates | Price | Link
↳ Why go, in one line.

All dates and prices come from each event's official page, checked Nov. 4, 2026. "TBA" means it hasn't been published yet. Things change, so always double-check before you head out!

⭐ Top 10 Can't-Miss

Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale) | Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 | From $35/person | christmasattheprincess.com
Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix) | Select nights Nov 27 – Jan 3 | Adults $39.95–$44.95 | dbg.org
ZooLights (Phoenix) | Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 | $35 | phoenixzoo.org
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights (Chandler) | Sat, Dec 5 | Free | chandleraz.gov
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (Tempe) | Sat, Dec 12 | Free | downtowntempe.com
Glendale Glitters (Glendale) | Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 | Free | visitdowntownglendale.com
Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek) | Nov 27 – Dec 27 (select nights) | $19.95–$27.95 | schnepfchristmas.com
Merry Main Street + Mesa Temple Lights (Mesa) | Kickoff Fri, Nov 27; lights nightly through Dec 30 | Free (ice rink $11) | merrymainst.com
APS Electric Light Parade (Phoenix) | Sat, Dec 5, 7 p.m. | Free | phoenix.gov
Surprise Party (Surprise) | Fri, Dec 4 | Free | exploresurprise.com

New this year: ice! featuring Elf at JW Marriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). 2 million pounds of carved ice and two-story ice slides, making its Phoenix debut.

✨ Lights: Walk-Throughs, Drive-Throughs & Neighborhood Displays

Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale) | Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 (Mon–Thu 5–10 p.m., Fri–Sun 4–11 p.m., daily 4–11 p.m. from Dec 17) | General admission from $35/person, premium from $70, ages 3 and under free; self-parking $35 when bought ahead | christmasattheprincess.com
↳ The Valley's biggest holiday spectacle: 17 million lights, a real-ice rink and a 120-ft Ferris wheel.

ZooLights (Phoenix) | Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027, nightly 5:30–10:30 p.m. | $35 general ($30 members), ages 2 and under free; SRP Wed/Thu nights are 2-for-$35 | phoenixzoo.org
↳ Millions of lights and a floating light show on the lake. Go Mon–Wed or after 7:30 p.m. for smaller crowds. Sensory-friendly night: Tue, Dec 8 (separate ticket).

Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix, Desert Botanical Garden) | Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3, 2027; 5–9:30 p.m. | Adults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members less) | dbg.org
↳ Thousands of glowing luminarias and live music on the desert trails, a tradition since 1978.

ice! featuring Elf & Jingle at JW Desert Ridge (Phoenix) | Nov 18, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | Ticketed; price varies by date (ages 4+ need a ticket); parking extra | jwdesertridgechristmas.com
↳ Walk through Buddy the Elf scenes carved from ice at 9°F (parkas provided) and ride the ice slides.

World of Illumination: Candy Rush (Glendale, Camelback Ranch) | Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027, Tue–Sun, 6–10 p.m. | From $39.99 per vehicle | worldofillumination.com
↳ A candy-themed drive-through, so you can stay in your PJs. One price per carload.

World of Illumination: Reindeer Road (Tempe, Tempe Diablo Stadium) | Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027, Tue–Sun, 6–10 p.m. | From $39.99 per vehicle | worldofillumination.com
↳ An East Valley drive-through with a gift-box tunnel and peppermint vortex.

Glendale Glitters (Glendale) | Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027; lights nightly 5–10 p.m.; lighting ceremony Fri, Nov 27 at 5:45 p.m.; kickoff nights Nov 27–28 | Free to stroll (no ticket listed) | visitdowntownglendale.com
↳ 33 years of tradition in Murphy Park, with carolers, vendors and Santa on kickoff weekend.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek) | Nov 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–24, 26–27 (closed Christmas Day); 5–10 p.m. | $19.95–$27.95/person, ages 2 and under free; season pass from $95.95 | schnepfchristmas.com
↳ A full farm Christmas: Illumination Express train, ice skating, hayrides and bonfire s'mores.

Arizona Christmas Lights (Gilbert) | Nov 27 – Dec 27 (closed Dec 7, 8, 14, 15 & 25) | $12.95 adult / $9.95 child + tax; drone-show nights $14.95 / $12.95 | arizonachristmaslights.com
↳ 2 million LED lights synced to music, a kid zone and free parking, at a great price for families.

Riparian After Dark (Gilbert) | Dec 11–22, 5:30–9 p.m. | $5/person online + fees ($10 on-site); ages 3 and under free | gilbertaz.gov
↳ 1.5 miles of glowing trails at the Riparian Preserve. Peaceful, stroller-friendly and leashed pets welcome.

Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights (Mesa) | Nov 27 – Dec 30, nightly 5–10 p.m. | Free | mesatemple.org
↳ A beloved Mesa tradition, plus the International Nativity Exhibit at the visitors' center.

Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest (Mesa) | Dec 4–23, gates open 5:30 p.m. | $15/person | vertucciofarms.com
↳ A cozy farm night with a 30-ft musical tree, fire pits with s'mores and a petting zoo.

Desert Farm Lights (Surprise) | Nov 20 – Dec 27 (closed Christmas Day) | $24.95 ($25.95 Dec 18–27; $26.99 at the gate); ages 2 and under free | desertfarmlights.com
↳ The West Valley's big one: 20+ attractions, including a train ride, real-ice skating and winter tubing.

Sparkling Surprise (Surprise Community Park) | Dec 4–27, 5:30–10 p.m. | Free (public park) | surpriseaz.gov
↳ The park stays lit all month after the Surprise Party kickoff.

Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland (Chandler) | Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | Free | downtownchandler.org
↳ A light tunnel, walk-in gift box and a giant Santa sofa, made for photos.

Buckeye Holiday Walkthrough: Candy Land at Sundance Park + Downtown Lights (Buckeye) | Sunset Nov 28 – Jan 1; the tree's light-and-music show runs every 30 minutes until 10 p.m. | Free (no admission listed) | buckeyeaz.gov
↳ A life-size Candy Land (Gumdrop Pass, Peppermint Forest) with props for your holiday card.

Christmas on Comstock (Gilbert) | Dates TBA; last year ran Dec 1–31 | Free (benefits Make-A-Wish Arizona) | wish.org
↳ A whole street of homes synced to music, one of the Valley's best neighborhood light shows.

Gilbert Holiday Lights Map (Gilbert) | 2026 map live now | Free | gilbertaz.gov
↳ The town's crowd-sourced map of decorated homes. Plan your own cocoa-and-cruise route.

Buckeye Hometown Holiday Lights Map (Buckeye) | Homes listed Nov 8 – Dec 19 | Free | buckeyeaz.gov
↳ Vote-worthy categories like "Griswold" and "Jingle Bell Rock." Drive the map with the kids.

🎄 Tree Lightings

Trees of Joy Tree Lighting (Phoenix, Biltmore Fashion Park) | Wed, Nov 18 | Price TBA | wish.org
↳ An early kickoff that supports Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Merry Main Street Kickoff & Christmas Tree Lighting (Mesa) | Fri, Nov 27, 5–10 p.m. | Free | mesaaz.gov
↳ A holiday market around downtown Mesa's big tree, then the lighting program.

Glendale Glitters Lighting Ceremony (Glendale) | Fri, Nov 27, 5:45 p.m. | Free | visitdowntownglendale.com
↳ Watch Murphy Park switch on for the season.

Scottsdazzle Tree Lighting Spectacular (Scottsdale, Scottsdale Waterfront) | Sat, Nov 28 (Scottsdazzle runs Nov 28 – Dec 31) | Free | experiencescottsdale.com
↳ A 36-ft tree lighting that celebrates Scottsdale's 75th, kicking off a month of free Old Town events.

Scottsdale Quarter Annual Tree Lighting (Scottsdale) | Sat, Nov 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (tree lights at 7) | Free; VIP lounge tickets extra | scottsdalequarter.com
↳ Ballet, toy soldiers, the Grinch, hot cocoa, and a "first snowfall" moment.

Cotton Fest + Tree Lighting (Buckeye) | Sat, Nov 28, 3–8 p.m. (tree lighting 6 p.m.) | Free Santa photos 6–8 p.m.; no admission listed | buckeyeaz.gov
↳ A hometown street fair with a classic car show, mariachi and carolers.

Water Tower Holiday Lighting (Gilbert) | Mon, Nov 30, 6–8:30 p.m. | Free (free downtown parking) | gilbertaz.gov
↳ The Heritage District's water tower lights up, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts and cocoa.

QC Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting (Queen Creek) | Fri, Dec 4, 6–8 p.m. | Free | queencreekaz.gov
↳ Small-town charm, with Santa's Workshop, letters to Santa and food trucks.

Surprise Party (Surprise) | Fri, Dec 4, 5–9 p.m. | Free | exploresurprise.com
↳ A tree lighting plus foam snow, a hot-air-balloon glow and fireworks. Surprise's biggest night of the year.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights (Chandler) | Sat, Dec 5, 4:30–9 p.m. (parade 6:45–8 p.m., tree lighting ~8 p.m.) | Free, with free Santa photos | chandleraz.gov
↳ Arizona's one-of-a-kind tree, made of about 1,200 tumbleweeds, a tradition since 1957.

Peoria Holiday Festival (Peoria) | Sat, Dec 12, 5–9 p.m. (tree-lighting time TBA) | Free | visitarizona.com
↳ Santa, food trucks, artisan vendors and a tree lighting downtown, paired with 2nd Saturdays.

🎺 Parades & Festivals

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting (Tempe) | Sat, Nov 28, 4–8 p.m. (parade 6 p.m.) | Free to attend; free Santa photos | downtowntempe.com
↳ Lit floats down Mill Avenue, then the 36-ft tree at CenterPoint Plaza.

Merry Main Street Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Mesa) | Nov 27 – Jan 9 (Dec 24 noon–6 p.m.; closed Dec 25) | $11 per one-hour session, skates included | merrymainst.com
↳ 6,000 sq ft of real ice downtown. Inclusive, sensory-friendly skate nights are on Mondays.

APS Electric Light Parade (Phoenix) | Sat, Dec 5, 7 p.m. (Central & Montebello to 7th St & Indian School) | Free to watch | phoenix.gov
↳ The 39th year of glowing floats through Central Phoenix. Bring chairs and arrive early.

QC Hometown Christmas Parade (Queen Creek) | Sat, Dec 5, 10 a.m. (Ellsworth Rd) | Free | queencreekaz.gov
↳ "Tinsel Town Christmas" theme, with bands, horses and local businesses.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (Tempe) | Sat, Dec 12, 4–9 p.m. | Free | downtowntempe.com
↳ Lit-up boats on Tempe Town Lake, a holiday market and a fireworks finale.

Hometown Christmas Parade (Glendale) | Sat, Dec 12, 11 a.m. (Glendale Ave, 51st to 58th Ave) | Free to watch | hcparade.org
↳ Floats and a marching-band competition that benefits a local food bank.

Glow on Monroe Electric Light Parade (Buckeye) | Sat, Dec 12, 6–9 p.m. (parade 6:30 p.m.) | Free | buckeyeaz.gov
↳ Lit vintage cars, horse groups and tractors. Pure small-town magic, with Santa photos after.

Candy Cane Lane (Peoria, Peoria Sports Complex) | Fri–Sat, Dec 11–12, 4–10 p.m. | $5 (ages 2 and under free); free parking; some activities extra | psiloveaz.com
↳ 150+ vendors, snow and bubble play, cookie decorating and Santa photos.

Phoenix Children's Fiesta Bowl Parade (Phoenix) | Sat, Jan 2, 2027, 10 a.m. | Free to watch | fiestasportsfoundation.org
↳ Giant balloons and marching bands to ring in the new year on Central Ave.

🛍️ Holiday Markets

Holiday Open House (Glendale, Historic Downtown) | Sat, Nov 14, from 10 a.m. | No admission listed | visitdowntownglendale.com
↳ The 30th year: 8-ft nutcrackers, window displays and make-and-take stations in Catlin Court.

Grateful Gathering Merchantile Market (Scottsdale Civic Center) | Sat, Nov 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Free (optional $15 perk tote) | merchantilemarket.com
↳ 150+ local vendors, so you can get a head start on gifts before Thanksgiving.

Tempe Festival of the Arts: Fall (Tempe) | Dec 4–6 (Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.) | Free | tempefestivalofthearts.com
↳ 350+ artists on Mill Avenue, perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. Dog friendly.

Phoestivus (Phoenix, Arizona Center) | Fri, Dec 11 & Fri, Dec 18, 4–10 p.m. | $5 suggested donation | phoestivus.com
↳ 170+ local makers, a Festivus pole and the "airing of grievances," all supporting the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts (Phoenix, Phoenix Center for the Arts) | Sat, Dec 12, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. | Free | dtphx.org
↳ The 15th-anniversary "Quinceañera" edition, with artist markets, performances and a family zone.

Merry Merchantile Market (Scottsdale Civic Center) | Sat, Dec 12 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) & Sun, Dec 13 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) | Free | merchantilemarket.com
↳ 150+ vendors, live music, and Santa photos 10 a.m.–2 p.m. both days. Pet friendly.

MOMFEST: A Very Merry Holiday (Gilbert Regional Park) | Sat, Dec 12 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) & Sun, Dec 13 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) | All Day Merriment Pass $10/adult; kids under 12 and parking free | momswhogather.com
↳ 300+ vendors, kids' activities and stations for holiday mini sessions with pro photographers.

📸 Photo Spots & Mini Sessions

Quick note: true cut-your-own Christmas tree farms are rare in the low desert. The best Valley versions are styled studio sets, farm venues and tree-lot-style minis. Here's where to look:

Studio House AZ: "Santa's Workshop at The Loft" (Phoenix) | Nov 7 – Dec 27 | DIY studio rental. Christmas pricing is on the booking calendar (the Loft's standard rate is $60/hr). Bring your own photographer | studiohouseaz.com
↳ A styled Christmas room with natural light. Book an hour and bring your photographer (or a tripod).

Shanyn Nicole Studios: 2026 Holiday Heirloom Set (Mesa) | Nov 1 – Dec 10 | Price TBA (inquire: booking@shanynnicolestudios.com) | shanynnicole.com
↳ Flocked trees, rocking reindeer and vintage toys. A timeless "Christmas morning" look for little ones.

Beloved Studios: "Evergreen & Ember" Christmas Minis (Mesa) | Sun, Nov 8 | From $350 (8 edited images); $375 full gallery | book.usesession.com
↳ 15-minute photographer-led minis on a warm, cozy set. Families of up to 5.

Casa Renteria Studios: "Christmas at Casa" (Glendale) | Dates TBA | Price TBA | casarenteriastudios.com
↳ Four Christmas sets (western, piano, burgundy drapes, classic white) for the price of one.

The Meadow AZ: "Christmas Tree Farm & Field" Minis (Mesa) | 2026 dates TBA; last year ran Oct 17, 2025 (sold out) | Last year $195 + tax (15 min, 5 edited photos) | themeadowaz.com
↳ The closest thing to a tree-farm shoot in the Valley. Dogs are welcome, and it books up fast.

MOMFEST Holiday Mini Stations (Gilbert) | Dec 12–13 | Event pass $10/adult; mini session pricing TBA | momswhogather.com
↳ Styled holiday stations with pro photographers, right in the market.

Santa photo stops

Chandler's Santa's House (free): Dec 5 (4:30–9 p.m.), Dec 12 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), Dec 15 (6–8 p.m.), Dec 19 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) | visitchandler.com
Buckeye Santa Photos at Sundance Park (free): Sat, Dec 5 & Sat, Dec 19, 5:30–8:30 p.m. | buckeyeaz.gov
PJs in the Park (Phoenix, CityScape; free photo with Santa): Sat, Nov 28, 6 p.m. | dtphx.org
Merry Merchantile Market (Scottsdale): Dec 12–13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | merchantilemarket.com
Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale; Santa photos cost extra) | christmasattheprincess.com
Vertuccio Farms (Mesa; Santa Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–23, included with $15 entry) | vertucciofarms.com

Free DIY backdrops (bring your phone or your photographer): Chandler's Sugarland displays, Buckeye's Candy Land at Sundance Park, Glendale Glitters in Murphy Park, and Scottsdale's Old Town during Scottsdazzle.

💚 Free Fun (the whole list, by city)

Phoenix: PJs in the Park (Nov 28) · APS Electric Light Parade (Dec 5) · Phoenix Festival of the Arts (Dec 12) · Fiesta Bowl Parade (Jan 2)
Scottsdale: Scottsdazzle and its tree lighting (Nov 28 – Dec 31) · Scottsdale Quarter Tree Lighting (Nov 28) · Merchantile Markets (Nov 21, Dec 12–13)
Mesa: Merry Main Street Kickoff (Nov 27) · Mesa Temple Christmas Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 30)
Tempe: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade (Nov 28) · Festival of the Arts (Dec 4–6) · Boat Parade (Dec 12)
Chandler: Prancer's Pajama Party and Sugarland kickoff (Sat, Nov 28, 4–6 p.m.; downtownchandler.org) · Holiday Magic (Nov 28 – Jan 3) · Tumbleweed Tree & Parade of Lights (Dec 5) · Santa's House photos
Gilbert: Water Tower Holiday Lighting (Nov 30) · Christmas on Comstock (dates TBA) · Holiday Lights Map
Queen Creek: QC Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 4) & Parade (Dec 5)
Glendale: Holiday Open House (Nov 14) · Glendale Glitters (Nov 27 – Jan 1) · Hometown Christmas Parade (Dec 12)
Peoria: Peoria Holiday Festival (Dec 12)
Surprise: Surprise Party (Dec 4) · Sparkling Surprise lights (Dec 4–27)
Buckeye: Cotton Fest (Nov 28) · Candy Land walkthrough and downtown lights (Nov 28 – Jan 1) · Glow on Monroe (Dec 12) · Santa photos (Dec 5 & 19) · Letters to Santa (drop off at city "North Pole mailboxes" by Dec 16 for a reply)

Quick note on "Sun Valley": there's no city by that name in the Valley, so I covered the whole Valley, including the West Valley (Surprise, Peoria, Glendale and Buckeye). The Sun City communities hadn't posted public holiday events yet, so check your rec center calendar.

🏡 From Our Family to Yours

Alec and I love this time of year in the Valley: cool desert nights, luminarias, tumbleweed trees, and Santa in flip-flops. Whether you're a lifelong Arizonan or you just moved here, I hope this guide helps you make a few new traditions this season.

If a move to the Valley is on your list for 2027, I'd love to help. Whether that means figuring out which neighborhood fits your family's life or just a no-pressure coffee chat, my DMs are always open.

Happy holidays! 🎄 Lacey Lebeck, House of AZ | Real Broker

Instagram: @laceylebeck · @houseofarizona