Best Christmas Lights in Phoenix Metro 2026

Christmas Lights in the Valley of the Sun

December in Phoenix means mild evenings, clear skies, and some genuinely spectacular holiday light displays. The metro has embraced the season with large-scale productions, neighborhood driving tours, and venue-based shows that have nothing to envy of colder climates. Here is where to find the best Christmas lights across the Phoenix metro in 2026.

Glendale Glitters: The West Valley Flagship

Glendale Glitters is the most iconic holiday lights event in the Phoenix metro, and one of the largest free holiday light festivals in the country. Downtown Glendale and Westgate City Center get draped in millions of lights starting in late November and running through the New Year. On select weekends, carriage rides, live entertainment, and holiday markets fill the streets. It is completely free to walk through, making it a top pick for family outings in the Glendale area. Arrive on a weeknight to avoid weekend crowds.

Desert Botanical Garden Luminaria Nights

In Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts its beloved Las Noches de las Luminarias holiday event, where thousands of luminaria bags line the garden paths among the giant saguaros. It is a uniquely Arizona holiday experience — saguaro cactus silhouetted against glowing paper lanterns with live music drifting through the night air. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so book early. This event typically runs select nights from late November through Christmas Eve.

Scottsdale Old Town Holiday Lights

Old Town Scottsdale and the surrounding shopping districts along Scottsdale Road dress up for the holidays with palm trees wrapped in warm white lights and storefronts decorated for the season. The Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons both host holiday programming, tree lighting ceremonies, and late shopping nights throughout December. Pair a lights walk with dinner at Culinary Dropout or a glass of wine at Postino Wine Cafe for a full evening. See the Scottsdale neighborhood page for December events.

Neighborhood Driving Tours

Some of the most charming holiday displays in the metro are found in residential neighborhoods that go all out every December. In the East Valley, neighborhoods in Gilbert and Chandler are known for organized lighting streets where dozens of homes compete for the most elaborate display. Many of these are walkable and attract slow-rolling car traffic on December evenings.

More Holiday Lights Worth Seeing

• OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale — holiday-themed light installations inside the aquarium
• Arizona Mills (Tempe) — indoor holiday light decor and seasonal events
• Peoria and Surprise neighborhood tours — city websites post maps of decorated streets
• Phoenix Zoo ZooLights — the zoo transforms into a walkable light show on select December nights

No matter which part of the valley you are based in, there is a holiday lights experience within a short drive. Check the ZonaHaps events calendar for exact dates, ticket links, and the latest additions to the 2026 holiday lineup.