Christmas Lights in Arizona: Phoenix Holiday Light Displays
From late November through December, metro Phoenix lights up with some of the Southwest's best holiday displays. Headliners include ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, alongside drive-thru spectaculars, resort displays, farm light festivals, and free downtown celebrations like Glendale Glitters. This guide rounds up the major displays across the Valley; dates and hours vary by venue.
When
Roughly late November through late December (a few displays run into mid-January). Most run select evenings — confirm each venue's nightly schedule for the current year.
Where
Across the Valley: ZooLights (Phoenix Zoo) and Las Noches de las Luminarias (Desert Botanical Garden) in Phoenix; Glendale Glitters in the West Valley; World of Illumination drive-thrus; Christmas at the Princess in Scottsdale; plus farm light festivals and the free Tempe Town Lake boat parade.
Tickets
Mixed: the marquee venues (ZooLights, Luminarias, drive-thrus, resort and farm displays) are paid and often use timed tickets that sell out on peak nights — buy in advance. Free options include Glendale Glitters, the Tempe boat parade, and neighborhood light streets.
Tips
- Las Noches de las Luminarias and ZooLights both sell out on peak nights — buy timed tickets early, especially weekends and the days around Christmas.
- For a free night, pair Glendale Glitters or the Tempe Fantasy of Lights boat parade with a drive past a famous synced-light neighborhood street.
- Desert winter evenings get chilly after sunset — bring a jacket, and wear comfortable shoes for the long walk-through light trails.
Upcoming dates & related events
FAQ
When are the holiday lights in Phoenix?
Most major displays run select nights from late November through late December, with a few into mid-January. Check each venue for its current schedule.
Are they free or paid?
Both — ZooLights, Luminarias, drive-thrus, and resort/farm displays are paid (often timed tickets that sell out), while Glendale Glitters, the Tempe boat parade, and neighborhood light streets are free.
Where are the best displays?
Top picks are ZooLights (Phoenix Zoo) and Las Noches de las Luminarias (Desert Botanical Garden), plus Glendale Glitters, World of Illumination drive-thrus, and Christmas at the Princess in Scottsdale.
What should I expect and bring?
Crowds and timed entry at the big venues, so buy ahead. Bring a jacket for cool desert evenings and comfortable shoes for the longer light trails.