Holiday guide: 5 festive things to do in Phoenix this winter
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Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias. Photo: Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden
Holiday cheer has arrived in Phoenix in the form of light shows, musicals, skating rinks and pop-up bars.
The big picture: Here are five of our favorite things to do in the Valley this time of year:
🐒 Classic holiday light displays
Phoenix ZooLights are synonymous with Christmastime in the Valley. This year's display features a new light show set to music.
- Or head next door to the Desert Botanical Garden for Las Noches de las Luminarias, which will be especially festive with this year's "Light Bloom" exhibit.
🚘 Drive-through light shows
World of Illumination is back with two light displays you can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle.
- In Tempe, enjoy an "Enchanted Safari" with lit-up hippos, toucans, giraffes and a lost Tyrannosaurus rex.
- In Glendale, you'll have a "Rockin' Christmas" with a mile-long symphony of lights and sound.
🍸 Holiday pop-up bars
Make spirits bright with a stop at one of the Valley's holiday pop-up bars.
- Tiki-themed Sippin' Santa is back at Bitter and Twisted.
- Floor 13 on the Hilton Garden Inn rooftop has been transformed into Miracle Bar with a kitschy smattering of Christmas decor.
- The 50-foot spherical dome at Desert Ridge Marketplace is now the Ember Lounge, a forestry nook for cozy date nights.
- Salt + Lime in Scottsdale will once again become Feliz Navidad Cantina in December — because margaritas taste better in the glow of Christmas lights.
⛸️ Ice-skating
There's no denying the winter magic of outdoor ice-skating. Check out our local offerings:
- The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink on Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa features a 6,000-square-foot rink.
- Skate Westgate is back in Glendale and admission includes discounts at nearby restaurants.
- Christmas at the Princess offers outdoor ice-skating in addition to many cheerful activities.
🎭 Christmas shows
Watch the holiday spirit come to life on stage with these performances:
- At the Herberger Theater, catch "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and Frances Smith Cohen's "Snow Queen."
- Ballet Arizona will present "The Nutcracker" throughout December at Symphony Hall.
- The Phoenix Theatre Company will perform "Miracle on 34th Street," "Seussical the Musical" and "Die Hard: A Christmas Story."