Phoenix holiday events guide: Lights, shows, bars and ice rinks
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Phoenix Zoo Lights returns this year. Photo: Courtesy of Phoenix Zoo
It's the most wonderful time of the year — and your social calendar is sure to fill up fast.
Zoom in: Check out these metro Phoenix holiday events before the year's end.
✨ Valley classics
Zoo Lights: This family-favorite, animal-themed light display features more than four million lights and a new show projected on the "tallest floating tree in North America."
- Phoenix Zoo, Nov. 26- Jan. 16
Las Noches de las Luminaria: Traditional southwestern luminaria will line garden trails that lead to live entertainment and more. New this year: Bring the kids to meet Sonoran Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Desert Botanical Garden, Nov. 28- Dec. 30
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights: Stroll through the temple grounds, which tell the story of Christmas with lights and beautiful displays.
- Downtown Mesa; Nov. 28- Dec. 30
Glendale Glitters: This suburb's downtown will glow for the holidays at the annual kickoff event, which also includes a tree lighting ceremony, Santa visits, local shopping and more.
- Downtown Glendale; Nov. 28-29; Lights remain up through Jan. 1
APS Electric Light Parade: Floats, vehicles and performers — all covered in twinkling lights — will make their way through midtown and North Central Phoenix.
- See parade route; Dec. 6
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade: Tempe Town Lake will be aglow with festive vessels.
- Tempe Beach Park; Dec. 13
🍸 Pop-up bars
Sippin' Santa: Tiki meets the North Pole at this beachy holiday escape.
- Bitter & Twisted; Through Dec. 28
Santa's Love Shack: Flirting won't get you on the naughty list — right?
- Sunny's Lounge; Nov. 18- Jan. 5
Whoville: Themed cocktails and snow globe-making events will get even a Grinch in the holiday spirit.
- 50 Shades of Rosé; Through Dec. 30
Miracle at Floor 13: Journey to this downtown rooftop for cozy ski lodge vibes without the chilly weather and exercise.
- Floor 13 Rooftop Bar; Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Bar Blitzen: This pop-up takes kitschy Christmas to the next level with a $6 cover charge benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley
- Culinary Dropout in Gilbert and Tempe, Nov. 19-Jan. 3
🎭 Performances
The Nutcracker: Ballet Arizona performs the Christmas classic to live music from the Phoenix Symphony.
- Symphony Hall, Dec. 12-27
Cirque Du Soleil Twas The Night Before: An acrobatic take on the poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," by Clement Clarke Moore.
- Arizona Financial Theatre, Dec. 18-28
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Childsplay Theatre Company will take attendees on a journey with everyone's favorite reindeer.
- Herberger Theater Center, Nov. 15-Dec. 22
A Christmas Carol: Don't be a Scrooge! Check out a rendition of a holiday favorite.
- Phoenix Theatre, Nov. 26- Dec. 28
Christmas symphonies: Catch performances of Handel's Messiah, contemporary holiday hits, baroque music and more.
- Symphony Hall, Nov. 28- Dec. 21
⛸️ Ice rinks
Christmas at the Princess: An outdoor ice rink is just one of the attractions at this extravagant winter carnival. Also check out the train lights, S'moresland and Ferris wheel.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Nov. 21- Jan. 3
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: This is part of downtown Mesa's annual Merry Main Street offerings.
- Downtown Mesa, Nov. 28- Jan. 10
Skate Westgate: Stop by to get a picture with Santa after your skate.
- Westgate Entertainment District, through Jan. 12