Experience the festive magic of Glendale with our holiday event guide. Whether you're a Glendale local or a first-time visitor, our guide opens the door to holiday delights.
Popular events bring the community together during this special time of year. One standout attraction is Glendale Glitters, where the city lights up with over a million twinkling lights that line the streets and create a stunning winter wonderland. This year, World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road invites families to drive through a captivating display filled with vibrant holiday-themed animations. And the enchanting Las Noches de las Luminarias showcases beautiful luminary candles illuminating the paths, creating a serene atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Glendale
- Glendale Glitters
- World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
- Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display (Mesa)
- Enchant at Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)
- Zoolights (Phoenix)
- Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
- Lights at The Farm (Queen Creek)
- Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting (Tempe)
- Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)
- Glendale Glitters Hometown Christmas Parade
See these and even more events listed below!
Glendale Holiday Light Displays
Glendale Glitters
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday light display with community events.
Description:
Glendale Glitters is a spectacular holiday event featuring 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks of downtown Glendale. The event includes various performances, the Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and additional activities by downtown merchants.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Glendale Glitters
World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
What to Expect:
Mile-long drive-through light show with synchronized music and animated displays.
Description:
At World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road, drive through a spectacular light forest featuring over 1 million lights, reindeer, snowmen, and toys. Traverse mountainous terrain, glacial peaks, and northern ice caves to reach Santa’s Workshop, the world’s largest animated toy shop.
Where: Glendale | More Info: World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
Las Noches de las Luminarias
What to Expect:
Geometric light displays merge nature and light.
Description:
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling holiday lights, accompanied by musical performances and festive food and drinks. This year, the event includes an even brighter spectacle with LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning geometric brilliance.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
At ZooLights, millions of twinkling lights transform the Phoenix Zoo into a dazzling spectacle, guiding visitors through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats and zoo trails. The event features a brand-new light show, vibrant visuals, and mesmerizing music, along with cozy s'mores pits and hot cocoa. Enjoy a stroll through the even longer light tunnel, get your photo taken with Santa, and experience the festive atmosphere.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Zoolights
Enchant at Salt River Fields
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light maze with interactive elements.
Description:
Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields features a world's largest Christmas light maze, unique ice skating experiences, and a festive village with seasonal food and drink, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live entertainment.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: Enchant at Salt River Fields
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
What to Expect:
Large-scale outdoor nativity scene with accompanying biblical vignettes.
Description:
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor nativity scene, shepherds' field, and prophet Isaiah. The event also includes over 100 international nativities displayed inside the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday lights and train rides through a festive landscape.
Description:
At McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, immerse yourself in a dazzling display of holiday lights and captivating seasonal decorations. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, explore the Model Railroad Building, and enjoy train and carousel rides. Savor food and drink options available at Hartley's General Store.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with live entertainment and Santa photos.
Description:
The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting is a holiday tradition featuring a street parade, tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and Santa photos.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
Lights at The Farm
What to Expect:
World's largest inflatable Christmas obstacle course.
Description:
Christmas at Schnepf Farms features a winter wonderland with seasonal food, fun activities, and festivities for the whole family. Highlights include the World of Illumination Express train ride, Santa's Reindeer Hayride, and the world's largest inflatable obstacle course. The event also includes ice skating, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bonfire s'mores, and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Queen Creek | More Info: Lights at The Farm
WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light display and festive activities.
Description:
Avondale transforms into a vibrant holiday scene with Santa visits, festive activities, a holiday light show, and annual tree lighting. Enjoy food and sweet treats amidst the lively atmosphere.
Where: Avondale | More Info: WinterFest - Avondale AZ Parks & Recreation
Holiday Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
What to Expect:
Free downtown event with a tree lighting ceremony and a festive light parade.
Description:
The Holiday Program & Light Parade in Apache Junction features a variety of activities including Santa, vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, music, inflatables, and food. The event culminates with the Annual Holiday Light Parade, which begins at 7 PM and features floats starting at Phelps/Main Street.
Where: Apache Junction | More Info: Holiday Program & Light Parade - Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Unique desert-themed holiday tree lighting with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Chandler features an iconic tumbleweed tree adorned with thousands of holiday lights, musical performances, and visits with Santa. The event includes festive activities like letter writing to Santa and inflatable bouncers for kids.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony
Christmas On Orchid Lane
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday light display with photo stations.
Description:
Christmas On Orchid Lane is a spectacular holiday display featuring 15 homes in Ray Ranch Estates, Chandler, decorated with lights and larger-than-life decorations. The event includes photo stations and a toy drive to benefit Toys For Tots.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Christmas On Orchid Lane
Glendale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Briar Patch Marketplace's Holiday Event at Horizon High School
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
Briar Patch Marketplace at Horizon High School features over 150 small businesses offering unique holiday decor, scrumptious treats, and one-of-a-kind items. The event includes appearances by the Grinch and Santa for photo opportunities.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Briar Patch Marketplace's Holiday Event at Horizon High School
Glendale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
What to Expect:
Live celebrity impersonations and Western-themed activities.
Description:
The Blazin' M Ranch Holiday Hoedown offers an immersive frontier experience with an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner, live show featuring celebrity impersonations, and activities like axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, and a wood-carvings museum.
Where: Cottonwood | More Info: Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities and character appearances.
Description:
The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Desert Ridge Marketplace features a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Santa photos, and strolling holiday characters.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Desert Ridge Marketplace
Glendale Other Holiday Activities
Glendale Glitters Hometown Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with a grand marshal and local business showcases.
Description:
The Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade is a community-driven event featuring a festive parade, canned food drive, and local business showcases. It celebrates the true spirit of Christmas with a grand marshal, Jaime Cerreta, a renowned 3TV News Anchor.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Glendale Glitters Hometown Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Maryvale (3 miles)
- Alhambra (4 miles)
- Peoria (4 miles)
- Sun City (6 miles)
- Encanto (7 miles)
- Phoenix (9 miles)
- El Mirage (9 miles)
- Central City (10 miles)
- Deer Valley (10 miles)
- Surprise (11 miles)
- Avondale (12 miles)
- Goodyear (12 miles)
- Sun City West (12 miles)
- Tempe Junction (16 miles)
- Scottsdale (17 miles)
- Ahwatukee Foothills (18 miles)
- Tempe (18 miles)
- Mesa (22 miles)
- Anthem (23 miles)
- Chandler (26 miles)
- Buckeye (26 miles)
- Gilbert (26 miles)
- Fountain Hills (27 miles)
- Maricopa (34 miles)
- Queen Creek (38 miles)
- Apache Junction (38 miles)
- San Tan Valley (45 miles)