Unwrap the festive magic of Maricopa with our detailed event guide. From those who call Maricopa home to those just passing through, our guide ensures unforgettable holiday memories.
Popular events this season include the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display, where dazzling light displays and inspiring nativity scenes create a serene atmosphere. Enchant at Salt River Fields offers a whimsical experience featuring a stunning light maze and visits with Santa. And the Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing delightful holiday performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Maricopa
- Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display (Mesa)
- Enchant at Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)
- Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (Chandler)
- Glendale Glitters (Glendale)
- Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
- Riparian After Dark (Gilbert)
- Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown (Cottonwood)
- Holiday Bricktacular (Tempe)
- White Christmas at Taliesin West (Scottsdale)
- Photos with Santa at San Tan Village (Gilbert)
See these and even more events listed below!
Maricopa Holiday Light Displays
Glendale Glitters
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and community engagement.
Description:
Glendale Glitters is a festive event in downtown Glendale featuring twinkling lights, numerous selfie spots, and new ways to give back to the community.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Glendale Glitters
Enchant at Salt River Fields
What to Expect:
Immersive story-driven 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 various festive attractions based on original holiday stories. Guests can explore the maze, enjoy seasonal food and drink, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take in the dazzling lights from the Ferris Wheel.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: Enchant at Salt River Fields
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
What to Expect:
Life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and special effects.
Description:
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features over 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, nightly parades, stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment. The event includes a life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and special effects, as well as a western cowboy Christmas show. It invites all generations to experience holiday magic and fun.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
What to Expect:
Large-scale outdoor light display with over 100 international nativities.
Description:
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various Biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor crèche and more than 100 international nativities. The event is held on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple and is open every night from 5 to 10 p.m. from November 29 to December 30, with additional daytime viewing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
Las Noches de las Luminarias
What to Expect:
Geometric light displays merge with nature.
Description:
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights, live music, and festive food and drinks. This year, the event includes the stunning geometric displays of LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Riparian After Dark
What to Expect:
Holiday light display in a nature preserve setting.
Description:
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch transforms into a holiday spectacle with thousands of lights and displays during the annual Riparian After Dark event. Stroll through 1.5 miles of trails and walkways, enjoying the festive atmosphere and local food vendors.
Where: Gilbert | More Info: Riparian After Dark
Holiday Lights at McCormick Railroad Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday lights and train rides.
Description:
Holiday Lights at McCormick Railroad Park features dazzling holiday lights and captivating displays. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a journey through the park's seasonal spectacle. Enjoy train and carousel rides, as well as food and drinks available for purchase. The event offers limited capacity and staggered entrance times, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: Holiday Lights at McCormick Railroad Park
Maricopa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
What to Expect:
Celebrity impersonations and immersive Western activities.
Description:
Blazin' M Ranch Holiday Hoedown features impersonations of celebrities like Elvis and Reba, an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner, and a variety of Western activities including axe throwing and mechanical bull riding.
Where: Cottonwood | More Info: Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center
What to Expect:
Santa photos with a new Santa set.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center, where you can take photos with the jolly old man in his new Santa set.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center
A Christmas Carol at Theatrikos Theatre Company
What to Expect:
Interactive musical comedy with adult humor.
Description:
A twisted musical comedy adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring audience participation and parodies of popular music, suitable for both children and adults.
Where: Flagstaff | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Theatrikos Theatre Company
Mannheim Steamroller
What to Expect:
Unique blend of classical and electronic music with multimedia effects.
Description:
Mannheim Steamroller presents a holiday concert featuring Chip Davis' distinctive sound, with 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What to Expect:
All-new version of The Lost Christmas Eve, the final chapter of TSO's Christmas trilogy.
Description:
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a symphony orchestra and prog rock band known for their unique blend of holiday classics and rock music, featuring elaborate light shows and theatrical performances.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Nutcracker at Herberger Theater Center
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with cultural representation.
Description:
Convergence Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Herberger Theater Center, featuring students from Ballet Theatre of Phoenix in a brilliant new approach to the holiday classic, introducing cultural representation through Land and Sweets with Silambam Phoenix and Ay Flamenco.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: The Nutcracker at Herberger Theater Center
The Nutcracker at Chandler Center for the Arts
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Ballet Etudes presents "The Nutcracker" at Chandler Center for the Arts, featuring Clara's journey with life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, set to Tchaikovsky's original score.
Where: Chandler | More Info: The Nutcracker at Chandler Center for the Arts
Holiday Pops at Phoenix Symphony Hall
What to Expect:
Diverse holiday music performance with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus.
Description:
The Phoenix Symphony's Holiday Pops features a diverse array of carols and hymns from various traditions, led by guest conductor Lawrence Loh and the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. This event promises to leave attendees feeling merry and bright.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Holiday Pops at Phoenix Symphony Hall
Maricopa Other Holiday Activities
White Christmas at Taliesin West
What to Expect:
Self-guided audio tour with music and narration from Frank Lloyd Wright.
Description:
Explore Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's desert laboratory, through a self-guided audio tour that immerses you in his work and principles of Organic Architecture. The tour includes music and narration from Wright himself, guiding you through iconic spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: White Christmas at Taliesin West
Holiday Bricktacular
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO holiday builds and activities.
Description:
At Holiday Bricktacular, build an ornament in the Creative Workshop, experience snow in MINILAND, catch the 12 Days of BRICKMAS Parade, and more festive activities.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Holiday Bricktacular
Photos with Santa at Outlets at Anthem
What to Expect:
Santa photo opportunity amidst a bustling shopping center.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at Outlets at Anthem, where holiday cheer meets shopping excitement.
Where: Anthem | More Info: Photos with Santa at Outlets at Anthem
Photos with Santa at San Tan Village
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday photo opportunity with Santa.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at San Tan Village, where families can take photos with the jolly old man in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Where: Gilbert | More Info: Photos with Santa at San Tan Village
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
What to Expect:
Free photos with Santa Claus.
Description:
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops offers a holiday experience with free photos with Santa, a variety of toys and gifts, and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Hometown Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with a food drive and live entertainment.
Description:
The Hometown Christmas Parade in downtown Glendale, AZ, features a festive procession celebrating the true spirit of Christmas, with entries from local businesses, schools, and community groups. The event includes a food drive to support Hope for Hunger and live entertainment.
Where: Glendale | More Info: 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!
- Ahwatukee Foothills (20 miles)
- Chandler (21 miles)
- Gilbert (25 miles)
- Tempe Junction (25 miles)
- Tempe (26 miles)
- Central City (26 miles)
- Phoenix (27 miles)
- Queen Creek (27 miles)
- Mesa (28 miles)
- Encanto (29 miles)
- Alhambra (31 miles)
- Avondale (31 miles)
- San Tan Valley (31 miles)
- Maryvale (32 miles)
- Goodyear (32 miles)
- Scottsdale (32 miles)
- Glendale (34 miles)
- Peoria (38 miles)
- Buckeye (38 miles)
- Apache Junction (38 miles)
- Florence (38 miles)
- Sun City (39 miles)
- El Mirage (42 miles)
- Fountain Hills (43 miles)
- Surprise (43 miles)
- Deer Valley (44 miles)