Holiday Lights in Arizona – Sparkling Events to Start the Season
As November rolls in, Arizona begins to twinkle with the glow of millions of holiday lights. From charming downtown festivals to immersive zoo displays, the Grand Canyon State knows how to kick off the festive season in style. Here are some must-see holiday light events in late November 2024 to get you in the spirit (most continue into December, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the glow!).
Glendale Glitters – A Downtown Spectacle
What: Glendale Glitters is one of Arizona’s largest free holiday light displays, turning Historic Downtown Glendale into a winter wonderland of sparkling lights. 2024 marks its 31st year, and it’s as dazzling as ever.
When & Where: The lights turn on during a big Opening Weekend on Nov 29 & 30, 2024 (the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving) and then remain lit nightly from 5–10 p.m. through Jan 1, 2025. It’s centered around Murphy Park (58th Ave & Glendale Ave) but spans several blocks of old-town Glendale.
Highlights: Opening weekend is a party with live music, carolers, food and craft vendors, and even snow piled in one area for kids to play in (yes, real snow in Glendale!). At 6 p.m., they throw the switch and millions of LED lights covering every tree and rooftop burst on – it’s truly breathtaking. Stroll the park to see the 30-foot Christmas tree and the historic gazebo draped in lights, then wander the shops along Glendale Avenue which are all decked out. There are usually carriage rides available for a romantic trot through the lights. And don’t miss the inflatable glow slides or kids’ activities (like writing letters to Santa). If you love a classic holiday atmosphere – think small-town USA meets Candyland – Glendale Glitters is pure joy. Bundle up if it’s a cool night, grab a hot chocolate from a vendor, and soak in the scene. Best of all, other than what you spend on food or shopping, it’s free to attend.
ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo – Wild Nights & Holiday Lights
What: ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is a beloved annual tradition where the zoo grounds transform into a glittering display of animal-themed lights and holiday magic.
When & Where: Nightly from Nov 22, 2024 through early January 2025 (closed Dec 24 & 25) at the Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park (Phoenix/Scottsdale border). Hours are typically 5:30–10 p.m. It’s a separate event from daytime zoo admission.
Highlights: Imagine millions of lights shaped as lions, tigers, and giraffes… oh my! The zoo is covered in light displays – towering giraffe and elephant light sculptures, a rainbow-lit Savannah tunnel, and trees dripping in synchronized colors. Every year they add something new; for 2024 look out for an expanded “African Water Hole” display with glowing water ripples and animal lanterns. A favorite spot is the lakeside music-and-light show: every half hour, the lake comes alive with floating lights and lasers dancing to holiday songs (grab a spot on one of the viewing bridges for the best perspective). Kids will love the carousel (usually operating during ZooLights) and seeing real animals that are still awake – often the tropical birds or mountain lions are up and about in the cool night. Santa will be available for visits and photos through Christmas Eve. And don’t skip the s’mores station – you can toast marshmallows over a fire pit for a tasty treat under the stars. Tip: Buy tickets online to save a buck or two and breeze through the entrance. Weeknights are generally less crowded than weekends. And wear comfortable walking shoes – the zoo is big and you’ll be weaving through paths of wonder all night!
Prescott Courthouse Lighting – Small-Town Charm
What: The city of Prescott, Arizona’s official “Christmas City,” kicks off the holiday season with its iconic Courthouse Lighting ceremony – a tradition that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. Festivities usually start around 5-6 p.m. (Just a smidge into December, but it’s such a marquee event we had to include it – and many folks drive up in late November to see the prep and other events.)
Highlights: The entire courthouse and the tall pine trees around it are strung with tens of thousands of lights. On Dec 7, a crowd gathers (often bundled in coats and beanies – Prescott is chilly!) to watch performances by choirs and bands, then joins in a countdown as the Mayor or a special guest flips the switch. Instantly, the whole square becomes an enchanting forest of lights and the courthouse glows with outlines of holiday colors. It’s goosebump-inducing and often accompanied by a collective “oooh!” from the crowd. After the lighting, enjoy strolling the square with a warm drink in hand. Local shops and restaurants around Whiskey Row often have extended hours and specials that night, so pop in for some holiday shopping or dinner with a view of the lights. If you have kids, the Prescott Christmas Parade typically takes place earlier that day – a daytime parade of floats and marching bands – making it a full day of celebration. Prescott really embraces the holidays, so you’ll find the whole town in a merry mood.
More Arizona Holiday Light Experiences
- Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix): For a serene and uniquely Southwestern experience, visit the Desert Botanical Garden on select nights Nov 24–Dec 31 for Las Noches de las Luminarias. Thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags line the garden trails, and delicate string lights adorn the desert plants. With soft live music (think acoustic guitar, flute, or handbell choirs) playing at various spots, an evening stroll here is peaceful and romantic. Stop by the Garden’s Ullman Terrace for a cup of hot cocoa or a prickly pear margarita and gaze at the desert skyline. (Tickets required – this event often sells out weekends, so snag them early.)
- Winterhaven Festival of Lights (Tucson): In mid-December, the historic Winterhaven neighborhood in Tucson puts on one of the longest-running neighborhood light displays in the country (since 1949!). Residents go all out decorating their homes and yards with creative themes – you might see a Star Wars Christmas house next to a Winter Wonderland with penguins and polar bears. You can walk, bike, or drive through (certain nights are drive-through only). It’s free, but they kindly ask for canned food donations for the community food bank. Bundle up, park nearby, and take a leisurely walk under the glowing trees – it’s a Tucson holiday staple.
- Light Parades & Tree Trails: Many Arizona communities host light parades or have decorated areas worth checking out. For example, Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade happens on Tempe Town Lake (usually the first Saturday of December) – see boats covered in lights floating by, plus a fireworks finale. Mesa normally has a Merry Main Street with a huge tree and a nightly lit “Elf on the Shelf” train ride for kids. And don’t forget Phoenix ZooLights’ neighbor event – the CitySkate Ice Rink and Christmas Tree in downtown Phoenix at CityScape (a large outdoor ice rink under a sparkling tree, open late Nov through Jan). Wherever you are in AZ, chances are there’s a park or street glowing with holiday cheer.
Tips for Enjoying Holiday Light Events
- Arrive Early: Popular events like Glendale Glitters opening or ZooLights prime nights can draw huge crowds. Going early not only helps with parking and avoiding traffic, but you get to see the lights right as they come on at dusk – which is a magical transition. If you’re doing an event in a smaller town (like Prescott’s Lighting), plan to get there well ahead of start time to snag a good spot and explore a bit first.
- Dress in Layers: Arizona nights in Nov/Dec can range from mild to downright cold, depending on the year and location. Phoenix might be a comfy 60°F evening or drop to the 40s. Flagstaff/Prescott will be colder – possibly freezing. Wear layers and bring that coat or extra sweater just in case. You can always peel a layer off if you’re warm from walking. And comfortable shoes are a must for walking through big displays and neighborhoods.
- Bring Cash (for Snacks/Donations): While many vendors take cards now, it’s smart to have a little cash for things like hot cocoa from a non-profit stand or a glow stick your child eyes on a vendor cart. Also, if an event is free but benefiting a charity (like Winterhaven or certain city events asking for food bank donations), contribute if you can – it’s the season of giving, after all!
- Make a Night of It: The best thing about these light events is the quality time with loved ones. Maybe start with an early dinner at a local spot (many restaurants near these events have specials or festive menus), then walk the lights, then cap it off with dessert. Take lots of photos – the lights make for great backdrops (pro tip: use night mode or portrait mode on your phone for better results, and step under a well-lit tree for the best glow). These could become cherished annual traditions, so soak up the moments.
November in Arizona marks the joyful start of the holiday season, and there’s no shortage of brilliant light displays to ignite your festive spirit. So grab a warm drink, gather your family or friends, and bask in the glow of these events. From millions of glittering bulbs to humble luminarias, each light contributes to the magic of the season.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll be sharing snapshots from these Arizona holiday hotspots all season long (expect pics of us sipping cocoa under palm trees wrapped in lights 😄). Happy holidays and happy light-hopping!
