Christmas Markets Arizona 2024: Best Festive Experiences

41) Verde Canyon Railroad’s Magical Christmas Journey

Hop on the Verde Canyon Railroad for an enchanting holiday experience. Known as the Magical Christmas Journey, this one-hour roundtrip takes you along “Santa’s Secret Rails” to the North Pole.

The ride is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

The journey kicks off at the depot with a festive atmosphere.

You’ll find an elaborate Christmas village, sparkling lights, holiday treats, and even a live Bald Eagle.

The fun continues on board with cozy seating and access to open-air cars.

Along the route, you’ll be mesmerized by illuminated holiday scenes and friendly animal characters.

Keep your eyes peeled as the train approaches the North Pole, where Santa and his helpers eagerly await your arrival.

The Magical Christmas Journey operates from November 29 to December 24, 2024.

Given its popularity, you might want to make reservations early to avoid missing out on this seasonal delight.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Nov 29 – Dec 24	Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale, AZ	5:30 PM, 7:00 PM	$45 Adults, $35 Kids

For more details, visit their official page.

42) Casa Grande’s Electric Light Parade

Casa Grande’s Electric Light Parade is a shining beacon of holiday spirit. This event, put on by the Community Services Department, is the city’s most popular annual celebration.

Set to happen on Saturday, December 2, 2023, the parade will start at 5:45 p.m.

It’s perfect for families, with dazzling holiday lights and creative floats, making it a must-see event.

The festivities will take place in Casa Grande, AZ, specifically along its main streets.

Don’t worry about it getting too late—it wraps up by 8:00 p.m. This means even the little ones can enjoy the whole parade.

The parade is sponsored by APS and Kramer Media, ensuring a high-quality experience.

You’ll get to see an array of brightly lit floats, designed to impress and bring smiles.

For those interested in participating, the registration deadline is November 7, and a mandatory meeting will be held on November 9.

You can find more details on the City of Casa Grande’s website.

Details

Event	Date	Address	Time	Price
Electric Light Parade	Dec 2, 2023	Casa Grande, AZ 85122	5:45-8:00 PM	Free

43) Christmas at the Castle in Sedona

Christmas at the Castle in Sedona is nothing short of magical.

Nestled amid the Red Rocks, this event transforms a local landmark into a winter wonderland.

You get to stroll through beautifully decorated rooms, each brimming with holiday spirit.

Inside the castle, you’ll find twinkling lights, festive music, and elaborate Christmas trees.

Each corner of the castle offers its own unique decorations, making it a delightful experience for all ages.

Outside the castle, you can enjoy holiday-themed markets.

Vendors offer a variety of gifts, homemade crafts, and delicious treats.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with hot cocoa and mulled cider to keep you cozy.

Live performances add to the charm, with local musicians and choirs singing Christmas carols.

It’s a great place to take family photos or simply soak in the holiday cheer.

Dates, Address, Times, Prices

Market	Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Christmas at the Castle in Sedona	Dec 3 – Dec 30, 2024	333 Sedona Castle Dr	4 PM – 9 PM	Adults: $15, Kids: $10

44) Holiday Lights at Victory Park

When the holiday season arrives, Victory Park transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights.

The park is decked out with millions of twinkling lights in all shapes and colors.

As you stroll through, you’ll see trees wrapped in sparkling strands and glowing sculptures.

Families flock here for the festive atmosphere.

Kids are mesmerized by the interactive displays that light up the night. It’s a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

If you love taking photos, Victory Park is a dream.

The iconic light tunnel is a favorite spot for selfies and group shots. Make sure to have your phone or camera ready.

Each night, the park also features a light show synced to holiday music.

The show runs every half hour, so you won’t miss it. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

You can grab a hot chocolate from one of the stalls and warm up as you wander.

The vendors offer a variety of festive treats to enjoy while you take in the sights.

Market	Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Victory Park	Dec 1, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025	1234 Victory Blvd, Phoenix, AZ	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Free

Walking through Victory Park during the holidays is a must-do activity. The lights, music, and festive atmosphere create unforgettable memories.

45) Wickenburg’s Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering

Every year, Wickenburg hosts a delightful event that blends cowboy culture with the festive spirit of Christmas.

The Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering offers a unique glimpse into the ranching lifestyle through poetry and storytelling.

You can attend this event at the Wickenburg Community Center.

The gathering features performances by talented cowboy poets who share their experiences and tales from the Old West.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with performances starting at 7:00 p.m.

You’ll find yourself immersed in the rich cowboy heritage of Wickenburg, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

At this event, there are no contests or prizes, just pure appreciation for the art of cowboy poetry.

This creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the performances.

Attendees also have the chance to engage with the poets and learn more about their craft. This personal interaction adds a special touch to the whole experience.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 3-4, 2024	160 N. Valentine Street, Wickenburg	6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. doors open	$10 – $15

46) Annual F.Q. Story Historic District Home Tour & Holiday Street Fair

You are invited to the Annual F.Q. Story Historic District Home Tour & Holiday Street Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. This event showcases the charm and architectural beauty of the F.Q. Story neighborhood.

The home tour offers a glimpse into the unique period architecture styles like Tudor, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival.

Each home on the tour has its own story and special features that you’ll love exploring.

During the holiday street fair, you’ll find local vendors selling crafts, holiday decorations, and delicious food.

It’s a perfect place to start your holiday shopping or find unique gifts.

Ticket prices for the home tour are $25, and you can purchase them online or at the ticket booth during the event.

Advanced purchased tickets can be picked up at the booth.

This year’s event includes a holiday market, offering even more festive goods.

The street fair atmosphere, with its lights, music, and bustling crowds, will surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Meet and mingle with other visitors while enjoying the historic and festive surroundings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event is a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Date	Address	Time	Price
June 13, 2024	F.Q. Story Historic District, Phoenix, AZ	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	$25 per ticket

47) Laveen Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show

The Laveen Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show is where you need to be for holiday magic. This delightful display in the Laveen area of Phoenix turns a regular drive into a drive-thru wonderland.

Every year, a ranch-style home in Laveen gets decked out with over 300,000 twinkling lights. You’ll see cartoon characters, Christmas scenes, and vibrant colors turning the night bright.

The drive-thru feature adds convenience, letting you enjoy the dazzling lights from the comfort of your car. It’s perfect for families, ensuring even the youngest can partake without braving the cold.

The Laveen Holiday Light Show runs through the evenings, offering ample time to experience the magic. Pack some snacks, get in the car, and treat yourself to a festive drive unlike any other.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 1 – Dec 31	Laveen, Phoenix, AZ	6 PM – 10 PM	Free

Remember to check local listings if there are changes closer to your visit. Enjoy the festive lights at Laveen!

48) December Nights at Tucson Botanical Gardens

If you’re in Tucson this December, you’ve got to check out the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The garden transforms into a holiday wonderland known as Luminaria Nights. Thousands of twinkling lights and colorful displays create a magical atmosphere.

The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday, and it’s perfect for a family outing. You can stroll through the gardens, sip hot cocoa, and listen to holiday music.

Ticket prices vary depending on your age and membership status. Adults pay $15, children aged 4-17 pay $8, and there are discounts for military members, college students, and seniors. For the best experience, aim to arrive as close to your scheduled time as possible.

Remember to grab your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute price hikes. Your evening will be a blend of beauty and festive cheer, making it an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season.

Date	Address	Time	Price
Dec 1-Jan 3	2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ	5:30-8:30 p.m.	Adults $15, Children $8

49) Heritage Square Christmas Market

Heritage Square in Phoenix turns into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. You’ll be surrounded by festive decorations and twinkling lights. It’s the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.

You can stroll through the market and find unique gifts and crafts from local artisans. There’s something for everyone, from handmade jewelry to holiday decor.

If you’re hungry, Heritage Square offers plenty of food vendors. You can sample delicious holiday treats and classic fair food.

You won’t want to miss the live music and entertainment. Performances from local musicians and choirs make the experience even more special.

Bring the kids for a chance to meet Santa Claus. They can share their Christmas wishes and snap a picture with the big guy himself.

Market Name	Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Heritage Square Christmas Market	December 6 – December 8	113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Free

50) Holidays at the Frank Lloyd Wright House

Celebrate the holidays at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio. This unique event offers a mix of activities and festive fun set against the backdrop of stunning architecture.

From December 9-10 and 16-17, you can enjoy a variety of special activities, crafts, holiday music, and performances. These experiences make it a festive and memorable visit for families and friends.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of Wright’s architectural work while engaging in interactive and enjoyable holiday-themed activities. It’s a perfect place to create new holiday traditions.

The event is presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and is designed to bring the seasonal spirit to life in a historic setting. With crafts and music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Make sure to check the official event page for any specific details or updates.

Event Details

Date	Address	Time	Prices
Dec 9-10	Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ	4-8 PM	Adults $25, Youth $15, Members $22.50, Children 5 and under Free
Dec 16-17	Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ	4-8 PM	Adults $25, Youth $15, Members $22.50, Children 5 and under Free