Christmas Markets Arizona 2025 Ultimate Guide to Festive Events, Lights & Holiday Shopping

11) Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix offers a nighttime stroll through trails lined with thousands of glowing luminaria bags. Holiday lights add extra sparkle everywhere you look.

Live music and special displays pop up throughout the garden. You can buy seasonal snacks as you wander, which is always tempting.

The outdoor setting feels relaxed, and you can really take your time. Musicians play in different corners, and families stop to admire the glowing paths.

There’s a romantic mood under the night sky—something about the lights just does it. Occasionally, you’ll spot a plane overhead, which adds a quirky touch to the evening.

This event is popular, so you’ll want to plan ahead for tickets and timing. It’s worth it though, especially if you like a festive vibe without the crowds pressing in.

Event Information Table

Date Range	Times	Address	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025	5:30 PM – 9:30 PM	1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008	Adults: $35, Children: $15	Nearby hotels	Desert Botanical Garden event page

12) Snowy Nights at Mesa’s Downtown Rink

Winter Wonderland in Downtown Mesa brings outdoor skating right to the city’s heart. The ice rink sits at 56 E. Main Street, in the Plaza at Mesa City Center.

With evening lights overhead, you can lace up your skates and glide with friends or family. The rink is open every day during the season, so fitting it into your schedule isn’t hard.

The space is set up to welcome guests of all abilities. Staff are always around to help, making sure everyone has a good time on the ice.

Food trucks line the area, and a huge Christmas tree adds color and a bit of magic. If you want to keep the fun going, check out the food truck park or other holiday activities as part of Merry Main Street.

Key Details

Event Name	Dates	Address	Hours	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink	November 29, 2024 – January 11, 2025	56 E. Main St	Vary by day	Fees for skating apply	Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix-Mesa, Best Western Plus Mesa, see Booking.com options	https://www.visitmesa.com/events/annual-events/merry-main-street/

Check local schedules for hours and prices. Times can change during the holidays, so double-check before heading out.

13) Holiday Festivities in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland’s Christmas in the Rainforest event offers a peaceful, seasonal escape. The glass conservatory is home to butterflies from Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia.

Decorations include a Noble Fir tree with blue, silver, and white ornaments. These colors match the Blue Morpho butterfly, which you’ll spot fluttering by if you’re lucky.

Certain days feature live violin music, which adds a gentle background as you wander. You can also watch an Owl Butterfly Release at 5:15 pm, where big butterflies begin their new journey in the garden.

Special guests are invited for the event. Kids can meet Butterfly Fairy Leslie Campa on December 17 and 18 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm—she brings a little extra cheer for families.

Animal ambassadors also make appearances, giving you a close-up look at unique rainforest creatures. It’s a nice bonus, especially for animal lovers.

The event runs daily from November 25 to December 30, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, at 9500 East Vía de Ventura F100 in Scottsdale. Admission is $24.95 for adults.

Need a place to stay? There are plenty of options on Booking.com. For more event details, check the Butterfly Wonderland website.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 25 – Dec 30, 2025	9:00 am – 6:00 pm	9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale	General: $24.95	Booking.com – Scottsdale	Butterfly Wonderland Events

14) Holiday Lights Evenings at Desert Botanical Garden

Every winter, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix lights up with thousands of glowing luminaria bags and holiday lights. Walk the garden paths and you’ll find live music and other entertainment along the way.

The event brings new features each year, so there’s always something a bit different. Tickets are required, and they tend to sell out fast.

This event is open on select nights from late November through December. Both kids and adults are welcome.

Families and friends come to take photos under the lanterns and soak in the festive mood. The vibe is friendly and calm, with a strong sense of holiday tradition.

You can visit with a group or just wander the paths solo—it’s all good. If you want to go, here are the important details:

Event Name	Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Stay	Website Link
Holiday Lights Evenings	Nov. 24-25; Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 19-23, 26-30, 2025	1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ	5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.	$39.95 adults, $16.95 kids	Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown	Desert Botanical Garden event information

Check the official website for ticket updates and any last-minute changes. It’s always better to be sure before you go.

15) Yavapai-Prescott’s Indian Tribe Resort

Details About the Holiday Arts and Crafts Market

Yavapai-Prescott’s Indian Tribe Resort in Prescott, Arizona, is well-known for its deep indigenous roots and warm, inviting vibe.

During the holidays, The Gathering Center hosts a special Holiday Arts and Crafts Market. Local artists set up handmade works inspired by Yavapai traditions—think woven baskets and unique crafts.

You’ll get a chance to find gifts that aren’t like anything in the big stores. Shopping here helps support talented indigenous craftspeople and the local community.

Every piece tells a story and feels made with genuine care. That’s something you just don’t see everywhere.

If you’re staying overnight, you’ll have hotel options close by. The resort itself offers cultural experiences and plenty of amenities, so you can make your stay both interesting and comfortable.

After shopping, wander the grounds or strike up a conversation with an artist about how they create their work. It’s a nice way to connect.

Event Details Table

Event Name	Dates	Location Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Christmas Indian Art Market	Dec 23–26, 2025	147 N Arizona Ave, Prescott, AZ 86301	Mon–Sat, 10–4PM	Free	Hassayampa Inn – Booking.com	Christmas Markets Arizona 2025
Yavapai-Prescott Holiday Arts Market	Nov 28, 2025	530 E Merritt Ave, Prescott, AZ 86301	Varies	Free	Prescott Resort – Booking.com	Christmas in Prescott

You don’t need to pay an entry fee, so take your time browsing. Most people spot at least one piece they want to bring home.

16) Santa’s World of Illumination in Scottsdale

Santa’s World of Illumination in Scottsdale is a holiday light show that’s really built for families. You walk through glowing tunnels, each packed with bold colors and moving displays that sync up with holiday music.

Santa Claus and his elves are there too, and honestly, that’s the highlight for a lot of kids. Warm drinks like hot cocoa are up for grabs—perfect for those chilly evenings.

The place feels festive and offers tons of photo ops. People love snapping pictures under the light arches and next to the animated decorations.

If you’re planning a visit, check the details below. Hotels are easy to find nearby, and Booking.com has a solid range of options.

For the latest info, the official Santa’s World of Illumination website is your best bet.

Market	Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearest Hotels	Website
Santa’s World of Illumination	December 1-31, 2025	123 Holiday St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	$20 per person	Hotels near Scottsdale	World of Illumination Scottsdale

17) Royal Park’s Candy Land Christmas

What to Expect at the Event

Royal Park’s Candy Land Christmas happens in Founders Park and King Commons. These two parks connect by Candy Cane Lane, where you can walk under a canopy of lights and see over 160 massive holiday trees.

Local groups and families decorate each tree. The whole area feels bright and welcoming, and it’s become a favorite for both locals and visitors.

This festive display is open to all ages, and there’s something about those creative tree designs that kids really love. Every tree shares a little story from different people in town.

Here’s what you need to plan your visit:

Market	Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (from Booking.com)	Website
Royal Park’s Candy Land Christmas	To Be Announced	Founders Park & King Commons	To Be Announced	Varies	Nearby Hotels	Arizona Christmas Markets 2025

18) Scottsdazzle Holiday Experience in Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale really comes alive for Scottsdazzle. Streets get decked out, there’s live music, and plenty of local performances amp up the festive mood.

Take a stroll along the Scottsdale Waterfront. You’ll spot holiday lights and displays, and grab a cup of hot cocoa or coffee if you’re in the mood.

The Farmers Market nearby is worth a stop. You can meet Santa, snack on holiday treats, and browse for gifts from local vendors.

There’s a mix of crafts and fresh foods, so picking up a souvenir or something tasty is easy. The event is free, and you could easily spend hours just soaking it all in with friends or family.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main details:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Nearby Hotel	Official Website
Dec 6, 13, 20, 2025	6:00 PM – 9:00 PM	7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ	Free	The Scott Resort & Spa (booking.com)	Scottsdazzle event details

19) Tree Lighting Celebration at Tempe Marketplace

Tempe Marketplace hosts one of Arizona’s big holiday highlights: the annual tree lighting event. Every year, a new 50-foot Christmas tree rises in The District and lights up for the first time on November 22 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Santa Claus swings by for a cheerful hello. There’s even live snowfall—somehow, they make it feel like winter in the desert.

Wander through sparkling decorations all across the open-air shopping center. The event is free and open to everyone, so bring your friends or family if you want to brighten up your evening.

The District has spots to eat, shop, and just hang out while you enjoy the twinkling displays. You don’t need tickets or reservations, so it’s easy to join in.

If you’re coming from out of town, hotels are close by and easy to book. For more info, check the Tempe Marketplace Holiday Happenings page.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov. 22, 2025	2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281	7:00 pm – 9:00 pm	Free	Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix/University (booking.com)	tempemarketplace.com/holiday-happenings/

20) Lake Havasu City Holiday Lights Boat Parade

If you’re in Lake Havasu City this December, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a must-see. Boats of all kinds cruise the water after dark, decked out in holiday lights and wild decorations.

Locals and visitors gather along the shoreline to watch the lights shimmer on the lake. The parade is free and open to everyone, so you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy it.

Families love the tradition, and it’s a great way to feel part of the community. The event happens at the Bridgewater Channel near the London Bridge, and the boats start moving as dusk falls.

You’ll get a good view from the sidewalks and parks along the water. If you’re coming from out of town, there are plenty of places to stay close by.

The London Bridge Resort is a popular pick. For more event details, updates, or parking info, check the Winterfest Boat Parade page.

Event Name	Date	Address	Time	Price	Nearby Hotel	Event Website
Lake Havasu City Boat Parade	December 13, 2025	422 English Village, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403	Dusk	Free	London Bridge Resort	Lake Havasu Boat Parade