top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureCGEST Staff
    • Dec 20, 2023
    • 4 min read

Dazzling Drives and Dreamy Displays: Your Guide to Phoenix's Best Holiday Lights

By Shivani Nandani


Forget Rudolph's nose; follow the twinkling trail to Phoenix's holiday lights extravaganza! From dazzling neighborhood displays to immersive commercial wonders, this city shines brighter than the December sun. So grab your hot cocoa, crank up the carols, and prepare to be dazzled by our guide to the must-see Phoenix holiday lights.


Neighborhood Delights:

  • Candy Cane Lane: Step into a real-life Christmas wonderland on Indian School Road. Candy cane-striped houses, sparkling reindeer, and synchronized lights will make you feel like a kid again. (Indian School Road & 24th Street (Phoenix))

  • Winterhaven (Tucson): Venture south to experience a winter wonderland bathed in charity. This neighborhood's stunning displays raise funds for the food bank, adding a heartwarming touch to the festive cheer. (N. of Fort Lowell, E. of Tucson Blvd., S. of Prince, W. of Country Club, Tucson, AZ 85716)

  • Loop of Lights San Tan Valley: Take a walk on the wild side (well, the festive side) in Pecan Creek South. Over 120 homes join forces to create a dazzling community spectacle, perfect for a family stroll. (38454 N Carolina Ave, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140)


Commercial Enchantment:

  • Enchant Scottsdale: Get lost in a world of twinkling lights and shimmering ice at Enchant. Meet jolly ol' Saint Nick, and savor holiday treats in a winter wonderland unlike any other. (7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258)

  • Desert Botanical Garden: Witness the desert transformed into a luminous oasis at the Desert Botanical Garden. Twinkling lights dance among cacti and succulents, creating a mesmerizing fusion of nature and holiday magic. (1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008)

  • Glendale Glitters: Drench yourself in holiday cheer at Glendale Glitters. Millions of twinkling lights bathe the city in festive glow, while carolers, a bustling holiday market, and even an ice rink (depending on the year) complete the merry-making experience. (5800 W Glenn Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301)


Bonus Tips:

  • Check event websites for dates, times, and admission fees.

  • Pack comfortable shoes for neighborhood walks.

  • Don't forget your camera!

  • Most importantly, bring your holiday spirit and get ready to be dazzled!


Other places to check out!

Neighborhoods:

  1. Christmas on Orchid Lane: 6320-6481 West Orchid Lane, Chandler.

  2. Christmas on Upland Drive: 2617 West Upland Drive, Chandler. Horse and carriage rides are available on Friday and Saturday nights.

  3. East Avenue of the Fountains: E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Celebrate with Mayor Ginny Dickey. Witness thousands of twinkling lights, highlighted by the traditional "lighting of the Avenue" around 5:45 pm.

  4. Christmas on Comstock: 3702 E Comstock Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Fifteen homes synchronized to music. The show begins on December 1. Tune radio to 88.1 FM.

  5. Voltaire Avenue: 4800 E Voltaire Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Synchronized outdoor lights dance to Christmas music on 98.1 FM. Enchanting spectacles are on both sides of the avenue near Tatum Boulevard and Thunderbird Road.

  6. Christmas on Evergreen Drive: S Evergreen Dr, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935. A dazzling display featuring 100,000+ lights synchronized to music. Open from Thanksgiving to January 31st.

  7. Eastmark Chrismark: Eastmark, Mesa, AZ 85212. A vibrant hub of holiday displays. Specific addresses may not be available, but it is a promising area for festive cheer.

  8. Grayhawk AZ Christmas Street: N 76th Way & E Rose Garden Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Cherished community tradition supporting St. Mary's Food Bank.

  9. Lights on Lark: 19000 E Lark Dr, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Thirty-two interconnected houses come alive in an animated display. Listen to music on 87.9 FM. 5:30-10:00 pm.

  10. Makela Family Light Show: 104 W Marco Polo Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027.

  11. M&S Lights: 11161 East Starkey Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85212.

  12. Christmas by Candlelight: 13204 S 176th Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338.

  13. Birthday Card for Jesus: 1335 N Papillon Cir, Mesa, AZ 85205.


Commercial Places:

  1. Christmas At The Princess: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Renowned holiday extravaganza at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

  2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Take the Paradise & Pacific Railroad on a magical journey through this captivating seasonal spectacle.

  3. Lights at the Farm - Vertuccio Farms: 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212. Over 5 million dazzling lights, colossal illuminated displays, an enchanting tunnel of lights, and many more captivating features await.

  4. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008. The Valley's beloved holiday tradition shines brighter than ever with nearly four million lights, hundreds of dazzling displays, the addition of Wildlife Lanterns, and the grand return of the tallest floating tree in North America!

  5. Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights: 101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, AZ 85204. Enjoy over 200,000 lights at this free event. Open every night from 5-10 pm, November 24th to December 31st. A unique display of international nativities is also hosted inside the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center.

  6. Marana Christmas Express: 14950 N Trico Rd, Marana, AZ 85653. Experience a festive train ride with holiday lights, a visit from Santa, a Playland area, farm animals, bouncy activities, and more. December 8th – 10th, 15th – 17th & 22nd – 23rd.

  7. Rock Point Church: 24759 S Power Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Free Christmas Light Show from 6-9 pm every night from December 8th to 24th. It features two towering 30-foot mega trees, a 50-foot mega arch tunnel, and thousands of lights synchronized to music—a cozy viewing area with fire pits, hot cocoa, and s'mores available.

  8. Pratt Brothers Christmas: 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226. Arizona's brand-new holiday extravaganza with over 6 million lights, a mesmerizing light show, a charming train ride, nightly parades, thrilling stunts, festive shopping, live entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

  9. Merry Main Street: 20 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201. Remarkable annual display along Main Street with 58,500 vibrant lights, free and open to the public every evening throughout the holiday season.

  10. Red Mountain Community Church: 6101 E Virginia St, Mesa, AZ 85215. Mesmerizing 12-scene Christmas light display with over 750,000 lights. Each scene unfolds a unique story, accessible through the Red Mountain app or brochure. Open every night between November 26 and December 31, excluding rainy evenings.

  11. Tempe Marketplace: 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281. Festive decorations, lights, and even snowfall!

  12. Arrowhead Ranch Dentistry: 6701 W Union Hills Dr #1, Glendale, AZ 85308. Lights are in palm trees, lawn games, a giant Christmas tree, and over 10,000 lights illuminate the corner of 67th Ave and Union Hills Dr. in Glendale.

  13. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. A unique opportunity to walk through the riparian habitat after dark, adorned with festive lights and displays. Tickets available at https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/riparian-after-dark

  14. World of Illumination - Glendale and Tempe: Two dazzling drive-thru light experiences featuring millions of lights, synchronized music, and themed displays. Tickets are available at https://www.worldofillumination.com/

bottom of page