Arizona, December 6, 2025
Arizona is filled with exciting events this weekend, showcasing local creativity and community spirit. From Holiday Lights in Phoenix to artisan markets in Tucson, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover festive gatherings, art walks, and family-friendly experiences throughout the state as residents come together to celebrate the season. These events not only highlight the resilience of local organizers but also stimulate the economy, making this a perfect weekend to engage with your community.
Experience the Best of Arizona: Events This Weekend (Dec. 5-7)
A weekend full of opportunities awaits in Arizona!
This weekend, Arizona is set to come alive with a variety of events across the state, showcasing the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of local organizers. From holiday festivities to artisan markets, these events reflect the best of community engagement, individual initiative, and the power of local choices. As we head into the holiday season, it’s crucial to recognize how reduced bureaucracy and the proactive efforts of citizens can lead to vibrant and enjoyable gatherings that bring people together.
Whether you are in Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, or Prescott, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of key events happening from December 5-7, 2025, that celebrate civic innovation and personal achievement.
Phoenix
- Holiday Lights at Desert Botanical Garden: Experience a dazzling display of festive lights and installations throughout the garden. Open nightly from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets available online.
- First Friday Art Walk: Explore local art galleries, studios, and street performances in downtown Phoenix. Event runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday.
Tucson
- Winterhaven Festival of Lights: Stroll through a neighborhood adorned with elaborate holiday decorations. Open nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Free admission; donations accepted for local charities.
- Old Town Artisans Holiday Market: Shop for unique handcrafted gifts from local artisans. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Sedona
- Red Rock Fantasy: Enjoy a holiday light display set against Sedona’s stunning red rock backdrop. Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets available at the gate.
- Sedona Arts Center Holiday Show: View and purchase artworks from local artists. Open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Flagstaff
- Polar Express Train Ride: Experience the magic of the holiday season aboard a themed train ride to the North Pole. Multiple departures on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations required.
- Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair: Browse a variety of handmade goods from local vendors. Open Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Flagstaff Mall.
Scottsdale
- Scottsdale’s Waterfront Holiday Boat Parade: Watch festively decorated boats parade along the Arizona Canal. Event starts at 6:00 PM on Saturday.
- Scottsdale ArtWalk: Enjoy an evening of art, music, and refreshments in the Scottsdale Arts District. Event runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday.
Prescott
- Courthouse Lighting Ceremony: Witness the historic courthouse illuminated with thousands of lights. Ceremony begins at 6:00 PM on Friday.
- Prescott Holiday Parade: Celebrate the season with a festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and more. Parade starts at 1:00 PM on Saturday.
Nationwide
- National Finals Rodeo: Watch top rodeo athletes compete in various events. Held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from December 5-13. Tickets available online.
Supporting local events fosters community connections and stimulates the local economy. Let’s take advantage of these opportunities to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship, and to strengthen community ties. To stay informed about these events, consider checking official websites or local resources for updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the operating hours for the Holiday Lights at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix?
The Holiday Lights at Desert Botanical Garden are open nightly from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Is there an admission fee for the Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson?
Admission to the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is free; however, donations are accepted for local charities.
How can I purchase tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride in Flagstaff?
Reservations for the Polar Express Train Ride in Flagstaff are required. Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting the event organizers directly.
When does the National Finals Rodeo take place?
The National Finals Rodeo is held from December 5-13 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Where can I find more information about these events?
For more details on these events, including ticket information and any potential updates, please refer to the official event websites or local listings.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Listings | A curated list of events happening across Arizona from December 5-7, 2025, including details such as event names, locations, dates, times, and brief descriptions. |
| FAQ Section | A section addressing common questions related to the events, providing concise answers to assist readers in planning their weekend activities. |
| FAQ Schema | Structured data in JSON-LD format to enhance search engine visibility and provide quick answers to user queries about the events. |
| Key Features Table | A table summarizing the main components of the article, offering readers a quick overview of the content. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
