Phoenix, December 5, 2025
This December, Phoenix residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with a range of family-friendly holiday events organized by Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix. These activities, including meetings with Santa, festive music, local vendors, and community engagement efforts, aim to foster connectivity among families and celebrate the local culture. Events like ZooLights, Las Noches de las Luminarias, and The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona also encourage community involvement and highlight local artistic talents, making it a vibrant holiday season for everyone.
Experience the Magic of Holiday Events in Phoenix
Celebrate the Spirit of Community with Valley Metro
Phoenix residents and visitors can dive into the holiday spirit this December with an array of family-friendly events organized by Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix. These initiatives not only celebrate the festive season, but also highlight the power of local leadership and community engagement, fostering a vibrant atmosphere across the city.
The city is witnessing concerted efforts to make holiday festivities accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and encouraging personal initiative allows for creative local events that bring families together and strengthens community bonds. The upcoming events are an excellent opportunity to showcase the collaborative spirit of Phoenix and celebrate achievements that stem from local involvement.
Celebrate with Santa
Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., as the Thelda Williams Transit Center at 9827 N. Metro Parkway East transforms into a festive gathering space. Attendees will have the chance to meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and participate in ornament decorating—a delightful way for families to create lasting holiday memories.
Holiday Fiesta on Central
On Friday, December 19, from 4 to 8 p.m., the Baseline/Central Avenue Park-and-Ride at 7436 S. Central Ave. will come alive with holiday cheer. This event promises an array of activities, with Santa making an appearance, local vendors showcasing their crafts, delicious food, and festive music, alongside cookie decorating opportunities for children and adults alike.
Additional Holiday Events in Phoenix
In addition to the Valley Metro events, Phoenix is bustling with numerous holiday activities that encourage community involvement and local support:
- ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo: Enchanting millions of lights, vivid animal sculptures, and festive treats light up the Phoenix Zoo from November 26, 2025, to January 16, 2026.
- Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden: On select dates in December, the garden is adorned with thousands of luminarias, offering a serene atmosphere complemented by live music.
- APS Electric Light Parade: On December 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., festive floats and performers will create a vibrant spectacle through parts of Midtown and North Central Phoenix.
- Phoestivus: On December 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix will feature over 170 vendors, live music, and local food—an event that showcases the innovative entrepreneurial spirit of the community.
- The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona: From December 12 to 27, 2025, Ballet Arizona brings this classic holiday performance to life with live music from The Phoenix Symphony, a cultural staple that emphasizes local artistic talent.
These events not only celebrate the festive season but also encourage the community to come together, strengthen local ties, and promote cultural engagement across Phoenix.
FAQ
What is the “Celebrate with Santa” event?
The “Celebrate with Santa” event is a festive gathering hosted by Valley Metro and Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien on Sunday, December 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Thelda Williams Transit Center. The event features visits with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and ornament decorating.
When and where is the Holiday Fiesta on Central?
The Holiday Fiesta on Central is scheduled for Friday, December 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Baseline/Central Avenue Park-and-Ride, located at 7436 S. Central Ave. The event includes Santa, local vendors, food, music, cookie decorating, and more.
What other holiday events are happening in Phoenix?
In addition to Valley Metro’s events, Phoenix offers several holiday activities, including ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden, the APS Electric Light Parade, Phoestivus, and performances of “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Arizona.
Event Details Table
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrate with Santa | December 7, 2025 | 1–3 p.m. | Thelda Williams Transit Center, 9827 N. Metro Parkway East | Visits with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and ornament decorating. |
| Holiday Fiesta on Central | December 19, 2025 | 4–8 p.m. | Baseline/Central Avenue Park-and-Ride, 7436 S. Central Ave. | Santa, local vendors, food, music, cookie decorating, and more. |
| ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo | November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026 | 5:30–10:30 p.m. nightly | Phoenix Zoo | Millions of lights, glowing animal sculptures, and festive treats. |
| Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden | December 5–6, 12–14, 18–23, 26–30, 2025 | 5:30–9:30 p.m. | Desert Botanical Garden | Garden illuminated with thousands of luminarias and live music. |
| APS Electric Light Parade | December 6, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. | Midtown and North Central Phoenix | Festive floats and performers parade through the city. |
| Phoestivus | December 12, 2025 | 4:00–10:00 p.m. | Arizona Center, Downtown Phoenix | Over 170 vendors, live music, local food, and artisan holiday gifts. |
| The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona | December 12–27, 2025 | Various times | Arizona Financial Theatre | Live music from The Phoenix Symphony accompanies the performance. |
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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.
