Phoenix, December 13, 2025
Phoenix is alive with holiday cheer this December, featuring a range of vibrant events perfect for families and community gatherings. From ZooLights and Desert Farm Lights to the APS Electric Light Parade and Downtown Christmas Market, residents can enjoy festive activities that enrich the local culture. These events highlight the collaborative spirit of local organizations and businesses, bringing festive joy while supporting the community. Come join in the celebration and make lasting memories with loved ones in the heart of Phoenix.
Exciting Holiday Events Lighting Up Phoenix This December
Discover the best festive activities and community gatherings to celebrate the season in Phoenix, AZ.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Phoenix area is brimming with festive events this holiday season, offering a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. December 2025 promises to be a vibrant month filled with unique experiences that highlight the spirit of community and individual initiative. Local organizations and businesses have come together, showcasing the power of limited bureaucracy in efficiently delivering engaging events that are set to enrich the local culture.
This holiday season, the myriad of events not only brings joy to families but also fosters community bonding and support for local entrepreneurs. With minimal government intervention facilitating this collaborative spirit, Phoenix stands as a testament to how civic innovation enhances the celebration of the holidays through an array of family-friendly activities.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Dates: November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Location: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Details: Experience millions of lights, animated displays, glowing animals, and music-synchronized tunnels. Enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores while strolling through the displays. General admission starts at $20; discounts for children and members.
Desert Farm Lights
Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
Location: Surprise, AZ
Details: A 13-acre holiday wonderland featuring millions of lights, an ice rink, Santa, and a candy cane maze. Ideal for families and children. Tickets are $22.95 for ages 3 and up; use code SANTA for $3 off each ticket Monday-Thursday (excluding the week of Dec 25).
APS Electric Light Parade
Date: December 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Details: The 38th annual parade features illuminated floats, marching bands, and community groups. This free, festive, and family-friendly Phoenix tradition continues to draw crowds eager to celebrate together.
Winter Wanderland
Date: December 20, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Various locations in Downtown Phoenix
Details: A family-friendly celebration featuring free progressive holiday performances, festive lights and décor, delicious food, drinks, and merriment. This event epitomizes the joy of community connection during the holiday season.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Dates: December 8 – 23, 2025
Location: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Details: A magical evening event with thousands of luminarias lighting up the garden paths. Enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and breathtaking views of the desert at night. General admission starts at $30; discounts for children.
Downtown Christmas Market
Dates: December 10 – 24, 2025
Location: CityScape Phoenix, 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ
Details: A festive outdoor market offering holiday shopping, live entertainment, and seasonal treats. Highlights include handcrafted goods from local artisans, holiday carolers, and an ice skating rink. Free entry; activities priced individually.
Chandler Community Menorah
Dates: December 14 – 22, 2025
Location: Downtown Chandler, AZ
Details: In partnership with the City of Chandler and The Chabad of the East Valley, a Community Menorah will be lit every night during Hanukkah.
Holiday Pops Spectacular with the Phoenix Symphony
Dates: December 5–7, 2025, varying times
Location: Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ
Details: Celebrate the holiday season with the Phoenix Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops Spectacular. Hum along to your favorite carols and hymns that will leave you filled with holiday cheer. Tickets range from $46 to $175.
For more information on these events, including ticket purchases and specific details, please visit the respective event websites or contact the event organizers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo?
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo runs from November 26, 2025, to January 16, 2026.
Where is Desert Farm Lights located?
Desert Farm Lights is located in Surprise, Arizona.
When is the APS Electric Light Parade?
The APS Electric Light Parade is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. along Central Avenue in Phoenix.
What is Winter Wanderland in Downtown Phoenix?
Winter Wanderland is a family-friendly celebration featuring free progressive holiday performances, festive lights and décor, delicious food, drinks, and merriment. It takes place on December 20, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at various locations in Downtown Phoenix.
Where is the Downtown Christmas Market held?
The Downtown Christmas Market is held at CityScape Phoenix, 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ, from December 10 to 24, 2025.
Key Features of Phoenix Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo | Nov 26, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026 | Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ | Millions of lights, animated displays, glowing animals, and music-synchronized tunnels. Hot cocoa and s’mores available. General admission starts at $20; discounts for children and members. |
| Desert Farm Lights | Nov 21 – Dec 28, 2025 (closed Christmas Day) | Surprise, AZ | 13-acre holiday wonderland with millions of lights, an ice rink, Santa, and a candy cane maze. Tickets are $22.95 for ages 3 and up; use code SANTA for $3 off each ticket Monday-Thursday (excluding the week of Dec 25). |
| APS Electric Light Parade | Dec 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. | Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ | 38th annual parade featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and community groups. Free, festive, and family-friendly. |
| Winter Wanderland | Dec 20, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Various locations in Downtown Phoenix | A family-friendly celebration featuring free progressive holiday performances, festive lights and décor, delicious food, drinks, and merriment. |
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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.
