Best Holiday Activities Across Arizona in 2025

By Arizona Home Group

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Ever wondered what makes the holidays in Arizona so special? With a unique blend of festive cheer, twinkling lights, and outdoor adventures, our desert state transforms into a wonderland each year.

Let’s dive into some of our favorite holiday traditions and hidden gems that can make your season truly memorable.

1. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. One of our personal favorites is the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. This place lights up with stunning decorations every holiday season. The train rides are an absolute hit, especially for the kids and grandkids. It’s an experience our family looks forward to year after year.

2. Schnepf Farms at Queen’s Creek. If you’re in the Southeast Valley, you can’t miss Schnepf Farms at Queen Creek. They keep growing and improving every year, offering rides, fake snow machines, and loads of festive lights. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy holiday treats from local vendors.

3. Neighborhood light displays. One of the joys of living in Arizona is the incredible light displays our communities put up. The nice weather means folks are more eager to decorate their homes without the hassle of freezing temperatures. Driving around to see the lights in different neighborhoods is a simple but delightful tradition, one that we recommend making a fun family outing.

4. Christmas at the Princess. For those who love a more grand setting, the Christmas at the Princess event in Scottsdale boasts one of the biggest light displays in the region. You can stroll through themed areas while sipping hot cocoa. The sight of acres of dazzling lights is something you won’t soon forget.

5. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. Don’t forget about ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo! This event combines wildlife with holiday magic. From swinging monkeys to elephants splashing water, the atmosphere is lively and entertaining for all ages.

Our team members also have their own cherished ways of celebrating the season. Here are some of them:

• Laura loves to keep it casual by grabbing an In-N-Out burger before driving around to see the lights, followed by a traditional afternoon of making tamales with her family.
• Speaking of tamales, David on our team loves Christmas at the Princess Resort in Scottsdale. They have one of the biggest light displays in the Valley, featuring acres of lights, themed areas, hot cocoa, and activities for kids. It’s truly fantastic!
• Stacy from our team also loves the lights. She suggested checking out the ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, which are absolutely spectacular. The swinging monkeys and the elephants spraying water add such a fun touch. We’ve enjoyed visiting the zoo for years!
• Jeffrey likes to bring some sweetness to the season by baking cookies and handing them out to neighbors, which everyone appreciates. Many people enjoy baking during this time.
• Grant loves keeping it classic. He bakes cookies, watches Christmas movies, and indulges in tamales from The Tamale Store on Christmas Eve.
• Randy, on the other hand, believes the holidays are all about food. On Christmas morning, he enjoys Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, followed by a surf-and-turf dinner with crab legs and steak.
• Wendy loves to travel during the holidays, often visiting Utah, Flagstaff, or New York, where she enjoys theater and winter adventures.
• Cori, who is new to the Valley, has also discovered some favorites. She likes visiting Old Town Tucson, where carolers and horse-drawn carriages offer a taste of Wild West fun.

No matter how you choose to spend your holidays, whether through vibrant light displays, delicious food, or exciting adventures, Arizona offers countless opportunities for joy and connection. Make this season one to remember, filled with laughter, warmth, and special moments with your family.

And as always, if you want to chat about real estate, plan out next year’s goals, or just talk through your ideas, reach out to us at (602) 571-3730 or AHGadmin@gmail.com. We’re always here for you.

Happy holidays from our family to yours! We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for all of us.