Scottsdale & Phoenix Holiday Events Guide: ZooLights, Luminarias, Princess & More (Book Early)

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Why visit now

From late November through January, the Valley delivers sunny days, cool nights, and peak holiday events—which means vacation rentals, golf tee times, and special event tickets book fast. Lock in your Scottsdale short-term rental near Kierland/Scottsdale Quarter, Old Town, or WestWorld to be close to the action.

Can’t-miss holiday events

  • Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — rides, ice experiences, light shows & more (Nov 21, 2025–Jan 3, 2026). Fairmont Scottsdale Princess+1

  • ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo — millions of lights, 5:30–10:30 pm (Nov 26, 2025–Jan 16, 2026). Phoenix Zoo+2Visit Phoenix+2

  • Las Noches de las Luminarias (Desert Botanical Garden) — luminaria-lit trails, live music (Nov 28–30; Dec 5–6, 12–14, 18–23, 26–30). Desert Botanical Garden+2Desert Botanical Garden+2

  • Scottsdazzle (Old Town Scottsdale) — month-long holiday programming, markets, tree lighting & more (late Nov–Dec; check calendar). Scottsdazzle+2Scottsdazzle+2

  • Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale) — timed-entry train rides through dazzling displays (Nov 28–Dec 30, 2025). The Railroad Park+1

  • World of Illumination (Tempe/Glendale) — drive-through light show synced to music (Nov 14–Jan 4; Tempe Diablo Stadium & Glendale locations). World of Illumination+2World of Illumination+2

  • Canal Convergence (Scottsdale Waterfront) — free, large-scale light art along the canal (Nov 7–16, 2025). AZCentral+1

Tip: For Old Town and Kierland/Scottsdale Quarter, you can often walk to dining and holiday pop-ups—no parking hunt required. For WestWorld events, book North Scottsdale/Kierland for fast Loop-101 access.

Plan like a local 

Book early (really)

Prime weekends, VIP ice/ride passes, and walkable stays go first. If your dates overlap Christmas–New Year’s or New Year’s weekend, grab your spot now.

Check availability → thepalacioproperties.com