14 Nov Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Phoenix This Year
One of the most charming local sightseeing experiences in Phoenix is the festival of holiday lights. Here are some upcoming events that are fun for families with kids of all ages, couples looking for romantic date night ideas, and friends gathering to share a little winter cheer. From the famous Phoenix ZooLights to local craft markets and visits from Santa, these all-ages events are sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
The Phoenix ZooLights
The ZooLights celebration runs through mid-January, so there’s plenty of opportunity to make time for a visit. With more than 4 million lights strung along two miles of walking paths, the Phoenix Zoo goes all out in delivering a memorable experience.
Santa makes visits to the zoo for meet-and-greets as well, and seasonal treats like hot cocoa and s’mores emphasize simple pleasures. With dedicated dates for sensory-friendly visits as well as drive-through tours, it’s easy to tailor the experience to your family’s unique needs.
Other local holiday light displays include:
- Tianyu Lights Festival in Phoenix
- World of Illumination drive-through light show in Tempe
- Desert Farm Lights in Surprise
- Arizona Lights in the Night drive-through light show in Mesa
Santa & Friends at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
If you want to combine a visit with Santa and a holiday lights experience, at McCormick-Sillman Railroad Park you can do both! Take a magical train ride through the illuminated park, followed by a chance to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Make the evening picture-perfect with some s’mores at the fire pit and a little holiday shopping at Hartley’s General Store.
Winter Craft Markets in Phoenix
Get a head start on your holiday shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving at Winterfest: Festival of Trees. Support local artists and vendors, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and enter to win a fully decorated Christmas tree. Saturday attendees can also meet and greet Santa Claus.
For more than 15 years, Phoestivus has welcomed holiday shoppers with a robust open-air market that includes live entertainment and benefits the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. This year, the number of participating vendors is upwards of 150, including handmade gifts, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and locally grown food and drinks, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. This one-day event on December 12 is pet-friendly, so bring your dogs, too!
Cherishing Your Family Means Planning for the Future
The holiday memories you make with loved ones today can be cherished for a lifetime. But you’ll want to leave your family with more than just memories. A sound estate plan is one of the best ways to protect your family, now and in the future.
Phelps LaClair is a trusted law firm that has been serving Phoenix area families for more than 40 years. Contact us to schedule a free estate planning consultation today.
Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 11/14/25.