8 December Events in Arizona
December’s Arizona event calendar is POPPING off! As we head into the holidays, there is something to do every single night through the new year. Maybe you want to gather the family for some fun or head out on a cute date night or show off the beautiful weather Phoenix has to offer to out-of-towners, these are 8 December events in Arizona.
Christmas Movie Trivia Night | December 10th
Image via Snakes & Lattes
Put your Christmas movie knowledge to the test at trivia night! If you consider yourself an expert in the classics such as Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch, put together a team and head to Snakes & Lattes Tempe December 10th. Tickets are priced per table and are currently 25% OFF! So splitting that between your group would make for a holiday activity that doesn’t break the bank.
Merry Mercantile Market | December 14th
Image via Merchantile Market
My favorite local outdoor market is back again just in time for you to pick up some last minute holiday gifts! What I love most about the Merchantile Market is that all of the vendors are local to Arizona makers, dreamers, and creators. So when you shop there, you’re directly supporting the local community. Some of my favorite handmade gifts for other people – and myself ;) – are items I’ve found at places like these. Mercantile Market is taking place at Scottsdale Civic Center and is FREE to attend, no ticket necessary.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Class | December 15th
Image via Girl-tivities AZ
The holidays can be tough, especially if your family or friends are not local to Phoenix. I get asked alllll the time how to make friends in the Valley, and I just stumbled across Girl-tivities. They host girls nights every month in different locations to bring together women who are looking to connect and make friends. And December’s event is going to be SO fun because it’s a cookie decorating event! There is an itinerary full of goodie bags, games, social time, and of course cookie decorating.
Desert Farm Lights | Now thru December 29th
Image via Desert Farm Lights
Desert Farm Lights is the West Valley’s premiere walkable holiday light installation. Take in one million Christmas lights as you enjoy all that the farm has to offer including a Jolly Train Ride, multiple slides, a choose your own adventure Candy Cane Maze, and more! General admission tickets get you unlimited access to tons of activities, but there is also an option to add on even more fun like ice skating.
Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express | Now thru December 30th
Image via Grand Canyon Railway
All aboard the Polar Express! Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole” where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting. Although this activity is geared towards families, it could also be a fun experience for those looking to show off the beauty of northern Arizona to out of town visitors. They even have packages with the Railway Hotel for those wanting to stay the night in Williams.
Holiday SnowFest at Salt River Fields | Now thru January 4th
Image via Holiday SnowFest
If you didn’t believe in holiday magic, you will now because Holiday SnowFest is bringing 350 tons of REAL snow to the desert. Take a ride down the 20ft snow slide, pose in a life-sized snow globe, build a snowman, or chill out in the igloo bar with a festive cocktail. If you’re looking for a taste of a white Christmas without the snowy driving conditions, this is perfect!
Light Bloom at the Desert Botanical Garden | Now thru January 20th
Image via Desert Botanical Garden
LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO is a limited-time exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden and you won’t want to miss this one. Explore the grounds as they’re transformed by stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, the installation comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues. Add this to your list of winter date night ideas or as a way to impress out of town guests with our natural desert beauty. Admission to the exhibit is included with general admission tickets or a garden membership.
Skate Westgate | Now thru January 20th
Image via Westgate
Another great winter date night activity is ice skating! And while there may be rinks popping up across the Valley, I know the rink at Westgate has some fun theme nights planned such as ladies night where ladies get 50% off their skate session and deals on sips at select Westgate restaurants. And there are even retro skate nights on the calendar.
Now, I do realize that this list of 8 December events in Arizona can add up if you’re looking to take the whole family, especially during this time of year. So I am also working on a list of budget friendly December activities, which will include FREE and low cost options. I’ll be sure to share that when it’s ready as well!
