Celebrate the holiday season with these local events and experiences

World Of Illumination Cosmic Sleighride

When: Nov. 15 – Dec. 31

Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe

What: Experience “The world’s largest animated drive-through light show” at World of Illumination. Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. This mile-long journey starts at 6 p.m. and features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music.

Info: worldofillumination.com/tempe-arizonadiablo-stadium

World Of Illumination Reindeer Road

When: Nov. 18 – Jan. 1

Where: Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale

What: Embark on a wild holiday adventure, crossing land, sea, and air, where you'll encounter exotic animals, from peacocks to piranhas. Soar through the skies alongside reindeer and race past dinosaurs in a time-forgotten land. Meet the King of the Jungle, brave the Tunnel of Tentacles against sharks and jellyfish, and conclude your journey at Santa's Bazaar, festively decorated by your animal pals. Buckle up starting at 6 p.m. for this mile-long adventure with millions of twinkling lights and holiday tunes.

Info: worldofillumination.com/glendalearizona-desert-diamond-casino

Zoolights

When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 14

Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

What: ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo, one of the Valley’s most cherished holiday traditions, is back with millions of twinkling lights, all-new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced

Santa experience, and a brand new music and light show! Plus, guest entry to ZooLights includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert, the not-to-be-missed dino-mite experience!

Info: phoenixzoo.org

FANTASY OF LIGHTS STREET PARADE & TREE LIGHTING

When: Nov. 24

Where: Mill Avenue, Downtown Tempe

What: 'Tis the season to venture into downtown and delight in the enchanting sights, sounds, and aromas of the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event marks the beginning of the holiday magic with a lively street parade, a sparkling tree lighting ceremony, a charming holiday market, exciting live performances, opportunities for Santa photos, and a whole lot more festive fun!

Info: downtowntempe.com/events/openingnight-parade

BALLET ETUDES PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER”

When: Nov. 24 – 26 & Dec. 1 - 3

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: Let Clara's magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful costumes paired with Tchaikovsky's original score, Ballet Etudes' “Nutcracker” is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family.

Info: chandlercenter.org

30th Anniversary Of Glendale Glitters

When: Nov. 24 – 25

Where: Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale

What: Enjoy all the traditional Glendale Glitter activities, including music, shopping, delicious food, and a visit from Santa Claus as you wander through Downtown Glendale from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night. Don't miss the grand lighting ceremony on November 24 at 5:45 p.m. in front of the Glendale Civic Center. It's a magical event you won't want to miss!

Info: glendaleaz.com

Las Noches De Las Luminarias

When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 30

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

What: Experience the simplicity and beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminarias, musical performances, entertainment, and holiday delights that line the garden’s iconic trails for a picture-perfect night.

Info: dbg.org

Winter Waterland

When: Nov. 24 – Jan. 7

Where: OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, A100, Scottsdale

What: Get ready for the holiday season at OdySea Aquarium! SeaTREK Santa is back, making underwater appearances from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve. Get a digital photo package with SeaTREK Santa for keepsakes or holiday cards. Enjoy the SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt to win prizes by finding hidden images. Kids can send their wish lists to SeaTREK Santa in the Kids Cove (and he’ll write back!). Hop on the OdySea Voyager's saltwater sleigh, featuring rotating festive exhibits full of lights, holiday music, and décor, all while narrated by SeaTREK Santa himself as he highlights his sea-fairing friends including stingrays, sea turtles, sea lions, and sharks. Spread the love with Adopt-A-Student at the Giving Trees, donating $15 to provide underserved students with free field trips to OdySea Aquarium.

Info: odyseaaquarium.com

SING-ALONG & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

When: Nov. 25

Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, 7150 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale

What: Scottsdazzle's hallmark event presents a festive blend of holiday melodies, live entertainment, seasonal beverages, delectable snacks, and more, all designed to kindle the holiday spirit. Join in the fun from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as attendees harmonize with timeless and contemporary holiday songs, creating a joyful atmosphere. And prepare to be spellbound as Scottsdazzle's iconic tree is brilliantly illuminated with Santa's assistance, casting a radiant glow over Old Town for the entire season. Best of all, attendance is free! Join in celebrating this magical season.

Info: scottsdazzle.com

PRANCER’S PAJAMA PARTY KICK OFF TO SUGARLAND

When: Nov. 25

Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: Join in the kick off of Sugarland, an interactive holiday display. There will be reindeer games, children’s performances, sweet treats, and character meet and greets, story time with Mrs. Clause, cookies, and hot chocolate. Cozy up in your favorite pajamas for this free, family friendly event that runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Info: downtownchandler.org/do/prancerspajama-party-kick-off-to-sugarland

Christmas On The Farm

When: Nov. 25 – Dec. 23

Where: Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale

What: There is nothing like the smell of fresh cut pine trees and a cold snap in the air to let you know that Christmas is near. Pick out a Christmas tree with the family, with varieties including Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble. After picking out a tree, you are welcome to spend some time on the farm and take in the sights, sounds, and have a hot chocolate or two, while enjoying fire pits, train rides, a twostory playhouse, and more!

Info: tolmachoff-farms.com/new/christmas

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

When: Nov. 30 – Dec. 23

Where: Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert

What: Experience the enchanting and heartwarming rendition of Dickens' timeless tale of redemption, beautifully brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is filled with cherished carols, captivating costumes, and unforgettable characters that will add an extra layer of joy to your holiday season, making it a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.

Info: haletheatrearizona.com

Lights At The Farm

When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 30

Where: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa

What: Experience the magic of Lights at the Farm, where two million dazzling lights and synchronized displays come to life with your favorite Christmas classics. This year, Lights at the Farm has teamed up with Vertuccio Farms to create Arizona's Largest Walk-Thru Synchronized Light Show. Gather your family and friends for a night of new traditions and cherished memories. Meander through the enchanting lights, marvel at larger-thanlife illuminated displays, and get lost in the mesmerizing tunnel of lights.

Info: lightsatthefarm.com

Kiwanis Christmas For The Kids

When: Dec. 2

Where: Downtown Carefree, Sanderson

Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree

What: This free event that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes puppies, games, face painting, carriage rides, and Santa Claus. The puppies will be provided by Puppy Luv and be available for adoptions. Kids’ games will have prizes. There will also be free hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate.

Info: kiwaniscarefree.org/event/kiwanischristmas-for-the-kids

“ELF

The

MUSICAL JR.”

When: Dec. 8 – 17

Where: Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills.

What: Follow Buddy, a young orphan who accidentally ends up at the North Pole in Santa's bag of gifts. Raised as an elf, Buddy later learns he's actually human due to his size and toy-making struggles. With Santa's blessing, Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father and uncover his true identity. In a city where his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doubts Santa, Buddy's on a mission to bring back the Christmas spirit!

Info: fhtaz.org/events/elf-jr

Fantasy Of Lights Boat Parade At Tempe Town Lake

When: Dec. 9

Where: Tempe Town Lake, 80 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe

What: Light up the night and be dazzled this holiday season at Tempe Town Lake from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake is the Valley’s most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and spectacular fireworks show.

Info: downtowntempe.com/events/boatparade

Hometown Christmas Parade

When: Dec. 9

Where: Downtown Glendale

What: Glendale's Hometown Christmas Parade is a wonderful chance to come together, celebrating the essence of Christmas. Families, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools unite to create a fantastic parade experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and encouragement. While the parade beautifully reflects the season's true meaning, it also serves as a platform for a canned food drive that supports Hope for Hunger, spreading the spirit of giving during this festive time. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and the route proceeds west on Glendale to 58th Avenue.

Info: hcparade.org

As you embark on your holiday adventures, remember that the joy of the season is best experienced through the eyes of children and with family. Make sure to check the event websites for the latest updates and confirm all the exciting details.