Kids' Corner Celebrate the Holiday Season

As the holiday season unfolds, the Valley comes alive with a dazzling array of festive events, each offering a unique way to celebrate.

World Of Illumination Reindeer Road

When: Through 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/glendale-arizonadesert-diamond-casino

Las Noches De Las Luminarias

When: Through 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

Christmas On The Farm

When: Through 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. After picking out a tree, spend time on the farm and take in the sights, sounds, and have a hot chocolate or two, while enjoying fire pits, train rides, a two-story playhouse, and more!

Info: tolmachoff-farms.com/new/christmas

SANTA MEET & GREET

When: Through Dec. 24

Where: Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix

What: Santa will be ready to meet and greet children at Santa's Cottage, situated on the north side of the food court. You're welcome to visit and snap some memorable photos with Santa every day until Christmas Eve. And guess what? Santa Paws is making a furry return every Monday—bring your adorable pets for heartwarming photos!

Info: northphoenixoutlets.com

SANTA PHOTOS

When: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23

Where: The Shops at Norterra, 2460 W. Happy Valley Rd., Phoenix

What: Head to Elevate Coffee at The Shops at Norterra for a free professional photo of your children with Santa while you enjoy a warm, delicious drink.

Info: elevatecoffee.com

Get Candid With The Claus

When: Weekends through Dec. 24

Where: Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale

What: Mr. Kringle is making his rounds throughout the Westgate Entertainment District. Pose for a free picture a designated Santa stop with a luminous Christmas tree backdrop on select days.

Info: westgateaz.com

Winter Waterland

When: Through Jan. 7

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

What: SeaTREK Santa is back, making underwater appearances. 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 our 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.

Info: odyseaaquarium.com

Zoolights

When: Through 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

Each event is a testament to the spirit of the holiday season, offering unforgettable experiences that bring joy and warmth to the heart. Make sure to check event websites for the latest updates and confirm all the exciting details.