Biggest, brightest Christmas 2022 events in metro Phoenix: Santa, holiday lights and more
There are so many ways to spark your festive holiday spirit in Phoenix that you should probably get started now if you don't want to miss any of the seasonal spectacles.
There are holiday lights displays galore all across the Valley, including the return of the beloved Glendale Glitters. We've got luminaria nights at the Desert Botanical Garden Garden and a splashy boat parade on Tempe Town Lake.
You can take a spin on outdoor ice-skating rinks, use our holiday lights map to create your own driving tour of the best displays in town and get your photo taken with Santa.
However you like to embrace the holiday season, you'll find it in this ultimate guide to Christmas 2022 in metro Phoenix. Shine on!
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Tempe Boat Parade and Fantasy of Lights
Head to Tempe Beach Park to watch this flotilla of decorated boats light up Tempe Town Lake. Our guide has times, viewing locations and all the other fun on tap.
Glendale Glitters 2022
The beloved West Valley holiday tradition was scaled way back in 2021 and presented at "Murphy Park Lights." But Glendale Glitters is back and bright for 2022 with lights displays, a Christmas parade and movies in the park. Our guide to the event includes performance schedules and more.
Where to get photos with Santa
If your kids are excited to tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas, you've got options. Our guide to malls and other places in metro Phoenix where families can meet and get photos with the jolly old elf includes dates, times and how to make reservations and avoid the lines.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights show has been a favorite for more than three decades. New for 2022 are the Polar Park, where you can get snacks, warm drinks and photos with Santa, and a completely reimagined light show around the zoo's lake. Here are dates, times and admission prices.
Outdoor ice-skating rinks throughout metro Phoenix
Holiday ice-skating rinks are a tradition around the Valley. From Glendale to Phoenix to Scottsdale to Mesa, you can lace up a pair of skates — bring your own or rent some — and glide across real or synthetic ice. Here's where to find a holiday ice rink near you.
Lights at the Farm in Mesa
This display at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa has 3 million lights set to music, a petting zoo, skating rink, food trucks and more family-friendly attractions. Here's where to join in the fun and how much admission costs.
Christmas at the Princess and more hotel celebrations
Folks who have lived in metro Phoenix for a while are probably fond of this all-out holiday extravaganza at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The 2022 version has two skating rinks, a train ride and 6 million lights. But it's not the only Arizona hotel welcoming guests with bright lights and other attractions. Here's a selection of options at hotels around the state.
World of Illumination: 3 locations this year
This drive-thru experience light show synchronized with music is back for 2022 with three locations around metro Phoenix, up from two in 2021. See it in Tempe, Glendale and Phoenix. Our guide has everything to know about times, prices and themes at each location.
The Nutcracker, Christmas mariachis and more holiday shows
Whether your holiday vibe is the Nativity, Big Band or Mannheim Steamroller, there's a Christmas concert or stage show that will put you in the spirit of the season. Here are some of our don't-miss holiday shows for 2022.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
An evening stroll illuminated by flickering luminarias is an iconic Southwestern experience. And when those luminarias light the paths of a lovely desert garden, that's even better. Here's when you can bask in the glow at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix this December.
Here's a map to the best holiday lights in Phoenix
If a nighttime drive to gawk at over-the-top holiday lights is a tradition for your family, we've got you covered. Our map to the best residential and commercial Christmas lights displays in metro Phoenix will help you plot a glowy evening out.
Where to shop for unique gifts this Christmas
If you like to shop local, give distinctive gifts and support enterprising artists and other makers, you might find just holiday gifts you're looking for at these seasonal markets throughout metro Phoenix.
Road trip: Holiday events around Arizona
If your idea of Christmas fun involves going over the river and through the woods, we've got you covered. Pack your coats and mittens and check out the lights, luminarias, boat parades and more in Lake Havasu City, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott and Tucson.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best Christmas events for 2022: Phoenix holiday lights and more
