Enjoy the holiday season in the Phoenix area by taking in the local events and displays. Even though the city doesn’t lend itself to wintery scenes or weather, you won’t lack for places to get into the spirit. The team at Alair Homes always enjoys this special time of year. Here are some of our favorite local activities that help us to get in the spirit of the holidays.
Go for the Lights
The Illumination Display is an intense light show in north Phoenix at Jomax Road and the I-17. It gives you a chance to experience the combination of lights and sounds celebrating Christmas as you’ve never seen it before. The sponsors brought together sound and light experts from all over the country to create a unique holiday experience.
Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo gives you a chance to wander the grounds after dark in all its decorated glory. Trails at the zoo total 2.5 miles, which is an easy walk, but most of them are either up or down hill, which is a workout, especially for the children. Be sure you bring strollers and wear comfortable shoes.
The Festival of Lights is an event local to Ahwatukee in the southern part of Phoenix, just southeast of the South Mountain area. You’ll find it at Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Park to the west of I-10 and 24th Street. There are a million white LED bulbs altogether in this neighborhood display. Besides the lights, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby.
If you’re looking for desert landscaping ideas for the custom home you’re wishing for or designing, come a bit before sunset. The housing in this area has some of the finest demonstrations of xeriscaping in the desert southwest.
Enjoy the Music
The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah during December at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Several of the adjacent cities to Phoenix also hold their own sing-along performances for the public. If you like lighter musical fare, check out the Cirque Holiday Spectacular at Symphony Hall in early to mid-December.
Shop Uniquely
The Heard Museum is a significant part of the culture of the central Phoenix area and picks up the slack right after Christmas. It holds its Holidays at the Heard between the 26th and the 30th with performances by native singers and dancers along with artistic demonstrations.
Do Something Different
It may not be cold, but CityScape has found a way to create a local outdoor skating rink and holds skating events from the first of December to the sixth of January. CitySkate offers open skating as well as private events. After a few hours of skating at CitySkate, drive a short distance to the Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. Besides the butterflies from tropical countries, there are unique photo ops for oversized, decorated butterflies and a holiday Christmas tree.
Normally a desert oasis, Phoenix knows how to chill out during the holiday season. There’s so much to enjoy in Phoenix during the festive holiday season, so grab your family, find an event that peaks your interest and start making memories.