Holiday season in sunny Scottsdale, AZ

Sunny Scottsdale is gearing up for the fall and holiday season with a host of exciting events and programming for every type of traveler.

Be it foodies, art and culture vultures, zen seekers and more, there is something for all.

Fall Events

Oct. 19 – 20 – Phoenix Pride Festival – The two-day celebration taking place less than a 25-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale is designed to bring the Valley of the Sun’s diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie. It features over 150 entertainment performances and over 300 exhibitors showcasing a variety of culinary delights, shopping and community resources.

Oct. 25 – 27 – Spooktacular Balloon Festival – This year marks 12 years of the annual Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields, which is the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Families are invited to celebrate Halloween during the two-day event featuring over 20 hot air balloons. Kids will be able to trick or treat from over 4,000 pounds of candy, and partake in costume contests.

Oct. 26 – The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos – The annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships takes the field again this year at WestWorld of Scottsdale featuring some of the most recognizable names in the sport. Global polo players including Nic Roldan (known as ‘The Face of American Polo’), Manuel Crespo, husband-and-wife-duo Andres Camacho-Castilla and Natalie Grancharov-Camacho, and even actor Sterling Jones. Gates open at 10am for the event’s five polo matches taking place throughout the day. Afterwards, the event will end with a Polo After Dark party featuring the event’s first-ever night polo match, Dinner Under the Stars, and performances from top DJs. Plus, there are fashion shows, car and equestrian displays and more.

Nov. 1 – 2 – Dreamy Draw Music Festival – Dreamy Draw Music Festival will be returning for its second year at the Scottsdale Civic Center in Old Town Scottsdale. It celebrates the fusion of country and Americana with headliners including Mt. Joy, Flatland Cavalry, and more.

Nov. 8 – 17 – Canal Convergence – Now in its 12th consecutive year, Canal Convergence, Scottsdale’s free, large-scale, outdoor public art festival will return to the Scottsdale Waterfront. This year’s theme, “Reflections,” celebrates physical and psychological reflections that encourage self-examination and deep connection. Enjoy educational workshops, family-friendly activities, live music, performances, history tours and food.

Nov. 22 – 23 – Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience – This multi-day event gives visitors the opportunity to learn from Indigenous people while celebrating their rich culture and culinary traditions during Native American Heritage Month. The symposium focuses on topics including food sovereignty, environmental justice, health and wellness.

Holiday Events

Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 – Christmas at the Princess – Every holiday season, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a holiday headquarters for families. Last year, attendees viewed 6.5 million LED lights hung around the resort to create a magical holiday atmosphere. Families can glide on the Desert Ice Rink, ride the 120 ft. Ferris wheel, and meet Santa and other Christmas characters. Other attractions include the Princess Express Train, sledding down Snow Mountain, and S’mores Land.

Nov. 27 – Jan. 4 – ZooLights – The Phoenix Zoo will transform this holiday season, with millions of lights guiding visitors through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats. This year’s event will feature a new light show with music and synchronized imagery, in addition to over 50 animal-shaped lanterns, camel rides, fire pits and photos with Santa.

Nov. 29 – Dec. 30 – Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Each holiday season, Scottsdale’s well-known McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts a holiday light show. Guests will ride through seasonally decorated displays and sparkling lights after stepping aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad train.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 – Scottsdazzle – Immerse in holiday market shopping experiences, tree-lighting ceremonies, sing-a-longs, holiday movie nights, Santa meet-and-greets, a holiday-themed ArtWalk and more.

Nov. 30 – Santa Social – Taking place at The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, families are invited to enjoy a day of holiday entertainment including photos with Santa, Christmas character appearances, face painting, caricature art, and more. It culminates in a tree lighting ceremony and a holiday movie.

Select nights Dec. 1 – 30 – Las Noches de Las Luminarias – Enter a desert wonderland this holiday season at Desert Botanical Garden. Returning for the 45th year, guests can enjoy an evening filled with luminarias, holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights. 

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