The holiday season in the West Valley is pure magic — twinkling lights on pines and saguaros, cozy cocoa, and family traditions that make memories to last all year. Macaroni KID is your go-to guide for everything merry and bright — from festive events and dazzling light displays to Santa visits and local holiday fun. Explore our list below and make this a season your family will never forget.
Bookmark this guide and check back often — we’ll keep adding new events and activities all season long! Latest Update: 12/14
 Tim Mossholder | Canva |
Must-See Holiday Attractions in the West Valley
Discover the best holiday attractions and light displays that make our communities shine this season.
Westgate Entertainment District
When: All season long
Highlights: Ice skating, photo opportunities with Santa and by all their decorations, markets and entertainment on select dates, Santa Hustle on 12/14, shopping...FYI, Dec. 15-17 and Jan 5-7 are Discount Days at the skating rink plus all season long there are various deals skaters can get at other Westgate businesses. Here are the details!
Christmas on The Tolmachoff Farm
When: Fri/Sat 6-9 pm
Highlights: Hot chocolate, fire pit, bounce house and more. (Trees available for purchase all week.)
Sparkling Surprise
When: Every evening until 10 pm through Dec. 28th
Highlights: Beautiful light displays and photo opportunities, all for free
Holiday Lights Train Rides (near Hurricane Harbor)
When: Dec. 19, 20, 26, 6-8 pm
Highlights: Free miniature trains, lighted for the holidays
Desert Farm Lights Festival
When: Runs every night until Dec. 28th
Highlights: Mazes, treats, 18 acres of holiday lights and activities
There’s so much happening in the coming weeks! Here how to find More Holiday and Winter Fun
Classic Holiday Shows, Performances, and Parades
Holiday Light Displays & Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Great Christmas Destinations in Arizona
MacaroniKID Calendar of Events
MacaroniKID Articles
 Raven GS | Canva |
Get Creative and Crafty this Holiday Season
Handmade gifts and decorations are sure to bring joy:
- Gingerbread Gumdrop Gala Cookie decorating class. Register early. 12/20
- Boozy & Bright – Adult Gingerbread House Decorating at The LOLA, NOT for the kids but a fun time out with friends! 12/19
Sensory Friendly & ASL Holiday Events Around Town
These holiday events will help ensure everyone in the family celebrates the season.
Sensory Friendly ZooLights
- Modified Zoolights (Ticket not included with zoo admission)
- 12/15
Nutcracker - Sensory Adapted
- Ballet Arizona production at Symphony Hall in Phoenix
- 12/17 only
A Christmas Carol in ASL
- 12/20 only
- Peoria TheatreWorks production AND Herberger production
We do our best to verify event details, but always double-check before heading out as organizers may change plans without notifying us.
 Jill Wellington | Canva |
More Holiday and Winter Fun in the West Valley
There’s so much happening this winter! Explore even more ways to make the season special:
- Library story times in December will be themed for winter and holidays. Ask at your local library!
- Igloos at ChickenNPickle, Westgate, Reserve your igloo in advance, Available until 12/30
- Polar Express Experience at The LOLA, Westgate, 12/28
- Winter Junior Pickleball Camp Westgate, Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30
Photos & Fun with Santa
- Mortimer Farms Country Christmas at the Farm This is in DEWEY, AZ and photos with Santa are just one of the many activities all season long
- ChickenNPickle Brunch with Santa, Have brunch and get some photos too. 10 am - 2 pm, Dec. 21st, Westgate Brunch with Santa (and play pickleball)
- Snap a Pic with Ol’ Saint Nick 10 am to 1 pm on Dec. 20-24 at Westgate
Level Up Your Holidays!
- Skate Westgate, Glendale, Now - Jan 12th As mentioned above, Dec. 15-17 and Jan 5-7 are Discount Days at the skating rink plus all season long there are various deals skaters can get at other Westgate businesses. Here are the details!
- Cut your own tree from a National Forest Christmas Tree Permit, Really... We're Serious... Free if you are a Fourth Grader
- Sleigh Rides in Flagstaff, Offered Mid Dec. - Mid Mar.
- The Polar Express Train Ride, Williams, AZ, offered on select days all season
- The Magical Christmas Journey @VCRR, Clarkdale, offered on select days all season
- The North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, Only on F/S/S during the holidays
Sharing the Holiday Spirit
- https://www.justserve.org/ This organization can match you up with a wide range of volunteer opportunities in the West Valley.
Holiday Markets Near & Far
- Artisan Alley, Westgate, Dec. 19
- Oak Creek Arts and Craft Show at Sedona Vista Village December 19, 2025 Runs F/S/S 12/19-21
- Noelfest 2025: Gears of the North December 20, 2025, Glendale
Know about a family-friendly holiday event in the West Valley? Submit it to our calendar so we can share it with local families!
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