Free Events - by date (or opening date) 2019
(all events, even events that have passed)
(see what you might have missed this year)
(see what you might have missed this year)
Check out the Facebook Events page for a calendar of upcoming events
Saturday, November 16
BassPro Mesa & Glendale Cabela's (The Magic Returns) (Continues Daily through 12/24)
5pm Santa arrives, unveiling of Santa’s Wonderland
6-8pm Crafts, cookies, tree lighting, photos with Santa (free)
Outlets at Anthem
12-5pm Tree Lighting Festival (face painters, holiday crafts, meet and greets with the Grinch, Elsa and Anna and Olaf, a petting zoo and SANTA! Holiday Village will also feature an interactive music show.)
5-6pm Lighting of the Tree (Host Javier Soto & Santa; Musical Theatre of Anthem and Diamond Dance Works perform. Brand new Sound & Color Spectacular!) Sound & Color Spectacular continues daily at 5, 6, & 7pm. Fridays and Saturdays feature dancers at the 6:00 program.
BassPro Mesa & Glendale Cabela's (The Magic Returns) (Continues Daily through 12/24)
5pm Santa arrives, unveiling of Santa’s Wonderland
6-8pm Crafts, cookies, tree lighting, photos with Santa (free)
Outlets at Anthem
12-5pm Tree Lighting Festival (face painters, holiday crafts, meet and greets with the Grinch, Elsa and Anna and Olaf, a petting zoo and SANTA! Holiday Village will also feature an interactive music show.)
5-6pm Lighting of the Tree (Host Javier Soto & Santa; Musical Theatre of Anthem and Diamond Dance Works perform. Brand new Sound & Color Spectacular!) Sound & Color Spectacular continues daily at 5, 6, & 7pm. Fridays and Saturdays feature dancers at the 6:00 program.
Thursday, November 21
Pollack Cinemas
5:30-9:30pm FREE holiday movie night. Pick from: Polar Express, Christmas Vacation, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Movies start at 6:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm.
Pollack Cinemas
5:30-9:30pm FREE holiday movie night. Pick from: Polar Express, Christmas Vacation, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Movies start at 6:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm.
Saturday, November 23
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Monday, November 25
Desert Ridge
6-8pm Tree Lighting and First SnowFall entertainment. Cirque style show and Fire & Ice theme. Caroling, cocoa, treats, crafts and games, musical performance, and snow –At The District, snow is at the AMC Lawn. Tree Lighting at 6:45 (Snow Continues nightly through December 24th @ 7 & 8pm)
Desert Ridge
6-8pm Tree Lighting and First SnowFall entertainment. Cirque style show and Fire & Ice theme. Caroling, cocoa, treats, crafts and games, musical performance, and snow –At The District, snow is at the AMC Lawn. Tree Lighting at 6:45 (Snow Continues nightly through December 24th @ 7 & 8pm)
Thursday, November 28
Santa Train opening night in Ahwatukee (see them on HGTV on Thanksgiving!! (Outrageous Holiday Houses)) Dusk-11pm (free candy canes until 9 pm). Snow nightly on the half-hour until 9:00. Flash your headlights at Santa to start the train. Tune to 87.9 FM to hear the Mountain show. Donations accepted for Miracle League of Arizona - over the years they have raised almost $20,000 for charities (Continues nightly through January 1st)
Santa Train opening night in Ahwatukee (see them on HGTV on Thanksgiving!! (Outrageous Holiday Houses)) Dusk-11pm (free candy canes until 9 pm). Snow nightly on the half-hour until 9:00. Flash your headlights at Santa to start the train. Tune to 87.9 FM to hear the Mountain show. Donations accepted for Miracle League of Arizona - over the years they have raised almost $20,000 for charities (Continues nightly through January 1st)
Friday, November 29
Merry Main Street (Mesa)
4-10pm Kickoff event: Ice Show; Live music; 5:45 Tree Lighting; Santa, Food Trucks, free train rides and more. (Festival continues Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 21 (including free Santa Photos).) (Fees apply for ice skating)
Glendale Glitters
5-10pm Tree lighting and more. 1.6 million lights through downtown Glendale. 6:00 Tree Lighting (and downtown lighting) with the mayor. (Light display continues nightly: 5-11pm through Jan 11)
Fantasy of Lights Parade
6-9pm Downtown Tempe – floats, live entertainment, music, selfies with Santa. Tree Lighting at 7pm at Centerpoint Plaza. You can bring peanut butter to donate to United Food Bank. (parade begins at Mill/3rd)
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (nightly through Jan 5 (closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31))
6:30pm-9pm Holiday Lights Train Ride. $5 per person (free for 2 and under with paying adult) Santa Visits Nov 29-Dec 1, then nightly Dec 6-23rd ($5 fee/family). Tree lighting and additional entertainment on November 29th (Mayor Lane, Santa arrives on a train, Family Circus' Jeff Keane with free calendars). Tickets can be pre-purchased.
Merry Main Street (Mesa)
4-10pm Kickoff event: Ice Show; Live music; 5:45 Tree Lighting; Santa, Food Trucks, free train rides and more. (Festival continues Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 21 (including free Santa Photos).) (Fees apply for ice skating)
Glendale Glitters
5-10pm Tree lighting and more. 1.6 million lights through downtown Glendale. 6:00 Tree Lighting (and downtown lighting) with the mayor. (Light display continues nightly: 5-11pm through Jan 11)
Fantasy of Lights Parade
6-9pm Downtown Tempe – floats, live entertainment, music, selfies with Santa. Tree Lighting at 7pm at Centerpoint Plaza. You can bring peanut butter to donate to United Food Bank. (parade begins at Mill/3rd)
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (nightly through Jan 5 (closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31))
6:30pm-9pm Holiday Lights Train Ride. $5 per person (free for 2 and under with paying adult) Santa Visits Nov 29-Dec 1, then nightly Dec 6-23rd ($5 fee/family). Tree lighting and additional entertainment on November 29th (Mayor Lane, Santa arrives on a train, Family Circus' Jeff Keane with free calendars). Tickets can be pre-purchased.
Saturday, November 30
Santa Social (Scottsdale Quarter @ the Quad)
10am-8pm Music (11-3), kids entertainment (4-6), pet adoptions (10-2), free caricatures (10-4), free face-painting (10-6), visits from The Grinch, Mrs. Claus and Frosty. Tree Lighting with Santa at 6pm, and finish the night by watching Home Alone (6:15).
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
3-6pm Mrs. Claus story times
Glendale Glitters (Spectacular Weekend - kickoff)
5-10pm Tree lighting and more. 1.6 million lights through downtown Glendale. (Light display continues nightly: 5-11pm through Jan 11)
Grayhawk (Through Dec. 24) – Montevina Neighborhood (E. Grayhawk Dr at N. 76th Way)
6-9pm Cocoa Shack / Holiday Lights – Donate canned goods or cash (for local food bank) and get cookies/cocoa
Christmas Forever Kickoff (5 year anniversary)
7-10pm Arrive by 6:50. Christmas treats will be served. Please be courteous of neighbors. Located at 11330 N. Sundown Drive in Scottsdale AZ 85260 (west of Hayden, north of Shea). Continues nightly (7-9 weeknights) through New Year's Eve. Cookies, Cocoa & Candy Canes served each Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Scottsdazzle Kickoff (Scottsdale Waterfront)
7-9pm Tree Lighting : Join the City VIPs for a live music sing-along with a live orchestra. At 8:00 the tree (with over a million lights) will be lit in the Soleri Plaza
Letters to Santa kickoff at Scottsdazzle. Use the special form, and your child will receive a letter back from Santa.
Santa Social (Scottsdale Quarter @ the Quad)
10am-8pm Music (11-3), kids entertainment (4-6), pet adoptions (10-2), free caricatures (10-4), free face-painting (10-6), visits from The Grinch, Mrs. Claus and Frosty. Tree Lighting with Santa at 6pm, and finish the night by watching Home Alone (6:15).
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
3-6pm Mrs. Claus story times
Glendale Glitters (Spectacular Weekend - kickoff)
5-10pm Tree lighting and more. 1.6 million lights through downtown Glendale. (Light display continues nightly: 5-11pm through Jan 11)
Grayhawk (Through Dec. 24) – Montevina Neighborhood (E. Grayhawk Dr at N. 76th Way)
6-9pm Cocoa Shack / Holiday Lights – Donate canned goods or cash (for local food bank) and get cookies/cocoa
Christmas Forever Kickoff (5 year anniversary)
7-10pm Arrive by 6:50. Christmas treats will be served. Please be courteous of neighbors. Located at 11330 N. Sundown Drive in Scottsdale AZ 85260 (west of Hayden, north of Shea). Continues nightly (7-9 weeknights) through New Year's Eve. Cookies, Cocoa & Candy Canes served each Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Scottsdazzle Kickoff (Scottsdale Waterfront)
7-9pm Tree Lighting : Join the City VIPs for a live music sing-along with a live orchestra. At 8:00 the tree (with over a million lights) will be lit in the Soleri Plaza
Letters to Santa kickoff at Scottsdazzle. Use the special form, and your child will receive a letter back from Santa.
Tuesday, December 3
Barro's Holiday Hunger Fight
All Day All locations in Arizona - 100% of proceeds will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank. One large pizza ordered by you will turn into 70 meals for someone in need. Make it a Barro's Pizza Night (or day) for your family!
Details about this year's event HERE.
Barro's Holiday Hunger Fight
All Day All locations in Arizona - 100% of proceeds will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank. One large pizza ordered by you will turn into 70 meals for someone in need. Make it a Barro's Pizza Night (or day) for your family!
Details about this year's event HERE.
Friday, December 6
Carefree Christmas in Carefree
5-8pm Tree Lighting and Holiday Movie (Elf). Musical performances; Candlelight walk; Santa & Mayor to light the gardens. Complimentary popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and water. A free holiday gift for each family.
Phoenix - Light Parade Pre-Party
5:30-8pm Float Judging & pre-parade activities for APS Electric Light Parade (see the floats up close, Santa's Village: face painting, crafts, Santa photos, games). Hosted at North Phoenix Baptist Church 5757 N. Central Ave.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 7, 13 & 14)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - Elf- in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
Carefree Christmas in Carefree
5-8pm Tree Lighting and Holiday Movie (Elf). Musical performances; Candlelight walk; Santa & Mayor to light the gardens. Complimentary popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and water. A free holiday gift for each family.
Phoenix - Light Parade Pre-Party
5:30-8pm Float Judging & pre-parade activities for APS Electric Light Parade (see the floats up close, Santa's Village: face painting, crafts, Santa photos, games). Hosted at North Phoenix Baptist Church 5757 N. Central Ave.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 7, 13 & 14)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - Elf- in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
Saturday, December 7
Christmas in Carefree
9-11 Breakfast with Santa Cost: Bring a new toy, non-perishable food item, or a $5 donation per person
Scottsdale Promenade
11am-3pm Free photos with Santa and free Ugly Sweater crafting station (bring a sweater to decorate). Free cocoa bar. Nordstrom Rack Courtyard.
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdazzle (Scottsdale Old Town)
3-7pm Sugar Plum Avenue: 5th Avenue becomes a fairytale village: fairies, princesses, aerial performances, bounce house and more!
Celebration of Christmas – Christmas Musical
3pm & 7pm on weekends; 7pm Th/Fri, (12/7-12/8; 12/12-12/15; 12/19-12/22) Free (or paid reserved) seats at Dream City Church (NW of 51 @ Cactus). Free seating is limited (and not advertised) at each performance. Park in the North Lot and enter at the North Entrance for free seats. Arrive early.
Fountain Hills
3:30-8pm Stroll in the Glow & Chill in the Hills (60,000 lights and ornaments - mayor turns on the lights at 6:00, Santa arrives at 6:00 or 6:30). Free horse-drawn hay wagon rides, free skating rink (arrive early to make (free) reservation), live nativity, letters to Santa.
Chandler Parade of Lights & Tumbleweed Tree
4:30-9pm Parade begins at 6:45pm, Tumbleweed Tree lighting at 8pm. Activities begin at 4:30.
Talking Stick - Odysea
5-8pm - Movies in the Desert: SHREK. Desert Courtyard area. Family events, music, games, and tons of prizes begins at 5, movie begins at 6:30. Bring chairs, arrive early for best seating.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 13 & 14)
Winter Wonderland (Birkett home)
6-10pm As seen on TV! Scottsdale's own Great Christmas Light Fight-Winning light display near 101/McDonald. Free, but donations appreciated. You can buy cocoa and s'mores kits. (Nightly through 12/31)
Phoenix - Light Parade
7pm 33rd Annual APS Electric Light Parade (This year’s theme: Walking in a Desert Wonderland)
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performances by The Scottsdale Chorus.
Christmas in Carefree
9-11 Breakfast with Santa Cost: Bring a new toy, non-perishable food item, or a $5 donation per person
Scottsdale Promenade
11am-3pm Free photos with Santa and free Ugly Sweater crafting station (bring a sweater to decorate). Free cocoa bar. Nordstrom Rack Courtyard.
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdazzle (Scottsdale Old Town)
3-7pm Sugar Plum Avenue: 5th Avenue becomes a fairytale village: fairies, princesses, aerial performances, bounce house and more!
Celebration of Christmas – Christmas Musical
3pm & 7pm on weekends; 7pm Th/Fri, (12/7-12/8; 12/12-12/15; 12/19-12/22) Free (or paid reserved) seats at Dream City Church (NW of 51 @ Cactus). Free seating is limited (and not advertised) at each performance. Park in the North Lot and enter at the North Entrance for free seats. Arrive early.
Fountain Hills
3:30-8pm Stroll in the Glow & Chill in the Hills (60,000 lights and ornaments - mayor turns on the lights at 6:00, Santa arrives at 6:00 or 6:30). Free horse-drawn hay wagon rides, free skating rink (arrive early to make (free) reservation), live nativity, letters to Santa.
Chandler Parade of Lights & Tumbleweed Tree
4:30-9pm Parade begins at 6:45pm, Tumbleweed Tree lighting at 8pm. Activities begin at 4:30.
Talking Stick - Odysea
5-8pm - Movies in the Desert: SHREK. Desert Courtyard area. Family events, music, games, and tons of prizes begins at 5, movie begins at 6:30. Bring chairs, arrive early for best seating.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 13 & 14)
Winter Wonderland (Birkett home)
6-10pm As seen on TV! Scottsdale's own Great Christmas Light Fight-Winning light display near 101/McDonald. Free, but donations appreciated. You can buy cocoa and s'mores kits. (Nightly through 12/31)
Phoenix - Light Parade
7pm 33rd Annual APS Electric Light Parade (This year’s theme: Walking in a Desert Wonderland)
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performances by The Scottsdale Chorus.
Sunday, December 8
Outlets at Anthem
9-11 Santa Cares (calm environment for special needs) (free, but photo packages available for purchase)
Scottsdale Quarter
10-11 SENSITIVE SANTA (calm environment for special needs) (free, but photo packages available for purchase)
Celebration of Christmas
4 & 7pm Pinnacle Concert Series - Free concert
Outlets at Anthem
9-11 Santa Cares (calm environment for special needs) (free, but photo packages available for purchase)
Scottsdale Quarter
10-11 SENSITIVE SANTA (calm environment for special needs) (free, but photo packages available for purchase)
Celebration of Christmas
4 & 7pm Pinnacle Concert Series - Free concert
Thursday, December 12
Desert Ridge
6:30-8:30pm Free Movies After Dark: The Grinch. On the big screen the District Stage. Movie begins at 6:30.
Desert Ridge
6:30-8:30pm Free Movies After Dark: The Grinch. On the big screen the District Stage. Movie begins at 6:30.
Friday, December 13
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 14)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (nightly through Jan 6 (closed 12/3, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31))
6:30pm-9pm Holiday Lights Train Ride. $5 per person (free for 2 and under with paying adult) Santa Visits Nov 30-Dec 2, then nightly Dec 7-23rd. Tree lighting and additional entertainment on Dec. 1st (Mayor Lane, Santa arrives on a train, Family Circus' Jeff Keane with free calendars). Tickets can be pre-purchased.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 14)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (nightly through Jan 6 (closed 12/3, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31))
6:30pm-9pm Holiday Lights Train Ride. $5 per person (free for 2 and under with paying adult) Santa Visits Nov 30-Dec 2, then nightly Dec 7-23rd. Tree lighting and additional entertainment on Dec. 1st (Mayor Lane, Santa arrives on a train, Family Circus' Jeff Keane with free calendars). Tickets can be pre-purchased.
Saturday, December 14
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
10am-2pm Holiday Fair/Marketplace - Face painting, coloring contest, bounce houses, live entertainment, prizes, giveaways, and more! Free, but register to be entered for extra prizes.
Desert Ridge
11am-1pm Free Elf Academy Meet Jingles, Snowflake, Buttons, Tinsel, and more of the North Pole’s friendliest elves as they lead you through a variety of workshops, games and activities to help you earn your official ELF certificate!
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdale Promenade
11am-3pm Free photos with Santa and free Ugly Sweater crafting station (bring a sweater to decorate). Free cocoa bar. Nordstrom Rack Courtyard.
Tempe Boat Parade & Fireworks
4:00-9pm Tempe Beach Park – 50 lighted boats, selfies with Santa, concessions for sale, live music and more family activities Parade at 7:00, fireworks at 8:00. (20th Annual event) (bring peanut butter to donate)
Talking Stick - Odysea
5-8pm - Movies in the Desert: Secret Life of Pets 2. Desert Courtyard area. Family events, music, games, and tons of prizes begins at 5, movie begins at dusk. Bring chairs, arrive early for best seating.
Peoria's Old Town Holiday Festival (32nd Annual!)
5-10pm (& Gingerbread House Competition) Live entertainment, Santa, tree lighting, Kid Zone and more. Concessions available for purchase (some activities have a nominal fee)
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait)
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performances by Phoenix Girls Chorus
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
10am-2pm Holiday Fair/Marketplace - Face painting, coloring contest, bounce houses, live entertainment, prizes, giveaways, and more! Free, but register to be entered for extra prizes.
Desert Ridge
11am-1pm Free Elf Academy Meet Jingles, Snowflake, Buttons, Tinsel, and more of the North Pole’s friendliest elves as they lead you through a variety of workshops, games and activities to help you earn your official ELF certificate!
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdale Promenade
11am-3pm Free photos with Santa and free Ugly Sweater crafting station (bring a sweater to decorate). Free cocoa bar. Nordstrom Rack Courtyard.
Tempe Boat Parade & Fireworks
4:00-9pm Tempe Beach Park – 50 lighted boats, selfies with Santa, concessions for sale, live music and more family activities Parade at 7:00, fireworks at 8:00. (20th Annual event) (bring peanut butter to donate)
Talking Stick - Odysea
5-8pm - Movies in the Desert: Secret Life of Pets 2. Desert Courtyard area. Family events, music, games, and tons of prizes begins at 5, movie begins at dusk. Bring chairs, arrive early for best seating.
Peoria's Old Town Holiday Festival (32nd Annual!)
5-10pm (& Gingerbread House Competition) Live entertainment, Santa, tree lighting, Kid Zone and more. Concessions available for purchase (some activities have a nominal fee)
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
6-10pm Trains run every 30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait)
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performances by Phoenix Girls Chorus
Wednesday, December 18
Barnes & Noble Chanukah Story Hour
3:30-4:30pm Desert Ridge. Story hour and craft. Free and open to all
Barnes & Noble Chanukah Story Hour
3:30-4:30pm Desert Ridge. Story hour and craft. Free and open to all
Friday, December 20
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
5:30-9pm Trains run every 20/30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 7 & 8)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - A Christmas Story - in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
Polar Express Train Rides @ Merry Main Street (Mesa)
5:30-9pm Trains run every 20/30 minutes. Wear your pajamas. Cookies, songs and Santa (zoom down Main Street in a light-rail car) FREE (expect to wait) (also Dec 7 & 8)
Scottsdale Quarter
6-8pm Movies at the Quarter - A Christmas Story - in the Quad. Bring Chairs, blankets, food.
Saturday, December 21
OdySea in the Dessert
11am-2pm Free Snow Days 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
11am-4pm Snow Ball Family Festival - Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, The Snow Queen and The Ice Princess! Face painting, arts & crafts, magic mirror photobooth, book creation station, prizes, giveaways, and more! Free, but register to be entered for extra prizes.
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performance by Campanillas del Sol Handbell Ensemble
OdySea in the Dessert
11am-2pm Free Snow Days 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
11am-4pm Snow Ball Family Festival - Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, The Snow Queen and The Ice Princess! Face painting, arts & crafts, magic mirror photobooth, book creation station, prizes, giveaways, and more! Free, but register to be entered for extra prizes.
Holiday Bubble Party (Kierland Commons - Center Plaza) (Saturdays through 12/21)
11-2pm Winter wonderland of bubbles - out of a fairy tale. You've never seen this many bubbles in one place.
12-5:30pm Mrs. Claus story times
Scottsdazzle (Soleri Bridge Plaza)
7-8:30pm Canal Concerts: Performance by Campanillas del Sol Handbell Ensemble
Sunday, December 22
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
Chanukah in Carefree
5:30pm Menorah Lighting at the Pavilion. Continues nightly through December 29th
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard.
Chanukah in Carefree
5:30pm Menorah Lighting at the Pavilion. Continues nightly through December 29th
Thursday, December 26 (2019)
Desert Ridge
6:30-8:30pm Free Movies After Dark: The Nutcracker. On the big screen the District Stage. Movie begins at 6:30.
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Desert Ridge
6:30-8:30pm Free Movies After Dark: The Nutcracker. On the big screen the District Stage. Movie begins at 6:30.
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Friday, December 27
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Saturday, December 28
Fiesta Bowl Parade – Phoenix
9am 49th annual Fiesta Bowl Parade (also on 3TV hosted by your favorite personalities.)
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Fiesta Bowl Parade – Phoenix
9am 49th annual Fiesta Bowl Parade (also on 3TV hosted by your favorite personalities.)
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Sunday, December 29
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Saturday, January 4
OdySea WINTERFEST
11am-2pm Free Snow Days 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
10-2pm Winterfest Music, dancing, games, snow princesses, bouncies, face-painting. Free, but register to be entered for prizes.
OdySea WINTERFEST
11am-2pm Free Snow Days 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
10-2pm Winterfest Music, dancing, games, snow princesses, bouncies, face-painting. Free, but register to be entered for prizes.
Sunday, January 5
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
OdySea Free Snow Days
10am-1pm 10+ Tons of snow to play in, plus falling snow. Outdoor courtyard
Saturday, January 11
Glendale Glitter & Glow Block Party
4-10pm Hot Air Balloons, Lights, Music Festival
Glendale Glitter & Glow Block Party
4-10pm Hot Air Balloons, Lights, Music Festival
Please add a comment if you have an event that should be added for this year or for next year. This website will be updated as I learn about new events, so check back (and pass it on.)
