- 2023 Holiday Celebrations in Scottsdale -

The holidays are in full swing and with that comes lots of fun events in and around Scottsdale!

Here is a list of some of the holiday events going on in and around Scottsdale this year.

• Enchant - The Mischievous Elf - Now through December 31st - This is a new one for me and it looks like a lot of fun! Salt River Fields will transform into a light maze, a village with holiday shopping and even an ice skating trail! Santa will be there for a visit and a play place for the little ones will be available.

• World of Illumination - Now through December 31st - If you have not had a chance to be dazzled by the lights, maybe this is your year. There are two locations this year in Tempe and Glendale. Drive through over 2 million lights synchronized to music at this drive-through light extravaganza. You pay by the carload and be sure to buy tickets online to save some money. Snacks and refreshments for sale.

• Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - Now through January 6th- The Princess continues to add to and enhance its holiday celebrations. They bill it as 65 acres of Christmas Magic and they have added an additional 1 million lights to bring it up to 7.5 million lights! Go ice skating, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, make some smores, visit Santa and other favorite winter characters, or have a hot cocoa or an adult beverage. There is so much to do - be sure to take a look! Plus, there are other special options and experiences if you stay at the hotel. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance!

• Desert Ridge Holiday Events - Now through December 31st - Desert Ridge is offering lots of ways t enjoy the holidays. Ready to enjoy snow in the desert? 12 nights of snowfall start on December 3th and run through the 24th. There will also be community performances throughout the month.

• Phoenix Zoo's Zoolights - Now through January 14th - Zoolights is an event not to miss. Over four million lights create dazzling displays and bring the zoo to life in a different way.

• Holiday Lights at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - Now through January 7th - Get your tickets and ride through magical light displays all over the park. Then take a ride on the carousel or grab a bite to eat. To make sure everyone can enjoy the lights, there are three timed sessions to sign up for.

• Scottsdale's Scottsdazzle- Now through December 31st - Scottsdazzle is back! Head down to Old Town and the Scottsdale Waterfront to enjoy the lights and all of the events going on! Here is a calendar of everything going on. 

• Hanukkah at the Crescent Ballroom - November 7th - This fun event will celebrate Hanukkah. Live music, latkes, brisket and more await!

• Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden - Weekends through December 30th - Walk through displays of enchanting luminaria lanterns as you stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy live music, performances and more.

• The Nutcracker with the Phoenix Ballet - December 8th - 24th - This holiday tradition lives on. Catch the classic ballet The Nutcracker and become immersed in the land of fantasy as the Phoenix Symphony performs the beloved music.

• Phoestivus - December 14th - 16th - Seinfeld fans will love this play on the spelling of the infamous Festivus. Two nights and a "hangover" day will happen this year. Enjoy shopping from local artisans at this downtown Phoenix holiday market and perhaps enjoy some libations and food and photo ops.

• Chanukah in Carefree- December 7th -14th - Each night at 5:30 Carefree will host a a menorah lighting. A different community group will host each evening and coffee and hot chocolate will be offered and some nights there will be special treats.

As always, this is just a partial list, so feel free to add any other events in the comment section.

Disclaimer: Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Events subject to change. Some events are free, while others have an admission fee or items for purchase. Please plan ahead as many of these events sell out.