Arizona after dark
Christmas lights.
A whole evening of wonder.
Drive beneath illuminated tunnels or step into a garden glowing after sunset. These are Arizona’s larger holiday light outings, with dedicated event websites or official event pages.
Two ways to see the lights
Two dedicated drive-through shows with tickets sold by vehicle.
Seven walk-through events, from garden paths to full holiday festivals.
2026 season planning
The outing is the light show
Major displays, with the details that matter.
This selection focuses on organized light events with substantial displays and their own visitor information. It includes dedicated drive-through productions, garden illuminations, and larger holiday festivals where the lights are a central part of the evening.
Checked September 29, 2026. Six listings have published 2026 dates; three still need a current-season confirmation. Open an event for location, tickets, and planning notes.
From your own vehicle
Drive-through displays
Tempe World of Illumination: Reindeer Road 2026 dates posted
Gift-box tunnels, oversized candy canes, and an animated Santa’s Workshop form a Christmas route at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The show is designed to be experienced from your own vehicle, with synchronized music.
- Dates & hours
- Nov. 13, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027; Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 p.m. Confirm the selected date on the event calendar.
- Tickets & costs
- From $39.99 per vehicle; price varies by date. Online tickets are location- and date-specific. Sales were marked “coming soon” when checked.
- Where to go
- Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282
Follow staff instructions for the music and vehicle route. Allow extra time for the entrance queue.
Glendale / West Valley World of Illumination: Candy Rush 2026 dates posted
Camelback Ranch hosts a candy-themed drive through illuminated tunnels, towering sweets, and a gingerbread village. This is a separate show and location from the Tempe event.
- Dates & hours
- Nov. 12, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027; Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 p.m. Check the booking calendar for your night.
- Tickets & costs
- From $39.99 per vehicle, with date-dependent pricing. Purchase online for the correct venue; sales were marked “coming soon.”
- Where to go
- Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85037
The event is marketed as Glendale, but the venue has a Phoenix street address. Use Camelback Ranch when planning your route.
Park, step out, explore
Walk-through light events
Phoenix ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo 2026 dates posted
A large evening light event along more than two miles of zoo trails. Illuminated displays, a lake light show, and interactive glow areas make the lights themselves the main attraction.
- Dates & hours
- Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 15, 2027, 5:30–10:30 p.m. Dates and hours are subject to change.
- Tickets & costs
- A separate ZooLights ticket is required. General tickets are scheduled to go on sale October 1; check current prices and optional photo charges.
- Where to go
- Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Plan for an outdoor walk rather than a daytime animal visit. Choose a manageable route and check the zoo’s sensory-friendly event information if useful for your family.
Scottsdale Christmas at the Princess 2026 dates posted
The resort becomes a large holiday festival with extensive light displays, the Starlights show, rides, an outdoor ice rink, and seasonal food. Visitors do not need to be hotel guests.
- Dates & hours
- Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027. Mon.–Thu. 5–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sun. 4–11 p.m. From Dec. 17, daily hours are 4–11 p.m.
- Tickets & costs
- Admission and parking are separate. Check the full checkout total and which experiences need additional passes; skating and Santa options have their own arrangements.
- Where to go
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
This is a larger evening commitment. Pick a few priorities before arriving and check ride height requirements. Follow event parking signs rather than assuming the hotel entrance is the correct arrival point.
Phoenix Las Noches de las Luminarias 2026 dates posted
Desert Botanical Garden combines glowing luminarias, seasonal light displays, and live performances along its garden paths. The planted desert setting gives this walk a different character from a ride-focused festival.
- Dates & hours
- Select nights Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027. See the dated event calendar for the exact evening and entry time.
- Tickets & costs
- Separate event tickets. General adult prices are listed at $39.95–$44.95 and children at $18.95; member rates differ. General sales start Oct. 16.
- Where to go
- Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Not open every night. Official pages currently differ on the starting time, so use the time shown for your ticket. Restaurant reservations are recommended if dining is part of the visit.
Queen Creek Christmas at Schnepf Farms 2026 dates posted
The farm’s Christmas event combines light displays with seasonal food and family activities. Its advertised attractions include the Illumination Express, hayrides, bonfires, and holiday play areas.
- Dates & hours
- 2026 dates: Nov. 27–29; Dec. 3–6, 10–13, 17–24, and 26–27. Closed Christmas Day. Confirm nightly hours when booking.
- Tickets & costs
- The official 2026 season-pass page lists $95.95 per person. Check current single-night prices and train or attraction inclusions before buying.
- Where to go
- 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
A train through lights is part of a walk-around farm visit, not a drive-through route for your car. Check ride availability and footwear guidance for the farm grounds.
Chandler Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide Confirm 2026 dates
Rawhide’s holiday event is built around a large light show, a decorated Western town, train rides, a parade, and live entertainment. The official site describes more than seven million lights.
- Dates & hours
- The FAQ still lists the 2025 season. A confirmed 2026 public schedule was not found on the pages checked.
- Tickets & costs
- Check the new season’s admission, parking, and attraction inclusions when tickets are released. Do not use the old calendar to plan a 2026 visit.
- Where to go
- Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
The published guidance allows strollers and wagons, but paths include dirt, gravel, and wood surfaces. Recheck the 2026 policies and show lineup before booking.
Tucson LightsUp! at Tucson Botanical Gardens Confirm 2026 dates
A dedicated garden light festival with illuminated trees, hanging stars, and luminaria-inspired installations. The route is arranged as a sequence of light-filled garden spaces to explore on foot.
- Dates & hours
- The event page still matches the 2025–26 season. A new 2026–27 schedule was not confirmed when checked.
- Tickets & costs
- Look for the new season’s timed-entry tickets and prices. Earlier event guidance recommends advance reservations because evenings can sell out.
- Where to go
- Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Use the current ticket confirmation for event entrance and parking instructions. Evening festival admission is separate from planning a regular daytime garden visit.
Gilbert Valor Christmas Confirm 2026 dates
Formerly Lights at the Farm, this synchronized walk-through light show is now promoted at Valor Christian Center. The event website describes 2.5 acres of lights, a Christmas tunnel, and children’s activities.
- Dates & hours
- The website displays Dec. 3–28 without a clear season year. Confirm the 2026 dates and hours before making plans.
- Tickets & costs
- The advertised ticket covers a family or carload plus parking, even though visitors walk through the show. Confirm current prices, capacity rules, and charges at checkout.
- Where to go
- Valor Christian Center, 3015 E. Warner Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Do not drive to the former farm location. The organizer specifically notes that farm animals are not part of the relocated event.
A little planning goes a long way
Leave room for the evening itself.
Choose the right format
A drive-through can suit children who tire quickly, but entrance queues still take time. A walk-through gives you more freedom to stop, look, and take a break.
Check the arrival details
Use the venue and entrance on your ticket. An event name may refer to a nearby city, and resort or festival parking can be separate from the usual entrance.
Pack for after sunset
Bring layers for an outdoor evening. For walkable events, check the route, footwear, and stroller guidance before leaving home.
Keep the extras optional
Choose the light show first. Add a train, skating session, or Santa visit only if the schedule and full price fit the evening you want.
When daylight returns
Save another kind of outing for another day.
A holiday light show fills an evening, but a quieter daytime visit can be just as memorable. If your family enjoys watching animals and meeting the people who care for them, explore alpaca farm visits for a different pace.
Keep a few farm and family outing ideas on hand for weekends when you would rather stay close to home. If the holidays take you farther afield, look through places to visit by state and work a simple stop into the journey.