Arizona may be known for its sunshine, but the holidays give it a whole new personality—filled with lights, themed events, and activities designed with families in mind. From festive attractions to neighborhood traditions, something is exciting for every age. If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while soaking in the season, you’re in the right place. These are the top kid-friendly holiday activities to enjoy in Arizona!
The Polar Express
Dates: Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Location: 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ
The Grand Canyon Railway has been bringing this beloved story to life for 25 years, and it’s still one of the most magical holiday rides around. Families board at the Williams Depot and roll through the quiet, dark wilderness while sipping hot chocolate, munching on cookies, and listening to the classic tale. When the train pulls into the “North Pole,” Santa and his reindeer are waiting, and Santa climbs aboard to hand each child a special gift. With departures at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., every ride happens after sunset, so the whole trip glows with holiday lights.
World of Illumination: Candy Rush
Dates: Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Location: 10710 W Camelback Rd, Glendale, AZ
Billed as the world’s largest animated drive-through light show, Candy Rush turns a mile of road into a sugary holiday adventure. Families wind through a swirling tunnel, get pulled into a popcorn vortex, and cruise past towering candy canes and a giant gingerbread village, all synced to holiday music playing through your car radio. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes and runs rain or shine, so it’s an easy pick for little ones who’d rather stay cozy in their car seats, pajamas welcome.
North Pole Experience
Dates: Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026
Location: 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
This Flagstaff classic starts with a magic trolley ride through an Aurora Borealis portal straight to Santa’s 400-year-old workshop. Once inside, kids build toys with the elves, explore the Toy Hall of Fame, graduate from Elf University, write letters in the Mail Room, and enjoy cookies in Mrs. Claus’ Bakery. The visit wraps up with private, one-on-one time with Santa, and every child 17 and under receives a collectible gift. It’s the behind-the-scenes Christmas tour every kid dreams of.
Christmas on the Farm at DH Farms
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 28, 2026
Location: 2209 N 99th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Christmas on the Farm packs the grounds with light shows, Santa’s Village, hourly snowfalls, and kid favorites like the Light Maze and Gingerbread Village. Families can skate on the synthetic rink, visit the petting zoo, and snap a photo with Gus the Highland cow, who may just steal the show. Add Bounce Town X to your ticket for extra jumping and climbing fun, and you’ve got a full night of festive, high-energy entertainment.
Christmas at the Princess
Dates: Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Location: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ
This six-week celebration has become a must-do Valley tradition, and it’s bigger than ever with more than 17 million LED lights spread across 65 acres. Kids can glide across a 6,000-square-foot real ice rink, ride the 120-foot Ferris wheel, hop aboard the Princess Express train, and spin through carnival rides in Twinkle Town. Santa and other holiday characters make appearances throughout the season, and when everyone needs a break, the fire tables, private igloos, and S’mores Chalet make for the coziest pit stops in the desert.
ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
Dates: Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027
Location: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
ZooLights is a Valley favorite, with five million lights stretched across more than two miles of zoo trails. Kids can catch the all-new floating Christmas tree light show on the lake, dance through a laser-lit “rhino rave,” take a photo with Santa, and explore the mind-bending illusions in the brand-new “Wander the Wonder, A Trail Less Ordinary” experience. Families with sensory-sensitive kids should note the Sensory Friendly ZooLights night on Tuesday, Dec. 8, which offers smaller crowds, quieter music, and reduced flashing lights.
If you’d rather stay in the car, Cruise ZooLights on Sunday, Jan. 17, lets you drive through a light tunnel and past glowing animal sculptures. Both are separately ticketed. Zoo members can also grab up to six tickets for $10 each on select Member Mondays (Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Jan. 4, and Jan. 11).
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 27, 2026
Location: 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ
Schnepf Farms goes all-in on the holidays with millions of lights and more activities than one family can fit into a single night. Kids can ride the World of Illumination Express, take a hayride to visit Santa’s deer, explore Santa’s Toy Shop, write letters to Santa, and meet the big guy himself. There’s also ice skating, snow globe mini golf, the Sleigh Bell Slide, a carousel, bounce houses, pine cone decorating, and cozy bonfires. Parents can unwind in the beer and wine garden. Every corner has something going on, so no one gets bored, ever.
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 30, 2026
Location: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The park becomes a sparkling winter wonderland as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad winds through glowing light displays. Families can ride the carousel, explore the miniature trains in the Model Railroad Building, and grab snacks from Hartley’s General Store or the food trucks. Don’t miss S’more Land, where you can roast marshmallows by the fire ($8 per kit) while the train rolls past. Santa is back this year, and the Grinch is scheduled for special appearances too. Check the park’s calendar for dates.
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
Date: Nov 28, 2026
Location: 3rd St and Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ
Downtown Tempe kicks off its holiday season with this multi-generational tradition. Arrive early to grab a spot along Mill Avenue (viewing is first come, first served) and enjoy food vendors and live music before the parade steps off at 6 p.m. with glowing floats, performers, and holiday characters. Afterward, head to CenterPoint Plaza for the lighting of the 36-foot holiday tree, photos with Santa, and a letter-writing station where kids can send their wish lists straight to the North Pole.
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 31, 2026
Location: Old Town Scottsdale & Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdazzle fills Old Town with a month of holiday fun, including a 36-foot tree, public art installations, and more than 45 family-friendly activities. Families will want to mark these on the calendar:
- Gold Palette ArtWalk (Dec 10, 7–9 p.m., free): A holiday-themed gallery walk through Old Town.
- Tree Lighting Spectacular (Nov 28, 7–9 p.m., free): The official kick-off at the Waterfront.
- Meet Santa (Saturdays Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, and Dec 19, 9 a.m.–noon, free): Photos and visits in Old Town.
- Starlight Movie Night (Dec 5, 6:30–9 p.m., free): A holiday movie under the stars.
- Pancakes & Pajamas (Dec 12, 9–10:30 a.m., $30 per person): A festive family breakfast, pajamas encouraged.
- Stroll & Shop (Saturdays in Dec, 6–9 p.m., free): Local pop-ups along Stetson Plaza and the canal.
Stroll in the Glow
Location: Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ
This small-town tradition is full of charm. Around 5:45 p.m., thousands of lights flicker on along the Avenue of the Fountains, including the official Town of Fountain Hills Christmas tree. Santa arrives on a big red fire truck before 6 p.m. for free photos, and from 6 to 8 p.m., hot air balloons glow over Fountain Park in the crowd-favorite Balloon Glow. Past years have also featured a Live Nativity and a Letters to Santa station.
8th Annual Family Fun WinterFest
Date: Jan 9, 2027
Location: 9500 E Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ
Who says the fun has to end after the holidays? Family Fun Arizona’s WinterFest brings snow flurries, character appearances, bounce houses, slides, face painting, and music from DJ FLO to the Arizona Boardwalk. Parents can browse local vendors and grab coffee, cocoa, and treats. Register ahead for a chance to win prizes like family four-packs to OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and the UFO Experience.
Make Your Holiday Getaway Merry & Bright
The holidays are all about moments that bring everyone together. A GoodNight Stay home gives your family space to enjoy those moments without rushing. Browse our specials page for exclusive discounts. Here’s to a holiday full of smiles, twinkling lights, and a little extra magic.
