The Southwest is well-known for it's dramatic storms, particularly during monsoon season. Although these incredible storms are hardly a rare event here, watching them form and move in timelapse footage is positively mesmerizing. Experiencing these supercell storms from below is completely different from watching them from afar, and photographer Mike Olbinski perfectly captured both the beauty and the sheer power of nature in this timelapse movie of monsoons moving across the desert.
We can't tear our eyes away from this beautiful footage! The clouds remind us of rippling tides. Sometimes it's important to stop, look up, and marvel at how amazing this state is!
Looking for some of the best "Christmas lights near me?" Well, we've handpicked some of the most twinkly, the most sparkly, and the most festive Christmas lights in Arizona! Get into the holiday spirit while surrounded by thousands, or in some cases, millions, of dazzling lights. Whether it's a walkthrough display or one of the best drive-through Christmas lights displays in Arizona, here's where to go this holiday season:
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess puts on quite the festivities this time of year. Christmas at the Princess is fun for the entire family and it's one of my family's favorite events. For starters, there's a massive tree covered in lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. You can visit Santa, buy a s'mores kit to make s'mores at one of the fire pits, ride the rides, go ice skating, and, best of all, take a scenic train ride through many more light displays. See some of the best Scottsdale Christmas lights at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess this year!
2. Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination, Tucson Botanical Gardens
Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination at the Tucson Botanical Gardens is a must-visit in Southern Arizona. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first week of January, the gardens will be aglow with over 1 million lights plus themed light displays, luminaria, and more. The Tucson Botanical Gardens have some of the best Christmas lights in Tucson, Arizona!
3. Wildlights & Animal Sights, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, Prescott
For the best Christmas lights in Prescott, Arizona, head to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Wildlights & Animal Sights will be open every Saturday and Sunday from the day after Thanksgiving through Dec. 30. Take a walk around and marvel at all of the incredible light displays. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the zoo's animals, too!
4. Winter Wonderland, Scottsdale
Located in South Scottsdale is one of the most magnificent light displays you'll ever see. In fact, it's one of the best light displays in Scottsdale, Arizona that happens to be in a neighborhood. Since 1987, Chris Birkett and his Winter Wonderland display has made its mark in the community drawing thousands of visitors each night the lights are turned on. There are over 265,000 lights and nine light shows complete with snowfall, pyrotechnics, hot chocolate, and so much more. I'm telling you, this is the most jaw-dropping holiday light display in town!
Some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Arizona are with the World of Illumination experience. With locations in both Tempe and Glendale, you have options. The theme changes yearly and it is a dazzling show of millions of lights synchronized with music! I've been to World of Illumination in both Tempe and Glendale and it always gets me in the holiday spirit.
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6. Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
Among the best Christmas lights in Arizona are at The Little America Hotel Flagstaff. Decked out in all the Christmas cheer you could ever imagine, you can enjoy all the lights as well as the North Pole Experience during which you can feel like you're at the North Pole!
7. Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a magical event. I've been in previous years and was wowed by the light displays along the the music the entire time. The Desert Botanical Garden has some of the best Christmas light displays in Arizona.
Have you searched online for "Christmas lights near me," yet? Have any of the displays mentioned above come up? What are your favorite Christmas lights or what do you think are the best drive-through Christmas lights in Arizona? Happy holidays!
Christmas is arguably the most wonderful time of the year! Here in Arizona, we cherish each and every opportunity to celebrate, so you'll be pleased to hear that there are endless ways to get into the holiday spirit. In fact, experiencing Christmas magic from the comfort of a vehicle has never been easier. These drive-through Christmas lights displays in Arizona are brimming with the sights and sounds of the season — and all you have to do is cruise on by and enjoy the show. If you've been wondering about the best drive-through Christmas lights in Arizona, these displays will put you in the holiday spirit in no time!
One of the Valley's most beloved holiday traditions has added a drive-thru option. On select dates, visitors can "Cruise ZooLights" instead of the traditional walkthrough experience. All the displays you know and love will be back, and they're bigger, brighter, and better than ever.
In addition to millions of twinkling lights, you'll also see animals lit up, casting an ethereal glow that illuminates the darkness in an enchanting way. These are among the best Phoenix Christmas lights. There is also a lake light show, dinosaurs, entertainment, Santa, and more! Visit the Phoenix Zoo's website to see a list of dates and/or to purchase tickets, and the Phoenix Zoo's Facebook page for event updates.
The largest drive-thru animated Christmas light show on earth, World of Illumination boasts two Arizona locations. Available in both Glendale and Tempe, each of these Arizona Christmas lights shows has a different theme that changes each year, so feel free to go to both and enjoy!
In both Tempe and Glendale, you'll traverse a mile-long tunnel lined with large-scale displays, holiday music, and millions of twinkling lights. These are the most exciting drive-thru Christmas light displays in the state of Arizona.
Visit the World of Illumination website to learn more about each location and to purchase tickets. You can also follow the World of Illumination Facebook page for updates and to view photos.
Every year at Christmastime, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a holiday dreamland during its Christmas at the Princess event. Hop on the Princess Express and ride through 4.5 million dazzling lights, including a 17-foot-long infinity tunnel capable of a whopping 256 million color combinations!
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The train also chugs past the resort's many lagoons where you'll see swans, a pirate ship, a mermaid, and even the Loch Ness monster! These are among the most festive Scottsdale Christmas lights.
For more information on how to enjoy this incredible display of Christmas lights in Arizona, head to the Fairmont Princess website and visit the Fairmont Princess Facebook page for updates. It's one of the most spectacular Arizona Christmas lights events and one of my personal favorites!
How many of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Arizona have you experienced? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below. And if you're still wondering about Christmas lights near me, check out the Fain Park Valley of Lights drive-thru holiday display.
What are some of your favorite holiday or winter traditions in Arizona? Some of mine happen to be the aforementioned drive-through lights. If you're looking for gifts this holiday season, check out the unique items on the Uncommon Goods website.
