Driving around to look at Christmas lights is a quintessential pastime, but what about Halloween lights? Sometimes, private homes have better displays than commercial haunted houses! Phoenix Dead Rising is a roadside spectacle that many families in the Valley have made a yearly tradition out of. It's hauntingly whimsical and spooktacular as can be.
Since 2012, Halloween-obsessed homeowner Nick Chryst has transformed his north Phoenix house into a spooktacular spectacle every October. He calls it "Phoenix Dead Rising."
The quality of the props, however, is something that never changes. Many are homemade, each one serving a unique purpose in the overall look of the scene.
This year, the display is larger than ever, with tombstones, skeletons, and other ghastly ghouls taking up every inch of yard space.
You'll have to look from afar this year, however, as Chryst is asking visitors to remain physically distanced on the sidewalk.
Visit the Phoenix Dead Rising Facebook page to learn more.
Have you ever seen this epic roadside display? If so, let us know your thoughts! For another Phoenix home haunt, check out our previous article. The family turns their backyard into a family-friendly haunted house (with just the right amount of fright!)
I always look forward to the winter in Arizona, especially after living through the hot summer months. But you may be wondering, "What's winter like in Arizona?" Well, the weather is pleasant and you can completely understand why we have such a high percentage of snowbirds here from Canada, the northern U.S., and beyond. It's an outdoor playground between all the long hikes you can do and even snow (yes, it snows in Arizona!) for those who love skiing and snowboarding. This is the best time of the year to get outside and enjoy cooler temperatures. It's so pleasant and beautiful here any time of the year but especially during the winter months. Here are some of the best things to do in Arizona in winter.
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Holiday Events In Arizona
When the holidays are upon us, the number of light shows and events is overwhelming here in Arizona. I have been to my fair share, and I feel that each year brings more and more festivities! To help you out, I've handpicked a few of my own favorites you may enjoy during the holiday season. Here they are:
1. Zoolights and Cruise Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo
Popularity: The ever-popular Zoolights is returning with a drive-thru option for the 2024 season.
Price: Walk-thru: $30/general and $25/member if purchased online; $35/general and $30/member if purchased at the gate. Drive-thru Zooolights on Nov. 10-12, 2024, and Jan. 13-14, 2025: $150/non-member vehicle and $135/member vehicle.
This year's Zoolights will be held Nov. 27, 2024, through Jan. 12, 2025, at the Phoenix Zoo. This is such a popular family-friendly event with millions of dazzling lights and animal lanterns all aglow. My kids absolutely love this holiday event in Arizona! This year Cruise Zoolights is back as well but for just a few nights. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Nov. 10-12, 2024, and Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14, 2025, from 5:30-10:30 p.m., you can load up the car and head on down to the zoo on Galvin Parkway where you will be immersed in a tremendous light show including countless lights, a 200-foot light tunnel, holiday music, and more. And on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, there will be a special Sensory Friendly Zoolights from 5:30-10:30 p.m. with fewer tickets sold (therefore less crowded), quieter music, sensor stations, a Santa photo op, and camel and carousel rides for an additional fee. Purchase your Zoolights tickets online ahead of time on the Phoenix Zoo website.
2. Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
Popularity: The beautiful holiday event is very popular and tickets should be purchased ahead of time.
Price: Members: $36.95/adult and $14.95/youth; General Admission:$41.95/adult and $16.95/youth
Right next to the Phoenix Zoo, you'll find the Desert Botanical Garden. Each year, this stunning botanical garden turns into a glowing wonderland once the sun sets. This is the annual Las Noches de Las Luminarias which will be held Nov. 29 and 30 as well as Dec. 1, 6-7. 13-15, 18-23, and 26-30 this year from 5:30-9:30 p.m. each night. I've been before and it's a sight to behold! I loved walking around to view the gardens twinkling with lights and the walkways lined with luminaria and listening to the sounds of live holiday music being played. It's an event like no other this holiday season. As this is a very popular event, I urge you to buy your tickets on the Desert Botanical Garden website in advance.
Price: General admission: $35/person. Parking and add-ons like ice skating are sold separately.
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Each year, the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale turns into a winter wonderland, and it's my family's favorite place to go during the season! This year from Nov. 2, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, Christmas at the Princess will be taking over the entire grounds of the hotel. With dazzling light displays, amusement rides, a scenic train ride through the lights, an ice rink, s'mores by the fire, costumed characters, visits with Santa, a four-story tree with lights that are animated to the music, and so much more, it's hard not to be in the Christmas spirit here! This is one of my favorite things to do in winter in Arizona. For more information and tickets, visit the Fairmont website.
4. 70th Annual Courthouse Lighting in Prescott
Location: Prescott, AZ
Popularity: Popular among locals in the community.
Price: Free
Christmas in Prescott is nothing short of magical. Each year for the past 69 years, the city has hosted its Annual Courthouse Lighting. This year's tree lighting will take place at Courthouse Square on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with music starting at 5 p.m. The lighting will be held at 6 p.m. This event is one of the best free things to do in winter in Arizona. And if you miss the event, don't worry — the lights will be up all holiday season long.
Christmas Towns In Arizona
You may not think Arizona has such festive towns during the holidays but guess what? We do! We are so much more than the Sonoran desert and cacti. Here are a few towns that go all out with Christmas cheer:
5. Flagstaff
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Prices vary depending on the attraction. The most popular in Flagstaff is the North Pole Experience. Prices range from $58-$79/adult and. $52-$69 per child depending on the date and time.
Want to experience winter weather in Arizona or have a chance to experience a white Christmas? There's perhaps no better town than Flagstaff during the holiday season! With holiday lights and cheer galore, not to mention the skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, it's no wonder why this is a popular wintertime destination. One of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Flagstaff this time of year is the North Pole Experience. Hosted by the Little America Hotel, families will have the chance to spend time inside Santa's workshop, visit Mrs. Claus' Bakery, take a look at his sleigh, and so much more! This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be had in Flagstaff and one of the best winter attractions in Arizona.
6. Tucson
Location: Tucson. AZ
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Free to see many of the holiday lights around town but some events may have a charge.
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Home to the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Tucson turns into a town that's full of Christmas spirit! During the Winterhaven holiday lights event on Dec. 14-28, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. each night, you can sit back and relax on a hayride, take a bus trolley, or ride a pedal-powered group bike through the lights! This unique event is one that everyone looks forward to each year. In addition to Winterhaven, there's a whole calendar of events around town. From light displays, tree lightings, live music performances, and more, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Arizona in winter here in Tucson.
7. Glendale
Location: Glendale, AZ
Popularity: Glendale is popular any time of the year but especially during the holidays!
Price: Free for most events.
If you've ever attended Glendale Glitters, you know that the city of Glendale just exudes Christmas spirit. Held in the city's historic downtown, this annual holiday lights display can't be missed. This year's event will be held Nov. 29-30, 2024, from 5-10 p.m.
Outdoor Activities
The Grand Canyon State is an outdoor playground for all to enjoy, no matter what time of year. Between hiking, camping, lakes, desert, mountains, rivers, and, of course, the Grand Canyon itself, some of us practically live outside. Exploring is a top activity here and the winter is the best time of the year to do it. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Arizona in winter:
Price: Free except for park fees at select state and national parks.
If you're looking for cheap things to do in Arizona in winter, hiking is a great option! Once the holidays are over, many people hit the trails (especially after the new year). It's a great way to get fresh air, exercise, and explore the landscape of the southwest. One of the most popular places for hikers is Camelback Mountain in the Phoenix area. You can also head up to Sedona and hike through the iconic red rocks, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park near Tucson, or Sycamore Canyon in Williams. There are so many exceptional places to hike and it's one of the best Arizona winter activities.
9. Skiing and Snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona Snowbowl is an alpine ski resort in the southwest United States, located on the San Francisco Peaks of northern Arizona, seven miles (11 km) north of Flagstaff. The Snowbowl ski area covers approximately one percent of the San Francisco Peaks, and its slopes face west and northwest.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Popularity: Snowbowl is very popular in the winter for skiing and snowboarding. Reserve lift tickets in advance.
Price: Lift tickets: $19-$119 depending on the day. Kids under age 12 ski free.
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One of the most fun things to do in Arizona in winter is to head up to Snowbowl in Flagstaff for some time on the slopes! From novice to expert, there's a run for just about any level at Snowbowl. If you're not one to hit the slopes, you can always hang out at the lodge or take a scenic gondola ride (I've done this and the views are spectacular). For those who love to ski or snowboard, reserve your lift tickets on the Arizona Snowbowl website.
10. Snow Tubing at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
Location: Williams, AZ
Popularity: Quite popular especially on the weekends.
Price: Snow tubing day session: $45; Small child ticket: $30
Best known for its mountain coaster, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park turns into a snow tubing park. Snow tubing is absolutely one of the most fun things to do in Arizona in winter, so if you want to have a blast, you better make plans to get up to Williams this season. With four snowmakers and two conveyor belt lifts, you can enjoy tubing here between mid-November and Easter. Book your snow tubing session on the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park website.
11. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Mesa
Location: Mesa, AZ
Popularity: Very popular. A limited number of people are allowed per skating session.
Price: $10 for a 1-hour skating session that includes skate rental.
Want to go ice skating outdoors? One of the only outdoor ice rinks in the Phoenix Metro area happens to be in Mesa. The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink will be open 7 days a week starting on Nov. 29, 2024, at the Plaza at Mesa City Center. This 6,000-square-foot rink is a fun activity for the whole family!
Winter Getaways
Need a getaway? With so many boutique hotels, resorts, campgrounds, and vacation rentals, if you're in need of a family vacation or a romantic getaway, you don't have to look too far. Here are a few places that make wonderful getaway spots in Arizona:
If you're looking for romantic things to do in Arizona this winter, how about a getaway to a vacation rental in the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona? Located in Flagstaff, this one-of-a-kind tiny mountain view cabin sits on 1.5 acres and comes with its very own private sauna for a wonderful hygge experience. Built in the 1940s, you'll enjoy the coziness of the studio space. It's quite romantic and worth the road trip here!
How does staying in a luxury home with indoor and outdoor spaces sound to you? What if I told you it's close to Old Town Scottsdale? Be close to the heart of all the action with a stay in this luxury vacation rental with a pool. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, up to six guests can be accommodated. Scottsdale is a great city to escape the cold weather if that's what you're after, of course!
If you want to be close to downtown Williams, book a winter getaway at this vacation rental that's walking distance to the heart of town. Featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large backyard (which may or may not have snow in the winter), and a hot tub, you can spend as much time indoors or outdoors as you want. There's also a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and attractions in the area to keep you busy during your stay.
Want to take your four-legged best friend with you on a winter getaway? Head to Show Low where you can rent this Dog-Friendly Show Low Cabin. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has a fireplace, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer as well as a fire pit, games, and a poker table for your entertainment. It also has gorgeous views and is close to hiking trails. Sounds like the perfect vacation rental in Show Low!
What are some of your favorite things to do in winter in Arizona? If you enjoy hiking, check out some of the best winter hikes in Arizona, and be sure to download the AllTrails+ app before hitting the trails!
There's no place like home for the holidays, right? Well, coming from the East Coast and now living in Arizona, Scottsdale is my adopted hometown — and I absolutely love it! With all the dining options, high-end shopping, upscale hotels, and hiking trails, it's no wonder why it's such a popular vacation destination And then there's the holiday season, my favorite time of the year to be here. The lights, the dazzle, the glitz — it's all part of what makes Scottsdale, well, Scottsdale! Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season in Scottdale, Arizona:
Christmas at the Princess is a dazzling event held annually on the grounds of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. I have been many times and am still mesmerized by all of the lights and activities at this event. Not only are there millions of twinkling lights but there's a selection of classic and modern Christmas tunes permeating the air, visits with Santa, photo ops with costumed characters, ice skating, amusement rides, fire pits, holiday shopping, food and drinks, and so much more! It's a magical experience that runs from the week before Thanksgiving through the beginning of January. If you haven't been yet, make this the year to go as it's one of my favorite ways to ring in the holiday season.
From the end of November through New Year's Eve, it will be time for Scottsdazzle, a dazzling event throughout Old Town. The event kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony and a sing-along, and there will be lights galore. What I love to do during this event is walk along the canals to see the lights reflecting in the water. This is also a great time to check out some local boutiques for holiday shopping and maybe try a new-to-you restaurant in Old Town (although I highly recommend getting a reservation this time of year).
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Each night in late November through late December from 6-9:30 p.m., McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park shows off its festive side with its Holiday Lights event. Discover the magic of the holiday season with your little ones as the train runs along the track through a wonderland of lights and displays. This is a highly popular event so I suggest you get tickets well in advance!
Winter Wonderland (neighborhood lights display)
It's not just the city, the railroad park, and an upscale hotel that get into the holiday spirit. There's one house in a South Scottsdale neighborhood that puts on such a festive display that hundreds of people come out each night to see it. Located at 8414 E. Valley Vista Dr. in Scottsdale, Winter Wonderland is comprised of 265,000 twinkling lights some of which are synchronized to music. The facade of the house turned into a Disney-esque castle, the pool in the backyard is a winter scene complete with ice skating characters, and the kitchen window is where you can purchase hot chocolate and cookies as you walk through. This is one of my favorite places to visit during the holidays, and it's free (although donations are gratefully accepted).
So, will you celebrate the holiday season in Scottdale, Arizona this year? Maybe I'll see you at one of these events. Happy holidays!
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