Discover festive traditions and events that make the holidays in Southern Phoenix special. Join the celebration with holiday activities for family and friends!
The Holiday Season is Here!
What are some of the most popular family activities this holiday season? What can the whole family do together to get into the holiday spirit? Where are the best light displays, musical performances, and hot cocoa found during this season of sharing the magic of the holiday traditions with friends and loved ones?
Let’s explore some nearby family-friendly holiday activities and special events together. We’ll find the answers to all of these questions and more!
Mother Nature’s Farm’s annual “Christmas at the Farm!” Mark this one on your calendar, my friends, and join the holiday family fun! Visit to play on the Mega Slide, go for a hayride, do the Spider Web Crawl, go through the Straw Bale Maze, and enjoy the Bounce House, Pedal Cars, Picture Boards, Bull Roping Area, Corn Pit, Tire Mountain, Play Houses, Outdoor Games, Santa, the animals!
Hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Douglas and Noble Firs will be fresh cut for the picking. Santa Claus will be there for Santa photos on December 14th, and Maneau’s Munchies will be open on the weekends for snack food, including hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, chips, soda, and hot drinks.
When: Monday through Thursday, 3pm to 9pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Santa Visits December 14, 2024, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Mother Nature’s Farm
1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, AZ
Cost: $15 per person
Christmas on Upland Drive is a 30-year-old tradition! This street takes holiday decorations to the max, with light displays rivaling some of the country’s biggest towns! Your teens and toddlers alike will be fascinated by how much time and energy this block of town spends on ideas to decorate every house with special magic!
When: All through December
Where: 2600 block of Upland Drive, Chandler, AZ
Cost: Free admission
The Lakewood Annual Winter Festival and Boat Parade includes live entertainment and other family-friendly activities. Celebrate the holiday season with your whole family!
When: December 15th, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Lakewood neighborhood between the two lakes.
Cost: Free admission
Ahwatukee Kids Gingerbread Class
Learn how to decorate four cookies for the Christmas season! A kid’s meal and drink will be provided. Parents must stay with their children. Those participating get 20% off all retail items that day.
When: December 14th, 11:20 to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Kneaders Bakery and Cafe
4730 East Ray Road
Cost: $15
The Crossroads Nazarene Church is sponsoring a free come-and-go event where you can enjoy cookies and festive entertainment. A professional photographer will take a photo of your child with Santa himself!
When: December 7th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Particular time for Special Needs: Fri, Dec 6, 6:30 PM
Where: Crossroads Nazarene Church
2950 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ
Cost: Free
8th Annual Caribbean Christmas 5K Run/Walk
Participate in the 8th Annual Caribbean Christmas 5K Run/Walk this year! This Caribbean-themed event is for all ages and features live music and good company. This tropical holiday activity is packed with family fun!
When: December 21
Where: Tempe Beach Park
Cost: Varies. See the website linked above for fees to enter and age groups.
Presented by the Arizona Theatre Company, this musical extravaganza is based on Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: December 7-28th
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Cost: $33 to $108, depending on seat location
’Tis the Season in Downtown Tempe!
So much fun is planned this season, with events nearly every weekend! You can see more details and the full calendar here. Enjoy more than 300 booths at the Tempe Festival of the Arts.
When: December 6-8, 2024, from 10AM to 5:30PM on Friday & Saturday, and 10AM to 4:30PM on Sunday
Where: Downtown Tempe, on Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Drive, and on 5th Street between Myrtle and Ash Avenue
Cost: Admission is Free
Another fun event is the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
When: December 14, 2024, from 4PM to 9PM
Where: Tempe Town Lake
Cost: Free
The last event of the season is Menorah Lighting.
This 3rd Annual event is a spectacular sight! The lighting of the Menorah will awe the little ones and older children of all ages.
When: December 30th, starts at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Tempe’s Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park).
Cost: Free
Sparkle and shine at this festive event! Create memories with one of the best Christmas activities that are free in the area for families and friends. There will be twinkling lights and a visit from Santa! Spend an evening full of holiday cheer with your little ones and teens.
Bring a gift for a child in foster care and receive one entry into our many raffles.
When: December 14th, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1660 S. Alma School Road, Ste 114, Mesa, AZ
Cost: Free admission
Noelfest: Drosselmeyer’s Clockwork Toys
At this year’s Noelfest, Drosselmeyer’s Clockwork Toys are coming to life. There will be art displays, a Christmas labyrinth, and live entertainment. Head out for a spectacular show and immerse yourself in the arts and crafts activities for any age. It will be an unforgettable day at Sahuaro Ranch Park!
When: December 21st at 2 p.m.
Where: 5708 West Union Hills Drive, Glendale, AZ
Cost: Bargain tickets (while they last) are $7
General Admission is $19
World of Illumination: Enchanted Safari
Gear up for one wild holiday adventure with your host, Toukie Toucan! Hear the jingle of the jungle at Enchanted Safari, produced by World of Illumination. A host of exotic animals will be there to greet you from peacocks to piranhas. Soar among the clouds as you fly with reindeer then outrun a T-Rex as you whiz past a land lost in time. Come face to face with the King of the Jungle and beware of the Tunnel of Tentacles where you’ll fend off sharks and jellyfish trying to steal your holiday spirit. Your journey ends at Santa’s Bazaar, where all your new animal friends will be decking the halls!
When: November 15 to December 29, Tuesdays through Sundays, 6 to 10 pm
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
Cost: Starts at $39.99 per vehicle
Fill Your Holidays with Fun
Get out and enjoy this special season with some ideas to create some very festive holiday and Christmas memories with those closest to you. Whether it’s a light show, Santa sightings, or a day trip to visit a farm, make it a family event that all will enjoy.
Our community goes all out for Christmas, with many places to find Christmas cookies, candy canes, holiday cards, and more! You can even get that holiday card photo with Santa Claus in plenty of time to mail it before the big day! Find a place to wear your matching pajamas, see twinkling lights, and visit a neighborhood with lights on the roof and a wreath on every front door! As you share your gifts and spend time together, don’t forget to shine your light on others and invite them to have fun with you and your family!
Jungle Roots wishes your entire family a safe, fun, and exceptional holiday season. We can’t wait to see you in the next year for all your dental or orthodontic appointments.
Happy Holidays!