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Events & Entertainment

Christmas in Scottsdale 2026

Holiday lights, pop up bars, tree lightings and festive dinners

  • No. 1Nov 20, 2026 at 4 PM to Jan 2, 2027
  • No. 6Nov 27 to Dec 30, 2026
  • No. 12Christmas Around the World menu
Christmas in Scottsdale 2026

Scottsdale does Christmas big, even without the snow. This guide pulls together the holiday picks from Scottsdale Scoop, from 65 acres of lights at the Princess to a roller rink over a pool, Christmas pop up bars in Old Town and the tree lot locals swear by. Fashion Square and Kierland Commons have free Santa visits through Dec. 24, and Fleurs de Villes NOËL is at Fashion Square Nov. 11 to 15. The 40-foot elf on the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire at Scottsdale Promenade is a yearly tradition. It went up the first week of December in 2025 and the 2026 date isn't announced yet. I put the dated order of the lights in When Scottsdale Lights Up.

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In this guide 12 spots
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Showing all 12 spots.

The spots

Ranked by Scottsdale Scoop
  1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

    Christmas at the Princess

    Christmas at the Princess in Scottsdale
    Holiday Lights

    I think Christmas at the Princess is one of Scottsdale's best holiday date nights! The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess turns into 65 acres of holiday magic from November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 20 at 4 PM. You can ice skate on a real ice rink under the desert stars, warm up with s'mores at The Village and ride the Ferris wheel for views of everything. It runs Monday through Thursday 5pm to 10pm and Friday through Sunday 4pm to 11pm, then daily 4pm to 11pm starting December 17. The Village is closed Nov. 30 for a private event. Buy tickets ahead of time and go on a weeknight if you want fewer crowds.

    The short list: Nov 20, 2026 at 4 PM to Jan 2, 2027Mon-Thu 5-10, Fri-Sun 4-11Village closed Nov 30.

  2. Ho Holidays at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale
    Holiday Date Spot

    Hotel Valley Ho turns its pool into a roller rink for the season. It's such a retro meets holiday twist on the typical dinner date. The OH Pool closes Nov. 16 so they can build the rink, and the rink opens Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 3. From Nov. 23 to Dec. 20 the sessions are Monday through Thursday 4 to 9 PM and Friday through Sunday noon to 4 PM and 4:30 to 9 PM. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 3 it's daily noon to 4 PM and 4:30 to 9 PM. The rink is closed Dec. 3 for a private event. Tickets are $25 including skate rental, kids 5 and under are free and hotel guests get in free.

    The short list: Opens Nov 23, through Jan 3Closed Dec 3$25 with skate rental.

  3. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

    Four Seasons Troon North holiday market

    Four Seasons Troon North holiday market in Scottsdale
    Holiday Market

    Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North holds its holiday market on Friday, Nov. 27 from 11 AM to 3 PM. It's free and open to the public. Kids' gingerbread house classes at Proof are Dec. 12, 19 and 20 at 2:30 PM and they're $95 per child under 12.

    The short list: Market Nov 27, 11 AM to 3 PMFree and open to the publicGingerbread Dec 12, 19 and 20.

  4. Old Town Scottsdale and the Waterfront

    Scottsdazzle

    Scottsdazzle runs November 28 through December 31, 2026. It kicks off with the free Tree Lighting Spectacular (it used to be called Jingle & Jazz) on Nov. 28 from 7 to 9 PM at the Waterfront. Through December you'll find Scottsdazzle Toyland, Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa, holiday dueling pianos on the Marshall Way Bridge and more.

    The short list: Nov 28 to Dec 31, 2026Tree Lighting Spectacular, 7 to 9 PMAt the Waterfront.

  5. Tree Lighting at Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale
    Family Holiday Fun

    Scottsdale Quarter's tree lighting is Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Quad.

    The short list: Saturday Nov 28, 20265:30 to 7:30 PMTree lighting at The Quad.

  6. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale

    Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

    Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale
    Family Holiday Fun

    Railroad Park lights up for the holidays with train rides through the lights and it's a Scottsdale family tradition. It runs November 27 through December 30, 2026 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, closed December 24 and 25. Tickets start at $15 and they sell fast, so grab yours early.

    The short list: Nov 27 to Dec 30, 2026From $15Closed Dec 24 and 25.

  7. Indian School Rd, Scottsdale

    Miracle Bar at BLVD Kitchen & Bar

    Miracle Bar at BLVD Kitchen & Bar in Scottsdale
    Christmas Pop Up Bar

    Over at BLVD Kitchen & Bar on Indian School (located on the Hilton's property), the Miracle Bar pop up brings a cozy ski lodge vibe complete with a roaring fireplace and chair lift photo op. They bring in special guests like the Grinch on select nights, so make reservations for weekend visits. It opens November 27 this year, and I've got every 2026 holiday bar in my holiday pop-up bars guide.

    The short list: Ski lodge vibe with a fireplaceChair lift photo opGrinch on select nights.

  8. Old Town Scottsdale

    Coach House

    Coach House in Scottsdale
    Christmas Bar

    Coach House in Old Town is keeping it classic but magical with thousands of twinkling lights covering this dive bar that's been around since 1959. Sometimes the simplest approach hits just right, especially when you're looking for that authentic Scottsdale charm mixed with holiday spirit.

    The short list: Around since 1959Thousands of twinkling lightsClassic dive bar.

  9. Scottsdale Rd and the 101

    Wagner Christmas Trees

    Wagner Christmas Trees in Scottsdale
    Christmas Tree Lot

    Wagner Christmas Trees is a family owned Christmas tree lot right here in Scottsdale that brings fresh cut Oregon trees straight from the Pacific Northwest. They set up at the 101 and Scottsdale (7201 E Henkel Way) with Noble, Fraser and Nordmann firs in every size from tabletop to 14 footers. Their staff trims, nets and loads your tree. They'll also deliver throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley. They also make handmade evergreen wreaths. The lot is open daily November 21 through December 23 or until the trees are gone.

    The short list: Fresh cut Oregon treesOpen daily Nov 21 to Dec 23Delivery available.

  10. WestWorld of Scottsdale

    Great Train Show

    The Great Train Show is at WestWorld of Scottsdale on Dec. 5 and 6, 2026.

    The short list: Dec 5 and 6, 2026WestWorld of Scottsdale.

  11. Merchantile Market Grateful Gathering in Scottsdale
    Holiday Shopping

    Merchantile Market kicks off holiday shopping season with their Grateful Gathering at Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 10am to 5pm. Expect hundreds of local vendors, handmade goods, live music, a full bar, food vendors and free kids' activities. Admission is free. It's a great way to get out and support local businesses!

    The short list: Saturday Nov 21, 2026Free admissionHundreds of local vendors.

  12. 12 Days of Christmas at COURSE in Scottsdale
    Holiday Dining

    Chef Cory Oppold's Twelve Days of Christmas is back at COURSE. This year's theme is Christmas Around the World, a multi course tasting menu inspired by holiday traditions from France, Poland, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Norway, England and beyond. It's one of the most special holiday dinners in town, so book early.

    The short list: Christmas Around the World menuMulti course tastingReservations required.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Fashion Square and Kierland have Santa?

Both have free Santa visits through Dec. 24, 2026. Fleurs de Villes NOËL is at Fashion Square Nov. 11 to 15.

When does the elf go up on the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire?

The 40-foot elf at Scottsdale Promenade is a yearly tradition. It went up the first week of December in 2025. The 2026 date isn't announced yet.

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