Posted in Arizona Winter October 08, 2022 by

4 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays In Arizona The Whole Family Can Enjoy

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 your own vehicle has never been easier. These four 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 great Christmas lights near me in Arizona, these displays will put you in the holiday spirit in no time!

1. Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)
Facebook/Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields
Editor's Note: As of 2022, Salt River Fields will no longer be hosting its annual drive-through Christmas lights. Instead, a new event called Enchant Scottsdale, AZ will take its place. You can learn more about it on the Salt River Fields website.

Arizona's newest drive-thru Christmas attraction, Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields features a whopping five million lights in just 1.2 short miles. Synchronized to music that blasts through your speakers via a designated radio station, the displays are lively, whimsical, and sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Six tunnels each have a different theme. Either drive your own car or hop in a VIP carriage for an extra festive experience. Tickets start at $35.99 per vehicle, but rates vary based on several factors. Visit the Salt River Fields website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
2. ZooLights (Phoenix)
Facebook/ZooLights
Editor's note: ZooLights is no longer offering its Christmas drive-through lights. However, you can still enjoy strolling through the ZooLights this season.

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 are back, and they're bigger, brighter, and better than ever.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
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. 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.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
3. World of Illumination (Glendale and Tempe)
World of Illumination website
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 lights displays in the state of Arizona.
Facebook/World of Illumination
Visit the World of Illumination website to learn more about each location and to purchase tickets. You can also follow the Facebook page for updates and to view photos.
Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
6797 N 93RD Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
4. Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale)
Facebook/Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Every year at Christmastime, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a holiday dreamland. 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!
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!
Facebook/Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
For more information on how to enjoy this incredible display of Christmas lights in Arizona, head to the Fairmont Princess website and visit the Facebook page for updates. It's one of the most spectacular Arizona Christmas lights events!
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA

How many of these 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? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! You can also share your ideas by filling out a nomination form.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas lights in Arizona

October 04, 2021
Beth C.

What is winter in Arizona like?

If you're someone who doesn't necessarily enjoy the frigid temperatures of winter, you'll be pleased to hear that Arizona experiences a relatively mild winter season. Winter daytime temperatures tend to reside in the lower 60s. Of course, during the nighttime, temperatures can plummet below freezing or even into the 20s. The coldest month in Arizona is typically January. Fortunately, you can still get out and explore some of Arizona's hiking trails during the winter. Some of the best winter hiking options include South Mountain National Trail, Wind Cave Trail, Seven Falls Trail, Thumb Butte Trail, East Wetlands Interpretive Trail, Echo Canyon Trail, and Bell Rock-Courthouse Butte Loop. Learn more about these winter hikes in Arizona.

What are some fun things to do in Arizona?

Whether you're planning a trip to Arizona or happen to be a lifelong resident, you'll agree that there's a lot to see and do around here. No matter if you're traveling with friends, young kids, or a romantic partner, you'll find a nearly endless supply of adventures suited to all kinds of explorers. In fact, we've even put together a bucket list that includes just about everything you'll want to see here in Arizona. Some of these experiences include walking through the famous Antelope Canyon, checking out the San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson, spotting the unique rock structure of Chiricahua National Monument, eating a mouthwatering (and spicy!) meal at Los Dos Molinos in Phoenix, exploring the Grand Canyon, riding a historic railroad such as the Verde Canyon Railroad, driving along Monument Valley, walking through and photographing the Wave at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, experiencing the ghost town of Oatman, seeing he oldest rodeo in the world in Prescott, touring Kartchner Caverns, traveling to the Hopi mesas of northern Arizona, driving along the famous Route 66, visiting the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, and staying at the allegedly haunted Jerome Grande Hotel. Learn more about these undeniably fun things to do in Arizona.

Does Arizona have any hidden gems?

Absolutely! Now that you've learned about some bucket-list-worthy Arizona experiences, it's time to venture off the beaten path. Some hidden gems in Arizona worth seeking out include Predator Zip, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, the Honanki Heritage Loop, Coffee Pot Restaurant, Goldfield Ghost Town, Slide Rock State Park, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Verde Valley, Petrified National Forest National Park, Mount Graham International Observatory, and the Tonto Natural Bridge.