Every December, Over 8,000 Paper Lanterns Set This Arizona Garden Aglow

There’s no more uniquely Arizonan way to celebrate the Christmas season than illuminating the desert with paper lanterns, glittering lights, and tons of holiday cheer. Keep reading to take a journey through this magical scene to see what it’s all about.

Through December 31, the Desert Botanical Garden is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland for Las Noches de Las Luminarias. It's the Southwestern way to celebrate Christmas.

Over 8,000 luminaria bags and thousands of glittering bulbs illuminate every tree and walkway. The journey gets more mesmerizing with each step you take.

Majestic Saguaros stand tall and proud, the lanterns only serving to make them appear more regal. There's no better holiday decor than our warriors of the Sonoran.

Listen to classic sounds of the season from entertainment ensembles scattered along the trail. There's no better way to get in the holiday spirit.

In addition to lights and lanterns, a program called Electric Desert sets the garden ablaze. Set to music, the pulsing rhythms of this magical light show turn the landscape into a living canvas.

Each state has its own holiday traditions, and this is ours. Nothing defines Arizona quite like deserts and sunsets.

Commemorate the experience by posing in front of this giant tree. Adorned with lights and colorful ornaments, it makes a perfect backdrop for the family Christmas card.

You'll find Desert Botanical Garden at 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008. Click here for hours, pricing, and more information.

Have you ever been to Las Noches de Las Luminarias? What about Electric Desert? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments below!

To read about another unique Christmas tradition in Arizona, check out You’ve Never Seen A More Uniquely Arizona Christmas Tree Than This One.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.