Holiday lights, outdoor dining, desert trails, and sunny December afternoons give Scottsdale a different rhythm during the holiday season. Travelers can spend the day outdoors, explore holiday events around Old Town, and transition into light displays, seasonal dining, and entertainment after sunset.
For the 2026 season, several of the area's signature celebrations return from late November through the beginning of January, including Scottsdazzle, Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Las Noches de Luminarias. That makes Scottsdale an easy destination to build around a long weekend, Christmas getaway, or end-of-year trip.
Experience Scottsdazzle in Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town becomes one of the centers of Scottsdale's holiday celebrations during Scottsdazzle, which runs November 28 through December 31, 2026. The annual celebration brings a series of holiday events to Old Town and the Scottsdale Waterfront, with programming that includes a tree-lighting celebration, Santa appearances, entertainment, art experiences, culinary activities, and seasonal shopping.
It is also a good opportunity to combine holiday activities with exploring Old Town's locally owned boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and public art. Rather than planning an entire day around one event, check the Scottsdazzle calendar and build a visit around the activities happening during your stay.
For travelers who enjoy shopping, look for Scottsdazzle's artisan pop-ups and special shopping events in addition to Old Town's year-round stores. Some event details are still being finalized for 2026, so check the official schedule closer to your trip.
Take the Holiday Train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
For families traveling with children, Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of Scottsdale's signature seasonal traditions.
The 2026 event runs November 27 through December 30 from 5:30pm-9:30pm. The centerpiece is an evening train ride through the park's illuminated holiday displays, with additional activities around the park.
Because this is primarily an evening experience, it pairs well with an afternoon at the resort, holiday shopping, or an early dinner before heading to the park.
Experience Las Noches de las Luminarias
For a holiday experience rooted in the desert landscape, plan an evening at Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden in nearby Phoenix.
The 2026 season runs on select nights from November 27 through January 3. Thousands of glowing luminarias and light installations illuminate the Garden's desert pathways, accompanied by expanded live entertainment and performances.
The setting makes Luminarias distinctly different from traditional holiday-light attractions. Instead of recreating a snowy winter scene, the event uses the Sonoran Desert landscape as part of the experience.
Tickets go on sale in October, and popular December nights can fill quickly.
Make Time for Scottsdale's Outdoors
Scottsdale holiday travel in Scottsdale does not have to be entirely about seasonal events. December's cooler temperatures make it one of the most comfortable times of year for spending time outdoors.
Scottsdale averages a December high around 68°F and a low around 38°F, meaning afternoons can be mild while mornings and evenings are considerably cooler.
Consider spending a morning exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve before returning to the resort for lunch, spa time, or the pool. Golf is another option for travelers who would rather spend part of the holiday trip on the course.
The combination is part of what distinguishes Christmas in Scottsdale from colder-weather destinations: a December itinerary can realistically include both outdoor recreation and traditional holiday activities in the same day.
Celebrate Christmas Day at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Guests staying over Christmas can keep part of the celebration at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa.
On December 25, 2026, the resort will host a Christmas Day brunch from 11:00am-5:00pm featuring chef-curated seasonal dishes and desserts. Brunch is $105 for adults, $49 for children ages 5-12, and complimentary for children ages 4 and younger.
Later that day, La Fogata will offer a three-course Christmas dinner from 4:00pm-9:00pm. The menu features seasonal chef-crafted dishes, with pricing of $79 for adults and $38 for children ages 5-12.
Reservations are recommended for both experiences, particularly for guests planning their Scottsdale stay around Christmas Day.
Build in Time to Slow Down
A Scottsdale holiday itinerary does not need to be packed with events from morning through evening.
One approach is to choose one major holiday activity per day and use the remaining time for the experiences that make a desert getaway different. Spend the morning outdoors, schedule an afternoon treatment at Luna Spa, enjoy time by the pool, play golf, or settle in for dinner before heading out to see the lights.
That balance works particularly well for families or multigenerational groups, where not everyone will want to follow the same schedule.
Planning a 2026 Scottsdale Holiday Getaway
December is one of Scottsdale's most appealing times for outdoor recreation, and it also brings some of the destination's largest seasonal events. Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings, make reservations for major holiday attractions and Christmas dining in advance, and leave enough flexibility to enjoy the weather during the day.
Guests at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa can combine resort time, dining, wellness, and golf with Scottsdale's holiday celebrations without making every day entirely event-driven. That makes it possible to experience the holiday season while still having time to enjoy the reason many travelers come to Scottsdale in winter in the first place: the desert.