Winter Attractions
The most extraordinary holiday festival in the Southwest, Christmas at the Princess at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a six-week extravaganza that includes classic traditions ramped up to astonishing heights. Christmas at the beloved AAA Five Diamond resort also offers unique experiences such as 6.5 million lights, a 6,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice rink, a 95 ft. tall Ferris wheel, and 65 acres of Christmas magic for all to enjoy. Chateau Champagne takes you along a romantic candlelit trail lined with Alpine Chalet. The perfect experience for the 21+ crowd, the fire pits, all-inclusive menu, and stunning holiday scenery provide the Christmas ambiance that visitors and guests yearn for all year long. The Christmas Quest Bubble Wand takes you along 12 stops on the Christmas Quest Experience. Your RFID-activated wand works as your interactive guide, flashing whimsical colors, and wafting waves of bubbles throughout your journey. Sled down Snow Mountain, a 120-foot, four-lane ice slide! Be sure to say hello to Shivers the Yeti before you return to the base of the mountain. Wrap up the evening by warming up in one of the ten climate-controlled VIP Igloos with adjoining heated patios. Christmas at the Princess returns for its 14th season November 17, 2023 through January 6th, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Enchant Scottsdale is returning to Salt River Fields as an immersive, multi-sensory holiday season experience featuring a stunning, story-driven light maze adventure spread across more than ten acres of space. Take a stroll through the light maze and encounter stunning illuminated sculptures and an awe-inspiring 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. Glide through a sparkling, Christmas-light filled forest on ice skates and shop tiny storefronts that feature artisan vendors, specialty crafters, and boutiques.
Winter Events
On Saturday, Dec. 9, Downtown Phoenix will transform into the third annual Winter Wanderland, a full day of free holiday performances, over-the-top holiday lights and décor, delicious food, drinks, and merriment. Featuring a variety performances of indoor and outdoor performances – Winter Wanderland is a family-friendly celebration of downtown’s rich performing arts, history, and culture.
The best holiday market in Phoenix, Phoestivus, is a free experience where more than 200 small business vendors, food, beverages, music, live art, and more convene in the warm embrace of Sonoran Desert winter. Traditions like the Pheats of Strength and the Airing of Grievances, along with Marshall Shore’s “Hip Santa,” Phreddie the Yeti and the ever-commemorative Phoestivus pole, have solidified the market as a premier festive attraction. Two back-to-back nights and a Saturday morning of cheer, this year guests are invited to join the celebration December 14-16. All purchases support Community Food Connections and the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, a registered 501c3 nonprofit supporting local growers and businesses. The market recently moved and is now located at 720 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias invites guests to experience the holiday while encompassed by the scenery of 50,000 desert plants. The beloved event features twinkling lights on trees, live music performances, and Fernando Botero’s “El Maestro in the Garden” experience, where a harmony of color and beauty come together in paintings, drawings, and a monumental sculpture. Visitors can also honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion with a personalized message on a special luminaria bag that will be placed at the Jan and Tom Lewis Desert Portal during the celebration.
Winter Openings
With plans to open in December 2023, Moxy Phoenix Downtown is known to be the playful, affordable, and stylish brand of Marriott. Moxy breaks the rules of a normal hotel stay, starting with check-in at the bar, which is most appropriate as it's located above the world-class, award-winning, and globally recognized cocktail bar, Bitter & Twisted, and in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
A new 141-room luxurious resort is set to open in the heart of the Arcadia neighborhood in December 2023. The Global Ambassador is spearheaded by local restauranter Sam Fox, who has teamed up with local celebrities Larry Fitzgerald, Devin Booker, and Dierks Bentley for inspiration and design. The hotel will feature many luxe amenities such as a wellness center, world-class spa, and a member only club with exclusive access. Dining will also be at the forefront of The Global Ambassador as Fox’s five on-site dining options including a Parisian bistro and brasserie. The resort will be home to an 18,000 square foot Mediterranean focused restaurant on the rooftop offering stunning city and mountain views, while other dining options are the poolside restaurant, mixing Mexican and Peruvian fare, and the Members' Restaurant serving American classics in a supper-club style.
Coming to Greater Phoenix in February 2024, Caesars Republic Scottsdale is a new lifestyle-hotel experience and the first non-gaming hotel from Caesars Entertainment in the United States. The 11-story hotel will be just adjacent to the premiere luxury shopping at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Everything from the décor to the culinary offerings is inspired by local traditions and tastemakers, amplifying its energy and culture. Luna by Giada is the new dining concept coming to the resort that was founded by celebrated chef, author, and television personality Giada De Laurentiis. Luna’s fine dining menu will be based on Giada’s diverse background which features her Romanian roots, Italian specialty cuisine, and southern California influences. Chef Giada is also opening a casual café style restaurant on the first floor of the hotel called Pronto by Giada featuring Italian fare and unique coffee offerings with fresh ingredients and a faster service for guests on the go.