Escape to Phoenix this Winter

What comes to mind when you think of Phoenix, Arizona? Whatever your perspective is on the 5th largest city in the country, it might be time to change your perspective. The LGBTQ community thrives in Phoenix’s gayborhood in the Melrose District. The Greater Phoenix region has fun activities for everyone, regardless of your interests, whether that is the outdoors, sports, culture, and/or art.

When you visit Phoenix in the winter, not only will you have amazing weather, but you’ll have lots of cozy events to choose from to celebrate the holiday. Every December you will find "Camelback Santa" at the peak of Camelback Mountain, handing out candy canes, and decorating an environmentally-friendly Christmas tree, with the help of his elves. The Desert Botanical Garden features Las Noches de las Luminarias, where you'll find the Garden's trails and succulents dazzling with holiday sparkle. This might be the Sonoran Desert, but we have our own version of a White Christmas at spots like The Princess, where you can go ice skating or get your picture taken with St. Nick.

In addition to winter festivities, Phoenix always has exciting local events and activities year-round. Phoenix's food scene is a burgeoning, rising star in the industry. Local's adore beloved restaurants such as Pizzeria Bianco, Bacanora, and Valentine. Recent national accolades have brought new eyes on some of our buzziest local joints.

Esquire named two Valley restaurants in their list of the top 50 restaurants of 2023. Chilte, the new school Mexican spot, and Lom Wong, the restaurant that focuses on regional cuisines from Thai villages, topped Esquire's annual top 50 restaurants of 2023 list. Chilte, which is run out of the funky boutique Egyptian Motel, was also named in Bon Apetit's 24 best restaurants of 2023 list.

The highly-anticipated The Global Ambassador hotel opened in December to much local and national fanfare. The posh hotel was designed by Sam Fox, the 12-time James Beard Award nominee, and features five restaurants, each with a unique global-minded cuisine and concept. The rooftop at The Global Ambassador will be the largest rooftop in the state and feature expansive views of Camelback Mountain. 

To learn more about things to do this winter and start planning your trip, visit  VisitPhoenix.com