Fall & Holiday Experiences in Scottsdale and Nearby | 2026
From illuminated art along the canal to festive resort experiences, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season in Scottsdale and surrounding areas. Here’s a roundup for a night out, a family adventure or entertaining holiday visitors.
| Event or experience | Dates | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Canal Convergence: Western Nature · Scottsdale Waterfront | Nov. 6–15 | A free evening festival with illuminated art, interactive installations, nightly fire shows, live music and creative activities. Opens at 6 p.m. nightly—perfect to pair with dinner in Old Town. scottsdalearts.org |
| Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships · WestWorld | Nov. 7 | A signature Scottsdale fall outing combining polo matches, fashion, car displays and live entertainment. business.scottsdalechamber.com |
| Fleurs de Villes NOËL · Scottsdale Fashion Square | Nov. 11–15 | A free, five-day celebration showcasing festive floral installations created by Arizona floral artists. Stop by while shopping or meeting friends for lunch. www.fashionsquare.com |
| Tree Lighting & One Tree Holiday Concert · Caesars Republic Scottsdale | Nov. 13 | A 5:30 p.m. tree lighting followed by a 7 p.m. holiday concert featuring Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele on the Camelback Veranda. Check separate event and ticket details. www.caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com |
| Jingle at JW Marriott Desert Ridge · North Phoenix | Nov. 18–Jan. 3 | The new ice! featuring Elf™ brings movie scenes to life in carved ice. Other activities include snow tubing, ice skating, gingerbread decorating and fireside s’mores. Open to day visitors and overnight guests; attraction tickets and parking fees apply. www.jwdesertridgechristmas.com |
| Christmas at the Princess · Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Nov. 20–Jan. 2 | Elaborate light displays, outdoor ice skating, train rides and Santa experiences. Reserved fire tables and igloos offer an extra-special evening. Admission and select activities are priced separately. www.christmasattheprincess.com |
| Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience · Taliesin West | Nov. 21 | An evening celebrating Indigenous food, culture and design through chef tasting stations, cooking demonstrations and Native fashion in a memorable desert setting. www.arizonanativeculinary.org |
| ZooLights · Phoenix Zoo | Nov. 25–Jan. 15 | Explore holiday light displays during a festive evening outing for families and visiting guests. Hours are 5:30–10:30 p.m. www.phoenixzoo.org |
| Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park · Scottsdale | Nov. 27–Dec. 30 | A Scottsdale family favorite with train rides through holiday displays, carousel rides and seasonal treats. Entry wristbands include train and carousel rides. www.therailroadpark.com |
| Las Noches de las Luminarias · Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix | Select nights, Nov. 27–Jan. 3 | Glowing luminaria-lined garden paths and live entertainment create a distinctly Arizona holiday experience. A lovely choice for a date night or an evening with visitors. www.experiencescottsdale.com |
| Scottsdazzle · Old Town Scottsdale & Waterfront | Nov. 28–Dec. 31 | Holiday lights, a tree lighting, live entertainment, workshops and family activities throughout Old Town. Many events are free. oldtownscottsdaleaz.com |
| Scottsdale Quarter Tree Lighting · The Quad | Nov. 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Kick off the season with the tree lighting, then enjoy holiday shopping and dinner nearby. scottsdalequarter.com |
| Scottsdazzle Gold Palette ArtWalk · Scottsdale Arts District | Dec. 10 | Browse Old Town galleries during a festive evening of art, seasonal refreshments and entertainment. Check the organizer’s calendar for final hours. scottsdalegalleries.com |
| Seasonal Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician · Scottsdale | Check available seatings | Enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones, seasonal desserts and live piano music—a relaxed holiday outing with friends or family. www.marriott.com |
January dates are in 2027. Check event websites for current schedules, tickets and reservations before heading out.
