Scottsdale’s reputation for being an excellent travel destination for golfers is definitely true. This fact has done more than its fair share of advertising the city, but you should know that Scottsdale is a beautiful, vibrant city as well. East of Phoenix, in the shadow of Tonto National Forest, this metropolis of 220,000 people and over a dozen communities is beloved by residents for its superb quality of life, its wealth of museums and cultural attractions, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re thinking about moving to Scottsdale, be tempted to visit soon with this overview of holiday events in the city.
Winter Festivals
Start your winter festivities off right by taking a tour of all the light displays around Scottsdale. You can start off with by driving up E Valley Vista to see Chris Birkett’s Winter Wonderland Arizona Christmas display of 250,000 orchestrated lights.
Follow that up by treating your family to Hot Cocoa with Santa in Bell Lexus or the Ugly Sweater Holiday Brunch at Meatballz on East Shea Boulevard. Be sure to bring some donations for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital if you do attend.
You’ll also want to take your children to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to see the Lagoon Lights & Princess Express Trains. It has millions of LED lights, dozens of displays, a candy cane forest, and a train offering rides to children of all ages.
Christmas Events
On Christmas Eve, you can join in with a experience for the whole family at Living Word’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
On Christmas Day, you and your family can enjoy the Christmas Day Brunch in the Palomino Ballroom at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It’s an event catered by four area restaurants and five area chefs.
The Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia also offers a delicious Christmas morning brunch packed with meat, seafood, fruits, and bread, all ready to be enjoyed on their patio. Later that night, they’ll also be serving a four-course dinner and dessert.
Still hungry? The German-American Chamber of Commerce also holds an annual German Christmas event, with authentic German goods like German Christmas cake, charcuterie platter, and mulled wine.
If you still need to get holiday shopping done, check out Hotel Valley Ho’s Sip, Shop + Socialize event, where you can have a drink, listen to live music and buy gifts from local vendors.
New Years
One of the area’s most well-known and well-attended parties, Wasted Grain in Old Town will be hosting a Fifty Shades of New Year’s celebration on New Year’s Eve, complete with a hosted bar, champagne toast, and a photo contest.
If that’s not your scene, there’s also the AZ Baby Boomers NYE 2019 Gala at the Sonora Ball Room. In addition to the live music and party favors, you and your guests will be treated to a buffet dinner and a midnight champagne toast.
Traveling Tips During the Holiday Season
Looking forward to traveling to Scottsdale during the holiday season? Make sure you’re ready for everything winter might throw at you be following some of these traveling tips.
- Always tell people where you’re going; whether you get lost or break down on the side of the road, it’s good for people to have a general knowledge of where you are.
- Make sure you have a car or truck that can handle your travel. An SUV has the combination of style and space to get you where you need to go in comfort.
- Avoid driving during peak hours. Not only will you be stuck in traffic burning fuel, but you’ll also put yourself at risk of being in an accident because of a drowsy or inattentive driver.
- Know where you’re going to stay and where you’re going to eat before you get there. By the time you get anywhere, you won’t be in the mood to make decisions, so do your research early and know where you’re going before you get there.
These holiday events in Scottsdale are sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re a long-time resident of the Valley or just planning a trip, contact our experts to discover Scottsdale.