Metro Phoenix is heading into one of its most event-packed seasons, with holiday celebrations, parades and winter festivals lighting up communities across the Valley. To keep things manageable, here are the most notable and widely attended events from the full regional calendar — the big draws you’re most likely to want on your radar.
Major Long-Running Events
Several holiday staples run for weeks at a time and draw crowds from across Arizona:
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (Nov. 26–Jan. 16) — One of the state’s most beloved traditions, featuring millions of lights and glowing wildlife displays.
Glendale Glitters (Nov. 28–Jan. 1) — Downtown Glendale’s signature holiday spectacle.
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights (Nov. 28–Dec. 30) — A longtime community favorite with elaborate displays on the temple grounds.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (select nights, Nov. 28–Dec. 28) — A large-scale holiday production that transforms Rawhide into a Christmas village.
Late November Highlights
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting, Tempe (Nov. 29) — A festive kickoff to the season along Mill Avenue.
Mesa Beer Week (Nov. 21–30) — Breweries citywide celebrate craft beer with tastings and pop-ups.
December’s Biggest Valley Events
Tempe Festival of the Arts (Dec. 5–7) — One of the region’s largest art fairs, drawing hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors.
APS Electric Light Parade, Phoenix (Dec. 6) — A signature holiday parade stretching through central Phoenix.
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights, Chandler (Dec. 6) — Chandler’s iconic tumbleweed tree celebration.
Phoenix Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–14) — A downtown holiday tradition at Arizona Financial Theatre.
Phoenix Marathon (Dec. 13) — One of the Valley’s biggest running events.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Tempe (Dec. 13) — Holiday cheer on the water at Tempe Town Lake.
Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before… (Dec. 18–28) — A family-friendly holiday show returning to downtown Phoenix.
January–February Highlights
Chandler International Film Festival (Jan. 23–Feb. 1) — A growing showcase of international and independent cinema.
Asian Festival, Mesa Community College (Jan. 31–Feb. 1) — A cultural celebration with food, performances and exhibits.
Monster Energy Supercross, State Farm Stadium (Feb. 7) — A high-energy motorsports favorite.
Devour Culinary Classic, Desert Botanical Garden (Feb. 21–22) — The Valley’s premier food festival.
Spring 2026 Standouts
VIVA PHX (April 15–20) — The revived downtown multi-day cultural festival returning with concerts, pop-ups and citywide programming.
Wild West Music Fest, Maricopa (March 27–29) — A country-leaning music weekend under the spring sky.
For a full breakdown or to explore niche events, the complete Valley calendar is available on KTAR’s event listings page, which offers regularly updated details and links.
