Arizonans aren’t singing, “Let it Snow,” but that doesn’t give us the holiday humbug. Arizona may lack the white, wintry blanket but our festive spirit comes in supersized supply! We look forward to these 5 time-honored traditions every holiday season:
1. Trimming the Cactus
Stringing lights around your Christmas cactus is a yearly ritual. You make the most of all of your landscaping—placing ornaments on agaves and trimming the Ocotillo with lights.
2. Visiting Glendale Glitters
This mega-festival is prime time for seeing Santa, enjoying live entertainment and gasping at 1.5 million lights! Don’t forget the finale in January to see that spectacular hot air balloon glow.
3. Lighting Luminaries
Did you know that Spanish colonists brought luminaries to Arizona? While stores stock strings of plastic ones, only the real thing – a lighted candle nestled in sand inside a paper bag – will do for an authentic Arizona holiday.
4. Celebrating Christmas at the Princess
This Scottsdale resort turns into an enchanted wonderland of lights, trees, and season merriment. Kids love the Princess Express Train, Christmas Carousel and the more than 2 million Lagoon Lights.
Driving the Santa Train
Kids of all ages control a life-sized Santa train through a crossing gate, light bridge and candy cane factory. This family-operated attraction has been delighting guests for over 37 years.
Looking for even more ideas, check out our list of other local celebrations. No matter what traditions you celebrate this holiday, spending time with friends and family is sure to supply seasonal smiles.
