11 Incredible Family Holiday Activities for 2019

As the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Our weather is lovely, and all the holiday festivities are beginning.

Even better, Arizona loves to celebrate, and there are holiday activities and events all around us!

We have compiled this list of 11 activities you can enjoy this holiday season, including a wide variety of amazing lights shows, phenomenal performances, and Arizona’s own unique Tumbleweed Tree.

From all of us at Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

November 27, 2019 – January 19, 2020

The phenomenal Phoenix Zoo creates a magical atmosphere every year when they light up the zoo with millions of sparkling lights. This year the experience is even better with the new Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring more than 60 creatures. The live reindeer are also back this year along with the polar slide and camel rides.

Hours: 5:30 – 10:30 pm

Cost: General Admission tickets are $14.95 or $19.95 per person, depending on the date. You can get a $1 discount per ticket if you purchase online.

Website

November 29, 2019 – January 5, 2020

Enjoy a train ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a winter wonderland of lights and displays, take a ride on the historic Charros Carousel, and visit the park’s one-of-a-kind Model Railroad Building this holiday season. During the first two weeks, you can participate in the Holiday Lights Ugly Christmas Sweater contest to win a visa gift card. See the website for contest details.

Hours: Holiday Lights is open nightly from 6:30 – 9 pm. Please note that the park will be closed December 24, 25, and 31.

Cost: Entry to the park is free. The Carousel is $3 per ticket and the Train is $5 per ticket.

Website

November 23, 2019 – January 5, 2020

CityScape creates a wonderful ice-skating experience in downtown Phoenix. Twinkling lights on a giant Christmas tree, holiday carolers, and a hot chocolate stand create a wonderful holiday atmosphere. Santa is available for photos on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 – 6 pm.

November 29 is a special day with Santa’s arrival, Professional Figure Skating Routines, and the Official Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Hours: Be sure to check out the website because hours do vary by day and skating is broken into multiple sessions per day to prepare and preserve the ice.

Cost: General Admission is $15 per person and includes ice skates. Tickets are $10 for children 4-8 years old, and children 3 and under are free.

Website

December 6 – 23, 2019

This delightful musical presented at the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix is a treat for fans of Winnie the Pooh. In this sweet story, Christopher Robin, Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo help Eeyore find his missing tail. It is suitable for any age and tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to buy yours soon!

Performance Dates and Times:

Cost: $20 per person (plus a processing fee)

Website

November 21, 2019 - January 12, 2020

Lights of the World at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix showcases 11 incredible exhibits with 65 stunning displays and over 10 million lights and lanterns. Acrobatic and sea lion shows are included in the ticket price. Over 20 carnival rides, authentic crafts, and foods can be purchased separately.

Hours: 5:30 – 10 pm

Cost: You can get a 30% discount by purchasing tickets early. Children 3 and under are free. Discounted prices start at $10.50 for senior adults and children 4+, and $12.60 for adults. There is an additional parking fee of $10 per car.

Website

November 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020

This incredible 25-minute-long, drive-thru, animated light show is held in two locations, Tempe and Glendale. Hot chocolate, kettle corn, and other refreshments are available for purchase at the entrance, where you can also tune in to an FM station for synchronized music to make the experience even more amazing. One ticket provides entrance for an entire vehicle. If you can plan ahead, tickets are significantly less on weekdays when purchased online.

Hours: Monday -Thursdays, 6-10 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, 6-11 pm

Cost: Starts at $22.99 plus taxes and fees

Locations: 2200 West Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 or 6797 N 93rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305

Website

November 26, 2019 – January 4, 2020

Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek is providing an enchanted Christmas Experience. Snow globe mini-golf, Santa’s toyshop, reindeer, hayrides, ice skating, cookie decorating, a Christmas carousel, and an inflatable obstacle course are some of the wonderful activities available this year.

Cost: TBD

Hours: 6 – 10 pm

Website

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The City of Chandler has been decorating a giant Christmas tree made from nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds for the past 60 years and will be continuing the festive tradition this year. Photos with Santa, laser tag, pony rides, live performances, and giant inflatable bouncers provide an evening of fun for you and your family. Admission to the event and parade are free, while some of the activities require a $9 wristband to participate.

Hours: Festivities begin at 4:30 pm. The Parade begins at 6:45 pm and the Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at approximately 8 pm.

Cost: FREE

Website

December 13 – 24, 2019

The Nutcracker Ballet is a longstanding holiday tradition for many. Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker is one of the top productions in the country with 150 performers, 100,000 Swarovski crystals, and Tchaikovsky’s score beautifully performed by The Phoenix Symphony.

Hours: vary by date

Cost: Tickets start at $39, with the option to purchase VIP packages, Family Fun Nights, or season tickets. Group discounts are also available when purchasing for 10 or more.

Website

Saturday, December 14, 2019

If your children would enjoy a winter snow experience, then this is the perfect opportunity. Doors open at 9 am, and there will be 40 magical tons of snow waiting for children. Snow play lasts until the snow melts, but kids can also explore the three floors of exhibits and visit Santa when they are finished with the snow. Santa visits are available from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.

Cost: Museum Admission is $14.95 per person and includes Snow Activities and Santa visits.

Website

December 26 – 29, 2019

Holidays at the Heard provides a unique opportunity to experience American Indian music and dance performances, as well as artist demonstrations and hands-on art activities. This year is extra special as the museum is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Performances, music, demonstrations, and activities will be different each day of the event.

Hours: Performances are held in the Steele Auditorium at noon and 2 pm. Live music, artist demonstrations, and hands-on activities are available from 11 am to 3 pm.

Cost: Holidays at the Heard is included in the purchase of general admission tickets. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets for children ages 6–17 and college students cost $9, adult tickets are $25, and senior adult tickets are $15.

Website

At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to provide the highest comprehensive pediatric and orthodontic dental care in a unique, fun-filled environment staffed by a team of caring, energetic professionals. We believe the establishment of a “dental home” at an early age is the key to a lifetime of positive visits to the dentist.

Call Us - (480) 759-1119

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