Where can I go in Phoenix during winter?

Las Noches de las Luminarias

During winter, the magnificent grounds of the Desert Botanical Gardens are decorated in candlelight. Volunteers line garden paths with more than 7,000 glowing luminaria bags late in the year (typically in December), producing a surreal scene that draws crowds. Throughout the evening, musicians play, and light refreshments are given. In addition, visitors can buy food or book a table for a holiday-themed meal that includes all trimmings at the garden restaurant. Non-member tickets are sold in early October and easily run out fast, so be prepared! 

Sedona

Sedona is one of the popular tourist destinations in Arizona, which is a two-hour drive from Phoenix. One of the advantages of going in the winter is that it is the offseason, which means it is less expensive. In the winter, it’s easy to forget about it because it’s 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix. However, there are plenty of reasons to visit, including the downtown retail center, picturesque red rocks, and several resorts.

Lights of the World

Lights of the World is a holiday-themed light and lantern festival promoted as the largest in North America. Traditional Chinese lantern festivals inspire it. The festival, which takes place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds through the early New Year, offers beautiful lantern displays with about 10 million lights that reflect many cultures and civilizations from across the world. Apart from the eye-catching light shows, Lights of the World also offers carnival rides and games and daily entertainment ranging from acrobatics to live music.

Zoolights

One of the largest light displays during the holiday season in the Southwest is ZooLights. There are around 2.5 million sparkling lights placed throughout the zoo, as well as various dynamic exhibits. A mini carnival and a stingray touch tank are among the attractions. Every hour, there is also a choreographed light show. The exhibitions will appeal to both children and adults. In addition, kiosks situated throughout the zoo sell hot chocolate, apple cider, and other holiday goodies.

Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend

Glendale Glitters starts off the winter season by hosting exciting events, music, cuisines, and horse-drawn carriage rides every Friday and Saturday night. Approximately a million dazzling lights adorn the downtown area, and even if you are unable to attend the weekend events, the decorations are worth visiting. In addition, Glendale Glitters sets the standard for one of Southwest’s largest Christmas block parties. The Glitter & Glow Block Party is the name of the closing festivities, which take place in January. Huge hot air balloons are positioned throughout the busy downtown area, live music is performed, and holiday-themed delicacies are served during the final block party.

Cityskate Ice Rink

It’s not winter season without the Cityskate Ice rink! Every year, people around Phoenix go downtown and rent ice skates to enjoy the beautifully decorated ice skating rink at CityScape. In addition, there are holiday snacks available in the area and carolers singing beautiful Christmas songs. It’s truly a winter wonderland experience.

Topgolf

While the majority of people are only familiar with and connected to arcade games and bowling alleys, golf enthusiasts will be more familiar with Top Golf. There’s also a 240-yard outfield where you may gain points by hitting balls around. Golfing may be too hot during the summer in Phoenix, which is why the winter season is a wonderful time to go with the cold weather. The entire location offers a beautiful view of the mountains, which is a nice plus. If you are concerned about the temperature, they will turn on the heaters to keep you warm. Phoenix in the winter is ideal for golfers.

Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Ski Park

While these two are not exactly in Phoenix, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive from the city. The weather in Phoenix in the winter is ideal for the Arizona Snowbowl season. If you’re searching for something to do with the white blanket of snow that surrounds you, visiting Arizona during the winter season is the place to be. Sunrise Ski Park, near Greer, is made up of three mountains that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. This location also allows you to see a distinct aspect of Arizona, such as the scenic views of pine forests with snowy peaks. 

Hiking

Hiking and other walks along adventure routes, which are frequently hard to perform during the warm weather, may be enjoyed throughout the winter seasons. If you’re in Phoenix for the winter, the greatest way to pass the time is to go on a long trek. In Arizona, particularly in Phoenix, there are a lot of steep hiking routes where you may take your time. Phoenix has great weather conditions during winter making hiking ideal for all skill levels. Camelback Mountain is one of the must-hike mountains in Phoenix.

North Pole Experience

Another 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix if you want something unique for the family is the North Pole Experience. You may enjoy a similar experience with the Grand Canyon Tour Company, which takes you on a 1.5-hour trip from Williams Depot to the North Pole and back. It’s one of the finest things to do in Phoenix in January because you get to hear traditional Christmas stories, sip hot chocolate, and eat cookies before seeing Santa and his reindeer.

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When is the best time to visit Phoenix, AZ?

The best time to visit Phoenix is during the winter season, where everything is chilly and less stressful to do with the beautiful weather conditions. In addition, Arizona is home to a lot of hiking trails. If you don’t want to experience the scorching heat during summer, winter is your best bet.

What else can you do in Phoenix during winter?

Suppose you run low on time for winter adventures. In that case, you can always visit the Musical Instrument Museum, OdySea Aquarium, Old Town Farmers Market, Heard Museum, and the Arizona Science Center, which are all available throughout the year.

Gentle Reminder: When going on adventures, always be careful and avoid risky activities.

In case of unexpected injuries or accidents, it is best to contact a Phoenix-based same-day injury clinic.

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