Holiday Lights in Phoenix 2026: ZooLights, Las Noches and More

The biggest holiday lights events around Phoenix for the 2026 season are ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (opening November 25), Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden (starting November 27), Mesa's Merry Main Street kickoff (November 27) and Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights (December 5). ZooLights and Las Noches need tickets; the Chandler and Mesa downtown kickoffs are free.

If this is your first winter in the Valley, you might wonder how the holidays feel without snow. I can tell you from years of living and selling homes here: they feel great. You get cool evenings, clear skies and some of the most creative light displays you will see anywhere, often lit up with cactus and palm trees instead of pine. Here is my rundown of the events worth putting on your calendar, with the dates the organizers have posted for the 2026 season.

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

ZooLights is the one most locals name first. The Phoenix Zoo lists the 2026 season as running from November 25, 2026 through January 15, 2027, open nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. A ticket is good for any one night in that window, and tickets are required.

This year the zoo is highlighting a Lake Lights Show built around a 50-foot LED tree and six 24-foot trees, a new walk-through area themed on the Arizona Trail, and a light tunnel that stretches about 200 feet. The zoo also lists a sensory-friendly night on Tuesday, December 8, and Photos with Santa from November 25 to December 23 (both are separate tickets). The zoo is at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden

Just down Galvin Parkway, the Desert Botanical Garden lines its desert trails with thousands of glowing paper luminaria bags. The tradition has been held at the Garden since 1978 and is its longest-running event. It feels quieter and more old-fashioned than ZooLights, with live music along the paths and the light hitting saguaros and agaves.

The Garden's event page lists these nights: November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 16 to 23 and 26 to 31, plus January 1 to 3. Hours are 5 to 9:30 p.m., and every night is ticketed. This one sells out on popular nights, so I tell friends to pick a date early. General tickets went on sale October 16. The Garden is at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.

Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa

Downtown Mesa kicks off its Merry Main Street season on Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m., according to the City of Mesa calendar. The kickoff is free and includes a holiday market around Mesa's Christmas tree, a holiday program and the tree lighting. The city also lists a real ice rink of about 6,000 square feet as part of the season, which is a fun surprise for anyone who just moved from a cold-weather state and misses skating.

If you are thinking about the East Valley, my Moving to Mesa guide covers the neighborhoods around downtown and beyond.

Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree and Parade of Lights

This is my favorite only-in-Arizona tradition. Every year, downtown Chandler stacks tumbleweeds into a giant holiday tree, paints it, and lights it up. The City of Chandler lists the 2026 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. in downtown Chandler (3 S. Arizona Ave.), and it is free. Santa will be there, with free photos at Santa's House in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

The same night, the Parade of Lights runs from 6:45 to 8 p.m. along Arizona Avenue, heading north from Frye Road to Erie Street. Expect floats, bands and dance groups covered in lights. Get there early for a spot along the route. My Moving to Chandler guide has more on the city.

Glendale Glitters in the West Valley

Out west, Glendale Glitters fills historic downtown Glendale with lights around the Glendale Civic Center. Last year the city held a free kickoff weekend after Thanksgiving with vendors, carolers and Santa, and the lights stayed on nightly through New Year's Eve. As of today, the city has not posted its 2026 dates, so check the City of Glendale's events page in November before you go. My Moving to Glendale guide covers the area.

Tips for enjoying holiday lights in the Valley

• Bring a light jacket. Desert evenings cool off quickly once the sun goes down, even when the afternoon was warm.
• Book ticketed events early. ZooLights and Las Noches both use dated or limited tickets, and weekends go first.
• Go on a weeknight if you can. Crowds and parking are easier Monday through Thursday.
• Pair the Galvin Parkway events. The zoo and the Garden sit close together, so out-of-town guests can do one on each visit.
• Double-check dates before you leave. Organizers can change hours for weather or crowds.

Questions people ask

When does ZooLights open in 2026?
The Phoenix Zoo lists ZooLights from November 25, 2026 through January 15, 2027, nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are required and good for one night.

Are there free holiday lights events near Phoenix?
Yes, the downtown kickoffs in Chandler and Mesa are free. Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree Lighting is December 5, 2026, and Mesa's Merry Main Street kickoff is November 27, 2026.

What is the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree?
It is a holiday tree built from real tumbleweeds, painted and lit in downtown Chandler each December. The 2026 lighting is Saturday, December 5, followed by the Parade of Lights the same evening.

Do I need tickets for Las Noches de las Luminarias?
Yes, every night is ticketed at the Desert Botanical Garden. Popular dates can sell out, so it is smart to book ahead.

Moving here this winter? Holiday events are a great low-pressure way to see different parts of the Valley at night before you decide where to live. My guide to Arizona cities and my post on your first steps to buying a home in the Valley are good places to start.