Las Noches de las Luminarias
Thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags and sparkling lights transform the garden on select holiday nights.
Scottsdale & Phoenix · Winter
Things to do in Scottsdale & Phoenix in December
Luminarias, holiday lights and Old Town celebrations make the desert sparkle for the season.
Weather: Cool, clear and festive — days near 65°F, nights in the 40s.
On the calendar Holiday Holiday Holiday
December events in the Valley
ZooLights
Millions of twinkling lights and animated displays turn the Phoenix Zoo into a holiday wonderland after dark.
Scottsdazzle Holiday Celebrations
Tree lightings, carriage rides and the famous camel-and-Santa nights light up Old Town all season.
Always a good idea
Desert adventures, every December
Our guided ATV & sand-buggy tours run all year, about 35 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. You drive your own 800cc buggy on exclusive Sonoran Desert trails — no experience needed, an expert guide the whole way.
Make December an adventure
Reserve online in under two minutes, or call a real person who knows every trail.
Loved by riders
Voted the #1 off-road tour in Scottsdale & Phoenix
4.9Average rating
1,700+5-star reviews
27+Years on these trails
CPRCertified guides, every ride
Real, verified reviews across Google, TripAdvisor & Yelp
Book your adventure