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/UTV 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. Still choosing your dates? Compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Scottsdale.
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