Warm sun. Cool evenings. Glittering palm trees and glowing saguaros. If your family wants a Christmas trip that feels relaxed and festive without winter coats, Phoenix and Scottsdale are a beautiful choice.
This guide walks through where to stay, what to book early, and the experiences that actually feel magical with kids in tow. It is all based on what we look for when we plan our own December trips.
Why Christmas in Phoenix Feels So Magical
We love cozy ski towns and snowy trips, but Christmas in the desert feels completely different. December days usually sit around sixty five to seventy five degrees. You can hike, sit by the pool, wander through neighborhoods, and never touch a snow boot.
At night the desert cools down. Palm trees glow with lights. Saguaros turn into bright holiday sculptures. Resorts add wreaths, trees, and twinkling details that make everything feel festive without feeling rushed.
The biggest perk for families is how easy it feels. Weather rarely causes delays. You can pack light, move slowly, and still enjoy every part of the season.
Where to Stay: Family Friendly Resorts for Christmas Week
These resorts sit in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley and give you a mix of heated pools, holiday fun, and easy access to Christmas events across the city.
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort
The Phoenician is a classic Scottsdale resort with beautiful views of Camelback Mountain and a big, multi level pool that keeps kids happy for hours.
Why families love it:
- Large multi level pool area with plenty of space
- Holiday treats and seasonal activities on site
- Kids club style programming on select dates
- Easy access to Old Town and hiking trails
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
This is the most festive resort in Arizona. The Fairmont turns into a full Christmas village with rides, shows, and sixteen million lights during the Christmas at the Princess festival.
Holiday highlights:
- Winter festival with rides, characters, and shows
- Skating rink under the desert sky
- Lagoon light displays and fire pits with hot cocoa
- Overnight guests receive event access
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort and Spa
Camelback Inn feels peaceful and classic. Adobe style casitas, quiet pathways, and wide desert views make it perfect if your family wants a slow and calm holiday stay.
Why it works well with kids:
- Casita style rooms that feel cozy and private
- Heated pools for daytime swims
- Festive lobby decor and fire pits in the evening
- Short drives to Old Town, Arcadia, and hikes
Top Christmas Events in Phoenix and Scottsdale
These are the holiday experiences that feel most magical with kids. They are the ones we put on the calendar first.
Christmas at the Princess
This is the most popular Christmas event in the area. The resort turns into a glowing winter village with rides, characters, treats, and more than sixteen million lights.
- Ice skating under the lights
- Rides for younger kids and older siblings
- Photo spots everywhere you look
- Fire pits and cozy seating for cocoa breaks
Bonus: if you stay overnight at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, access to the event is included with your stay.
Check Christmas at the Princess DatesScottsdale Segway Holiday Lights Tour
This tour glides through Old Town during the Scottsdazzle holiday lights. Kids who are at least twelve can join. It feels fun and a little adventurous but still relaxed.
- Guided evening tour through decorated streets
- Small group setting for older kids and teens
- Great way to see the lights without lots of walking
Phoenix ZooLights
ZooLights is a long running Arizona tradition. The zoo fills with glowing tunnels, animal shaped light displays, and cheerful music. It is very stroller friendly and easy with toddlers.
Book Phoenix ZooLightsHoliday Hot Air Balloon Flight
December is one of the best times of year for balloon flights in Phoenix. The air is cool and clear, and the desert looks soft and golden from the sky. Many flights finish with a toast when you land, which feels like a special Christmas memory.
Check Holiday Balloon Flight AvailabilityOutdoor Adventures That Are Perfect in December
With warm days and cool nights, December is one of the easiest months to get outside in Phoenix. These tours keep the planning simple and let your family enjoy the desert without worrying about logistics.
Desert UTV Tour
This tour takes you along cactus filled trails with a guide who shares desert history and local stories. Kids usually love the ride and the chance to bounce along the trail.
Book a Desert UTV TourDay Trip to Sedona
Sedona looks incredible in December. The red rocks glow in the sunlight and the town adds holiday decor that feels cozy. A guided day trip keeps the drive and stops simple, especially if you are visiting with kids.
View Sedona Day Trip OptionsWhere to Eat: Festive Spots That Work With Kids
The Phoenix and Scottsdale area has plenty of restaurants that feel fun for the holidays without being too formal for kids.
The Henry in Arcadia
A bright and cozy spot for breakfast or brunch. Think holiday pastries, good coffee, and a lively setting that works well with little ones.
Hash Kitchen in Scottsdale
Known for big plates and playful decor. During December it adds holiday touches that kids love. Expect a bit of noise and a lot of energy.
The Mission in Old Town
A warm, candlelit dinner option with Latin inspired dishes. Go early with kids and enjoy the cozy atmosphere before strolling through Old Town lights.
The Canal Club at The Scott
Bright, tropical style decor that feels cheerful during the holidays. It is a fun choice for a relaxed dinner or drinks while kids take in the poolside glow.
Packing Tips for a Phoenix Christmas
Packing for a warm weather Christmas trip feels different when you are used to snow gear. Here is what we bring.
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Swimsuits for pools and hot tubs
- Sunscreen and hats for mid day adventures
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A stroller for evening events and tired legs
You usually will not need heavy jackets or winter boots. A light sweater or fleece for nights is enough for most families.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Holiday Trip
A little planning up front makes Christmas week feel calm and relaxed.
- Book popular activities like Christmas at the Princess and ZooLights as early as possible.
- Choose a resort with holiday programs so you have built in activities on property.
- Use rideshare for big light events to avoid parking stress.
- Plan active mornings and slower evenings around the pool or resort.
- Leave one flexible day in case everyone needs a slow reset.
Final Thoughts: A Warm and Relaxing Christmas in the Desert
If your family wants a peaceful holiday trip, the Phoenix and Scottsdale area is a wonderful place to spend Christmas. You get sunshine, sparkling lights, and beautiful resorts, all without heavy coats or icy roads.
You can spend mornings by the pool, evenings under palm trees wrapped in lights, and a day exploring red rocks or desert trails. It feels like a true vacation, with a little extra holiday magic layered on top.
When you are ready to plan, start by picking your home base and locking in the experiences that matter most: a stay at The Phoenician, a full festival night at Christmas at the Princess, a ZooLights evening, or an unforgettable balloon flight over the desert.
The rest can stay simple. That is the best part of Christmas in the desert.
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, it helps support Après Family at no extra cost to you. Thank you for traveling with us.
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