Memory Makers
Check out these holiday-themed Valley adventures.
By Gretchen Pahia
Tis the season for making family memories! Heading into holiday break, there are several spots across the Valley to create special holiday memories.
Great Wolf Lodge
greatwolf.com
First, there is Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. It’s the time of year for their annual snowy celebration and Snowland festivities, which immerse guests in a winter wonderland. There are daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, seasonally themed crafts, holiday stories and songs, and Snowland Cabanas at the indoor waterpark! As part of your overnight stay, you can enjoy time in the indoor water park, Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland Bingo, Trivia games, and much more. With several restaurant options on property as well, this is a great spot for fun and staycation adventures. greatwolf.com
ZooLights
phoenixzoo.org
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is also a great spot to get into the holiday spirit. Last year, due to the COVID pandemic, the zoo offered a drive-thru option only in order to keep people safe and healthy. This year, the zoo is offering the drive-thru option a few nights, as well as going back to their usual walk-through option. ZooLights features thousands of twinkling lights displays throughout the entire park. The event runs until Jan. 15, 2022.
World of Illumination
worldofillumination.com
Through Jan. 2, 2022, families can hop in the car and check out World of Illumination. This event is one of the largest drive-through animated light shows across the country. The nearly mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and holiday music. This is a must see for any family in the Valley this holiday season. There are two locations in town where you can catch World of Illumination, one location in Glendale, near the Desert Diamond Casino and one is in Tempe at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Arizona Broadway Theatre
azbroadway.org
Want to catch a fun, family friendly stage show this season? Look no further than the Arizona Broadway Theatre. Through December 30, Elf the Musical, which is based on the 2003 hit movie, is a hilarious tale of Buddy the Elf. The modern take on this Christmas classic is something for the whole family to check out.
Christmas at the Princess
scottsdaleprincess.com
Another great option is Christmas at the Scottsdale Princess. For the 12th consecutive year, the iconic resort transforms into a festive place during its annual holiday event. Running through Jan. 2, 2022, guests can experience a holiday feel all over the resort with experiences such as Desert Ice, Lagoon Lights, and Princess Express Train. New this year is the The Village. Sled down 120 feet of blizzardly bliss on Snow Mountain and conquer the ices as you slide through Alpine Skate Trail. Tickets are available if you’d like to check out Christmas at the Princess, but they’re going fast. If you stay on property overnight, a visit to this Winter Wonderland is included in your stay.
