The Holidays: Phoenix Style

With December right around the corner, we’re inundated with images of icicles, snowmen, and people bundled against the cold.  It’s easy to think you have to live in a frigid area to feel like you’re part of the holidays.

Don’t despair!  Phoenix has enough festivities to get you into the holiday spirit, while still giving Santa a welcomed reprieve from slippery ice and frostbite.

Cut down your Christmas tree

Just because evergreens aren’t native to Phoenix doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect Christmas tree.  One great way to be part of the holidays is to cut down your own tree.

However, if you’re hoping to visit one of the national forests for a truly natural tree, it’s probably too late.  There’s an extensive permit system required, and there’s just not enough time.  Luckily, Christmas tree farms are already popping up everywhere.  No permit required – just find your tree and start chopping.

Visit Light Festivals

While it’s great fun to travel the neighborhood and see how your neighbors have decorated their homes, don’t neglect the professionals.  The Arizona Celebration of Lights is open every night during this season, and features extensive displays of holiday lights. 

Other light shows are nearby, and are definitely worth a trip, such as Glendale Glitters, Las Noches de las Luminarias (in the Desert Botanical Gardens), and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights.

If you want to enjoy a full day, try the Phoenix zoo.  Spend the daylight hours visiting the animals, then enjoy a festive light show after the sun sets.  It’s a great day for the whole family.

Enjoy the Snow

If you need that snowy night to know it really is the holidays, Desert Ridge Marketplace is perfect for you.  Every night from 7-8, it will actually snow!  It’s man-made, of course, but it’s hard to care when you’re trying to catch snowflakes on your tongue.

Not enough snow?  On December 8^th, Desert Ridge Marketplace will actually have 35 tons of snow – perfect for making snowmen and even having a snowball fight.

Ice Skate

Winter is the perfect time to put on a pair of skates and hit the ice.  If you’re in Phoenix, track down a CityScape location.  Every night there’s an adult skate, and plenty of places to sit and watch the show if you don’t want to get on the ice yourself.

Winter Wonderland at W Scottsdale will transform its outdoor pool into an ice skating rink.  With snowfall every hour, you’ll know winter is finally upon us.

From all your friends at Fidelity National Title Agency, have a great holiday season!