What’s hot in sunny Scottsdale, AZ

It’s almost winter in Scottsdale. Travellers can discover modern eateries, sensational resort packages, joyous holiday events and much more this festive season.

A winter wonderland

As if sunny skies and cool temperatures aren’t reason enough for a winter visit, Scottsdale’s "Secret Season," – the merry moments between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve – brings 30% lower resort rates than in peak season. HolidaysInScottsdale.com is the ultimate guide to the best rates, holiday lights, attractions, and merriment.

Many ways to celebrate the season

A glittering tradition, Christmas at the Princess offers activities including a Desert Ice Rink, S’mores Land, Lagoon Lights – as seen by the Princess Express Train – and this year, The Village, where adventurers sled down the 120-feet Snow Mountain.

Observe the lights from the coziness of the car this season. Starting November 19, the Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields will dazzle with five million lights, magical displays and Santa’s Village. Climb aboard the train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park starting November 26 for a holiday lights ride through the park.

Find shimmering saguaro cacti and succulents at Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de Las Luminarias commencing December 3. Head next door for a walk or drive through ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, launching November 24 and featuring music-in-motion light shows and a special one-night engagement, Sensory-Friendly ZooLights.

Scottsdazzle, Old Town Scottsdale’s annual holiday extravaganza returns, kicking off with the signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony, as well as other events like Meet Santa, Wine Dazzle, Small Business Saturday, Gold Palette ArtWalk, and Wonderland Whiskey Tasting.

Celebrate the evening in style at The Shops at Gainey Village with the return of the free Holiday Wine & Dine. Enjoy live music, horse and carriage rides, holiday confections, photos with St. Nick, and complimentary wine tastings.

To round out a holiday getaway, don’t miss stopping at thrilling Scottsdale attractions including Mavrix, OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland.

Three exceptionally Scottsdale activities:

LDV Winery: "Le Nez du Vin" (the noise of wine), is an Arizona wine tasting incorporating aroma-based exercises to teach how to identify scents commonly found in wine. The educational tasting aims at providing even novice wine tasters with more confidence on the subject.

History buffs won’t want to miss Native Art Market for a chance to learn about aspects of Arizona’s Native American tribes by exploring dance, tribal customs, and craftsmanship of more than 200 Native artisans.   

Embark on a journey of health and wellness with at Second Nature Clinic and ‘The Ayurvedic Royals @Viva Ananda Bhavan: Rituals for Health & Wellness.’ Visitors will uncover how to create and maintain balance through meditation, nutrition, and the six ‘tastes.’

Art + Attractions

After an 18-month closure, Antelope Canyon has reopened. Explore with Wandering Heart Adventures to learn about the geology, culture and history of the picturesque canyon.

This season, Taliesin West, the late Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, is debuting a full calendar of original programs and tours. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site through a series of art exhibits, theatre performances, tours and hands-on workshops including Southwest Shakespeare, Sunsets and Sips, or ‘In a New Light Tour: Wright & Chihuly.’

On December 3, Taliesin West and Desert Botanical Garden will open, "Chihuly in the Desert." This stunning, large-scale exhibition by Dale Chihuly, activated in two iconic Arizona locations, showcases the American glass sculptor’s masterpieces

Tee off at Eagle Mountain Golf Club, which recently completed a renovation and enhancement project focused on improving agronomic conditions and bunker playability. Or, play 18-holes at Grayhawk Golf Club, then refuel at one of the club’s four dining options, all with al fresco seating.