# Christmas break with kids in Phoenix, 2026

> What to do with kids in Phoenix over Christmas break, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. We read the holiday hours posted by four museums, zoos and play places: four say they’re open on Christmas Day and four on New Year’s Day. Plus 15 dated outings on Christmas Eve and the days in between.

- Last checked: 2026-10-26
- 4 places’ holiday hours; 25 dated outings
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/phoenix/christmas-break/
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/phoenix/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/phoenix/llms.txt

## Open or closed: Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1

- **Children’s Museum of Phoenix**: Christmas Eve not posted; Christmas Day Not listed; New Year’s Day Not listed. Their page says: “Open daily 9am–4pm through Jan 10, 2027, except Nov 7 and Nov 26” Source: https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Arizona Science Center**: Christmas Eve not posted; Christmas Day Not listed; New Year’s Day Not listed. Their page says: “Open Monday, Dec 28 for winter break (Snow Week)” Source: https://www.azscience.org/visit/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Phoenix Zoo**: Christmas Eve not posted; Christmas Day Closed Christmas Day during the day; ZooLights is open that evening, 5:30–10:30pm; New Year’s Day Not listed. Their page says: ““The Phoenix Zoo is open every day of the year, except for Christmas.”” Source: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Desert Botanical Garden**: Christmas Eve not posted; Christmas Day Closed Christmas Day; New Year’s Day Not listed. Their page says: ““Nov. 26: Garden closed for Thanksgiving Dec. 25: Garden closed for Christmas Day”” Source: https://dbg.org/visit/ (checked 2026-10-26)

## Christmas Eve

- **Santa at Chandler Fashion Center** at Chandler Fashion Center, Macy’s Court, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85226. When: Nov 13 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: Varies by day; Christmas Eve 9am–6pm. Price: Visits free; photo packages for sale. Closed Thanksgiving. Official page: https://www.shopchandlerfashioncenter.com/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square** at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Palm Court, 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. When: Nov 6 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: Mall hours; Dec 24, 9am–6pm. Price: Visits free; photo packages extra. Sensory Santa is Dec 6, 9–10:30am. Pet nights are on the schedule too. Official page: https://www.fashionsquare.com/santaphotos (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Santa at SanTan Village** at SanTan Village, Children's Play Area near Dillard's, 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85295. When: Nov 13 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: Mall hours. Price: Visits free; photo packages extra. Cowboy Santa Nights run 5–7pm on Nov 17, Nov 24, Dec 1 and Dec 8. Official page: https://www.shopsantanvillage.com/santaphotos (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Santa at Superstition Springs Center** at Superstition Springs Center, Center Court near JCPenney, 6555 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206. When: Nov 13 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: Mall hours. Price: Visits free; photo packages extra. Book a time online to skip the line. Official page: https://www.superstitionsprings.com/santaphotos (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Santa at Kierland Commons** at Kierland Commons, Center Plaza, 15210 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. When: Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: See the online schedule. Price: Visits free; photo packages extra. Sensory Santa is Dec 6, 9–10am. Official page: https://www.kierlandcommons.com/santaphotos (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Quarter** at Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. When: Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026. Time: See the online schedule. Price: Packages $44.99, $49.99 and $54.99. Reservations are encouraged. Official page: https://scottsdalequarter.com/events/photos-with-santa-3/ (checked 2026-10-26)

## Between Christmas and New Year’s (Dec 26–30)

- **ZooLights** at Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008. When: Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027. Time: 5:30–10:30pm. Price: $35; members $30; Member Mondays $10; 2 and under free. Sensory Friendly ZooLights is Dec 8 (separate ticket). Official page: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Las Noches de las Luminarias** at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008. When: Select nights Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 5–9:30pm. Price: Adults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95). Nights: Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3. The garden closes at 4pm on luminaria days. Official page: https://dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights** at Mesa Arizona Temple grounds, 101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, AZ 85204. When: Nightly Nov 27 – Dec 30, 2026. Time: 5–10pm. Price: Free admission and parking. The Visitors' Center at 455 E. Main St. shows more than 200 nativities. Official page: https://mesatemple.org/christmas/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Glendale Glitters** at Murphy Park, Historic Downtown Glendale, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. When: Nightly Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027. Time: 5–10pm. Price: Free. Opening weekend Nov 27–28 adds vendors, carolers and Santa. Official page: https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Play/Special-Events/Events (checked 2026-10-26)
- **World of Illumination Reindeer Road (Tempe)** at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282. When: Nightly Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 6–10pm. Price: From $39.99 per vehicle; tickets online only. Official page: https://www.worldofillumination.com/locations/tempe-arizona-diablo-stadium-christmas (checked 2026-10-26)
- **World of Illumination (Camelback Ranch)** at Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85037. When: Nightly Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 6–10pm. Price: From $39.99 per vehicle; tickets online only. Official page: https://www.worldofillumination.com/locations/glendale-arizona-camelback-ranch-christmas (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park** at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250. When: Nov 27 – Dec 30, 2026 (closed Dec 24–25). Time: 5:30–9:30pm. Price: $15 ages 3 and up; 2 and under free. Admission covers a train ride and the carousel. Tickets went on sale Oct 27 through ActiveNet, and it sells out every year. Official page: https://www.therailroadpark.com/event/holiday-lights/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Ice skating at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Christmas** at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, 5350 East Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054. When: Nov 18 – Jan 3. Price: Not listed. Official page: https://www.jwdesertridgechristmas.com/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Ice skating at Christmas at the Princess** at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. When: Nov 20 – Jan 2. Price: Not listed. The rink is part of the resort’s holiday festival. Official page: https://www.christmasattheprincess.com/ (checked 2026-10-26)

## New Year’s Eve and Day

- **Noon Year's Eve Party at Juniper Library** at Phoenix Public Library, Juniper Library (Meeting Room), 1825 W Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85027. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Price: Free. Planned for kids from birth to 5, with dancing and crafts before a midday countdown. It's an easy way to celebrate with little ones who won't last until midnight. Official page: https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/event/17715068 (checked 2026-10-28)
- **Happy “Noon” Years Eve at Glendale Main Library** at Glendale Public Library – Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:15am–noon. Price: Free. For ages 0–5: story time, a craft and a “Noon” Year’s Eve disco dance-off. Official page: https://glendaleaz.librarycalendar.com/event/happy-noon-years-eve-43112 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Noon Year’s Celebration at Mesa Main Library** at Mesa Public Library – Main Library, 64 E. First St., Mesa, AZ 85201. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:15am–noon. Price: Free. A party just for kids with crafts and music, presented with the Mesa Family Resource Center. Dress up in your sparkliest clothes. Official page: https://events.mesalibrary.org/event/noon-years-day-celebration-191482 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Noon Year's Eve Party at Surprise Regional Library** at Surprise Regional Library – Coyote Program Room, 16089 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:30am–12:30pm. Price: Free; no registration needed. Crafts and a dance party storytime that counts down to noon. It's aimed at ages 3 to 6, though younger and older siblings are welcome. An adult needs to stay with each child. Official page: https://surprisepubliclibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=355562 (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Countdown Crew Noon Year's Eve Party at El Mirage Library** at El Mirage Library – Library Event Room, 13513 N. El Mirage Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:30am–12:30pm. Price: Free; no registration needed. The library's third Noon Year's Eve has an astronaut and galaxy theme, with space crafts, music and a countdown to noon. Kids can come dressed in astronaut gear or cosmic colors. Official page: https://events.mcldaz.org/event?id=351888 (checked 2026-10-30)
- **ZooLights** at Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008. When: Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027. Time: 5:30–10:30pm. Price: $35; members $30; Member Mondays $10; 2 and under free. Sensory Friendly ZooLights is Dec 8 (separate ticket). Official page: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Las Noches de las Luminarias** at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008. When: Select nights Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 5–9:30pm. Price: Adults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95). Nights: Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3. The garden closes at 4pm on luminaria days. Official page: https://dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Glendale Glitters** at Murphy Park, Historic Downtown Glendale, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. When: Nightly Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027. Time: 5–10pm. Price: Free. Opening weekend Nov 27–28 adds vendors, carolers and Santa. Official page: https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Play/Special-Events/Events (checked 2026-10-26)
- **World of Illumination Reindeer Road (Tempe)** at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282. When: Nightly Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 6–10pm. Price: From $39.99 per vehicle; tickets online only. Official page: https://www.worldofillumination.com/locations/tempe-arizona-diablo-stadium-christmas (checked 2026-10-26)
- **World of Illumination (Camelback Ranch)** at Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85037. When: Nightly Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: 6–10pm. Price: From $39.99 per vehicle; tickets online only. Official page: https://www.worldofillumination.com/locations/glendale-arizona-camelback-ranch-christmas (checked 2026-10-26)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
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## FAQ

### What’s open on Christmas Day in Phoenix with kids?
Children’s Museum of Phoenix (Not listed), Arizona Science Center (Not listed), Phoenix Zoo (Closed Christmas Day during the day; ZooLights is open that evening, 5:30–10:30pm), Desert Botanical Garden (Closed Christmas Day) post that they’re open on Christmas Day.

### What can we do with kids on Christmas Eve in Phoenix?
On the calendar: Santa at Chandler Fashion Center, Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Santa at SanTan Village and Santa at Superstition Springs Center.

### What’s open on New Year’s Day in Phoenix?
Children’s Museum of Phoenix (Not listed), Arizona Science Center (Not listed), Phoenix Zoo (Not listed), Desert Botanical Garden (Not listed).

### What can we do with kids on New Year’s Day in Phoenix?
On the calendar for Jan 1: ZooLights, Las Noches de las Luminarias, Glendale Glitters and World of Illumination Reindeer Road (Tempe) and one more. Check each one’s own page before you go, since holiday hours can change.

### What is there to do with kids between Christmas and New Year’s in Phoenix?
ZooLights, Las Noches de las Luminarias, Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights, Glendale Glitters and World of Illumination Reindeer Road (Tempe). Check each one’s calendar for the exact nights; some close on certain days.

### How do you check these holiday hours?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 26, 2026, and we recheck them in early December and again the week before Christmas. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).