Who Needs A White Christmas?

Everyone loves a white Christmas or at least the concept of a white Christmas. The snow-covered ground with fairytale snowflakes falling lightly on your shoulders magically covering the ground with fluffy white powder. It’s wonderful until you have to shovel it. Freezing your ass off in the bitter cold may be some people’s ideal way to pass the winter away but in Scottsdale, we offer something better. Glorious sunshine, no rain, sleet or hail and nights cool enough to snuggle up near a firepit but not so cold that you’re miserable.

DIG Scottsdale Christmas lights
Christmas lights are everywhere in Scottsdale.

On Or Off The Slopes Or The Golf Course

The month of December is punctuated with so many festivities it is impossible to see them all. DIG has highlighted some of the better events so you don’t have to miss out on anything. If you’re really missing the snow, drive up to Flagstaff which is less than 2 hours away and go skiing for the day. When you come to your senses, we will be here waiting for you by the firepit with an adult hot chocolate marveling at the beautiful desert nights.

DIG Scottsdale cactus saguaro sky
Scottsdale is flush with beautiful cactus

For Real, What’s The Weather Like?

While no one can truly predict the weather, even here in the desert, it’s safe to expect perfect temperatures for the majority of December. With highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s it’s a chance to wear shorts during the day while golfing. At night, you can dine outside as nearly every restaurant has tableside heaters, so you can wear that cute sweater with those amazing new boots but don’t have to drag a bulky jacket along.

DIG Scottsdale Zinc Bistro rose all day
DIG Scottsdale Zinc Bistro & Wine bar Rose all day

Christmas Stuff In Scottsdale

Everyone is in the holiday spirit in Scottsdale because we don’t spend our days shoveling anything, driving thru a wintery mix or worried about the heating bill. So because everyone is happy, the festivities are a lot more fun. For instance, at the Scottsdale Quarter, you can sprawl out on the lawn for Christmas movies every Friday night. It’s too nice to be indoors. If movies aren’t your thing, cross the street to Kierland Commons for pictures with Santa! While you’re at Kierland, stop in for a cozy cocktail at Zinc Bistro, super swanky and a fun break from shopping.

Christmas At The Princess

One of the most spectacular events in Scottsdale is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess amazing display of lights and festivities with 4.5 million lights in play. Hands down, you have to go, if nothing else but to ice skate and take a ride on the ferris wheel!  This event is so breathtaking, it deserves all your attention.

DIG Scottsdale Sugar Plum Avenue Scottsdazzle
DIG Scottsdale on Sugar Plum Avenue by Scottsdazzle

Bedazzled Scottsdale

At the Waterfront in Old Town Scottsdale, you have to stroll down by the water for Scottsdazzle. The Waterfront is dazzling with lights and decorations. On December 7th, 5th Avenue is transformed into Sugar Plum Avenue! Scottsdale is transformed into a fairytale village with sugar plum fairies, princesses, a Snow King and Snow Queen, aerial performances, Candyland bounce houses, Nutcracker ballet performances each hour and a tea party you can join.

The desert cactus bloom beautiful flowers in the winter.

Holiday Activities in Phoenix

Although DIG is focused on Scottsdale activities, you can’t miss the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. The displays are available every night from 5:30pm-10:30pm.  Downtown Phoenix also has a tree with an ice rink at CityScape that’s beautiful to visit.

Light Up Your Life

Here are some of the amazing light displays sure to get you your fill:

DIG Scottsdale sunsets
DIG Scottsdale Saguaro cactus at sunset in the Arizona desert

Look West Around 5ish

No matter what you decide to do in Scottsdale in December, remember to stop what you’re doing to enjoy the sunsets. There’s really nothing quite like the sunsets in the desert. Happy Holidays!