17 Holiday Adventures for Adults Across Scottsdale, Beyond

Ready to celebrate the season in style?

While much of the holiday season is all about festivities with the family, there are winter wonderlands—especially in Greater Scottsdale—that offer the chance for the adults to have a little fun, too. Here are some favorites.

 

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 

There are holiday celebrations, and then there is Christmas at the Princess. A Scottsdale holiday tradition unlike no other, this year marks the epic event’s milestone 15^th year.  Now through Jan. 4, 2025, adults are smart to book the Chateau Champagne package, which provides an ultra-luxe retreat for the 21-and-over crowd amidst the magic of the holiday festivities. Set against a backdrop of an Alpine Chalet, each semi- private fire pit features an all-inclusive menu of champagne, an amuse bouche, shellfish tower, assorted artisanal petit fours, and artisanal s’mores board, as well as festive cocktails available for purchase. Never been to Christmas at the Princess? Throughout the resort, there are nearly 400 trees wrapped in lights, many draped with icicles and snowflakes. You’ll also see a 20-foot snowman, elves peeking around trees, a giant walk-through ornament, families of singing trees, snowmen, singing reindeer, a singing Grinch, and singing lights. Beyond this, Christmas at the Princess boasts a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink with skate rentals and convenient fire pit rentals; an outdoor fair with adult-approved rides; an Enchanted Plaza; a Princess Express Train that glides through 10 million lights; themed cocktails galore; and even an electric symphony that immerses guests in a kaleidoscope of color and energy, transforming the resort’s wondrous lagoon into a radiant techno wonderland.

 

JW Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 

For the first time ever, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is transforming into a winter wonderland with its new Jingle at JW Desert Ridge holiday extravaganza. The experience is a combination of complimentary and ticketed activations and activities, including a captivating winter display complete with an enchanting ice-skating rink, cozy fire tables, a magical snow play area, jingle bracelet and ornament making, pictures with Santa, holiday dining, and a one-of-a-kind chance to ski in the desert. The Fire Pit reservation is a must, as is the ski experience. Truly unlike anything else in the Valley, the experience boasts a virtual ski session that allows guests to glide through an epic snow-covered mountain without leaving the resort. There are also in-room decor packages and the chance to have an elf tuck you in at night.

 

Desert Ridge Marketplace 

It’s back!!! After a sold-out debut last year, the ultimate holiday experience—Ember Lounge—is back at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Inside the striking 50-foot District Dome, enjoy a festive evening under the stars, complete with a cozy dining atmosphere (think cozy European-style nooks), whimsical craft cocktails, a chef-driven menu, and a state-of-the-art projection show. Following the success of last year’s launch, this year’s Ember Lounge includes updated menus, a revamped projection show, and most notably, the highly anticipated debut of Dome After Dark on Friday and Saturday nights. This innovative bar concept invites patrons to enjoy Ember Lounge’s signature cocktails in addition to a full bar service, while musicians Ellery set the mood for an unforgettable evening.

 

Hotel Valley Ho

VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale is welcoming winter with an inspired menu of seasonal treatments, available through January. Glow through the season with a rejuvenating 60-minute Golden Glow Facial, featuring a golden pear spiced exfoliating enzyme and a nourishing winter-spiced mask. Or drift into holiday bliss with a 60-minute Pear Spice Massage, featuring a unique blend of winter spices that promote calmness and grounding. Start with a full-body massage with a seasonal aroma blend to alleviate stress and enhance relaxation, complemented by a gentle foot exfoliation with golden spiced pear enzyme and cozy warm booties for ultimate comfort. Both treatments cost $145 (normally $180), and include a Sensory Sleep self-heating eye mask, perfect for soothing tired eyes and enhancing relaxation. Included is access to the hotel’s two pools, valet parking, and fitness center access. 

 

JoJo’s shakeBAR

This holiday season, JoJo’s shakeBAR in Scottsdale Quarter has transformed into a Winter Wonderland, completely immersing guests in festive cheer with extravagant holiday decor, seasonal treats, and interactive experiences. Think towering eight-foot nutcrackers, giant ornaments, twinkling string lights, and Christmas trees surrounding every corner. In true JoJo’s fashion, the holiday-inspired menu is just as over-the-top as the decor, with most items offering a boozy take for adults. There are also several classes scheduled weekly, ranging from ornament painting to holly jolly mixology classes to even gingerbread house decorating.

 

Arizona Party Bike

This raucous adventure is officially back in Scottsdale for the season! Now through January, pedalers can explore the festive streets of Old Town Scottsdale on a fully decked out Christmas-themed party bike complete with a premium sound system, so you can sing along to all your favorite holiday hits. Soak in the dazzling holiday display of Scottsdazzle as you hop from the best holiday-themed bars—like Giligan’s and the 50 Shades of Christmas Experience pop-up, which all offer exclusive holiday-themed drink specials. Prices start at $54 per person and private group tours are available. In addition to this holiday adventure, Arizona Party Bike offers private group parties and pub crawls around Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.

 

Brody’s Italian

Scottsdale native Jason Brody is ensuring his North Valley eatery will help guests feel a little more merry and bright this season with two festive drinks, including on mocktail for those who want all the fun but none of the spirits. The restaurant is also partnering with Sojourner Center for a special toy drive to support survivors of domestic violence and their families over the holidays. Guests can bring new, unwrapped toys from the center’s wish list, which includes coloring books, board games, bath toys, and more. To thank customers for their generosity, Brody’s Italian offers a 10% discount to those who donate gifts.

 

Kona Grill

Celebrate the season at Kona Grill with festive cocktails from the limited-time holiday cheers menu. Enjoy creations like Santa’s Egg Nog, made with Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, egg nog, Licor 43 Horchata, and a sprinkle of nutmeg; Catch Me If You Can with Maker’s Mark bourbon, gingerbread syrup, Grand Marnier, and a cinnamon stick; or the Holiday Martini with New Amsterdam Vodka, peppermint bark RumChata, Owen’s Nitro-Infused Espresso, Licor 43, and a mini candy cane for a festive twist on the traditional martini.

 

Arizona Biltmore

All month long, each of The Arizona Biltmore’s culinary outposts—McArthur’s, Wright Bar, Spire Bar, and Renata’s Hearth—are offering their own exclusive caviar and champagne or sparkling wine pairing. The locale will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve party on property to welcome 2025. This is a 21-plus event, which runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. is in partnership with Moet and Veuve Clicquot. There will be two DJs, one at Spire Bar and one at Wright Bar, as well as a photo booth, small bites, and a midnight toast. Guests who are staying on the property the night of New Year’s Eve receive complimentary entry to the party with their room key.

 

UnderTow 

UnderTow, Arcadia’s underground cocktail bar, is transforming the holiday season with its Christmas in Paradise holiday menu. Featuring 28 holiday-themed cocktails, this limited-time menu—it’s available only through Dec. 31—celebrates the spirit of Christmas with a tropical twist, combining the charm of island tiki drinks with the festive cheer of the season. The lineup features four brand-new cocktails developed in-house, alongside the return of fan favorites that have been reimagined with festive names and holiday-inspired twists.

 

STK Steakhouse

Enjoy elevated vibe-dining and seasonally spirited handcrafted cocktails at STK Steakhouse. There’s the Naughty Claus featuring Licor 43 Chocolate, Baileys, Cointreau, Patron Reposado, and cocoa powder, while Santa’s Egg Nog pairs Licor 43 Horchata with egg nog, Santa Teresa Rum, and a dash of nutmeg for a creamy, comforting treat. The Boozy Blizzard combines Grey Goose vodka, milk, Abuelita chocolate, vanilla, nutmeg, and mini marshmallows for a sweet and spiked winter delight. For coffee lovers, the Holiday Martini brings together Licor 43, Owen’s Nitro-Infused Espresso, peppermint bark RumChata, and Grey Goose, garnished with a mini candy cane. Finally, the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is a unique blend of Monin oak barrel concentrate, chocolate bitters, Monin toasted marshmallow syrup, Angel’s Envy whiskey, and a roasted marshmallow for a smoky, sweet finish.

 

The Phoenician

There is a flurry of festive activities for adults at the iconic Phoenician Resort this season. First, step into a cozy private retreat with a poolside “Let It Snow” cabana adorned in frosty white, wintery decor. Perfect for enjoying Arizona’s mild weather in style, the festive escape comes complete with plush seating, seasonal blankets, and pillows for ultimate relaxation. The cabana starts at $450, and reservations are required. The experience is available through early January. There is also a New Year’s Eve celebration at Thirsty Camel lounge, featuring fire pit reservations, a live DJ, and live music. If wanting to go even bigger, book the Cristal Elegance New Year’s Eve Package. It includes a two-night stay in The Canyon Suites, a variety of resort experiences, a VIP table for 10 at the Thirsty Camel New Year’s Eve celebration, plus a limited edition 1999 Louis Roederer Cristal 3-liter bottle of champagne, served with Royal Osetra Caviar, and a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries. Other amenities include a fresh in-suite flower arrangement, lunch for two at Mowry & Cotton, two luxurious resort robes, and two 50-minute Phoenician Spa treatments with rooftop pool cabana reservations on New Year’s Day.

 

Mother Tucker’s Tavern

Mother Tucker’s Tavern, which is Old Town Scottsdale’s newest elevated dive-bar style hangout and the latest concept from Evening Entertainment Group and Royale Jelly Hospitality, is offering a special holiday cocktail menu with three unique, holiday-themed cocktails, and one holiday-inspired shot. Holiday cocktails include the Slayyyyyy Ride (Old Forester 86, apple syrup, vanilla syrup, lemon juice and Black Walnut Bitters), and the Cranny Got Run Over by A Reindeer (Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, maple syrup, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and Burlesque Bitters). The holiday shot Frosty’s Obituary uses Casamigos Cristalino, RumChata Peppermint Bark, and Bailey’s.

 

Tianyu Lights Festival 

The Tianyu Lights Festival, an enchanting nighttime walk-through experience tailor-made for date night or a girls’ night out that brings nature and art together through awe-inspiring visual, cultural, and light effects, expanded its hours of operation and opened additional reservations due to demand. Starting Dec. 18 and through its final night on Jan. 5, 2025, the Tianyu Lights Festival will be open daily from 5:30-10:30 p.m. The festival is set across several acres at Camelback Ranch and features more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern sculptures that are crafted by skilled artisans using metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights.

 

Pratt Brothers Christmas

Explore more than 7 million lights and a variety of attractions across the 15-acre Old West town at Rawhide Western Town at Pratt Brothers Christmas.  There’s a holiday express train ride, a nightly parade, stunt shows featuring the iconic Arizona Roughriders, holiday shopping, a gingerbread house light show, live entertainment, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, and much more. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6-10 p.m.

 

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain 

Spend the holidays at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, where desert beauty meets festive luxury for an unforgettable holiday experience. The property celebrates the holiday season with a Lobby Beverage Station that serves spiced cider throughout December. There is also the “12 Days of Cocktails” at jade bar, which is available through Dec. 25. Each day unveils a new holiday-inspired cocktail, creatively crafted to echo the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” song and make spirits bright all season long. On Christmas Day, elements offers a specialty holiday three-course menu that includes holiday favorites such as deviled eggs, beef filet, potato gnocchi, Chilean sea bass, porcini and chestnut soup, and a desert option of s’mores, peppermint Oreo cheesecake, or yuzu lemon meringue pie.

 

W Scottsdale 

This year, W Scottsdale hosts an exclusive New Year’s Eve bash that invites guests to bask in the stardust. On Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the stylish oasis in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale’s entertainment district shines bright with a DJ, dancing, live entertainment, a full bar, and more. There will also be a fireworks show. Tickets start at $50 per person. Beyond this, for anyone planning to de-stress with some relaxation and self-care this time of year, the AWAY Spa at W Scottsdale is offering two special winter-themed treatments—a Merry Cherry Facial and Pom-tastic Pedicure. Each treatment booked receives a complimentary peppermint hot chocolate or mocha.