Get ready for over a month of events and festivities. The city of Scottsdale’s holiday extravaganza is back once again with numerous things to do, see, and experience.
The celebration kicks off on Nov. 25 with its signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Following, the city, in partnership with many local Old Town businesses, presents more than 40 engaging activities at various locations through Dec. 31.
“Scottsdazzle continues to be one of our most well-attended and magical events for residents and our visitors,” says Karen Churchard, director of tourism and events for the city of Scottsdale. “Each year our elves start working months in advance to present an even bigger and better event than the previous year. We strive to partner with as many local Old Town businesses as possible to present a wide array of activities that include a variety of interests. Everyone is welcome to eat, drink, shop, play and celebrate their way through Old Town this season!”
As the event has evolved, the city also works hard to offer a large number of these activities free of charge, allowing residents and visitors alike to take advantage of multiple Scottsdazzle events without breaking into their holiday budget. This year’s Scottsdazzle lineup includes many favorite signature events, as well as new happenings.
Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 25 | 7-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdazzle’s signature event features jubilant holiday music, live entertainment, seasonal sips and snacks, and more to ignite the spirit of the season. Guests are invited to sing along to joyous classic and modern holiday tunes and watch in awe as Scottsdazzle’s signature tree is set aglow with the assistance of Santa, lighting up Old Town for the remainder of the season. The event is free.
Meet Santa at the Market
Saturdays — Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, and 16 | Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Santa: 9 a.m.-noon
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market (1st Street and Brown Avenue)
Scottsdale’s farmers market comes to life with holiday spirit thanks to the guest of honor — Santa. Saturdays throughout Scottsdazzle kids and kids at heart can visit with Jolly St. Nick as they shop, sip and snack their way through the aisles lined with vendor booths, many of which will be stocked with holiday gifts and provisions. Visits and photos with Santa are free.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 25 | All day
Throughout Old Town Scottsdale
A day dedicated to supporting small businesses. Shop ’til you drop at the many local retailers and businesses throughout Old Town, which will feature seasonal merchandise and holiday offers.
Scottsdazzle Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, and 16 |6-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland. Get enveloped in the spirit of the season while strolling along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is illuminated with holiday lights and décor. Stop by the stunning 40-foot Scottsdazzle Tree for a selfie or a family photo, enjoy musical entertainment and warm up with hot cocoa, coffee and sweet seasonal treats from local food vendors. Free to attend.
Gold Palette ArtWalk
Thursday, Dec. 7 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Arts District
The Scottsdale Arts District gets into the festive spirit with this Scottsdazzle-themed ArtWalk featuring holiday and seasonal artwork by locally and nationally renowned artists. Enjoy live holiday entertainment from strolling carolers while staying warm with hot cocoa. Free to attend.
Ultimate Family Play Date & Concert
Saturday, Dec. 9 |9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center
This all-new event, hosted by Scottsdale Public Library in partnership with the Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library, is sure to stir up some holiday spirit. Bring the whole family to this free, winter-themed play date extravaganza featuring interactive art, science, sports, and more fun activities followed by a family-friendly concert for all ages. Free to attend.
Dazzling Magic Shows
Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10; times TBD
Marshall Way Bridge
Delight in the awe of these merry magic shows that will leave guests believing in more than just Santa Claus. Master Magician Craig Davis reveals the magic of the season through entertaining and interactive performances designed for all ages. Free to attend.
Sugar Plum Tea Party
Saturday, Dec. 9 | 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Marshall Way Bridge
This magical tea party (with two times throughout the day) invites guests to sip and snack on holiday-themed treats while enjoying heaps of whimsical winter-themed fun and entertainment. Registration is required.
Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 17; times TBD
Start location TBD
Discover Old Town in a whole new way! This holiday-head scratcher invites guests to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town for a seasonal scavenger hunt. Puzzles and riddles lead participants from clue to clue, culminating in one final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Participants are encouraged to level up the festive fun by decorating their bikes and dressing in their best (or worst) holiday attire. Registration is required.
In addition to these signature events, favorites such the Miracle of Roses and Live Nativity at Old Adobe Mission, seasonal crafting events at local businesses such as The Merchantile and Cactus Flowers, holiday movie nights and more will also be returning.
Many events are presented in partnership with local Old Town favorites such as Porter’s Western Saloon, which comes to life with Christmas spirit throughout the holidays with decor as well as fun trivia nights and whiskey tasting events; Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, where merry and bright dueling piano events will be taking place; Greasepaint Theater, which will be performing at Marshall Way Bridge; LDV Winery’s engaging and popular cork crafting classes; Yuletide Yoga presented by Vikara Events, and so much more.
With this year’s Scottsdazzle, the city of Scottsdale reveals all-new décor and entertainment never done before to level up this popular event even more. The Scottsdazzle calendar of events will also be tinseled with an array of new events featuring food, wine, entertainment—and plenty of holiday spirit.
As events and activities are finalized, complete details will be available at scottsdazzle.com. Check the website for updates and added events, as well as costs and event registrations.
