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Three of my favorite things about living in Arizona are October, November, December. Are you picking up what I’m throwing down? It’s not too hot, not too cold, and just right for a weather Goldilocks such as myself. These holiday months in Arizona are just up my alley. And I admit, the variety of holiday events in Arizona going on every year are a big reason my family has enjoyed moving here!

There is so much to do and see in this diverse state that it could take a few years to hit them all. My kids are already making their lists and checking them twice on some of the places they want to see this winter.

If you are heading to Arizona this month (welcome!), here are a few holiday attractions that you can start with.

Holiday Events in Arizona | 10 Holiday Attractions You’ll Love

1. ?TUMBLEWEED TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & PARADE OF LIGHTS, CHANDLER?

A tree lighting tradition since 1957, the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting begins with 1,500-2,000 tumbleweeds decorated to form a 35-foot tall wire framed Christmas tree. Adorned with paint, 65 pounds of glitter (oh my word!), and approximately 1,200-holiday lights, the holiday season kicks into full swing each year for the city of Chandler with this tree lighting.

Activities kick off at 4:30 pm on December 3, 2016, with the tree lighting scheduled for 7 pm. This event is free and open to the public, with more than 12,000 people attending each year. For more information, visit the event website.

2.??TUCSON REGIONAL BALLET?S A SOUTHWEST NUTCRACKER, TUCSON?

It?s just what it sounds like! This original, full-length ballet tells the traditional holiday story of The Nutcracker?set in 1800?s Tucson. Complete with coyotes, cavalry, and rattlesnakes.

Giddyup!

You can get tickets online for this performance, held at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 2:00 & 7:30 pm and?Sunday, December 11, 2016, at 2:00 pm.

3.? TALLEST FRESH-CUT CHRISTMAS TREE IN AMERICA, ANTHEM

At 115 feet tall and 27 feet wide, the tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree in America, a white fir, is located at the Outlets at Anthem.

The tree, larger than the Rockefeller tree in New York City (by 25 feet) also has 3 miles of LED lights, and more than 25,000 ornaments and bows. For more information, visit the Outlets at Anthem events page.

4.? GLENDALE GLITTERS, GLENDALE

Glendale Glitters kicks off the holiday season with the Glendale Glitters Spectacular weekend on November 25 & 26th, with celebrations every weekend.

The largest free holiday light display in Arizona, Glendale Glitters has 1.5 million lights throughout the 16 blocks of historic downtown Glendale.? The season culminates with the Glendale Glitters block party on January 7th, with glowing air balloons lining the nighttime streets, bands, and other festivities.? Admission and shuttle service are free.? For more information, visit the Glendale AZ website.

5.? ZOOLIGHTS AT ARIZONA ZOO, PHOENIX

Starting November 23th, 2016, the Phoenix Zoo will be lit with colored flamingos, elephants, and giraffes for ZooLights.

The breathtaking display, sponsored by SRP and powered by EarthWise? Energy, features more than 700 lit sculptures.

Guests can visit ZooLights from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm nightly.? Ticket prices vary from $12.95 to $19.95, children 2?and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased online at phoenixzoo.org or by calling 602.914.4333 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. ? 4 p.m.), or at the gate when you come to ZooLights.

6.? 34TH ANNUAL LAKE HAVASU BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS, LAKE HAVASU

On December 2nd & 3rd more than 50 boats will parade on the Colorado River, between Thompson Bay and Windsor Beach, through the Bridgewater Channel for the 34th annual Parade of Lights.

This year?s theme is ?Bright Ideas.?? The event is sponsored by the London Bridge Yacht Club,? For more information on the Parade of Lights, visit the?website.

7. LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIA AT DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS, PHOENIX

From November 25th ? December 31st, the Desert Botanical Gardens will be aglow with an 8,000 light nightly luminaria display, Las Noches de las Luminaria.? While visiting the gardens, visitors will also be serenaded by Christmas carolers, hand-bell performers, Mariachi Pasi?n, and other performers each night.

Hot cider is available, as are spiked beverages for adults.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $12.50 for children (3-12), general admission; $25 for adults and $10 for children, garden members.? Ticket reservations are available online, including tickets with meals.

8.? NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE, FLAGSTAFF

Make a visit to Santa?s workshop at the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff.? Visitors tour Santa?s 8.500 square foot workshop, including Santa?s Toy Hall of Fame, Elf University, Santa?s Bakery, and more!? Children even get a peek at Santa?s secret sleigh hanger, ?Area 47?.

Families can visit for the evening or arrange overnight lodging, including a private cabin or hotel room.? Tickets start at $42 for adults and $36 for children, daytime, and $55 for adults and $49 for children, nighttime shows. For more information and reservations, visit the NPX website.

9.? POLAR EXPRESS, WILLIAMS

Each year, starting in November, the Grand Canyon Railway is transformed into the magical Polar Express train from Chris Van Allsburg?s book, The Polar Express.? Children, young and young at heart, board the Polar Express in Williams for a delightful nighttime trip to the North Pole.

On the journey, travelers listen to the famous Van Allsburg story while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies.? On the journey back, Santa walks through the train, giving every boy and girl a Christmas treat.

Tickets are $35-47 per adult and $25-37 per child, depending on the date. Overnight stay packages at the Grand Canyon Hotel are also available. For more information, visit the Polar Express at Grand Canyon Railways.

10.? SHOW LOW SHINES, SHOW LOW

Show Low, located in the White Mountains, an Arizona winter wonderful, is a great?place to celebrate the holidays.

The Show Low Shines annual Christmas light parade takes place December 3rd, starting at 6 p.m.? Floats are hosted by Show Low local businesses, as well as community groups and local families.? This year?s parade theme is ?Storybook Christmas.?? For more information, visit the City of Show Low?s event page.

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