1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Phoenix

Phoenix Event Calendar - December

December Festivals & Events in the Phoenix Area

By Judy Hedding, About.com

In a large metropolitan area like Phoenix, you might expect that there is always something going on. You are correct! Phoenix, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and many other communities have recurring events of which they are proud.

These are many of the community events that you can count on year in and year out. All dates, prices, and activities mentioned are subject to change without notice. Check the web site or call to confirm information. The activities in this event calendar are appropriate for families unless otherwise indicated. If the event is free, I'll mention that, too.

Grab some friends, get out, and enjoy!

More Phoenix Event Calendars

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Phoenix Event Calendar for December

  • Concerts and Shows Scheduled For This Month in the Phoenix Area

  • APS Fiesta of Light Electric Light Parade
    In Central Phoenix this parade kicks off the holiday season.
    In 2007: December 1

  • All Breed Cat Show
    The Arizona Cardinals play professional football in the Valley of Phoenix Convention Center. Concessions and vendors. Sponsored by the Phoenix Feline Fanciers.
    In 2007: December 8, 9

  • Arizona Cardinals Football
    The Arizona Cardinals play professional football in the Valley of the Sun.
    In 2008: Various dates in December

  • Arizona National Livestock Show
    Arizona's largest livestock show. Exhibits and competitions. Held at the Fairgrounds in Central Phoenix.
    In 2007: December 28 - January 1, 2008

  • Canyon Lake Parade of Lights
    Marina members decorate their watercraft with holiday lights and parade around on Canyon Lake, in competition for several prizes. Canyon Lake is located in Apache Junction. 480-288-9233.
    In 2007: Canceled in 2007

  • Celebrity Rock-N-Bowl Bash
    Bowling, entertainment, food, prizes, celebrity autographs. Benefits the Ortiz Family Foundation’s programs and charities. Brunswick Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale.
    In 2007: December 8

  • Chandler Art Walk
    Visit artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
    In 2008: First Wednesday of the month

  • Chandler Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting
    Annual event in Historic Downtown Chandler. Crafts, food, music, parade and holiday spirit.
    In 2007: December 1

  • Chanukah/Hanukkah Holiday Events and Activities
    Several local Jewish organizations sponsor events and activities in celebration of Chanukah.
    In 2007: Various dates in December

  • Christmas Idea House and Home Tour
    They decorate a beautiful home that has been "loaned" to them and open the home for a tour. Christmas decorations and gourmet items for sale are made by members. Sponsored by Desert Club, a non profit Women's Organization. All profits are awarded to scholarships and special needs in the community.
    In 2007: November 30, December 1

  • Christmas Lights and Tree Lightings
    Many of our communities and local attractions have tree lighting ceremonies and holiday lights throughout the season. Many of these are free.
    In 2008: Various dates in December

  • Cowboy Poetry Gathering
    In Wickenburg. Join cowboy poets the first weekend in December for offerings of poems, songs and ideas with a western theme.
    In 2007: December 7-9

  • Crossroads of the West Gun Show
    At the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.
    In 2007: November 30 - December 2

  • Desert Botanical Garden Las Noches de las Luminarias
    The Desert Botanical Garden glows in the evenings with thousands of luminarias lining the paths.
    In 2007: November 23 - December 23

  • Downtown Chandler Art Walk
    Visit more than 40 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
    In 2008: First Wednesday of the month

  • Fiesta Bowl Block Party
    Ring in the New Year with one of the top ten New Year's Eve celebrations in the country.
    In 2007: December 31

  • Fiesta Bowl Parade
    Floats, marching bands, horses and more in the parade. (480) 350-0911.
    In 2007: December 29

  • First Friday
    Visit more than 60 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free.
    In 2008: First Friday of the month

  • Friday Night Bull Riding
    Rawhide, Wild Horse Pass. 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 3 to 12, under 3 are free. Tickets are good for both shows. Children can sign up for sheep and calf riding for a nominal charge.
    In 2007: December 7, 14

  • Glendale Glitters Fun Weekends
    From 6-10 p.m. each night, there will be entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food and horse-drawn carriage rides. Each weekend has a special theme with fun for all ages.
    In 2009: December 7 - 29

  • Glendale Glitters Holiday Lights
    Glendale, Arizona and Arizona Public Service put on a hometown display of 1.5 million lights over 12 blocks.
    In 2007: November 23 - January 19, 2008

  • Glendale's Live at the Library
    Musical entertainment from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St. Concerts are free. Call 623-930-3573 for more details.
    In 2007: Every Thursday night

  • Grand Prix Arizona
    Champ Car racing in the streets of downtown Phoenix. These cars will be traveling at speeds of about 180 mph. The three day event includes live entertainment , and expo and other activities for all ages.
    In 2007: Canceled

  • Holiday Concerts and Shows
    A huge selection of music, dance and theatre events celebrating the holiday season.
    In 2008: Various dates in December

  • Holiday Lights and Tree Lighting Festivals
    Free community events around the Valley of the Sun to keep you in the holiday spirit.
    In 2007: Various dates in December

Next Page >> More December Festivals and Events

More Phoenix Event Calendars

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Find an error in this information? Please let me know.

Explore Phoenix

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Phoenix
  4. Attractions and Events
  5. Event Calendars
  6. Phoenix Event Calendar - December Festivals in Phoenix Arizona

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.