8 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix in December
Exciting cool-weather Phoenix activities await in December for solo travelers, families and couples alike.
Visiting Phoenix, Arizona in December? Check out its range of family-friendly activities like festive holiday events, fun hikes in places like South Mountain Park, and a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden.
Plus with pleasant temperatures—average highs around 68°F and lows near 46°F—and minimal rainfall, December is an all-around great time to visit.
Read on for our roundup of the best activities to enjoy during this last month of the year, plus helpful traveler information and insider tips.
Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Dates: Weekends from Thanksgiving–New Year’s Eve; 5:30–9:30 pm
Admission: Adults - $41.95; Kids - $16.95
Take a leisurely evening stroll along wide paths with thousands of hand-lit luminarias at the Las Noches de las Luminarias event. Walk through the garden showcasing thousands of native plants illuminated with a glorious display of festive lights. It is a magical evening with live performances and opportunities to learn about the desert flora.
Insider tip: This December event sells out quickly so book your tickets in advance. Arrive just before sunset to see the gardens transition from day to night. It’s a special way to see the garden’s desert beauty and the festive lights.
Hike in South Mountain Park
Main Entrance: 10211 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
Hours: Trails open 5 am–11 pm; Parking open 5am–7pm
Silent Sundays: On the 4th Sunday of each month, roads are closed to motorized vehicles all day from the Activity Complex into the park. It’s a chance to hike, bike, walk, or otherwise enjoy the roads without traffic. Park in the Activity Complex.
South of Phoenix, South Mountain Park boasts 16,000 acres of scenic hiking with wonderful views of the Phoenix skyline and the surrounding desert. This state park has several family-friendly hiking trails, and December’s cooler temperatures make it perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Use the City of Phoenix’s South Mountain trail map to locate the popular and easy Pima Wash Trail to West Loop, the Mormon Trailhead, the moderate Mormon Trail, or the more difficult Freedom Trail. Several trails are moderate to difficult with some suitable for kids.
Bring plenty of water, even in December, as the desert air can be dry, and there are no water stations along the trails.
Insider tips: If you visit later in the day, drive up to Dobbins Lookout for epic sunsets. To avoid crowds on the trails and catch the best lighting for photos, go early in the morning or late afternoon.
Hike Camelback Mountain
Cholla Trailhead: 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley
Echo Canyon Trailhead: 4925 E. McDonald Dr, Phoenix
Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset
Best for experienced hikers, treks up Camelback Mountain’s two main trails—Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail—are more enjoyable in December’s cooler temperatures.
Even in cooler temperatures, the hike is still strenuous (and this is the desert), so bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails are rocky and steep. Gloves can be helpful for gripping rocks on the way up.
Echo Canyon is shorter but steeper, while Cholla offers a longer, more gradual climb. If you're looking for a more challenging workout, go for Echo; for a slightly easier route, try Cholla.
Insider tip: Parking at both the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trailheads fills up fast, especially on weekends, so aim to arrive around sunrise for easier parking and cooler temperatures.
Visiting Phoenix in December? Reserve your Blacksford RV!
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Hours: End of Nov.–mid Jan., Sunset –10:30 pm
Admission: $30 online, $35 at the gate; ages 2 and under are free
The Phoenix Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland in December with dazzling holiday light displays, music, and animal-themed decorations. Kids will also enjoy carousel rides and holiday treats.
With over 3,000 animals from around the globe, children love watching them all, including giraffes, elephants, and several endangered species. The zoo has lush trails, interactive exhibits, and chances to learn about wildlife conservation to keep everyone in your group engaged.
Insider tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid big weekend crowds, and consider arriving early for a better chance to see the animals before they retreat for their evening slumber.
Arizona Science Center Winter Events
Address: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Admission: $29.95 for adults; $19.95 for kids 3-17
Hours: Daily 10:30 am–4 pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on exhibits to explore science, technology, and innovation. This is the perfect option if the weather gets chilly or rainy.
Check out their special holiday-themed events and workshops in December. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to visit the interactive exhibits, which often feature hands-on learning activities that tie into the season.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Address: 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Hours: Variable; See the open hours on the park’s website
Tickets: $3 for railroad and carousel; $10–15 for holiday lights
Hop aboard the holiday train for a whimsical ride through December light displays, or take a spin on the historic carousel. Kids will love the interactive model train exhibits, and use picnic areas and playgrounds for a full day of fun.
Insider tip: Arrive early for the holiday train ride to secure a spot, as the lines can get long, especially on weekends. Grab hot chocolate at the park's snack bar to enjoy while waiting for your turn on the holiday-themed rides.
Mesa’s Merry Main Street
Location: Main Street, Mesa, AZ
Dates: Late Nov.–Dec.; Seethe Event Calendar
Visit downtown Mesa’s Merry Main Street holiday celebration in December, which includes the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights. There are daily activities for all ages, including live performances, local crafts, and food vendors. Enjoy ice skating under the stars, shopping from local artisan vendors, and taking in the festive lights and decorations.
Insider tip: For the best experience, visit on a weekend when there is a lot more variety of activities, including visits with Santa. Parking can be limited during peak times, so you consider arriving early.
Scottsdazzle
Location: Downtown Scottsdale
Dates: End of Nov. through New Year’s Eve
Scottsdale's Old Town is a walkable shopping area that comes alive in December with month-long light displays and festivities. It is an historic district filled with independently owned boutiques, art galleries, and local restaurants.
You’ll find special holiday events like live music, seasonal markets, and the annual Scottsdazzle celebration, which runs from late November through December 31. It features a variety of events like the holiday tree lighting and sing-a-long, meeting Santa at the market every Saturday, a dazzling magic show and Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa in mid-December.
Insider tip: There’s plenty of free parking, but during popular holiday events like Scottsdazzle, it can fill up quickly. If you're heading to a special event, consider parking a bit farther out and walking, or use the free Scottsdale trolley for convenient access around the area.
Plenty of Fun Phoenix Activities in December
With its perfect mix of outdoor adventures and festive family holiday experiences, grab your RV from Blacksford’s Phoenix hub and get ready to explore this desert winter wonderland that’s jam packed with activities for kids aged 1 to 92!