Where to see Santa near Phoenix (2026)
Listings last checked · Covers Oct 21 – Dec 24, 2026 · Past events drop off automatically
Go to the main search page: all events & places near you →Every event and place we know of, matched to your kids' ages and this weekend's forecast.
Quick answer: We list 27 ways to see Santa around Phoenix for Oct 21 – Dec 24, 2026: 6 mall Santa sets, 5 holiday light displays with Santa appearances and 16 events on select days. 17 list free admission.
Every Santa visit on this page comes from the organizer's own 2026 schedule: mall Santa sets, holiday light displays where Santa makes appearances, and one-day events such as parades, tree lightings and a pajama movie night. Mall visits are free and photo packages are optional. Hours change week to week and Santa takes breaks, so check the linked schedule before you go.
Mall Santa sets (open most days through Christmas Eve)
Visiting Santa is free at these malls; photo packages are optional. The malls listed here are closed on Thanksgiving (Nov 26).
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square
- When
- Fri, Nov 6 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 6 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Santa's set is in Palm Court. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Sensory Santa on Dec 6 (9–10:30am) and pet nights Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14 (4–7pm).
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center
- When
- Fri, Nov 6 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 6 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Santa's set is near JCPenney. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Sensory-friendly morning on Sunday, Dec 6 (9–10:30am); pet nights are Mondays 4–7pm.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center
- When
- Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 13 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Santa's set is near Macy's. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Sensory-friendly morning on Dec 6; pet nights are Mondays 4–7pm, Nov 16 – Dec 14.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Photos with Santa at SanTan Village
- When
- Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 13 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor + outdoor
Santa's set is in the Children's Play Area near Build-A-Bear. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Cowboy Santa nights (5–7pm) on Nov 17, Nov 24, Dec 1 and Dec 8; pet nights Mondays 4–7pm.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Photos with Santa at Superstition Springs Center
- When
- Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 13 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Santa's set is in Center Court near JCPenney. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Pet nights are Mondays, Nov 16 – Dec 14.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Photos with Santa at Kierland Commons
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Thu, Dec 24 (Daily Nov 20 – Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving) · Hours vary by week (see the mall's Santa schedule); closed Thanksgiving
- Cost
- Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Santa's set is at Center Plaza. Visiting Santa is free and walk-ups are welcome; booking a time online is recommended to skip the line, and photo packages are optional. Sensory Santa on Dec 6 (9–10am) and pet nights Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14 (4–7pm).
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holiday light displays with Santa
Santa photos can cost extra at these; see each listing for admission.
Christmas at the Princess
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Thu, Dec 24 (Nightly Nov 20 – Jan 2) · Mon–Thu 5–10pm · Fri–Sun 4–11pm; daily 4–11pm later in December
- Cost
- General admission from $35 per person; 3 and under free; parking extra (self-park $35 in advance)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
17 million lights across the resort, an outdoor ice rink, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, Christmas characters and Santa experiences. Ticketed and often sells out; ice skating and Santa photos cost extra.
✓ Checked Oct 18, 2026 on the organizer's official page
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Thu, Dec 24 (Nightly Nov 25 – Jan 15) · 5:30–10:30pm
- Cost
- General $35, members $30; children 2 and under free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Five million lights along two miles of Zoo trail, a lake light show, glow garden, light tunnel and photos with Santa (Nov 25 – Dec 23, separate fee). Sensory-friendly night Dec 8 (separate ticket). Most animals aren't visible at night.
✓ Checked Oct 18, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Glendale Glitters
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24 (Lights nightly through Jan 1) · Nightly 5–10pm; lighting ceremony Nov 27 at 5:45pm; kickoff Nov 27–28
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
33rd year of holiday lights in Historic Downtown Glendale. The Nov 27–28 kickoff adds Santa, vendors, treats, carolers and live entertainment.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 23 (Select nights: Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3) · 5–9:30pm
- Cost
- General adult $39.95–$44.95, child (2–17) $18.95; members less
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Thousands of luminarias and light displays along the Garden trails, live music, and the Super Bloom light-art installation. Photos with Sonoran Santa and Mrs. Claus Nov 27–29 and Dec 18–23.
✓ Checked Oct 18, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 23 (Nightly Nov 27 – Dec 30, except Dec 24 and 25) · 5:30–9:30pm
- Cost
- $15 per person (ages 3+); 2 and under free; includes train and carousel rides
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The park is lit up for the season, and a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad loops through the displays. Wristbands are required for entry and rides, and the park says the event sells out every year. Also: a s'mores fire pit (kits sold separately), the Model Railroad Building, and Santa meet-and-greets (dates still to be announced).
✓ Checked Oct 19, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Santa on select days: parades, tree lightings and more
Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 · 6–7:30pm (tree lit at 7pm)
- Cost
- Free; optional paid VIP experience
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The night before Thanksgiving, The District Street fills with stage performances, a hot chocolate bar and free photos with Santa (until 8pm) before the tree is switched on at 7pm. Raffles benefit Phoenix Children's.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 9:30am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
42nd annual parade with marching bands and floats, honoring America’s 250th, with Santa Claus in the finale.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Illuminate the Season at SanTan Village
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 4:30–6:30pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A new Thanksgiving-weekend kickoff: the mall's new 20-foot tree is lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus drop by, and there's live holiday music and family activities.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Annual Tree Lighting at Scottsdale Quarter
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 5:30–7:30pm (tree lights at 7pm)
- Cost
- Free (VIP lounge tickets sold separately)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
An evening of holiday performances (violinist, carolers, ballet and toy soldiers) that ends with the lighting of the new tree in The Quad at 7pm, plus a Grinch appearance, free kids' crafts and a hot chocolate bar. Santa photos are available to buy.
✓ Checked Oct 19, 2026 on the organizer's official page
PJs in the Park: The Polar Express — Downtown Phoenix
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 6–9pm (Santa photos 6pm, Shrek the Halls 6:30pm, The Polar Express 7pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Wear pajamas and bring blankets or lawn chairs for a free outdoor holiday double feature. Santa poses for photos on your own phone at 6pm; hot cocoa and snacks are for sale.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Water Tower Holiday Lighting — Gilbert
- When
- Mon, Nov 30 · 6–8:30pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Gilbert Water Tower is lit at about 6:45pm, with live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, sledding on man-made snow, inflatables and crafts (while supplies last).
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Surprise Party (holiday festival)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4 – Sat, Dec 5 · 5–9pm both nights
- Cost
- Free with a canned food or toy donation
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The city's biggest event: foam snow, a kid zone, photos with Santa, live music, light shows, fireworks, a tree lighting and a hot-air balloon glow.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
QC Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting — Queen Creek
- When
- Fri, Dec 4 · 6–8pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Tree lighting, letters to Santa, pictures with Santa and music.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Santa's House in Downtown Chandler
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 – Sat, Dec 19 (Dec 5, 12, 15 & 19 only) · Dec 5 4:30–9pm · Dec 12 & 19 9am–1pm · Dec 15 6–8pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The City of Chandler sets up Santa's House in the downtown park for a free family photo on four dates; Dec 5 lines up with the Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree lighting.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holiday Event & Light Parade — Apache Junction
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · Park events 3–6:30pm · light parade 7pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Free holiday afternoon with Santa, Candy Cane Lane and inflatables, then the 28th annual light parade on Apache Trail at 7pm.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights — Chandler
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 4:30–9pm · Parade of Lights 6:45–8pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Chandler's annual lighting of its Tumbleweed Tree, with Santa, music and the Parade of Lights along Arizona Ave from Frye Rd north to Erie St.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
WinterFest — Avondale
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 5–9pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Free winter festival with selfies with Santa, entertainment, the tree lighting and the premiere of the holiday light show.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Stroll in the Glow — Fountain Hills
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 5–8pm · Balloon Glow 6–8pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Lighting of the Avenue around 5:45pm, including the Town's official Christmas tree. Santa arrives on a fire truck before 6pm for free photos, and hot air balloons glow at Fountain Park from 6–8pm.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas in the Park — Litchfield Park
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 · 9am–3pm; parade 10am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Hometown parade at 10am, free crafts in Santa’s Workshop, a petting zoo, holiday inflatables, photos with Santa (11:30am–2:30pm), stage acts and a holiday market. Mini dino rides cost a small fee.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Sensitive Santa (sensory-friendly) — Surprise Stadium
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 · 9am–3pm (Santa breaks noon–1pm)
- Cost
- $5 registration guarantees a Santa visit; walk-ins welcome for activities
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor + outdoor
A calm Santa visit for kids and adults with autism or sensory needs and their families: a private, one-on-one photo with Santa indoors, with games, crafts and vendors outside while you wait. ASL interpreter 10am–noon. Register through the City of Surprise.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade — Tempe Town Lake
- When
- Sat, Dec 12 · 4–9pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Boats decked out in holiday lights parade on Tempe Town Lake, with a holiday market, live entertainment, letters and photos with Santa, and fireworks after the parade. Clear bag policy.
✓ Checked Oct 18, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When does Santa arrive at Phoenix-area malls in 2026?
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale): from Nov 6; Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale): from Nov 6; Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler): from Nov 13; Photos with Santa at SanTan Village (Gilbert): from Nov 13; Photos with Santa at Superstition Springs Center (Mesa): from Nov 13; Photos with Santa at Kierland Commons (Scottsdale): from Nov 20. Each runs through Christmas Eve and is closed on Thanksgiving, per the mall's schedule.
Is it free to see Santa near Phoenix?
17 of the 27 listings say they're free. At the malls on this page, sitting with Santa is free and photo packages are optional. With a cost or condition: Christmas at the Princess (General admission from $35 per person; 3 and under free; parking extra (self-park $35 in advance)); ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (General $35, members $30; children 2 and under free); Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (General adult $39.95–$44.95, child (2–17) $18.95; members less); Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park ($15 per person (ages 3+); 2 and under free; includes train and carousel rides); Surprise Party (holiday festival) (Free with a canned food or toy donation); Sensitive Santa (sensory-friendly) — Surprise Stadium ($5 registration guarantees a Santa visit; walk-ins welcome for activities).
Where can kids with sensory needs see Santa?
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale), Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale), Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler), Photos with Santa at Kierland Commons (Scottsdale) and Sensitive Santa (sensory-friendly) — Surprise Stadium (Surprise). Times for the sensory sessions are in each listing.
Where can we see Santa on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 27–29)?
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale), Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale), Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler), Photos with Santa at SanTan Village (Gilbert), Photos with Santa at Superstition Springs Center (Mesa), Photos with Santa at Kierland Commons (Scottsdale), Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale), ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix), Glendale Glitters (Glendale), Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix), Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale), Illuminate the Season at SanTan Village (Gilbert), Annual Tree Lighting at Scottsdale Quarter (Scottsdale) and PJs in the Park: The Polar Express — Downtown Phoenix (Phoenix).
Where is Santa in Scottsdale and Phoenix?
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square (Fri, Nov 6 – Thu, Dec 24, Scottsdale, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Photos with Santa at Kierland Commons (Fri, Nov 20 – Thu, Dec 24, Scottsdale, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Christmas at the Princess (Fri, Nov 20 – Thu, Dec 24, Scottsdale, General admission from $35 per person; 3 and under free; parking extra (self-park $35 in advance)); ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (Wed, Nov 25 – Thu, Dec 24, Phoenix, General $35, members $30; children 2 and under free); Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 23, Phoenix, General adult $39.95–$44.95, child (2–17) $18.95; members less); Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 23, Scottsdale, $15 per person (ages 3+); 2 and under free; includes train and carousel rides); Annual Tree Lighting at Scottsdale Quarter (Sat, Nov 28, Scottsdale, Free (VIP lounge tickets sold separately)); PJs in the Park: The Polar Express — Downtown Phoenix (Sat, Nov 28, Phoenix, Free).
Where is Santa in the East Valley and West Valley?
Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center (Fri, Nov 6 – Thu, Dec 24, Glendale, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center (Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24, Chandler, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Photos with Santa at SanTan Village (Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24, Gilbert, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Photos with Santa at Superstition Springs Center (Fri, Nov 13 – Thu, Dec 24, Mesa, Free to visit Santa; photo packages for purchase); Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace (Wed, Nov 25, Tempe, Free; optional paid VIP experience); Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade (Thu, Nov 26, Fountain Hills, Free); Glendale Glitters (Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24, Glendale); Illuminate the Season at SanTan Village (Sat, Nov 28, Gilbert, Free); Water Tower Holiday Lighting — Gilbert (Mon, Nov 30, Gilbert); Surprise Party (holiday festival) (Fri, Dec 4 – Sat, Dec 5, Surprise, Free with a canned food or toy donation); QC Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting — Queen Creek (Fri, Dec 4, Queen Creek); Santa's House in Downtown Chandler (Sat, Dec 5 – Sat, Dec 19, Chandler, Free); Holiday Event & Light Parade — Apache Junction (Sat, Dec 5, Apache Junction, Free); Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights — Chandler (Sat, Dec 5, Chandler, Free); WinterFest — Avondale (Sat, Dec 5, Avondale, Free); Stroll in the Glow — Fountain Hills (Sat, Dec 5, Fountain Hills); Christmas in the Park — Litchfield Park (Sat, Dec 12, Litchfield Park, Free); Sensitive Santa (sensory-friendly) — Surprise Stadium (Sat, Dec 12, Surprise, $5 registration guarantees a Santa visit; walk-ins welcome for activities); Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade — Tempe Town Lake (Sat, Dec 12, Tempe, Free).
How does Little Outings check these listings?
Every event here was checked on the organizer's official website or calendar, and each listing shows the date we last checked it and links to that source. Past events drop off the page automatically. Dates, times and prices can change, so confirm on the official page before you go.
Go to the main search page: all events & places near you →Every event and place we know of, matched to your kids' ages and this weekend's forecast.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website or calendar and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site. Price levels without a source are our estimates. Read how we verify listings.