Thanksgiving weekend activities for families around Phoenix (2026)
Listings last checked · Covers Nov 25 – Nov 29, 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 29 family events around Phoenix for Thanksgiving week (Nov 25 – Nov 29, 2026): 4 events on Thanksgiving morning, 10 tree lightings, parades and other events, 6 holiday light displays and Santa at 6 malls. 14 list free admission.
Turkey trots, tree lightings, parades and holiday lights, all checked on the organizers' own pages. Here's what's on from Wednesday, Nov 25 through Sunday, Nov 29.
- Thanksgiving morning (Nov 26): Phoenix Turkey Trot, Gilbert Turkey Trot, Scottsdale Turkey Trot 5K & Wellness Festival and Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- 10 tree lightings, parades and other events, 7 free.
- 6 holiday light displays open this week, and Santa is at 6 malls (closed Thanksgiving Day).
- 8 listings need registration, wristbands or advance tickets. Book early.
Bookmark this page — we update it whenever organizers change a date or time.
Thanksgiving morning (Thu, Nov 26)
Turkey trots and a parade. Most races need registration, so check each page.
Phoenix Turkey Trot (incl. 1 Mile & Tot Trot)
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 1 Mile 7:30am · 10K 7:50am · 5K 8:40am · Tot Trot 9:40am
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Thanksgiving-morning races by the State Capitol, from a short Tot Trot for little ones to a 10K. Every participant gets a shirt and finisher medal, and there's a costume contest that includes best-dressed family. Registration required.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Gilbert Turkey Trot (1-mile Family Fun Run & 5K)
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · Fun Run 8:30am · 5K 9am
- Cost
- Family Fun Run $21.95, 5K $33.95, plus sign-up fee (prices rise after early registrations)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The 16th annual Thanksgiving-morning run at SanTan Village, with a 1-mile fun run sized for kids. Strollers are welcome (at the back of the 5K start), every finisher gets a medal, and proceeds go to local children's charities. Dogs can't join the course.
✓ Checked Oct 21, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Scottsdale Turkey Trot 5K & Wellness Festival
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 5K starts 8:30am
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A chip-timed Thanksgiving 5K with its own kids' entry (12 and under); walkers and strollers are welcome. A festival with a DJ, food, local vendors and arts and crafts follows at the finish. Dogs stay home.
✓ 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
Tree lightings, parades and other events
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
Merry Main Street Kick-off & Christmas Tree Lighting — Mesa
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 · 5–10pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Kick-off of Merry Main Street, Downtown Mesa's month-long holiday festival with a real ice rink: a holiday market around Mesa's Christmas tree, a holiday program and the tree lighting.
✓ Checked Oct 17, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting — Tempe
- When
- Sat, Nov 28
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Festive floats, lights and live entertainment on Mill Avenue, ending with the official lighting of Downtown Tempe's holiday tree.
✓ Checked Oct 18, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Meet Santa at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · Photos with Santa 9am–noon (market 8am–1pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Santa joins the Saturday farmers market: kids of all ages (and pets) can sit with Santa and get a printed photo. Part of Scottsdazzle.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Cotton Fest & Tree Lighting — Buckeye
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 3–8pm · car show 3–5pm · tree lighting 6pm · free Santa photos 6–8pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Street fair honoring Buckeye’s farming history: inflatables and kids’ activities, food trucks, mariachi, carolers and dance, a classic car show, the 6pm tree lighting and free photos with Santa at 6th St. Plaza.
✓ Checked Oct 22, 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
Tree Lighting Spectacular – Celebrating 75 Years of Scottsdale
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 7–9pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Opens Scottsdazzle with the lighting of the 36-foot tree, live music from a 10-piece band, Toyland (hands-on play area for little ones), treats from Old Town vendors, a pop-up market and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Queen Creek Family Market
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · 9am–2pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Outdoor market at Schnepf Farms with local vendors, food trucks and bakers, plus face painting and activities for kids. Pets welcome.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holiday light displays open this week
Ticketed nights can sell out. See each listing for hours and prices.
Christmas at the Princess
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (Nightly Nov 20 – Jan 2) · Mon–Thu 5–10pm · Fri–Sun 4–11pm; daily 4–11pm from Dec 18 (one official page says Dec 17)
- Cost
- General admission from $35 per person; 3 and under free. Parking is separate (self-park $35, valet $120 if bought ahead; more at the gate). Ice Pass $40 and Photos with Santa $65 cost extra.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
17 million lights across the resort, an outdoor ice rink, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, rides (height limits 36–54 inches), Christmas characters (character dance at 5 and 9pm nightly) and Santa. Photos with Santa ($65, plus admission) include Elf Academy, Mrs. Claus carols and one digital photo; Santa is there through Christmas Eve only. Ticketed, often sells out, cashless and rain or shine.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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 – Sun, Nov 29 (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 – Sun, Nov 29 (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 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
Buckeye Holiday Lights & Candy Land Walkthrough
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 – Sun, Nov 29 (Nightly from sunset, Nov 28 – Jan 1) · From sunset · downtown tree music & light show every 30 min until 10pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A Candy Land-themed light walkthrough at Sundance Park (Gumdrop Pass, Peppermint Forest, Snowflake Lake) with photo props, plus downtown lights, photo stand-ins and a 33-foot tree with a 15-minute music and light show every half hour at 6th St. Plaza.
✓ Checked Oct 22, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Santa at the mall
Visiting Santa is free at these malls. They are closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26).
Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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 Kierland Commons
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (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
Shows and other options
Baby Time — Georgia T. Lord Library
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 (Wednesdays Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 18, Nov 25, Dec 2, Dec 9 and Dec 16 (no Nov 11)) · 10–10:45am
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- Ages 0–1 (babies with a grownup) · Indoor
A lap-sit program of stories, songs, rhymes and movement for babies and their grown-ups, with relaxed playtime after. No registration: free tickets at the front desk 15 minutes before; space is limited.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Tummy Time — Georgia T. Lord Library
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 (Wednesdays Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 18, Nov 25, Dec 2, Dec 9 and Dec 16 (no Nov 11)) · 11am–noon
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- Ages 0–1 (babies under 12 months, not yet walking) · Indoor
A gentle lap-sit session for babies who aren't walking yet, with guided activities, songs and board books. Bring a blanket. No registration: free tickets at the front desk 15 minutes before; space is limited.
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
The Little Red Hen — Great Arizona Puppet Theater
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 29 (Thu & Fri 10am, Sat 10am & 2pm, Sun 2pm, Nov 5–29 (Thanksgiving Day not listed; call to confirm)) · Thu & Fri 10am · Sat 10am & 2pm · Sun 2pm
- Cost
- $10 per child (age 2+), $15 per adult; under 2 free with a child ticket
- Ages
- All ages (recommended for ages 2 and up) · Indoor
A sing-along puppet version of the classic story of the hen who made a loaf of bread. Tickets must be bought in advance (online or by phone).
✓ Checked Oct 23, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
What can families do on Thanksgiving morning near Phoenix?
We list 4 events on Thanksgiving morning (Nov 26): Phoenix Turkey Trot (incl. 1 Mile & Tot Trot, Phoenix, Thu, Nov 26), Gilbert Turkey Trot (1-mile Family Fun Run & 5K, Gilbert, Thu, Nov 26) and Scottsdale Turkey Trot 5K & Wellness Festival (Scottsdale, Thu, Nov 26). See all 4 above.
What is there to do with kids around Phoenix on Thanksgiving weekend?
We list 29 family events for Thanksgiving week, 14 free, including Phoenix Turkey Trot (incl. 1 Mile & Tot Trot, Phoenix, Thu, Nov 26) and Gilbert Turkey Trot (1-mile Family Fun Run & 5K, Gilbert, Thu, Nov 26). See all 29 above.
Where are the Thanksgiving weekend tree lightings and parades near Phoenix?
We list 8 tree lightings and parades for Nov 25–29: Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace (Tempe, Wed, Nov 25, free) and Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade (Fountain Hills, Thu, Nov 26, free). See all 8 above.
Where can kids see holiday lights on Thanksgiving weekend near Phoenix?
6 light displays on our list are open this week: Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale, through Jan 2), ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, through Jan 15) and Glendale Glitters (Glendale, through Jan 1). See all 6 above.
Can kids see Santa at the mall on Thanksgiving weekend near Phoenix?
Yes. Santa is at 6 malls on our list, all closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26): Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale), Kierland Commons (Scottsdale), Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale) and Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler). See all 6 above. Visiting is free; photo packages are optional.
Which Thanksgiving weekend events near Phoenix are free?
14 events on our list are free, including Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade (Fountain Hills, Thu, Nov 26), Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace (Tempe, Wed, Nov 25) and Merry Main Street Kick-off & Christmas Tree Lighting — Mesa (Mesa, Fri, Nov 27). See all 14 above.
Which Thanksgiving weekend events need registration or tickets?
8 events on our list say on the official page that they need registration, wristbands or advance tickets: Phoenix Turkey Trot (incl. 1 Mile & Tot Trot, Phoenix) and Gilbert Turkey Trot (1-mile Family Fun Run & 5K, Gilbert). See all 8 above. Book through each official page.
What Thanksgiving week events are in the West Valley?
We list 6 West Valley events: Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale, through Dec 24, free), Baby Time — Georgia T. Lord Library (Goodyear, through Dec 16) and Tummy Time — Georgia T. Lord Library (Goodyear, through Dec 16). See all 6 above.
What Thanksgiving week events are in the East and Southeast Valley?
We list 18 events in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert and nearby, including Gilbert Turkey Trot (1-mile Family Fun Run & 5K, Gilbert, Thu, Nov 26) and Scottsdale Turkey Trot 5K & Wellness Festival (Scottsdale, Thu, Nov 26). See all 18 above.
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.