Arizona’s Holiday Light Displays
Experience comfort and joy at several spectacular light presentations around Arizona.
Twinkling stars in an indigo sky make an Arizona evening magical year-round. But travelers will feel a special glow during the winter holidays from the state’s many brilliant light displays and the events that surround them.
Luminarias: A Southwest holiday icon
Spanish colonists brought luminarias to Arizona. While stores stock strings of plastic ones, only the real thing – a lighted candle nestled in sand inside a paper bag – will do for proper holiday celebrations.
- Phoenix
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the sprawling Desert Botanical Garden casts serene light on the garden’s renowned desert plant collection, entertainment areas and a temporary skating rink.- Sedona
You can help the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village light the 6,000 luminarias that glow during its Festival of Lights. Dozens of local music groups perform.
- Tubac
Resident artists of Tubac add their own artful light creations to the hundreds of luminarias set out for Luminaria Nights-Fiesta de Navidad.
- Tucson
Tucson Botanical Gardens is aglow during Luminaria Nights with candles along paths and lights strung around plants. The former mid-20th-century homestead is transformed into a shimmering backdrop for holiday music and refreshments.
Communities: Hometown holidays
Neighborhoods get into the spirit with glowing expressions.
- Glendale
Twelve blocks of historic downtown light up for the big Glendale Glitters festival. Additional highlights include visits with Santa, live entertainment and – for the finale in January – a spectacular tethered hot air balloon glow.
- Lake Havasu City
London Bridge and the nearby London Bridge Resort and English Village shine brightly with lights that dance on the waters of the channel. The magical sight sets the stage for an annual boat parade and other community gatherings.
- Mesa
The Arizona Temple offers a bright gift on its beautiful grounds. Impressive Christmas light displays highlight life-sized religious scenes. Church choir performances and an exhibit of mangers from around the world add to the nightly festivities.
- Phoenix
White lights enhance the silhouettes of saguaros, ocotillos and other native plants during the Festival of Lights events by the community of Ahwatukee. Drive along Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway to enjoy the glow.
- Prescott
“Arizona's Official Christmas City” celebrates the holiday season with many events and activities. Among these, is the lighting of the historic Courthouse Plaza with a million lights. This annual celebration also includes a festive and elaborate parade through downtown Prescott along with carols and other festivities.
SOURCE:http://www.visitarizona.com/experience-and-share/featured-article/a-warm-winters-glow-arizonas-holiday-light-displays
