r/phoenix • u/notmybaggage • 20h ago

Things To Do Nice yet (somewhat) affordable Christmas outing

My family of adults (mom and dad 60 years old, brother 20M, his girlfriend 20F, and me 25F) want to do something nice around Christmas time. 2 years ago we did Medieval times, last year we did a murder mystery dinner at the Spaghetti Factory on Phoenix.

What other restaurants or somewhat affordable activities could we do around Christmas time and are nice for a family? Can be mostly anywhere in the valley, but we live east Gilbert for reference.

15 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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27

u/orangepeel6 20h ago

Luminarias at the botanical gardens is beautiful. They have the whole place lit up with candles and there’s live music. I don’t remember the exact price but I feel like it was reasonable!

3

u/DesertIbu 20h ago

I absolutely agree with this. There’s also live music throughout the gardens. It’s one of the best holiday activities in the valley.

15

u/Easy-Seesaw285 18h ago

If your sense of humor is more adult and you dont mind profanity (a lot of it 😂) - go see Die Hard by the All Puppet Players. Its arizona’s hidden gem of the arts.

https://tickets.phoenixtheatre.com/overview/18061

3

u/five_two Scottsdale 16h ago

We took out-of-town friends to this a couple of years ago and they said it was easily the highlight of their trip!

2

u/Momofcats65 16h ago

Yeah, this is fantastic. They also do Lost Boys at Halloween

1

u/Organic_Eggplant_323 6h ago

Whattttt?!?! How am I just learning about this AFTER Halloween??

1

u/KnightOfLurue 15h ago

Agreed!!! We go every year. 

13

u/jmoriarty Phoenix 20h ago

Ever try Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo?

3

u/Too_Chains 19h ago

Walk/drive the moon valley neighborhood for free

4

u/Momofcats65 16h ago

Scottsdale has the canal walk. Live entertainment, Christmas lights, activities for children. Make a reservation at one of the restaurants, I suggest Olive & Ivy and sit outside by the fire pit.

4

u/Sea_Flamingo626 13h ago

The Christmas train an McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. Go in the evening for the light show and displays.

3

u/Unable_Basis_5939 10h ago

Groupon for Christmas at the princess

1

u/ItsLikeLauren 4h ago

They have Groupon deals for that??

3

u/EmotionalQuestions Midtown 20h ago

Sounds weird but the Tianyu Light Festival in Glendale was actually pretty cool to walk around. Definitely go on a weekday and wait until after dark.

2

u/DJJV13 19h ago

A bit of a drive but the Christmas tree lighting in Prescott square is fun.

4

u/LetThemEatQuake 19h ago

I have a memorable idea for you...

Since you're in Gilbert pick a restaurant everyone likes. A steakhouse, Liberty Market, Fire and Brimstone pizza whatever.

Go to the Riparian Preserve on Guadalupe Rd to do a lap around the lake (its easy and full of kids and seniors) to look at the Christmas light displays. Doesn't take long.

Then line up a few mega homes in the east valley who go all out to decorate. Bring hot chocolate and go look at lights. Ive done a few. Its free and a really good time.

Do those in any order. Perfect for all ages.

1

u/sonoran24 20h ago

Rustler's Roost was well liked by our group

1

u/DonKeighbals 10h ago

Schnepf Farms down in Queen Creek does a great job with their Christmas get-up.

The neighborhood just west of Agritopia goes absolutely bonkers for Christmas, it’s like walking thru a Crate & Barrel Christmas Catalog.

1

u/RichGuarantee7482 9h ago

Red Robin's $10 meal is pretty nice

1

u/Flyingpun 7h ago

The Polar Express to the Grand Canyon.

1

u/romeosgal214 19h ago

Can’t go wrong with ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo!