As the holiday season unfolds, celebrations and get-togethers, not to mention traveling, may be taking its toll on you. There’s no need to feel that holiday stress. Have a different type of Christmas adventure at one of these Valley attractions.
Don’t forget, you can also visit these destinations during and after the holidays to remedy that post-celebration let down feeling.
Photo used with permission from Visit Phoenix Media Library.
The Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a beautiful museum, and it’s a place all ages will enjoy. All types of instruments, historical and contemporary, abound at this point of pride for our city. Plenty of hands-on exhibitions for the young and young at heart. Check the website for details.
Go to the Movies
Photo from Media File
All the favorites are out, newly released and holiday favorites.
Many theaters are open on Christmas including Harkins, AMC, and more. Here’s a holiday movie offer from Regal Cinema in Gilbert. Check your local listing for showtimes and locations near you.
Enjoy the Outdoors- go for a Hike
Photo from Media File.
You really can’t go wrong with a hike in Arizona. Stay in town, go to the mountains, or even south towards Tucson, there is always beauty to be found in our desert. Many are open on Christmas Day.
Check online or call before you go. It will be a great opportunity to try out any new gear you received for Christmas.
Here are a few hiking trails that are scheduled to be open: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, Cave Creek Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Go to ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Photo from Media File: Dave Seibert photo
From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the Phoenix Zoo is open for ZooLights, November 22, 2023 – January 14, 2024, with almost 4 million lights and hundreds of displays.
The lights are inspired by the zoo’s resident animals. You won’t be able to see many animals at night, but it’s really all about the lights. Use your imagination and walk the Zoo’s amazing holiday night feature.
Go Ice Skating
Photo from Media File.
Skate Westgate in Glendale will be open on Christmas Day. It’s an outdoor skating rink on real ice. Can you believe it? Here in the desert from November 3, 2023 – January 15, 2024.
To skate indoors on Christmas Day evening and throughout the year, visit AZ Ice. Choose a location in Arcadia, Gilbert, or Peoria.
For information about free museum days in the Valley, click here.
Check out holiday lights, events, and attractions here.
[…] For other activity ideas after the holidays, click here. […]