How many days till Christmas? Ultimate countdown guide to the best holiday season in Phoenix
Twinkly lights, lit candles, hot cocoa, presents, stockings, Christmas trees and Santa, what’s not to love about the holiday season?
Christmas is fast approaching, Hanukkah has already started and Kwanzaa will close out the year’s festivities.
Although we don't typically get snow during the holidays here in metro Phoenix like many other states around the country — or northern Arizona — might, there is enough Christmas spirit to go around.
Many events are happening around the Valley and whether you’re looking for holiday light shows to attend with the family, a spot to get your kids’ pictures taken with Santa or wondering how much time you have left to mail gifts to family members across the country, here’s your complete holiday guide.
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How many days till Christmas?
The countdown has started: As the time of publication, Dec. 13, there were 12 days left until Christmas.
Christmas 2023 shipping deadlines: Get your gifts there in time
If you want to mail that present in time for it to reach your friends or family members by Christmas or Kwanzaaa or if you’re still planning to order gifts, there are some shipping deadlines to be aware of.
Whether you’re using the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or FedEx, the very last day for Christmas deliveries ranges from Dec. 20-22, but you might end up paying a hefty fee, so plan accordingly if you’d like to save a few bucks.
Best places to go for Christmas in Arizona
You don’t have to leave Arizona to get that dreamy frosty Christmas that you imagined. There are plenty of locations that offer cold weather and holiday cheer to get you in the spirit.
From Williams, which has the potential for a white Christmas as well as Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park and is near Grand Canyon National Park, to Greer where you can rent a dreamy creekside cabin, here's our roundup of the best places to go for Christmas in Arizona.
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Where to get your kids' photos with Santa in metro Phoenix
Santas are all the popular malls and shopping areas in Phoenix. Booking your visit and photo op in advance can help you save time. You can do so by following the instructions on the mall website. Walk-ins are allowed as space permits.
Visiting Santa is free, but you will have to pay for a photo package. You can get those memories captured in 14 spots across metro Phoenix, from Biltmore Fashion Park to Westgate Entertainment District.
Arizona’s best holiday lights in 2023
There is an abundance of Christmas lights displays in metro Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
Whether you’re looking for a spot close to home or are willing to make a trek, options in the Valley include Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, which has skating, pictures with Santa, a holiday boutique and petting zoo.
There’s also Glendale Glitters, Phoenix Zoolights and two locations of World of Illumination, among other options, Finding the brightest and biggest light displays in metro Phoenix is easy with our comprehensive guide.
And you don't have to limit yourself to the Valley. Flagstaff has the North Pole Experience, with a trolley ride, baked goodies and a picture with Santa. Or visit Tucson for the Winterhaven Festival of Lights and Tohono Chul Holiday Nights. Here's our roundup of the best Christmas 2023 events in Arizona.
Phoenix holiday lights map
Neighborhoods all around metro Phoenix are decked out for Christmas. Gather family and friends and use our 2023 holiday lights map to plot your drive to see the most lavish displays from Mesa to Peoria and everywhere in between.
Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How many days till Christmas? Ultimate planning guide for Phoenix
