While most of the United States is currently dealing with ice, snow, and unbearably cold temperatures, Phoenix, Arizona is comfortably enjoying highs of 70º F and lows of 50º F under sunny skies. When December rolls around in Phoenix, it brings a hoard of "snowbirds" who come to escape the freezing cold and ditch their winter coats for bathing suits to enjoy the resort pools. There are so many things in or near Phoenix for tourists (and native Arizonians!) to experience, and it can be hard to choose which ones to do. So, from someone who has had 18 years to test all Arizona has to offer, here are ten of the best things to do when visiting Phoenix, Arizona during the winter:
1. Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in Phoenix to visit year-round because it perfectly demonstrates the beauty the Sonoran Desert has to offer. But from the end of November to the end of December, the garden lights up every night with eight-thousand hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of twinkle lights, creating the perfect way to experience the desert during the holiday season.
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2. Top Golf
The best way to describe Top Golf would be like a bowling alley, but for golf. You play against family and/or friends to try and score points by hitting the ball into the targets in the 240-yard outfield. It has a beautiful view of the mountains, and during the winter they put heaters on, so you definitely won't be cold.
3. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
During December and January, the Phoenix Zoo opens at night for a different way of experiencing the zoo. On these nights, the star of the zoo is not the animals, but the lights. This is something that children will definitely love, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are beautiful light displays along with great music and great food.
4. Go on a hike!
The weather in Phoenix is so beautiful during this time of the year, so you should definitely take advantage of it and do some hiking. There are so many different places to hike around Phoenix, or you could take a short drive north and hike in Sedona.
5. Lights of the World Lantern Festival
Running from late November to the end of January, Lights of the World takes the Chinese tradition of lantern festivals to the next level with modern technology and lights. The festival features a plethora of global cultures and cuisines, along with carnival rides and games. It is the largest lights show in North America, so it is definitely worth checking out!
6. Shopping
Although some people try to avoid the mall during the holiday season, the winter is a great time of the year to take advantage of the outdoor shopping areas around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Those who love to shop should definitely check out Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, Biltmore Fashion Park, or Desert Ridge Marketplace.
7. Arizona Snowbowl
When people at my east coast college find out I'm from Arizona, one of the first things they ask is, "Wait, so have you ever seen snow before?" Contrary to popular belief, it does snow in Arizona. Flagstaff, Arizona has four feet of snow right now, and it is only a two hour drive from Phoenix. The Arizona Snowbowl is a beautiful place to ski and see a different side of Arizona –– one with pine trees and snowy peaks.
8. The Musical Instrument Museum
The MIM is home to one of the largest instrument collections in the world. With over 6,500 instruments from around 200 countries, you could spend all day in this museum. They have an experience gallery where you can try playing some of the instruments and a gallery with instruments of famous musicians, like John Lennon, Taylor Swift, and Elvis Presley.
9. Old Town Farmers' Market
Old Town Scottsdale holds a farmers' market every Saturday morning with tons of organic and pesticide-free produce. There is a lot of great food, like bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables, pork, beef, fish, and free-range eggs. They also have little flower shops and some booths that sell body and skincare products. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
10. OdySea Aquarium
This brand new aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest. It has over 50 exhibits and holds more than 30,000 animals. This experience would be fun for people of all ages!
