Desert Winter Wonderland

By admin November 30, 2012 14:59

The Holiday season is in full swing recovering from our turkey coma’s transitioning to nights by the fire, hot coco and Christmas carols. Holiday decor covers the metropolitan area., from light shows, tours, Santa and more, the valley sure knows how to transform from a desert to a winter wonderland! Here are a few of the valleys must see spots to really get in to the seasons spirit.

A drive through light display sounds great for those chilly upcoming winter nights. The organizers of this display are adding more lights to the already 600 displays.

Details: Through Sunday, Jan. 6. 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Phoenix Event Complex, 2209 N. 99th Ave. $13-$18 per car, $50 for season pass. 765-664-3918, azcelebrationoflights.com.Ryan A. Ruiz/Special

Experience the Phoenix Zoo in a different light. The Music in Motion show is all-new this year, featuring dancing trees, giant 3-D butterflies, 12-foot floating light tubes and a 24-foot color-changing sphere above the lagoon. Details: 6-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. $10 Sundays-Thursdays, $14 Fridays and Saturdays; $9 or $13 for zoo members. 602-273-1341, phoenixzoo.org.

Downtown Glendale transforms into a charming winter wonderland during this six-week celebration. Glendale Glitters launches on Thanksgiving weekend with a special appearance by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, who will help Glendale officials turn on the 1.5 million lights that illuminate 16 blocks.

Details: 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 30-Jan. 1; Dec. 7-8 and 14-15; 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Downtown Glendale, Glendale and 58th avenues. Free. 623-930-2000, glendaleaz.com

This uniquely Southwestern tradition began in 1957 and uses a 25-foot-tall wire frame adorned with hundreds of tumbleweeds flocked in white and decorated.
Performers at the lighting ceremony will include New Vistas Show Choir, Ocotillo Dance Center and the Arizona Mood Swings as you await the Parade of Lights, followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m.