Christmas Events for Kids in Arizona (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

Arizona has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from ZooLights in Phoenix on November 25 to Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa, which runs through December 24. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Arizona for 2026, in Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa
  • First: ZooLights, Phoenix, November 25. Runs latest: ZooLights, Phoenix, through January 15
  • Free: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa, Kids' Holiday Workshop!, Santa's House, Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights, Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland, Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus!, Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament, A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime and Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration!
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Arizona Christmas train rides page.

Arizona Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa
Season
November 25, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday story time, holiday crafts, Santa visit and story time with Mrs. Claus
Last checked

City guides in Arizona

Plan your December

When each Arizona Christmas event for kids happens

The first is ZooLights in Phoenix on November 25; the last runs to December 24. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Arizona? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Phoenix

12 confirmed events for kids in Phoenix, including nearby Chandler, Mesa and Tempe, soonest first.

Phoenix: ZooLights

Holiday lightsPhoenix Zoo · Phoenix

Host
Phoenix Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
When
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 to Friday, January 15, 2027 (nightly on public nights), 5:30 to 10:30 pm
Cost
General $35, members $30, ages 2 and under free; Santa photos extra
Ages
All ages (children 2 and under free)
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

ZooLights fills more than two miles of Phoenix Zoo trail with millions of lights each evening of the season. The zoo lists an all new floating Christmas tree light show on the lake, a lights trail called Wander the Wonder with illusion installations, and a dinosaur trail that stays lit up for the event. It is an outdoor stroll, so plan on plenty of walking.

Families can have a photo taken with Santa Claus from November 25 to December 23, 2026, with reservations and a separate fee. Admission tickets are good for one visit on any public night between November 25, 2026 and January 15, 2027, and the zoo notes tickets are non-refundable and dates and hours can change. Children 2 and under get in free, and members can buy discounted Member Monday tickets.

Parent tip: Santa photos need a reservation and a separate fee. Tickets are valid for any one public night and are non-refundable.

See dates and details from Phoenix Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Phoenix: Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library

Holiday story timePhoenix Public Library · Phoenix

Host
Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South Mountain Community Library, Community Room L162-L163, 7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
No fee listed
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Phoenix Public Library hosts Holiday Express at the South Mountain Community Library on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in community rooms L162 and L163. The library describes it as a festive holiday event that everyone is invited to join, and it is listed for all ages, from babies to seniors.

The hour includes a story, fun activities at a series of winter holiday stations, and a chance to meet a special guest. Children are welcome to wear their favorite pajamas, which makes it an easy after-dinner outing on a school night. The evening time works for working parents, and the station format lets kids move at their own pace. Families who need an accommodation to take part can call 602-262-4636 or TTY 711 at least 14 business days before the event, and the same request can be made in Spanish.

Parent tip: Pajamas are welcome. Accommodation requests go to 602-262-4636 at least 14 business days ahead.

See dates and details from Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: A Visit with Mrs. Claus

Story time with Mrs. ClausMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Express Library, Brady Park, 7045 E Monterey Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209 (near Phoenix)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
No fee listed
Ages
Early childhood
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mesa Public Library brings Mrs. Claus to the Mesa Express Library at Brady Park on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 to 11 am. Beloved children's performer Jan Sandwich appears as Mrs. Santa Claus, and her stories, songs and magic are meant to get young audiences into the holiday spirit.

The library lists the program under entertainment for early childhood, so it is pitched at toddlers and preschoolers, though older siblings are likely to enjoy the magic too. All events at the Mesa Express Library are held outdoors, so dress for the morning weather, bring sun protection, and consider a blanket or small chairs for sitting. Brady Park is on East Monterey Avenue in east Mesa, which makes this a convenient option for families in that part of the East Valley who want a short, cheerful holiday outing on a Saturday morning.

Parent tip: This program is held outdoors at Brady Park, so dress for the weather.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Kids' Holiday Workshop!

Holiday craftsFreeChandler Public Library · Chandler

Host
Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hamilton Library, 3700 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85248 (near Phoenix)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 2:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Best for ages 6 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Hamilton Library is hosting a festive workshop where teens help younger kids create special holiday crafts. It runs for an hour and a half on a Saturday afternoon, which gives children time to finish their projects and take them home, whether as decorations or homemade gifts.

The library says the workshop is best for ages 6 to 12. Registration is required and spots are limited, and each child needs their own registration so there are enough supplies for everyone. The program is supported by the Friends of Chandler Public Library. If you have more than one child in the age range, sign each one up separately when you register. The workshop takes place at Hamilton Library on South Arizona Avenue in Chandler.

Parent tip: Register each child separately; spots are limited.

See dates and details from Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Santa's House

Santa visitFreeCity of Chandler · Chandler

Host
City of Chandler (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225 (near Phoenix)
When
Sat December 5 (4:30 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (9 am to 1 pm), Tue December 15 (6 to 8 pm) and Sat December 19 (9 am to 1 pm), 2026
Cost
Free photos with Santa
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa Claus is spending time at Santa's House in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler, and families can visit for free photos and a chance to share holiday wishes. Santa's House is presented in partnership with the Chandler Lions Club as part of the city's Chandler for the Holidays season.

The city calendar lists four 2026 dates: Saturday, December 5 from 4:30 to 9 pm during the tree lighting, Saturday mornings December 12 and 19 from 9 am to 1 pm, and a weeknight visit on Tuesday, December 15 from 6 to 8 pm. On December 5 Santa's House closes from 6:30 to 8 pm while Santa rides in the Parade of Lights. The Saturday morning dates are usually a calmer choice for little ones.

Parent tip: On Dec 5 the house closes from 6:30 to 8 pm during the parade; the Saturday morning dates are less busy.

See dates and details from City of Chandler (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights

Holiday paradeFreeCity of Chandler · Chandler

Host
City of Chandler (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Chandler, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225 (near Phoenix)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Every December the City of Chandler lights its iconic Tumbleweed Tree in downtown Chandler, and the 2026 ceremony is on Saturday, December 5. The evening includes musical performances, free visits and photos with Santa at Santa's House in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, and a letters to Santa station where kids can decorate and write wish lists and drop them in Santa's mailbox.

The Parade of Lights rolls from 6:45 to 8 pm with floats, community groups and hundreds of thousands of lights. Santa's House closes from 6:30 to 8 pm while Santa rides in the parade. The Chandler Fire Department collects new, unwrapped toys at its Stuff the Truck engine on Arizona Avenue. The city encourages carpooling and arriving early, with parking spread around downtown.

Parent tip: Arrive early and carpool if you can. Visit Santa before 6:30 pm or after 8 pm, since he rides in the parade.

See dates and details from City of Chandler (opens in a new tab)

Tempe: Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT

Holiday story timeTempe Public Library · Tempe

Host
Tempe Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tempe Public Library, Desert Willow Program Room, 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282 (near Phoenix)
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 2 to 2:30 pm
Cost
No fee listed
Ages
Tots 0 to 5, youth 6 to 8, tweens 9 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Tempe Public Library hosts a storytime edition of Christmas Carol the Musical on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 2 to 2:30 pm in the Desert Willow Program Room. The performance is presented by the Arizona Community Theatrical Company, known as AZACT, and the library lists it as a performance and special event.

The half-hour format suits young audiences, and the program is listed for tots up to age 5, children 6 to 8, and tweens 9 to 11, so it works well for families with kids of different ages. It offers a gentle introduction to the classic story of Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas, told with music by a community theater company. A Sunday afternoon time slot makes it easy to pair with a stop in the children's area to check out holiday books afterward. No registration is listed on the calendar entry.

See dates and details from Tempe Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland

Holiday craftsFreeChandler Public Library · Chandler

Host
Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S Delaware St, Chandler, AZ 85225 (near Phoenix)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, no registration
Ages
Children, teens and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Chandler's Downtown Library is hosting Jack's Winter Wonderland, a holiday evening that mixes Halloween and Christmas themes in the spirit of Jack and his friends. The library promises kid friendly activities, creative crafts and a charming winter setting, with the program running as an open house so families can come and go.

No registration is needed. Just drop in any time between 5 and 7 pm. The event is listed for young children, school age kids, teens and families, and it is supported by the Friends of Chandler Public Library. The Downtown Library sits near the heart of downtown Chandler, which also hosts the city's tumbleweed tree and other holiday events in December. It is a two hour evening event on a Wednesday, so it fits well after school or dinner.

Parent tip: Drop in any time between 5 and 7 pm; no registration needed.

See dates and details from Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus!

Story time with Mrs. ClausFreeChandler Public Library · Chandler

Host
Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Basha Library, 5990 S Val Vista Dr, Chandler, AZ 85249 (near Phoenix)
When
Friday, December 11, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, no registration
Ages
Children 0 to 5, youth 6 to 12, families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Basha Library in south Chandler is welcoming a special guest from the North Pole. Mrs. Claus will share stories and festive cheer, and families can enjoy cookies and make holiday crafts during the hour. It is part of the city's Chandler for the Holidays lineup and is supported by the Friends of Chandler Public Library.

The library lists the program for young children, school age kids and families. No registration is required, but the library notes that space is limited, so arriving a little early is a good idea. Because it is a weekday morning program, it works especially well for preschoolers and younger siblings, along with homeschool families and anyone already out of school for the week. The program runs for one hour.

Parent tip: No registration, but space is limited, so arrive early.

See dates and details from Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Phoenix: Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament

Holiday craftsFreePhoenix Public Library · Phoenix

Host
Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Juniper Library, 1825 W Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85027
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Kids, works best for ages 5 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Juniper Library in north Phoenix is hosting a hands-on holiday craft hour where children create a special ornament for their family. It is a relaxed Saturday afternoon program in the library meeting room, and the finished piece goes home with your child, which makes it a nice keepsake or small gift for the tree.

The library lists the program for kids and notes that it works best for ages 5 and up, so younger siblings may need extra help from a grown-up. The listing does not mention registration or a fee. Phoenix Public Library asks families who need an accommodation to call 602-262-4636 or contact the library at least 14 business days before the event. Juniper Library is in north Phoenix near Union Hills Drive and 19th Avenue.

Parent tip: Best for ages 5 and up. Accommodation requests go to 602-262-4636 at least 14 business days ahead.

See dates and details from Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Phoenix: A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime

Holiday story timeFreePhoenix Public Library · Phoenix

Host
Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Juniper Library, 1825 W Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85027
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am
Cost
Free, tickets at the front desk
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Juniper Library is marking the winter season with a special family storytime built around books, songs, movement and play. The session is designed to be interactive and lively, and it ends with a craft. The library describes it as a joyful way for families to build early literacy skills together through fun and movement.

The program is open to all ages, though it is pitched at families with young children who are not yet in school. Support for the library's early literacy programs comes from a First Things First grant. Space in the meeting room is limited, so free tickets are handed out at the front desk starting 30 minutes before the program begins. It is a short, morning event that fits well before naptime.

Parent tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up a free ticket at the front desk, since space is limited.

See dates and details from Phoenix Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chandler: Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration!

Holiday showFreeChandler Public Library · Chandler

Host
Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Basha Library, 5990 S Val Vista Dr, Chandler, AZ 85249 (near Phoenix)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free, no registration
Ages
Families, youth 6 to 12
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

With kids home on winter break, Basha Library is offering a family bucket drumming session built around the holidays. Children, parents and grandparents explore rhythm together with hands-on activities, drum along to familiar holiday songs, learn simple patterns and play interactive musical games.

The library says all ages and skill levels are welcome and that no experience is needed. No registration is required. Buckets and drumsticks are provided during the session while supplies last, so arriving on time helps make sure everyone in your group gets a set. It is a lively, noisy hour, which makes it a good fit for kids who like to move and make music rather than sit still for a story. The session runs from 10 to 11 am on a Monday.

Parent tip: Buckets and drumsticks are provided while supplies last, so arrive on time.

See dates and details from Chandler Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Tucson

2 confirmed events for kids in Tucson, soonest first.

Tucson: Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol

Holiday story timePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W Wetmore Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
No fee listed
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library presents Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol at the Flowing Wells Library in Tucson on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Library presenter Jeanne Osgood tells a musical version of the Charles Dickens classic about a miser who learns to be generous, complete with ghosts and period costuming.

The story is illustrated and acted out behind a lighted screen, and the show mixes shadow puppets with Muppet-style puppets and masks. Children are invited to sing along and interact with the puppets, which keeps younger viewers engaged through a story they may not know yet. The library describes the program as a way to share the tale's moral lessons that reaches children's hearts and minds. The after-school time slot makes it an easy midweek stop, and Flowing Wells Library is on West Wetmore Road on Tucson's north side.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Gingerbread House Decorating

Holiday craftsPima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
Cost
No fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Quincie Douglas Library in south Tucson hosts Gingerbread House Decorating on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 10:30 am to noon. The Pima County Public Library provides the goods, and participants bring the imagination to decorate an edible house of their own.

The library encourages any style: a scary house, a beach house or a classic winter wonderland all fit. Families can take the finished house home to serve as a holiday centerpiece or, as the library puts it, a private cookie stash. To secure a spot, call Quincie Douglas Library at 520-594-5335 or stop in at the branch. The Saturday morning time works well for school-age children, and the hour and a half gives plenty of time for careful decorating. The same branch also offers a holiday ornament painting session with artist Dolores Haro on December 12.

Parent tip: Call 520-594-5335 or stop in at the branch to secure a spot.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Mesa

1 confirmed event for kids in Mesa, soonest first.

Mesa: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa

Santa visitFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Post, 26 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Fri November 27 (6:15 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm) and Thu December 24 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry Main Street is downtown Mesa's holiday celebration, and Santa stops by The Post on Macdonald for free visits throughout the season. He kicks things off on opening night, Friday, November 27, from 6:15 to 9 pm, then visits Fridays and Saturdays from November 28 through December 19, 5 to 9 pm. There are special hours on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 11 am to 3 pm.

There is no charge to see Santa, so bring your own phone or camera for photos. Most Merry Main Street activities are free, aside from ice skating and Mesa Arts Center shows. Only service animals are allowed at the activities, except at the separate Santa Paws pet photo days on Sundays. Families can make an evening of it around Mesa's 40-foot Christmas tree on Macdonald, north of Main Street.

Parent tip: Bring a phone or camera for photos. Parking is free in open downtown lots and on the street, and light rail is free between Country Club and Gilbert Rd. stations from 5 to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays Nov 27 to Dec 26.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Nevada, Christmas events for kids in New Mexico and Christmas events for kids in Utah list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Arizona Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Arizona in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Arizona for 2026 on each host’s own page: ZooLights in Phoenix (November 25), Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (November 27), Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library in Phoenix (December 3), A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa (December 5), Kids' Holiday Workshop! in Chandler (December 5), Santa's House in Chandler (December 5), Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights in Chandler (December 5), Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT in Tempe (December 6), Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland in Chandler (December 9), Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! in Chandler (December 11), Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament in Phoenix (December 12), Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson (December 16), A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime in Phoenix (December 17), Gingerbread House Decorating in Tucson (December 19) and Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration! in Chandler (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Phoenix, Arizona?

For families in and around Phoenix, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ZooLights (Evenings, Nov 25 to Jan 15, 5:30 to 10:30 pm, general $35, members $30, ages 2 and under free; santa photos extra); Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library (Thu, Dec 3, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, no fee listed); A Visit with Mrs. Claus (in Mesa, Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am, no fee listed); Kids' Holiday Workshop! (in Chandler, Sat, Dec 5, 1 to 2:30 pm, free, registration required); Santa's House (in Chandler, Sat Dec 5, Sat Dec 12, Tue Dec 15, Sat Dec 19, free photos with santa); Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights (in Chandler, Sat, Dec 5, 4:30 to 9 pm (parade 6:45 to 8 pm), free); Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT (in Tempe, Sun, Dec 6, 2 to 2:30 pm, no fee listed); Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland (in Chandler, Wed, Dec 9, 5 to 7 pm (drop in), free, no registration); Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! (in Chandler, Fri, Dec 11, 11 am to noon, free, no registration); Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 2 pm, free); A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime (Thu, Dec 17, 10 to 10:45 am, free, tickets at the front desk); Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration! (in Chandler, Mon, Dec 21, 10 to 11 am, free, no registration). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Phoenix section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Tucson, Arizona?

For families in and around Tucson, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol (Wed, Dec 16, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, no fee listed); Gingerbread House Decorating (Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am to noon, no fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Tucson section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Mesa, Arizona?

For families in and around Mesa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa (Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 27 to Dec 19, plus Dec 24, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Mesa section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Arizona?

Yes. 9 of the 15 events here are free: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa, Kids' Holiday Workshop! in Chandler, Santa's House in Chandler, Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights in Chandler, Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland in Chandler, Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! in Chandler, Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament in Phoenix, A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime in Phoenix and Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration! in Chandler. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Arizona this December?

Santa appears at ZooLights in Phoenix (November 25), Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (November 27), Santa's House in Chandler (December 5) and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights in Chandler (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Arizona?

Holiday story times on this page: Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library in Phoenix, A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa, Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT in Tempe, Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! in Chandler, Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson and A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime in Phoenix. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Arizona Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa (Early childhood), Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT in Tempe (Tots 0 to 5, youth 6 to 8, tweens 9 to 11), Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! in Chandler (Children 0 to 5, youth 6 to 12, families) and A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime in Phoenix (All ages).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Arizona on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: ZooLights in Phoenix (through January 15) and Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (through December 24).

How much is ZooLights in Phoenix?

General $35, members $30, ages 2 and under free; Santa photos extra. ZooLights is on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 to Friday, January 15, 2027 (nightly on public nights), 5:30 to 10:30 pm at Phoenix Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa?

Free. Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa is on Fri November 27 (6:15 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm) and Thu December 24 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026 at The Post. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library in Phoenix?

No fee listed. Holiday Express at South Mountain Community Library is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at South Mountain Community Library, Community Room L162-L163. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa?

No fee listed. A Visit with Mrs. Claus is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Mesa Express Library, Brady Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Kids' Holiday Workshop! in Chandler?

Free, registration required. Kids' Holiday Workshop! is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 2:30 pm at Hamilton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's House in Chandler?

Free photos with Santa. Santa's House is on Sat December 5 (4:30 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (9 am to 1 pm), Tue December 15 (6 to 8 pm) and Sat December 19 (9 am to 1 pm), 2026 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights in Chandler?

Free. Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 to 9 pm at Downtown Chandler, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT in Tempe?

No fee listed. Christmas Carol the Musical Storytime with AZACT is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 2 to 2:30 pm at Tempe Public Library, Desert Willow Program Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland in Chandler?

Free, no registration. Chandler for the Holidays: Jack's Winter Wonderland is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Chandler Downtown Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! in Chandler?

Free, no registration. Chandler For the Holidays: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus! is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 11 am to noon at Basha Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament in Phoenix?

Free. Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Ornament is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Juniper Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson?

No fee listed. Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Flowing Wells Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime in Phoenix?

Free, tickets at the front desk. A Winter Wonderland Family Storytime is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am at Juniper Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Decorating in Tucson?

No fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot. Gingerbread House Decorating is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Quincie Douglas Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration! in Chandler?

Free, no registration. Family Bucket Drumming: Holiday Celebration! is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Basha Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Arizona?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Arizona Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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