Lights, Luminarias and a Parade on Central: Phoenix's Calendar for November and December 2026

Phoenix comes into its own at the end of the year. The heat finally lets go, patios fill up again, and the calendar turns into a run of art walks, garden festivals, light displays and a parade down Central Avenue. Here is what is confirmed for the weeks between now and New Year's Eve, with the dates each organizer has published, so you can plan a night out, a family outing or a visit with out-of-town guests.

First Fridays downtown: November 6 and December 4

On the first Friday of every month, galleries, studios and pop-up spaces across downtown stay open into the evening for an art walk that Artlink, a local nonprofit, started in the mid-1990s. Most of the activity gathers in the Roosevelt Row and Historic Grand Avenue arts districts. Both remaining dates of the year are on the calendar: Friday, November 6 and Friday, December 4. The walk is self-guided, so you can spend the whole night in one block or drift from neighborhood to neighborhood.

The Herberger Theater Center adds a free outdoor show on its plaza for each First Friday through spring. On November 6 the theme is Día de los Muertos, an evening of remembrance with music, dance, poetry and a look at the tradition of the ofrenda. On December 4 the plaza hosts a holiday program of music and dance from around the world, with an appearance from Santa and a visiting flamenco company performing alongside local artists.

Best for: couples, friends, art lovers, and anyone who likes an evening that is mostly walking and looking.

Chiles and chocolate at the Garden: November 13–15

The Desert Botanical Garden pairs heat with sweetness for its three-day Chiles & Chocolate Festival in mid-November. Expect a market of regional food makers selling chocolate, hot sauces, tamales, honey, toffee and more, with room to sample and live music along the way. The Garden lists it as an all-ages event, and it is an easy excuse to walk the desert trails while the weather is at its kindest.

Best for: food lovers, families with older kids, and anyone shopping early for edible gifts.

The lights come on: ZooLights and Las Noches de las Luminarias

Two holiday traditions that many Valley families return to every year open the week of Thanksgiving. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo begins Wednesday, November 25 and runs nightly into the new year, closing on January 15, 2027. The zoo describes millions of lights along its trails, a show over the lake, a glowing garden for kids, a long light tunnel and a lit trail of dinosaurs, with photos with Santa on select dates. Most animals are asleep after dark, so come for the lights rather than the exhibits.

At the Desert Botanical Garden, Las Noches de las Luminarias lines the paths with thousands of glowing paper bags on select nights: November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 16–23 and 26–31; and January 1–3. Live music plays around the grounds, and this year the evenings also show off the Garden's Super Bloom art installations. Tickets are sold for specific nights, so pick your date early.

Best for: families, date nights, and anyone hosting visitors over the holidays.

Parade night on Central: December 5

The 39th annual APS Electric Light Parade rolls through north-central Phoenix on the evening of Saturday, December 5. This year's theme is "Power the City With Lights." Floats, marching groups and lit-up vehicles travel from Central and Montebello avenues to 7th Street and Indian School Road. The city closes several roads along the route that evening, so plan on walking in from a side street and bringing a chair or blanket for the curb.

Best for: families with kids of every age and neighbors who like a free community night.

A December weekend of art and dance

The S'edav Va'aki Museum hosts its 49th annual Indian Market on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13. More than 100 Native American artists sell paintings, sculpture, jewelry, baskets and other handmade work, with music and dance performances, traditional foods, a Young Artist Market and a hands-on village area where visitors can try beading, gourd art, weaving and pottery.

Across town, Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker returns to Symphony Hall from December 11 through December 27, with The Phoenix Symphony playing the score live. It is a classic first ballet for young audiences and a holiday ritual for many local families.

Best for: gift shoppers who want something made by the artist, families, and anyone who loves live performance.

Courtside, too

The Phoenix Suns' season is under way downtown at Mortgage Matchup Center. The team's schedule includes a long home stretch through the first part of November, a game the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, and home games on December 30 and on New Year's Eve, a fun way to close out the year.

Best for: sports fans and groups of friends planning a big night out.

Whatever you choose, check each organizer's page before you head out for tickets, times and parking. Then go: these are the weeks Phoenix was made for.