Christmas is Hot in Phoenix, Arizona

Winter holidays are a strange phenomenon in Phoenix - while most of the country is shoveling snow from the driveway while wearing a parka and scarf, we Phoenicians are scheduling a round of golf or doing our Christmas shopping in a pair of shorts and flip flops. It is hard to get into the spirit of the season when the temperature reaches 80 degrees during the day.

Perhaps because of this, Phoenicians are known for putting on a spectacular display of holiday lighting. We thread strings of brightly colored lights through the cactus on the front lawn, wind white bulbs around the base of our palm trees and retrieve the ladder to attach Santa and all eight of his reindeer across the top of our roof.

With winter visitors firmly in place until spring, there is always something to do be it a theatre performance, special concert or a downtown community event. Every area of the valley - from Gilbert to Glendale - plans a spectacular show. There is no need to drive for miles across town to participate or observe with the wealth and variety of holiday affairs in the Phoenix valley. Here is a sampling of traditional, as well as newer, Christmas events.

Free Christmas Events

1) Kick off the season with a concert by the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Every year on the Thursday evening following Thanksgiving, the Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa hosts their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie as you stroll around the Atrium lobby made festive with an abundance of decorated trees, wreaths, nutcrackers and lighted animal sculpture. This event is not advertised but still manages to attract a standing room only crowd, so arrive early. Admission is free. Details: 480-833-5555

2) Tempe's Mill Avenue; from Rio Salado Parkway to Seventh Street, is alight with holiday decorations of snowmen, reindeer and snowflakes from Thanksgiving through the New Year. The Christmas tree at Centerpoint is a main focus while the highlight of your trip through downtown culminates in the spectacular lights lining the Mill Avenue Bridge. Admission is free. Details: 480-921-2300

3) Glendale Glitters occurs annually in the streets of Old Towne Glendale with its plethora of antique stores, gift and crafts shops. More than one million lights are threaded throughout the parks, trees and along the streets. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available in December while carolers stroll through downtown and set the mood. November through January, admission is free. Details: 623-930-2299

4) Mesa's Church of Latter Day Saints temple just north of downtown draws a crowd every weekend with its elaborate live nativity scene and Christmas concert series. Saunter along the pathways throughout the grounds of the temple and enjoy viewing the myriad lights illuminating the trees and various Christmas exhibits and dioramas. Admission is free. Details: 480-964-7164

Christmas Events for a Small Fee

5) Canyon Lake, east of Apache Junction on Highway 88, hosts an annual parade of lights. Boat after boat will float by the beach at the marina, each decorated with its own special Christmas theme. Admission is a can of food for donation to a local food bank. Details: 480-288-9233

6) Animals are part of the holidays, too! A visit to the Phoenix Zoo during their ZooLights event is a must for families. Literally millions of lights illuminate the paths throughout the facility to form monkeys swinging across the lagoon, flamingos twinkling in time to music and various other animals. The real ones are put to bed for the night while you enjoy strolling through the zoo with a hot cup of cider and a marshmallow treat purchased from the snack bar. Regular zoo admission prices apply. Details: 602-273-1341

7) Santa's Theme Park is a relative newcomer on the scene. An entertainment park with rides, Santa and his sleigh, glittering lights, food and holiday performances mark this event at Firebird Raceway. Admission to the park is $18.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and children. Details: 1-888-PHX-SANTAS

8) Every community seems to have a neighborhood of folks who get together each year and try to outdo each other with their displays of Christmas lights and decorations. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or cider, pile the kids into the car and map out your route ahead of time for the best experience. Usually free, although some neighborhoods charge a charitable donation. For details, visit http://www.azpaths.com/features/christmas-lights.php

Feliz Navidad from sunny Phoenix!