Whether you are an Arizona-local or just in town for the holidays, there are dozens of festivities happening every hour from now until the start of 2015. But there are, of course, some favorites. Here is a list of our top five holiday mainstays, in no particular order:

Christmas at the Princess

First on the list is the fifth annual Christmas at the Princess festival happening now through Jan. 4. This five-star resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland full of lights, drinks and food, rides and shopping. There will also be a 6,000 square foot ice rink and a Santa’s Workshop. Until Jan. 4, there will be a series of events hosted at the Christmas-renovated resort. There are also two-packages available for overnight stays during this holiday season for those out-of-state holiday visitors.

For more information, visit here.

 

PJs in the Park

What better reason to go than an excuse to wear your pajamas in public? Next is downtown Phoenix’s PJs in the Park event on Dec. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m., located at 424 N. Central Ave.  A family friendly event for the holiday where people are invited out to celebrate the holidays with free hot chocolate, a double feature of Elf and Polar Express, and a ride on the “Urban Polar Express,” the METRO Light Rail.

For more information, visit here.

 

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Tempe Beach Park is back at it for the holiday season. On Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., SRP is hosting the 2014 Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. Admission is free to spectators and all are invited out to enjoy a night full of lights. Santa will make a special appearance and join the crowd in enjoying the live entertainment, fireworks, and a festively lit and decorated boat parade on the lake.

For more information visit their website here.

 

Polar Express

This next event may be a bit of a drive for many in the Phoenix Metro, but it is well worth it. If you have young-ones in the family then a trip from now until Jan. 4 to Williams, Ariz. for the Polar Express is a must.  On this hour-long train tour you and your guests will be taken on a magical journey to the North Pole while Santa reads the original Christmas story and children sing carols together.

For more information visit their website here.

 

Winterhaven Festival of Lights

Last but certainly not least, we chose an event that truly highlights the giving spirit of the holiday season. Only a 90-minute drive from Phoenix, and the home to the University of Arizona, Tucson, will be the home to the 65th annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights at the Winterhaven Neighborhood Central Tucson from 6 to 10 p.m. from Dec. 13 through 27. People are welcome to walk, bike, skate, or take a trolley through the neighborhood and admire the lights, decorations, and holiday music. Entrance is free, but they ask for donations to the Tucson Community Food Bank.

For more information visit their website here.