Westgate Entertainment District has announced the return of its annual holiday event series, including a real outdoor ice rink, tree lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa. Westgate’s holiday festivities will run through mid-January. Boasting more than 30 restaurants, retailers and entertainment options, Westgate Entertainment District is your one-stop shop this holiday season.
The lineup of festive events at Westgate Entertainment District creates the ideal holiday hub for friends and family to gather and celebrate the season. The full list of events include:
Skate Westgate: All skill levels are welcome to partake in the timeless holiday tradition of outdoor ice skating at Westgate Entertainment District. Open Nov. 8 through Jan. 12, Skate Westgate hosts 3,500-square-feet of real ice in the heart of the district’s plaza in Fountain Park. Onsite tickets and skate rentals will still be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket booth located near the ice rink, single-use and season passes are available. For a daily schedule of operating hours and ticket pricing, visitwww.westgateaz.com/skate/.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Westgate Entertainment District’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony is an action-packed affair featuring a visit from Santa, classic carols and the luminous 36-foot tree lighting. The event takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. in Westgate’s Fountain Park. Event admission is free and Santa will be available for photos from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.westgateaz.com/holiday.
Visit Santa: Skip the mall to snap lasting memories with Santa at Westgate this holiday season. Beginning Nov. 26 and running through Dec. 24, Santa will be available for photo opportunities in Westgate’s Fountain Park. All guests will receive one free digital photo, and print photo packages are available for purchase. Plus, don’t forget to bring your furry friends along to get their own photo with Santa on Dec. 9, 16 and 23. To see Santa’s full schedule, visit www.westgateaz.com/santa/.
Santa Hustle 5K & Half Marathon: Jingle all the way through your choice of a 5k or half marathon filled with candy, cookies and music at Westgate Entertainment District. Held on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 8 a.m., the Santa Hustle encourages participants to dress in their Santa swag and take to the course for the holiday dash. To find additional information and register for the event, visit https://santahustle.com/arizona/. Use promo code WGXMAS to save $5 off your registration.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: From Nov. 29 through Dec. 21, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Westgate Entertainment District. Attendees will find the carriage pick-up and drop-off location at the AMC Theatres roundabout. Carriage rides will be available from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 14. All carriage rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Live Music: Westgate Entertainment District hosts free concerts every Friday and Saturday night in the district’s Fountain Park. To find a full lineup, visithttp://www.westgateaz.com/events/live-music.
Free parking is available at Westgate Entertainment District on stadium and arena non-event days. For patrons visiting Westgate Entertainment District on Gila River Arena and State Farm Stadium event dates, a parking fee of $15 per car will be in effect three to four hours prior to the start of the event. During this period, the paid parking receipt can be redeemed for up to $15 off your total bill at any participating restaurants and retailers, including Skate Westgate and AMC Theatres. One redemption per parking is allowed. For more information on parking, please visit www.westgateaz.com/parking.
Westgate Entertainment District is a hub of activity for Valley residents, featuring a variety of retail and dining options, a movie theater, special events and live music, creating an all-inclusive venue to host your holiday celebrations. Patrons are welcome to choose from a selection of indoor and outdoor destinations or private dining settings to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. For a full list of venues and holiday deals, visit http://www.westgateaz.com/party/.
