Looking for a Christmas activity beyond Zoolights? Here are some of my favorites I can’t wait to dive back into! I expect to keep updating this post as I discover new options and pop-ups, so feel free to check back as the holiday season progresses.

Sippin Santa at Bitter & Twisted

This yearly pop up has become my favorite Christmas tradition with my best friend. The decorations are spectacularly fun, and the drink quality matches the excellence Bitter & Twisted brings year-round. After being temporarily closed this fall, the bar reopened with their Christmas theme on November 15th.

Holiday seasonal menu at Garden Bar

Garden Bar regularly changes their menu for the seasons, so it’s not technically a Christmas pop-up, but it’s a great spot for warm spiced cider and figgy-pudding-inspired cocktails.

Pajamas in the Park : Christmas movie event

The city of Phoenix hosts this family-oriented event every year in the heart of downtown. You can find details and vote on which movies they show on their website and Instagram. This year, they’re showing Elf on December 3rd.

Phoestivus

A Christmas market to shop local and handmade options for gifts, happening December 14th and 15th. You can follow them on Instagram for more information: @phoestivus.

Other options

Aside from my established favorites, there are other places and even some new things I haven’t tried yet. If you’re craving more Christmas in your life, google the best neighborhood lights to drive through (I think they’re mostly concentrated in Chandler) and plan to hit up one of these before or after!

Schnepf Farms becomes Christmas-themed beginning November 25th.

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar has a Christmas pop up called Miracle.

Hula’s does Christmas tiki specials every year.

Ghost Donkey in downtown Phoenix is Christmas-themed from November 15th onward.

Porter’s Western Saloon in Scottsdale already has Christmas decor up, as of Veteran’s Day Weekend.

The Desert Botanical Garden has a Christmas illumination beginning December 9th, along with their Chihuly installations.