Holiday/Festivals

ZOOLIGHTS AT PHOENIX ZOO

With expanded trails and new sights and sounds, ZooLights is bigger, brighter and better than ever. Enjoy this beloved Valley tradition that sets the zoo aglow with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and the Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures, including polar bears, mammoths, peacocks and more. This year offers a new way to see the lights with Cruise ZooLights, a drive-thru experience. Attendees can also meet Santa for a photo and have a chance to send their letters to Santa.

phoenixzoo.org

CHRISTMAS AT SCHNEPF FARMS Experience a winter wonderland like no other with seasonal food, Christmas movies, games, bonfires, train rides and hayrides, a historic carousel — and Santa. schnepfchristmas.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS Celebrate the magic of the holidays with ice skating, marshmallow roasts, holiday characters, kid-friendly activities, photos with Santa and festive decorations. scottsdaleprincess.com

CITYSKATE ICE RINK Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, the Valley’s largest outdoor ice rink is fun for all ages, with a 36-foottall holiday tree, hourly light shows and an enhanced audio experience. dtphx.org

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY POLAR EXPRESS Listen to the magical story while on a 90-minute train ride to the “North Pole” to meet Santa and his reindeer, who are waiting with presents for good girls and boys. thetrain.com

M3F

March 4-5. Also known as the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, this 100% nonprofit festival takes over Margaret T. Hance Park in Downtown Phoenix with some of the biggest acts in the business. Enjoy a range of musical genres, from electronic dance to jam rock, electro-pop to hip-hop and more. A Valley staple thanks to its diverse lineup and a communityfirst culture, the festival, which is run completely by volunteers from WESPAC Construction, has raised more than $3 million for charity since its inception in 2004.

m3ffest.com

ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Feb. 5-April 3. This outdoor event is a medieval amusement park, theater, circus, arts and crafts fair, jousting tournament and feast — all rolled into one family adventure. arizona.renfestinfo.com

COUNTRY THUNDER April 7-10 2022. This four-day music festival brings the superstars of country to Florence. Enjoy an epic lineup of talent as well as a fun on-site camping experience. countrythunder.com/az

OSTRICH FESTIVAL March 11-13; 17-20. This family-friendly festival features live entertainment, rides and games, festival food and stage shows. ostrichfestival.com

TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL Jan. 14-23. Enjoy afternoon and evening performances by world-class jazz acts from straight-ahead to contemporary jazz. tucsonjazzfestival.org