Holiday Lights & Events in Gilbert and the East Valley

One of the greatest parts of living in the Gilbert & East Valley area is the number of Holiday events running through December! We’ve put together a list of some of our family favorites for a season of fun and lights!

RIPARIAN AFTER DARK- Open December 8/9 & 15/16 5:30pm-9:00pm (Gilbert)

For more info: gilbertaz.gov/rad

Located at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert (next to the Gilbert Library), the Riparian After Dark is an evening light display spread out over the park. All paths are ADA accessible. Put on by the Town of Gilbert, and community non-profit partners, they aim to collect items in need each night RAD is open, as well as have live entertainment.

December 8th – Open Arms Food Bank- Donation: Hearty Canned Soup

December 9th- Maricopa Animal Shelters- Donation: Dog Food, Blankets and Supplies

December 15th-AZcend-Donation: Canned Goods

December 16th-Gilbert Fire and Rescue- Donation: Children’s Toys and Games

CHRISTMAS ON COMSTOCK- Open nightly in December 6:00 pm til 10:30 pm (Gilbert)

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasOnComstock/

In 2015, this Gilbert neighborhood won ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” with its amazing display of more than 110,000 lights and 300 strobe lights, many synchronized to music— located off Higley & Elliot, the best way to view the neighborhood is to park at Basha’s or San Tan Charter school and take a walk through to see all of the homes lit up! You are welcome to drive through as well, but be sure to check their facebook page for directions on how to enter the neighborhood and keep traffic flowing safely. Donations accepted to benefit Make-A-Wish Arizona!

3 CHANUKAH EVENTS- Mid-December (Gilbert & Queen Creek)

For more info: http://www.jewishgilbert.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/2772632/jewish/Chanukah-Extravaganza.htm

Photo from City-Wide Menorah Lighting www.jewishgilbert.com

City-Wide Menorah Lighting 12/13 6-6:45 at SanTan Village (West End of Harkins Court)
Queen Creek Menorah Lighting 12/14 6-6:45 Queen Creek Library
Chanukah Extravaganza! 12/17 12-2:30pm The Barn at Power Ranch

Chanukah Extravaganza 2014 Photo by www.jewishgilbert.com

TATA JOSEPH’S CHRISTMAS GARAGE & NATIVITY: Opens in Mid-December (Queen Creek)

For more info: https://tinyurl.com/TataJoseph

One man’s hobby has turned into a yearly tradition! Tata Joseph decks out his garage with 500+ tiny homes and turns it into a village wonderland. Located in Queen Creek, its a delight to see (and meet the man himself). Usually open Thanksgiving through New Year’s, this year had a slight change of plans with a gifted “Honeymoon” trip for Tata & his lovely bride of 50 years, so they plan to open around December 15. Keep an eye on the facebook page for full details, but its definitely a lights display you don’t want to miss!

RAWHIDE SNOWY CHRISTMAS- Open 11/23-12/23 Fridays-Sundays (Chandler)

For More Info: http://rawhide.com/index.php/special-events/rawhide-snowy-christmas-2017/

Rawhide’s Snowy Christmas from Rawhide Western Town on Vimeo.

An Old West Christmas! The entire town decked out for the holidays with a 100′ Christmas tree lit nightly, Santa visits every weekend and SNOW! Check the website for times & parking info.

Photo by David Jolkovski/Tribune

PHOENIX ZOO LIGHTS- Open 11/22-1/14 5:30-10:30pm (Tempe)

For more info: http://www.phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights/

A Phoenix tradition, ZooLights is all about the “WOW” factor. This year they’ve added DINOSAURS! “ZooLights shines with millions of lights, a three-story lighted tree, hundreds of glimmering light displays, lakeside Music-in-Motion shows and more!” It’s a must see attraction for all family members, with discounted tickets available by buying online.

We hope you enjoy the lights & sounds of the holiday season! Wishing you much love & joy! –Team Fostering Relationships

Posted in Events, Things to Do in Gilbert