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Some of the best things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale happen during the Winter. Winter time in Phoenix and Scottsdale means golf tournaments, beer festivals, and any excuse to be outside.
Phoenix has been my hometown for the past 12 years. It’s where I started my first big girl job, met some of my best friends, became an adult, and met my husband.
Growing up in Buffalo, NY it’s basically unheard of being able to do so many things during the winter. However, Phoenix residents LIVE for the highs of the 60s & 70s during the winter.
Below are some of my Don’t Miss Events!
DECEMBER
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Las Noches De Las Luminarias
This event is held during the holidays at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The garden trails are lined nightly with over 8,000 twinkling luminaria bags and lights to see the gorgeous gardens. Grab a hot cocoa or cocktail at the garden bar as you stroll and are met by multiple entertainment ensembles.
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Winter Wonderland @ the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess
My favorite event for Christmas and one of the best things to do in Scottsdale! If you’re unable to stay at the Princess for the holiday, make a day of visiting the resort. Every winter, the hotel transforms into a Winter Wonderland filled with an ice skating rink, fire pits for making s’mores, and millions of LED lights showing off their festive light show and ginormous Christmas tree.
Although this is a kid-friendly event, many adults visit to enjoy the music, great restaurants, and multiple spiked cocktail bars around the resort.
JANUARY
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Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Car Auction
Barrett-Jackson is an auction of antique and collector cars. It’s one of the few places in the country that hosts the event as it is headquartered in Scottsdale. Not only will you see multi-million dollar cars for auction, but enjoy premium bars, gourmet food, and vendor displays.
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Waste Management Open
Known as the ‘Greatest Show on Grass,’ this is the event of the Winter season in Phoenix/Scottsdale. TPC Scottsdale golf course is host to the PGA Tour where attendance is uncapped. If you’re visiting for the first time, hole 16 is a must-see. People line up at 5 am for the ‘run to 16’ just to get in line. Not a golf fan? Not to worry, half the fun is the people watching, enjoying the sunshine and any excuse to day drink at 10 AM.
PRO TIP: Don’t drive to the Waste Management Open. Parking and traffic is crazy! Many bars in Old Town Scottsdale and bars near the Open provide discounted or FREE shuttles to and from the event.
FEBRUARY
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Strong Beer Festival
Craft beer lovers unite at this festival which has a concentration on showcasing Arizona local breweries. Hosted at Steele Indian School Park, enjoy the sunshine while sampling unique beers. Remember when I mentioned we love to be outside during Winter?
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Innings Festival
Down at Tempe Beach Park, Innings Festival is a two-day music event that features multiple stages of pop, rock, and country performances. Previous headliners include Dave Matthews Band, Weezer, Avett Brothers, and Portugal. The Man.
It’s also a precursor to Spring Training (hence the name) with batting cages and interviews with MLB fan favorite players. In between sets and batting cages, check out the array of local food vendors and beer & cocktail lounges.
What to do next
- Phoenix has seemingly endless events you could literally go to an event every weekend.
- Have an event you love? Let me know in the comments below.
- Like this Post? Pin it to save for later!
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