This fall and winter, Scottsdale invites locals to take a deep breath, regain balance, escape the hustle and bustle of every day and embrace the thrill of discoveries just outside their front door. Residents can find a new favorite trail on a sun-drenched hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, unplug with a spa treatment inspired by desert botanicals, or treat themselves to the latest culinary creations from celebrity chefs. For Arizonans looking for a touch of holiday sparkle, Scottsdale has that too.

Need more? Read more: Happy resort Thanksgiving in Arizona (no mess, no stress!)

Fall into savings

Several Scottsdale hotspots are offering holiday season savings with discounted and special resort packages:

• Fee-Free Fall Special from Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort: The newly unveiled Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort invites guests to experience effortless stays with all the essentials, minus the extra fees. Indulge in new dining concepts by acclaimed Chef Richard Blais, a refreshed Spa Avania and more, with no resort fee, pet fee or parking fee (valid Oct. 8, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025; minimum two nights).
• Advance Purchase Rate at Hotel Valley Ho: Old Town Scottsdale’s historic, midcentury-modern gem is within walking distance of art museums and locally owned galleries, shops and restaurants. Save up to 20% off the best flexible rate when pre-paying, with a room upgrade at check-in (based upon availability; valid through Dec. 31).
• Stay More, Save More from Royal Palms Resort and Spa: Local visitors can save 10% on two nights or 15% on three or more nights at this romantic escape at the foot of the iconic Camelback Mountain. The picturesque mansion-turned-resort offers the ideal escape for beautiful weather, indulgent dishes, luxurious spa treatments and more (book now through Dec. 31 for stays Oct. 8, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2025).
• Inclusive Package from CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa: Those looking to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with the mind and body can take advantage of 15% off accommodations, one spa treatment per night*, complimentary dining and unlimited daily wellness classes at this secluded desert oasis (*up to $215, service charge included; 30-day advanced booking required).
• Villa Escape at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa: To experience the best of both worlds: space and privacy, guests can enjoy a luxurious mountainside villa with a view, plus a credit to enjoy Sanctuary’s dining, spa and other exclusive resort amenities. The package includes accommodations and a $250 resort credit (valid through Dec. 31).

Unwrap ultimate luxury

What better way to celebrate the Scottsdale holiday season than with two of its iconic destinations.

• Tucked within the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs has revealed a slate of 2024-25 programming embracing the healing power of nature. As Arizona’s first wellness resort in the late 1890s and a member of Historic Hotels of America, Castle Hot Springs now offers the “Connecting with Water” tour to discover the history, geology and therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich hot springs. Additionally, the new “Wellness Through Water” package features mindful soaking, a private 60-minute Watsu treatment and hot springs. The resort’s Farm-to-Bar curriculum features a new Molecular Mixology class using fresh, farm-grown ingredients from resort crops.
• The scenic setting of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North at the base of Pinnacle Peak mountain becomes even more swoon-worthy with “Desert-A-Glow” programming that includes a brunch buffet on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and gingerbread cookie-decorating classes for children. Additionally, guests can partake in Gingerbread Afternoon Tea every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-29, beloved holiday classic movies on an outdoor screen and a special Breakfast with Santa. Staycationers can also find stargazing, hiking and world-class golf — all at their fingertips.

Savor the Scottsdale holiday season spirit

From a full Princess Christmas extravaganza to the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias, there are numerous ways for Arizonans to light up their fall and winter holiday season this year.

• Celebrate the splendor of the season at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which will transform into an enchanting winter wonderland for Christmas at the Princess. The festival adds magic to the desert with more than 10 million LED lights, an ice-skating rink, Ferris wheel, Princess Express Train, S’moresland and more. Eventgoers can also check out exclusive experiences like Aurora Ice — a lounge made entirely of real ice — luxury fire tables at Chateau Champagne and the new show, “STARLIGHTS: An Electric Symphony” (Nov. 22 – Jan. 4).
• Comfortably chilly desert nights transform into a mesmerizing spectacle as ZooLights, once again, illuminates the Phoenix Zoo. Animal lanterns and dazzling lights delight patrons of all ages, who can also warm up with hot cocoa and treats at s’mores firepits (Nov. 27 – Jan. 12).
• Holiday cheer is alive and well at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, as families are welcomed back to take a ride on the open-air train through a magical world made of captivating light displays and animatronic characters (Nov. 29 – Dec. 30).
• The City of Scottsdale’s end-of-year extravaganza, Scottsdazzle — now in its ninth year — blankets Old Town with more seasonal cheer and events. The Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30 kicks off a month of festivities including the free Scottsdazzle Stroll along decorated canal banks, holiday-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk, Peppermint Plaza cocktails and shopping at the Merry Merchantile Market (Nov. 30 – Dec. 31).
• An annual tradition, Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias presents an even brighter spectacle this year, with “LIGHT BLOOM” by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning, geometric light installations alongside luminaria-lit trails, twinkling lights, musical performances, and festive food and drinks (select nights Nov. 29 – Dec. 30).

For staycation inspiration and more ideas for celebrating the holidays in Scottsdale, visit UnwindInScottsdale.com.