Things To Do In Arizona January 2025
Discover a place where you'll love to live
Welcome to the January 2025 edition of "Things to Do in Arizona!" The first one for this year! I hope this email finds you well and ready to enjoying some of new activities and events.
OK - it’s time for some shameless self-promotion. I am a full-time real estate agent and I have been helping people to buy and sell real estate for over 30 years. Please call me with any of your real estate needs. My experience extends from the first time homebuyer to working with the savvy investor.. For a comprehensive list of available homes, visit www.OnlineArizonaHomes.com.
On another note, don't forget to join our Facebook group which now has over 64,000 members! We share ideas about events, restaurants, places to go and we even have a weekly photo contest. It is a really fun and positive group. We would love for you to join the group - click here to join!
I’d love to hear your feedback—whether you attended any of these events or have suggestions for activities to include in future newsletters.
Wishing you a wonderful January and a Happy and New Year!
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Event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Some events require tickets or may charge fees for attendance. Please check with event organizers before attending.
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***Ongoing until January 5th, 2025 - Holiday Snowfest at Salt River Fields - Scottsdale - Over 350 tons of REAL snow – yes, real snow in the Arizona desert! Take a ride down the 20ft. Snow Slide on an innertube, pose inside a giant life-sized snow globe or next to the 50ft. Christmas tree.
Head over to Santa’s House for a Meet n’ Greet. Step into the Igloo Bar offering festive cocktails and hot chocolate for kids - Participate in carnival winter snow games or build a snowman with REAL snow! Dazzle under MILLIONS of lights and so much more. Prices vary - .https://holidaysnowfest.com/
***Ongoing till Jan 5th 2025- 28th Annual Festival of Lights - Lake Havasu City - English Village and London Bridge - With over 650,000 lights setting alight along Bridgewater Channel this nightly free event is full of holiday charm. 6-10 pm, 928-855-0888 or 800-2HAVASU or https://www.golakehavasu.com/lake_havasu_festival_lights-2024
***Ongoing - January 5th - Tianyo Lights Festival - Phoenix/Glendale - Camelback Ranch - Experience an enchanting night at the Tianyu Lights Festival in Phoenix! Wander through breathtaking luminous art installations and immerse yourself in four captivating themes: Illuminated Forest, Fairy Tale Wonderland, Panda-land, and Ocean World. Indulge in delicious foods and beverages at our Food Court, and complete your visit with a trip to the Marketplace, where you’ll find unique, handcrafted treasures. Tickets $18.00 and up. Wednesday - Sunday 5:30pm - 10:30pm https://tianyuculture.us/phoenix/?a
***Ongoing – Jan 7th 2025 – Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde – Camp Verde – Fort Verde State Historic Park – See how those who resided at Fort Verde celebrated Christmas on the Frontier. There will be Victorian decorations, wreaths and garlands galore. https://azstateparks.com/fort-verde/events/fort-verde-victorian-christmas
*** Ongoing till January 12th, 2025 - Light’s Up A Festival of Illumination - Tucson Botanical Gardens - Experience Southern Arizona’s newest holiday tradition!
Get ready to enjoy the second annual festival of illumination: LightsUp! Stroll through six themed light areas and be dazzled by over one million lights, dancing sculptures, and awe-inspiring luminaria displays.
6 nights a week, Tuesday – Sunday
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tickets are sold in arrival timeslots as follows
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
6:45 pm – 7:30 pm
7:30 pm – 8:15 pm
8:15 pm – 8:45 pm
8:45 pm – 9:30 pm
Buy tickets online. https://tucsonbotanical.org/event/lightsup/
***Ongoing until January 12, 2025 – Annual Zoolights – Phoenix Zoo – This is an Arizona tradition not to be missed!. With over 3.7 million lights and 700 lighted sculptures throughout the zoo this is truly a wonderful way to spend the evening. 5:30 – 10:30 nightly. You can purchase tickets online. $ 602-273-1341 or http://www.phoenixzoo.org
***Ongoing - January 20th - Lightbloom- Phoenix - Desert Botanical Garden - LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO is a limited-time exhibit where nature and light converge. This mesmerizing display invites you to explore the Garden transformed by stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, LIGHT BLOOM comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the Garden. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract. Included with the price of admission. https://dbg.org/events/light-bloom/2025-01-20/
Jan 1st – 1st Day Hikes – There are First Day Hikes going on at State Parks throughout Arizona. Some of these are basic hikes, while others include educational opportunities, scavenger hunts, dog socializing and much more. To find a hike at one of your favorite state parks go to http://azstateparks.com/ - Happy Hiking!!
January 3rd - Artlink First Friday Phoenix - Downtown Phoenix - Enjoy the spirit and culture of downtown Phoenix as you mingle with thousands of other residents and visitors. Tour art galleries, venues, and related spaces from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every First Friday of the month. (Note: each art space has their own hours.) There is even a First Friday Trolley to help you get around! Free. https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/
January 3rd – First Friday Artwalk – Flagstaff- Downtown Flagstaff. This is one of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events. On the first Friday of each month the art galleries and businesses of downtown Flagstaff stay open from 4-8pm. There are special arts exhibits, live music and more. https://downtownflagstaff.org/events/first-friday-art-walk
January 3rd - First Friday in the Galleries - Sedona - On the 1st Friday of each month, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. https://visitsedona.com/events-calendar/first-friday-in-the-galleries/
Jan 3rd – Jan 5th – 52nd Annual Flagg Gem and Mineral Show – Mesa – Mesa Community College – This is the Phoenix area's largest gem and mineral show. There will be over 80 dealers selling minerals, fossils and gems at this event. Free mineral samples for teachers and students as well as activities for children. 9am – 5pm Free – 480 814-9086 or https://flaggmineralfoundation.org/home/flagg-gem-and-mineral-show/
January 4th - Yuma AGFest - Historic Downtown Main Street Yuma - Start the new year with a day of fun, food, and farming pride at Yuma Ag Fest! Formerly the Medjool Date Festival, this reimagined event celebrates all of Yuma’s agriculture on Saturday, January 4, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Yuma. Join us for this free, family-friendly festival honoring our city’s title as the “Winter Vegetable Capital of the World.”
Time: 10 am – 9 pm, Ages: All ages FREE Admission. FREE Parking https://www.yumaaz.gov/government/communications/festivals-special-events/yuma-agfest
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Didn’t find anything of interest for this week – Check out the Facebook page Things to do in Arizona for even more ideas and updates.
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Jan 4th – Annual Polar Bear Day – Lake Havasu City – London Bridge Beach – No wimps allowed at this traditional Arizona event – and no wet suits either! Earn your Polar Bear Patch by leaping into the lake! Afterwards, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy a pot of hot soup to take the chill out of your insides. $5.00 for swimmers, 12:00 pm - 2pm. 928-486-0106 or http://www.golakehavasu.com
Jan 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Dog Days in the Garden - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Back by pup-ular demand! Dog Days are a perfect op-paw-tunity to walk the trails, heel for photo opps and meet other dog lovers amid the beauty of the Garden. Last Dog Admission: 10:30 – 11 a.m. time slot.
Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time! Garden admission rates apply. https://dbg.org/events/dog-days-at-the-garden-4/2025-05-10/
Jan 9th - Jan 12th – Annual Havasu Hot Air Balloon Festival & Fair - Lake Havasu State Park - Designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America! There will be at least 60 hot air balloons (with both tethered and untethered rides) night glows and spectacular mass ascensions. More than 150 vendors and entertainment acts scheduled along with children's activities and a carnival. $20 for a 4 day pass, Starting on Thursday at Noon until Sunday at 3pm. 928- 486-7979 or http://www.golakehavasu.com or https://havasuballoonfestival.com/
Jan 10th - Jan 12th - 15th Annual Cave Creek Fine Arts and Wine Festival - Stagecoach Village - Cave Creek - The Cave Creek Fine Arts and Wine Festival returns to Stagecoach Village for three days of art, wine, music and food! The event features 100 Fine Artists and talented craftsmen exhibiting throughout the open-air plaza of Stagecoach Village creating a relaxing and intimate setting for patrons to shop while sipping wine, listening to live music, and taking in the panoramic views of the cactus studded foothills. Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet chocolates, and patio dining from a selection of fine restaurants and food trucks., 10 am – 5 pm, https://www.vermillionpromotions.com/event/cave-creek-indian-art-market/
***Jan 10th - March 23rd*** - 21st Annual Arizona Fine Art Expo - Scottsdale - Southwest corner of Jomax & Scottsdale Rd - Watch over 100 nationally acclaimed fine artisans working in a studio environment. There will be hands-on art demonstrations and workshops, entertainment, a café and on weekends there will be musical entertainment, $12.00 for a season pass. 10 am – 6 pm, 480-837-7163 or http://www.ArizonaFineArtExpo.com
Jan 11th - Dog Days in the Garden - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Back by pup-ular demand! Dog Days are a perfect op-paw-tunity to walk the trails, heel for photo opps and meet other dog lovers amid the beauty of the Garden. Last Dog Admission: 10:30 – 11 a.m. time slot.
Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time! Garden admission rates apply. https://dbg.org/events/dog-days-at-the-garden-4/2025-05-10/
Jan 16th - Jan 19th - 32nd Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival - Willcox Community Center -Wings Over Willcox 2025 will offer guided walks, tours, and presentations. WINGS OVER WILLCOX (WOW) combines adventure, entertainment and education to provide a fun-filled weekend of birding pleasure for the novice, expert or curious.
The Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival takes place during the MLK weekend with daytime and evening activities. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to see the winter migrants and southwest bird species that are found in the Sulphur Springs Valley. The festival also provides many opportunities to explore nature in Southeast Arizona through tours for photography, geology, archeology, history, botany, agriculture, and ranching. A nature expo in the community center has educational booths, live animal displays, and a wide variety of vendors with nature-related crafts and wares. Free seminars about many different topics are offered throughout the day in the community center. Willcox is situated east of Tucson, Arizona and is a scenic drive of about an hour and fifteen minutes on I-10. Participants can stop in during a day trip, or check out our Area Attractions links for food and lodging options. https://na.eventscloud.com/website/79513/home
January 16th - 19th - 28th Annual Buses By the Bridge - Lake Havasu City - It’s time for a cruise and blast to the past!
Enjoy more than 600 Volkswagen buses at this year's Buses by the Bridge.
What started as a split-window campout has turned into a Volkswagen extravaganza with VW buses coming from all over the county to camp out in our Lake Havasu State Park.
This event will showcase VW buses of all makes and models including vintage.
Gather the kids on this bright and beautiful Saturday to help burn off some extra energy in the bouncy houses.
For some adult fun, we encourage you to enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride or participate in the chili cook-off. The finale of this groovy event will be a delicious pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.
ENTRANCE FEES $5 per person for walk-in spectators (children 17 years old and younger are free), good all weekend as long as you have your wristband on.
https://www.busesbythebridge.com/
Jan 17th – Jan 19th – 32nd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival – Carefree - This festival features award-winning and renowned artists from throughout the U.S. and abroad. Enjoy the live musical entertainment while sipping fine wines from around the world. $5, 10 am - 5 pm, 480-837-5637 or http://www.thunderbirdartists.com
Jan 17th - Jan 25th - Tucson Jazz Festival - This festival is 8 days long long, the centerpiece of which is the free daylong Downtown Jazz Fiesta on January 20th - Martin Luther King Day, on two outdoor stages and other venues downtown. World-class jazz acts of genres from straight ahead to contemporary jazz are featured at the Fox and Rialto theaters and other venues in or near downtown. http://tucsonjazzfestival.org/
***Jan 18th - March 30th*** - Annual Celebration of Fine Art - Scottsdale - This is a unique experience in which you have the opportunity to meet and watch over 100 artists as they create their original works of art. Located in the big white tents on Scottsdale Rd and Loop 101 Freeway. $12.00 - this is a season pass which is good for the duration of the 10 week show. 10 am - 6 pm, 480-443-7695 or http://www.celebrateart.com/
Jan 18th - Dog Days in the Garden - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Back by pup-ular demand! Dog Days are a perfect op-paw-tunity to walk the trails, heel for photo opps and meet other dog lovers amid the beauty of the Garden. Last Dog Admission: 10:30 – 11 a.m. time slot.
Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time! Garden admission rates apply. https://dbg.org/events/dog-days-at-the-garden-4/2025-05-10/
Jan 18th - Jan 19th - 24th Annual Casa Grande Downtown Street Fair - This event has been established as one of the largest festivals in our region, with attendance estimated between 25,000 and 40,000 for the 2-day event. This event features a Saturday Car Show, Beer Garden and live entertainment both days, and a children’s area with rides and games. https://cgmainstreet.com/index.php/event/street-fair-car-show
January 18th - January 19th - La Encantada Winter Art Festival - La Encantada Shopping Center, Tucson - The La Encantada Fine Art Festival series has grown to become one of the most juried fine art festivals in Southern Arizona. Hosted on three separate weekends throughout the year, the festival curates a diverse group of emerging and established sculptors, jewelers, painters, and mixed media artists. With limited exhibit space made available at each festival, each event will focus on a rotating group of display fine artisans. Free - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm https://www.saaca.org/laefineart.html
Jan 18th- Jan 26th - Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction - Scottsdale - WestWorld - The rich and famous, as well as the not-so rich and famous, flock to Scottsdale to see the largest and most prestigious antique/classic car auction in the world. This year will feature over 1,400 rare and exceptional vehicles including American & European classics, sports & racing cars and automobilia collectibles. 9 am - 10 pm, 480-421-6694 or http://www.barrett-jackson.com Prices vary for different days.
Jan 24th - Annual RM Sotheby’s Car Auction - Phoenix - Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa - Although not as large as Barrett Jackson this auction features some of the world's most influential automobiles. 800-211-4371 or http://www.rmsothebys.com
January 24th - 26th - 14th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic - Goodyear Ballpark - Balloons: Up to 25 hot-air balloons, including special shapes, will participate. On all 3 mornings, the sky will be filled with colorful hot-air balloons participating in the Morning Ascensions from the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark for a spectacular sight of mass and color. Spectators can walk on the field and experience the balloon's inflation and lift off. Photo taking is encouraged.
DESERT GLOWS on Friday and Saturday evenings, January 24th & 25th are the most popular attended events. A field full of illuminated, tethered, hot air balloons will glow in time to music.
Other Events: Hot Air Balloon rides, Family Fun Zone,, Hot Air Balloon Tether rides, Live Entertainment, sampling, and many other exciting events.Tickets - you can buy a three day pass or individual day passes. https://abcfest.com/
Jan 24th - February 2nd- Annual Chandler International Film Festival - Chandler - The Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) began in 2016 with a simple idea to share international films in a local setting. CIFF is proudly located in Chandler, Arizona and is one of the fastest-growing film festivals in Arizona. The festival is dedicated to uniting the community through the film--whether you’re a filmmaker or a casual viewer there is something for everyone.
The ninth annual festival takes place January 24th- February 2nd in Chandler, Arizona and includes plans to screen more than 125 films in a wide variety of categories. Additionally, there will be an opening night ceremony, educational filmmaking workshops, discussion panels, celebrity appearances, a film market and expo and a closing night awards ceremony. Various prices - https://www.chandlerfilmfestival.com/
Jan 25th - Dog Days in the Garden - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Back by pup-ular demand! Dog Days are a perfect op-paw-tunity to walk the trails, heel for photo ops and meet other dog lovers amid the beauty of the Garden. Last Dog Admission: 10:30 – 11 a.m. time slot.
Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time! Garden admission rates apply. https://dbg.org/events/dog-days-at-the-garden-4/2025-05-10/
Jan 25th - Bonhams Annual Scottsdale Car Sale - Scottsdale - Westin Kierland Resort & Spa At this event there will be exceptional motorcars for sale. https://www.bonhams.com/location/ARI/scottsdale-the-westin-kierland-resort-and-spa/
Jan 25th – Annual BrewHaHa - Flagstaff - Orpheum Theater - This annual event features more than 50 local, regional and western breweries and more than 40 different craft beers. There will be live music, live comedy, hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings. Benefits Habitat for Humanity of Flagstaff, $20.00 - $46.00, 1:30-5:30 pm, 888-512-7469 or http://www.flagstaffbrewhaha.com
Jan 25th- Winter Trout Fishing Derby - Litchfield Park - Tierra Verde Lake Park - Your chances of catching something are pretty good as the lake is stocked with more than 750 lbs of trout! A license is not required for this event that includes food, prizes and giveaways. You need to register ahead of time online. There is a fee for each spot.. You must provide your own fishing equipment and bait. 7:30 am – 3 pm, https://www.litchfieldpark.gov/1293/Litchfield-Park-Trout-Derby#:~:text=About%20this%20Event,traditionally%20a%20fun%20family%20event.
January 25th - January 26th - Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo and Little Delbert Days - Lake Havasu Friends of the Fair Rodeo Grounds at SARA Park - Whether you're serious about rodeo or just want to horse around, this two-day fun-filled event has something for everyone! Local mutton busters and calf riders test their skills, along with hundreds of Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association cowboys and cowgirls from around the southwest!
For kids there are hands-on activities: Pony Rides, a Petting Zoo, "Little Tuff" Tractor, Races, a Cupcake Walk, Mechanical Bull, a Roping Arena, a Sand Pile, Rock Climbing Wall, Old-Time Photos, a Super-Slide, Ole' Fishing Hole, Gold Panning and Bounce Houses. $15.00 pp www.Havasurodeo.com
January 25th - January 26th - Superior’s Annual Home Tour and Antique Show - This January, the Superior Chamber of Commerce presents the 16th Annual Home Tour and Antique Show, a one-of-a-kind event that will showcase several restored homes and buildings that capture the spirit of Superior, a charming, former mining town with a past dating back to the late 1800s. In addition, the tour will feature an antique show, handmade pottery for sale from the Mexican village of Mata Ortiz, and performances that will bring the town's history to life. Tickets $20.00 $25.00 at the door https://superiorazhometour.com/
January 25th - February 2nd - City of Scottsdale Western Week Cultural Celebration - Western Week honors Scottsdale’s Western roots and Native American heritage through a series of historical events, educational engagements, family-friendly activities and entertainment. Western Week kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 in Historic Old Town and continues Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Marshall Way Bridge. Visitors can expect blacksmith demonstrations, line dancing, live entertainment and more. Check out all of the events for the week here: https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/western-week/
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Didn’t find anything of interest for this week – Check out the Facebook page Things to do in Arizona for even more ideas and updates… Or join our 64,000+ member group.
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If there is an event that you think we should know about email me at David@OnlineArizonaHomes.com
That’s it for now - Have a great January and we wish you a New Year!
Don't forget to join the "Things to do in Arizona Group”! Engage with the community by commenting, sharing your discoveries, reviewing others' finds!
If you or someone you know is exploring real estate options, I'm here to assist. Discover properties and valuable real estate insights in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area on my website. Feel free to reach out via call or email.
Warm regards, David
P.S. Know someone who'd appreciate our monthly events roundup? Ask them to drop me an email, and I'll gladly add them to our list.
David Thomas, Realtor®
ABR, ePro, CDPE, SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification)
HomeSmart Elite Group
602-763-6363
David@OnlineArizonaHomes.com
www.OnlineArizonaHomes.com