The holidays are here, and several local resorts are hosting festivities throughout the month of December. Here are three Scottsdale resorts that really know how to celebrate the season.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: This resort goes all out for its holiday celebration, Christmas at the Princess. More than 2 million LED lights decorate the area around the resort’s lagoons, where you’ll find a fishing Santa and a candy forest. In the Enchanted Plaza, another 70,000 LED lights twinkle and dance on the 4-story Christmas tree as 14 classic holiday songs play. There’s also a Christmas petting zoo, s’mores, a holiday carousel, and ice skating on real ice for $15 per person and $5 for skate rental.
Youngsters can meet Christmas Princess Noel, Peppermint the Penguin, and Selfie Elfie every night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. through December 24 and have breakfast with Santa on December 19 at 9 a.m. The event costs $50 for adults and $35 for children ages 3-12. Santa is also on hand nightly through December 23 for pictures, which are $10 each.
Christmas at the Princess is complimentary for hotel guests. Local residents get free valet parking and entrance with a $75 purchase at any resort restaurant. Entrance fee and self-parking for up to nine people per vehicle is $30 or $40, if you opt to use valet instead.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: The walls of Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will once again be transformed into an 11-story canvas for holiday images and animations this year. Set to festive holiday music, the newly enhanced and longer PaintScaping show projects 3-dimensional animations on the back side of the resort every half hour from 6:30-8 p.m. nightly, now through January 3. Parking and the show are free, but you may want to purchase something warm to drink as you wait for the next showing.
The resort is also offering holiday cocktail classes on December 12, and December 19, from 6-7 p.m., where you’ll learn how to make a Rudolph the Red Nosed Mule, The Candy Cane Martini, and the Gingerbread Guy or Gal. Cost is $45 per person.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North: Kids can enjoy Cookies with Claus at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North on December 5, 12, and 19 from 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The $35 per child fee includes making mason jar cookies with mix-ins such as candy canes, chocolate candies and sprinkles while sipping hot chocolate served with all the toppings. While the kids write letters to Santa and Mrs. Claus tells stories, the resort’s pastry team bakes their cookies. They also receive a special cookie mix to bake at home for Santa. Reservations are required (480-513-5085).
If you are looking for an adult-oriented activity, the resort offers several holiday dining options, including a Christmas Eve Crab Boil from 4-9 p.m. on December 24 for $70.
There is no shortage of delicious and delightful holiday events around Scottsdale this year! We hope you're able to enjoy at least one of these events and maybe even start a new tradition with your loved ones.
