Christmas at the Princess 2024: What's new at the family-favorite holiday lights

By: Michael Salerno

A new light and music show will add more holiday cheer to a Scottsdale Christmas tradition that also includes ice skating, Santa and s'mores.

Christmas at the Princess, the annual holiday spectacular at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort, is returning for its 15th year.

That means metro Phoenix residents and visitors can delight in the resort's 6,000-square-foot ice skating rinks, fire pits, ice bar, places to enjoy sweet treats such as s'mores, and photos with Santa Claus.

New for 2024 is an eight-minute light show at the resort's lagoon.

The celebration is a popular Arizona holiday tradition; last year's event drew about 300,000 visitors. Here's what to know about Christmas at the Princess 2024.

What is the Christmas thing in Scottsdale?

Christmas at the Princess is one of Arizona's largest holiday lights displays. Its website says the 2024 display boasts more than 10 million lights and a 120-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

The event is nationally acclaimed, contributing to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess's inclusion in CNN's list of 15 luxury hotels that go all out for Christmas and Travel + Leisure's survey of the 20 best warm weather resorts in the world to visit at Christmas.

Where is Christmas at the Princess?

Christmas at the Princess is at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. Get more information at christmasattheprincess.com.

What are the hours of Christmas at the Princess?

Christmas at the Princess opens on Friday, Nov. 22, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 4.

Hours are 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 4-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays from opening day through Dec. 17.

Hours are 4-11 p.m. daily from Dec. 18 to Jan. 4.

What's new at Christmas at the Princess 2024?

New attractions at Christmas at the Princess include a light show at the lagoon, an expanded ice slide and an updated Chateau Champagne experience, resort spokesman John Glynn said.

The light show is called "Starlights: An Electric Symphony" and was developed by renowned light engineer Matt Johnson, winner of ABC’s "The Great Christmas Light Show." The eight-minute show blending lights and music will run every evening of the event.

What does Christmas at the Princess include?

Christmas at the Princess admission includes:

• Light displays featuring more than 10 million lights.

• Train rides aboard the Princess Express to view the light displays.

• The new light and music show "Starlights: An Electric Symphony."

• The Village, which has a 120-foot artificial snow slide called Snow Mountain, ice skating along the Alpine Ice Trail and Nordic Nine Mini Golf. The Village also features S'moresland, where guests can toast marshmallows in a fire pit and make s'mores.

• Complimentary fire pits, with refreshments available for purchase, in the Winterland and Twinkle Town areas of the resort.

• A Nativity Garden with a narrated light and music show that shares the story of Christmas.

More cheer:Skiing and building snowmen in Phoenix? You can at this new Christmas event

Who are the characters in Christmas at the Princess?

Also included with admission are encounters with roaming winter characters. These include:

• Princess Noel, a human who is the princess of light and magic.

• Peppermint Penguin, a penguin who is Princess Noel's best friend.

• Graham, a graham cracker.

• Shivers, a yeti.

• Twinkles, Santa's brightest Christmas light.

• Cocoa the Bear, a chocolate-colored bear wearing a Santa hat and a scarf. Cocoa was introduced in 2023.

What day is Santa at Christmas at the Princess 2024?

Santa Claus will be at Christmas at the Princess from Nov. 22-Dec. 24.

Children can have pictures taken with Santa and recite the "secret elf pledge" to spread Christmas cheer all year long.

Those who want exclusive access to Santa's workshop can try the VIP Ultimate Santa Experience, which costs $500 for up to four guests and includes activities like baking Christmas cookies and making crafts with Mrs. Claus.

Is Christmas at the Princess free?

Christmas at the Princess is free for guests staying overnight at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and for children age 3 and younger.

How much does it cost to go to Christmas at the Princess?

The general-admission cost is $35 per person plus parking. Self-parking is $35 per vehicle; valet parking is $120 per vehicle.

Some attractions, like ice skating, the ice bar Aurora Ice and photos with Santa, cost extra for general admission guests.

Christmas at the Princess also offers season passes, which cost $1,500 with fees and include valet parking, four VIP wristbands, four ice skating passes and four Aurora Ice passes. 

Does Christmas at the Princess sell out?

Christmas at the Princess is a ticketed event and tickets can sell out. Resort staff recommends purchasing tickets online in advance.

Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Christmas in Scottsdale

If you're moving to Arizona and seeking a festive holiday experience, Christmas at the Princess is a must-see event that combines warmth, wonder, and tradition. With more than 10 million lights, world-class attractions, and an enchanting new light and music show, it’s a celebration that makes the desert holiday season unforgettable. From cozy fire pits and s’mores to magical train rides and ice skating under the stars, this event is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants to create cherished holiday memories in a new home state.