We are fortunate to have many festive light displays in the West Valley near Estrella to view during the holiday season! Whether it’s residential homes, entire neighborhoods or large commercial light displays, a few recommendations are listed below. Additionally, many of the displays accept donations to assist local charities providing another reason to gather family and friends to enjoy this seasonal tradition.
Estrella in Goodyear, one of Arizona’s largest active master-planned communities with more than 21,000 residents, has scores of residents who love to decorate their homes for the holiday season. It’s always a delight to see what the residents come up with every year. Located in the midst of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, it makes for stunning, festive views throughout December. While you’re here, be sure to view the impressive holiday display in the Estrella Park community at the home of Liz Bray and Bob Sanda who transform their home each year into a castle with holiday-decorated towers. Synchronized music too! It takes the family about eight months to plan the display which includes seasonal messages based in Christian teachings.
Estrella Holiday Lights: 17750 W. Elliot Rd., Goodyear
When: All holiday season
Christmas Castle in Estrella: 13204 S. 176th Ave, Goodyear
When: Through New Year’s Eve.
Desert Farm Lights is the West Valley’s largest walk-thru Christmas experience, located in Waddell, near Surprise. Your family will have dozens of photo opportunities including riding on a real train, enjoying the Candy Cane Maze that smells like a real candy cane, jumping on bungee trampolines, visiting Santa and much, much more.
Location: 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell
When: Monday – Sunday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., November 17 through December 31, 2023
Don’t be square, be at the Goodyear Civic Square to see the tree lighting on Friday, December 1, from 5 – 8 p.m. Create new family memories and traditions at Holidays on the Square at Goodyear Civic Square Park. A new theme each week, so choose your favorites:
Dec. 1st – Ice Skating RinQ opens, tree lighting celebration, food truck court, live music,
Dec. 8th –Photos with Santa, ballet performance, Holiday Gift market featuring 40+ artisan vendors that make their own crafts, (custom-made hats, candles, caricature art, poetry writing)
Dec. 15th – Grinch Day, photo ops, Food Truck Court, live theatre performance.
Location: 1900 N Civic Square, Goodyear
When: Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m.
Welcome in the holiday season at the home of the Williams-Rutt family, who have 24,600 LED pixels covering items and surfaces like giant snowflakes, icicles, a large mega-tree, and a row of candy canes lining the edge of the front yard during hourly light shows. Visitors are welcome to bring a chair or blanket and sit on the sidewalk or curb across the street. You can also watch/listen to the show from your car by tuning to FM 93.9. The family has partnered with All Faith Community Services located in downtown Buckeye and will be accepting non-perishable food donations and cash/check during the show this year.
Location: 3131 North Evergreen Street, Buckeye
When: See website for details
Kick off the Holidays at The Wigwam with Santa and Wigwam’s friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry and Hilgers Orthodontics. Join them on their front lawn to watch Santa parade in on a classic firetruck to light The Wigwam Christmas Tree and for a variety of activities such as crafts with elves, face painting, bouncy houses, and princesses caroling through the festive light path. Bring the entire family to walk The Wigwam’s festive light path on Fridays in December before Christmas Day. End the night with carols, s’mores, and hot chocolate. Help support Goodyear Fire Department charities by bringing an unwrapped toy and receive a free hot chocolate and cookie at Wigwam Bar.
Location: 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park; Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, Estrella Mountain Ranch
17750 West Elliot Road, Goodyear
When: Annual tree lighting is November 24, 2023 | 4pm–6:30p.m.; Light Path is Friday, December 1, 8, 15 & 22
Glendale is celebrating 30 years of its spectacular light display from November 24 until January 1, with the lights on each evening from 5-10 p.m. In addition to thousands of twinkling lights, Glendale Glitters includes a variety of other festive and free holiday events, food, art and crafts vendors; a visit from Santa; and carolers. Other Glendale Glitters events include:
- Dec. 7 & 21: Heritage Night Market: Snap photos with Santa, and enjoy crafts, live music, plus food and beverages on December 7 and 21 from 6-9 p.m. The event features a toy drive, plus plenty of options to finish holiday shopping.
- Dec. 9: Hometown Christmas Parade on Glendale Ave. – Experience the 10th annual Christmas Parade on Glendale Ave. Glendale’s own Jaime Cerreta, a local TV news anchor, will lead the parade that benefits Hope for Hunger.
- Dec. 9& 10: West Valley Wonderland – This family-friendly event starts at 10 a.m. both days at State Farm Stadium. Craft vendors, rides, games, food and beverages will be available. See more at: statefarmstadium.com/events.
- Dec. 18: Live! @ the Lot – December’s edition of the free monthly concert series will celebrate the holidays with Jingle & Jam on Dec. 18. Dynamic live performances begin at 1 p.m. at The Lot at 57th Avenue and Glenn Drive in downtown Glendale. Gates open at noon.
- Now until Jan. 15: Skate Westgate – Great holiday activity for all ages and skating abilities. Sessions are first come, first serve with tickets available for purchase onsite. For more information, visit westgateaz.com/events.
Location: Glendale Civic Center at 5750 W. Glenn Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301 and around Glendale, free parking at City Hall Parking Garage and Bank of America Parking Garage on the east and west sides of the civic center.
When: 5-10 p.m. See website for details
Seasonal scares! This Glendale home exhibits a strong Nightmare Before Christmas theme, with Jack Skellington and crew celebrating throughout the brightly decorated yard. Donations go to help sponsored families for Christmas.
Location: 4431 W. Escuda Drive, Glendale
When: See website for details
On Dec. 9, enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and all sorts of holiday fun at Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park. The festival takes place south of Peoria and Grand Avenues, including Osuna Park and the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. Parking and admission are free.
Location: Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, south of Peoria and Grand Avenues
When: Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m.
Looking for more festive homes?
Phoenix with Kids provides The Ultimate List of Holiday Lights in Phoenix including one home in Estrella and several throughout Goodyear: https://www.phoenixwithkids.net/2023-christmas-lights/
The Arizona Republic also has a holiday lights map for great spots across the valley. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/holidays/christmas/2023/11/20/christmas-2023-phoenix-holiday-lights-map/71574769007/
Dress warmly, pack the hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy strolling or driving past these magical holiday light displays all month long.
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 8,000 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 65-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center, and more than 50 neighborhood parks.
