Celebrate the holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights at the Desert Botanical Garden.

One of the most-anticipated holiday events here in the Sonoran Desert  is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. This beautiful Southwestern holiday tradition has been taking place at this location since 1978. Each December, the Garden’s longest-running tradition brings the warm glow of more than 8,000 lit luminaria bags to its trails and the sparkle of thousands of tiny white lights perched in the trees. You can’t help but catch the holiday spirit while strolling along with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand on a crisp, clear night.

Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place over 15 nights, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Nov. 29 and 30. December dates include 1, 6, 7, 13-15, 18-23 and 26-30.

Adding to the festivities will be live music performances throughout the garden. From handbell and harps to carolers and mariachis, you can count on an inspired soundtrack to accompany your visit. See the entertainment schedule here.

Returning this year, La Posada will take place on Dec. 17 to celebrate the Mexican holiday tradition by the same name. On this evening, guests are invited to join in the festivities (included with ticket), which features piñatas, traditional food and drink, and two singing processions through the Garden.

Take a closer look at the magic that awaits you with our Desert Botanical Garden Guide.

Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO

In addition to Las Noches de las Luminarias, this year the garden is also hosting Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO, a truly unique collection of light installations on display through Jan. 20, 2025. As the sun sets, each of the mesmerizing displays comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the garden’s paths and plants. Experience the convergence of light and nature that illuminate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape in a new way. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.

Light Bloom offers a drastically different viewing experience before and after sunset. Check the sunset time before your visit and plan accordingly. Additionally, the garden is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. This exhibit is included with general admission.

Festive Flavors

Elevate your festive evening with a sophisticated, alfresco culinary experience at Gertrude’s, the garden’s on-site restaurant. Here, rotating menus celebrate Arizona’s growers and producers and feature seasonally inspired creations. Tuck into a table on this not-so-secret garden patio and browse the  imaginative menu (the roasted corn tamales come highly recommended) while sipping on a clever botanic creation from the cocktail program. Reservations recommended.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s website or call 480-481-8188.

For additional holiday happenings throughout Tempe, visit our events calendar.