Experience the Magic of the Season at Arizona Boardwalk this December!
The holiday season is here, and Arizona Boardwalk is bringing the magic with a lineup of exciting events for the whole family! From festive activities and seasonal celebrations to unique experiences you won't find anywhere else, December at Arizona Boardwalk is packed with opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Whether you've visiting with kids, friends or loved ones, there's something special for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
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November 29 – January 4
Celebrate the season in a splashy way at Odysea Aquarium’s Winter Waterland! SeaTREK Santa, Scottsdale’s only underwater Santa Claus, headlines the annual Odysea event, making his signature underwater appearances from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve. Embark on a festive adventure with the SeaTREK Santa in Kids Cove—and even receive a personalized letter back from the jolly driver himself! Don’t miss a ride on the Odysea Voyager’s saltwater sleigh, a rotating wonderland filled with sparkling lights, holiday tunes, and festive décor. Santa narrates the journey, introducing guests to his sea-faring friends, including stingrays, sea turtles, sea lions, and sharks. And make sure to take home a digital photo package that features SeaTREK Santa for keepsakes or holiday cards with Odysea Aquarium’s souvenir green-screen photos by Magic Memories!
Add to the holiday magic by giving back through the Adopt-A-Student at the Giving Trees program, where a $15 donation brings underserved students on educational field trips to the Aquarium. Winter Waterland at Odysea promises holiday fun, festive surprises, incredible seasonal décor and music – making it the best place to create life-long holiday memories with friends and family!
SeaTREK Santa Appearances
Nov 29 – Dec 19
12pm Mon-Thurs
12pm & 4:30 every Fri-Sun
SeaTREK Santa Appearances
Dec 20th – Jan 4th
12pm & 4:30 every day
No appearance on Christmas Day
12pm appearance only on New Year’s Day
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NEW! Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
November 23 – January 5
This holiday, step into the enchanting ‘Glistening Gardens’ at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting. Fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling meadow grass, fairy-lit birch trees, and festive decorations. The glistening Butterfly Conservatory is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone. It’s the perfect holiday experience for all!
Special Holiday Appearances to Enhance the Glistening Gardens Experience:
Guest appearance by Butterfly Fairy Leslie Campa
November 29, 30 and December 14 and 21 11 a.m. – 2p.m.
Classical violinist Jonathan Levingston
December 1 and 22
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Butterfly Conservatory
Native American flutist Aaron White
November 30 and December 15 and 29
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Giving Tree featuring Adopt-A-Student Program
November 18-January 5
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Snag-a-tag from the Giving Tree at Butterfly Wonderland’s Gift Shop to Adopt-A-Student for the holidays. A $12 donation provides an underserved student with a rainforest adventure – an educational field trip made possible through the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation.
Whimsical Wings
December 3, 10, 17, 24,31
3 p.m.
Step into a realm of wonder as Butterfly Wonderland’s Education Specialists release exquisite tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Capture the enchanting moment on camera as these graceful insects take their inaugural flight. Feel free to engage with the specialists, asking any questions that may pique curiosity. This captivating event is included FREE with admission.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
December 7, 14, 21 and 28
1:00 p.m.
Tropical Waters Observation Pool
Dive into the captivating world of marine life with an educational Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding in the Tropical Waters gallery. Join Sara Donaldson at the Observation Pool as she unveils intriguing insights into venomous round stingrays and introduces guests to Agatha, the horn shark. Enjoy this interactive experience and take home a complimentary horn shark education card. This rare opportunity is FREE with admission.
Holiday Bug Club for Kids
December 8 and 22
11 a.m.
Butterfly Theater
Celebrate the Holidays with Bug Club and a Special Scavenger Hunt!
This holiday season, join the fun at Bug Club, where curiosity comes alive with a festive twist! After enjoying an engaging story time led by Butterfly Wonderland experts in holiday attire, pick up Draco’s Scavenger Sheet for a holiday scavenger hunt adventure. Search the building for images of Butterfly Wonderland’s beloved Chinese Water Dragon, Draco, hidden in plain sight. Find them all, and earn a special treat!
Bug Club is perfect for little explorers, offering an up-close introduction to fascinating insects with their animal curators. Meet LIVE creatures like walking sticks, beetles, giant African millipedes, and more while learning about their incredible worlds.
Make this holiday experience even more magical with this interactive and educational activity—all FREE with admission!
Holiday Story Time with Critter Visit
December 12 and 19
10 a.m.
Embark on a Magical Holiday Adventure at Butterfly Wonderland!
Join us in the Butterfly Theater for an enchanting Story Time, where dynamic storytellers bring the rainforest to life with captivating tales about butterflies and other rainforest critters. After the story, meet Draco, Butterfly Wonderland’s beloved Chinese Water Dragon, and kick off a fun scavenger hunt!
Pick up Draco’s Scavenger Sheet, search for hidden images of him throughout the building, and earn a special treat for finding them all. Participating children will also receive a FREE nature sticker to take home, making the adventure even more memorable.
Many of the delightful books featured in Story Time are available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. Don’t miss this exciting, educational experience for parents and kids alike—all FREE with admission!
Buzz About Bees
December 15
1 p.m.
Get ready for an un-BEE-lievable experience! Join local beekeeper and AZ Backyard Beekeepers founder Cricket Aldridge as she unveils the secrets of bees, hive maintenance, and more. Meet Cricket at the newly enhanced Honeybee exhibit in the Conservatory and engage in an insightful Q&A session after her presentation. Take the chance to purchase local honey from the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. This enlightening event is FREE WITH ADMISSION.
Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class
December 20
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Bring a bestie or make it a date night and embark on a creative journey at Butterfly Brushstrokes. This expertly guided, delightful painting class promises an inspiring experience as each attendee crafts their very own "butterfly Picasso" masterpiece. All materials are provided in the price, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable session limited to 20 people. $30/public; $15/members (covers supplies). Pre-registration required. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Waking Up with Butterflies
November 21
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Savor a serene hour, capturing the beauty of butterflies, birds, or reptiles through the camera lens. Join Butterfly Wonderland for an exclusive opportunity as Director of Animal Care & Entomologist Derek Kellogg stands ready to address inquiries about butterflies, plants, and the captivating rainforest ecosystem. At the same time, participants capture compelling images of one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and delicate creatures! For people aged 18 & up, $29.95/public (includes admission). FREE for members. Registration required. Call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Tripods are allowed.
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November 30 – January 5
Sunday - Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Step into a world where prehistoric wonders meet holiday magic at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs’ Jurassic Winter Wonderland! Festive lights will adorn every dinosaur exhibit, transforming the entire attraction into a primal holiday extravaganza! This seasonal experience features a flurry of holiday activities for the whole family! Unwrap the joy of the season with exclusive deals and discounts offered throughout the exhibit – the perfect opportunity to take home a dinosaur keepsake to remember this merry, “roar-some” Jurassic experience!
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Nov. 29, Black Friday – Cyber Monday, Dec. 2
Mark the calendar for the most mind-bending deal of the year at the Museum of Illusions!
50% OFF ALL GIFT CARDS
Score half off on all gift cards, perfect for giving the gift of unforgettable experiences!
- In-Museum or Online – Grab these gift cards wherever easiest
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December 1 – 31
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Receive $10 of bonus play with any Club Card purchase or reload of $10. Offer is valid for new and registered club card members; players must have a fully registered card for redemption. Limit one discount per coupon. May not be combined with other discounts or offers including Quest Cash. Not all games are eligible for bonus play. Valid only at the Arizona Boardwalk Cyber Quest location.
CODE: AZBWHoliday10Get10
Gnome Hunt
December 16-30
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
This holiday season, guests are invited to make their experience extra magical by joining in on the festive Gnome Hunt! Experience the rush of Cyber Quest by embarking on a quest to find ten hidden gnomes scattered throughout the wonder-filled realms. Each gnome discovered brings guests closer to fantastic rewards, including a spin on the Cyber Quest prize wheel! Those who complete the entire hunt, including finding the elusive hidden snowflake, will be entered into the grand prize draw to win a $100 Cyber Quest Club Card. Let the holiday gnome hunt begin!
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Spice Up the Holiday Break at Maria’s Mexican Grill!
Monday - Sunday
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Spice Up the Holiday Break at Maria’s Mexican Grill!
Maria’s Mexican Grill is now open and ready to add festive flavor to the holiday season! Whether taking a break from seasonal shopping or enjoying time with family and friends, indulge in the vibrant tastes of Mexico at this authentic new restaurant at AZ Boardwalk.
Savor sizzling street tacos, loaded nachos, hearty burritos, and even unique Mexican pizzas—all perfect for warming up the cooler Valley days! There’s something for everyone, including fresh salads, a special kids’ menu, and decadent Mexican desserts. Or raise a glass to the season with a delicious Margarita or other favorite spirit! It’s the perfect way to add some holiday cheer to a tasty meal.
Stop in before or after a visit to a beloved AZ Boardwalk attraction for lunch or drinks and appetizers! Treat the kids while they’re out of school, or out-of-town guests to a flavorful feast. In a hurry? Order online or by phone for quick and easy takeout!
This holiday season, discover a new favorite spot for an unforgettable taste of Mexico—only at Maria’s Mexican Grill!
Phone: (602)397-4799
Website: https://order.toasttab.com/online/marias-9500-e-via-de-ventura-suite-e220
ARIZONA BOARDWALK EVENTS
FREE Yamaha Music School Event
Dec. 1
12pm – 5pm
Rejoice in a lively event, presented by the East Valley and North Phoenix Yamaha Music School, featuring talented student performers showcasing their skills. Listen to music while enjoying plenty of fun activities.
FREE Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market
Dec. 7 – 8
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with an exciting day of shopping, featuring over 70 talented vendors, each offering unique gifts and festive treasures. Kids can enjoy a variety of delightful activities, including face painting, glitter tattoos, and special appearances from beloved characters. Bring friends and family and be immersed in the joyful spirit of the holidays!
FREE Holiday Fair & Marketplace
Dec. 14
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ho, ho, ho... who’s coming to town? Capture the magic of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus and play in a whimsical Snow Blizzard. Enjoy live entertainment, bounce houses and slides. Plus, kids can get their faces painted in colorful designs! It’s a day full of holiday cheer for the whole family!
FREE Winterfest
Jan. 4
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Don’t miss this winter wonderland of fun! Play in a magical Snow Blizzard and take photos with the Snow Queen and friends. Enjoy an array of exciting activities, including bounce houses, face painting, interactive games and coloring contests, while music and dancing fill the air with festive spirit.
FREE Movies at the Boardwalk: Wish
Jan. 25
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Come experience “Movies at the Boardwalk,” a free family event with music, games and tons of prizes. There will be plenty of options to grab a bite before the movie begins at dusk. Other pre-movie activities include jellyfish crafts and Plinko game for kids. Come early to claim a spot, as space is limited. Bringing chairs and blankets is highly recommended.
