We love this time of year, when the weather cools down and festive events pop up all over the valley. We’ve listed several of our favorites below, most in the West Valley and all within a 40-minute drive of Scorpion Bay.

Please check websites closer to dates, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city events are subject to change as they are continuously being evaluated based on public health data, state and local guidance, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

1. City of Surprise Virtual Video Tribute for Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11

The City of Surprise will be hosting a virtual video tribute of community messages to veterans that will be featured on Veterans Day on the Surprise TV cable channel, their Parks & Recreation social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), and the City of Surprise website at surpriseaz.gov. Video and sign submissions for this project must be received by Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

When: Nov. 11
Price: Free
Info: website

2. Glendale Glitters, Nov. 24 & 25

The dazzling Glendale Glitters lights are up and ready to shine during this upcoming holiday season. Come to downtown Glendale, walk around and enjoy the spectacular display of 1.7 million lights illuminating 16 blocks. The lights will twinkle nightly from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. starting 11/25/2020 through 1/9/2021. Due to the pandemic, there will be no opening weekend festivities such as the lighting ceremony, vendors and performers that had been part of this event in the past, however, we’re excited to showcase great new lighting designs and features that will add extra magic to each evening. There are also wonderful downtown merchants and restaurants that will be open and ready for business!

When: Nov. 25, 2020, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. through Jan. 9, 2021
Address: Downtown Glendale
Info: website

3. Peoria Old Town Festival, Dec. 12

Peoria’s annual Old Town Holiday Festival featuring Second Sundays, will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Peoria and Grand Avenues. More information will be available closer to the date. Check link below for updates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city events are subject to change as they are continuously being evaluated.

When: Dec. 12, 2020, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Address: Peoria and Grand Avenues in Peoria
Info: website

4. Rockin’ Christmas Animated Drive-Through Light Show, Nov. 6 – Jan. 3

A full-throttle animated musical extravaganza, where your favorite tunes are brought to life with a drive-through experience. Turn up the holiday spirit and explore World of Illumination’s Rockin' Christmas theme park at Westgate Shopping District in Glendale. You’ll travel through a 500-foot-long tunnel (aka Santa’s magic portal), where you’ll be transported into a holiday musical wonderland.

When: Nov. 6-Jan. 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: Westgate Shopping District
Info: website

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/