The holidays are a special time in Scottsdale with sunshine instead of snow and desert landscapes decorated with twinkling lights. It is a season that feels both festive and refreshing perfect for a vacation getaway. In recent years, more holiday travelers have discovered that vacation rentals offer the perfect way to experience this unique destination. From private pools and spacious kitchens to stunning views of Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale vacation rentals deliver all the comforts of home with the luxury of a desert escape.
Space to Celebrate the Season
One of the main reasons travelers are choosing vacation rentals over hotels in Scottsdale is simple, the space. During the holidays, families and groups want to stay together and not in separate rooms down the hall. Vacation rentals make it easy to gather under one roof whether it’s a stylish condo in Old Town or a sprawling desert home with panoramic views. Spending the holidays in a vacation rental means you can start your mornings together around the kitchen island, prepare a festive brunch, or relax by the pool after a day of exploring. Many of our vacation rentals feature large living areas, outdoor patios, and multiple bedrooms giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy their stay without feeling crowded.
A Home Away from Home
The holidays are about comfort and connection and Scottsdale’s vacation rentals make it easy to create that feeling. With full kitchens, cozy living rooms, and often private outdoor spaces, these homes provide the flexibility to celebrate the season your way. You can prepare your favorite holiday dishes, enjoy a movie night by the fireplace, or gather for an evening meal under the stars. Hotels often have limited dining options making you stuck with expensive restaurants or room service. Vacation rentals allow guests to make their own traditions whether that means cooking a family recipe, hosting a small gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner for two. You will have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Perfect for Scottsdale’s Holiday Weather
While other parts of the country are covered in snow, Scottsdale enjoys mild, sunny weather during the holiday season. Temperatures often hover in the 60s and 70s perfect for outdoor celebrations. Vacation rentals take full advantage of this with amenities like heated pools, fire pits, and expansive patios. Imagine spending Christmas morning poolside watching the sunrise over the desert or ringing in the New Year with a barbecue on the patio. Many rentals also feature outdoor dining areas and cozy fireplaces making it easy to enjoy Scottsdale’s unique blend of desert beauty and festive comfort. This is when Scottsdale’s outdoor weather truly shines!
Close to Seasonal Events and Attractions
Scottsdale’s holiday calendar is filled with events that make the city shine. The Scottsdazzle Festival in Old Town brings the area to life with lights, live music, and local markets. The annual Christmas at the Princess event at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features a dazzling display of lights, ice skating, and holiday-themed attractions for all ages.
Vacation rentals offer convenient access to these events while still providing a peaceful retreat when you’re ready to unwind. Many properties are just minutes from Old Town’s restaurants and shops, the hiking trails of McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or the scenic drives that showcase the Sonoran Desert’s beauty.
Privacy and Peace of Mind
Privacy is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a vacation rental for many travelers. You do not have to worry about crowded lobbies, noisy hallways, or limited amenities. Instead, you can relax in your own space surrounded only by the people you’ve chosen to spend the holidays with. This added privacy also makes vacation rentals ideal for remote work or extended holiday stays. With more travelers combining work and vacation time, the flexibility and comfort of a rental home make it easier to balance both.
A More Authentic Scottsdale Experience
Staying in a vacation rental allows you to experience Scottsdale like a local. You can shop at neighborhood markets, dine at local restaurants, and explore the city’s vibrant art scene at your own pace. Whether you’re visiting for golf, hiking, or simply soaking up the desert scenery, having your own home base gives you the freedom to design your perfect holiday getaway. Each neighborhood from the lively Old Town district to the peaceful desert foothills offers something different. Spending a month or even a few weeks in a rental allows you to immerse yourself in Scottsdale’s unique rhythm and charm.
The Smarter Way to Stay This Holiday Season
It’s no surprise that more travelers are choosing vacation rentals over hotels during the holidays. In Scottsdale, they offer the best of both worlds: the comfort of home and the luxury of a resort-like escape. With space to celebrate, privacy to relax, and amenities that make every moment special, a vacation rental transforms a simple holiday trip into an unforgettable experience. You can find these incredible features and much more in our very own vacation rentals. Book your favorite today and see just what is waiting for you in Scottsdale this holiday season.
When someone typically thinks of the holidays, their mind may instantly think of snow-covered areas. While Scottsdale may not be your typical snow-covered city that reminds you of the holidays, it is still a great place to celebrate Christmas. Scottsdale is home to a variety of unique holiday events along with thrilling winter activities. A vacation to Scottsdale for winter will be one you will never forget. Here is how you can celebrate Christmas in Scottsdale this year:
Catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
if you are a rock and roll lover, you know that the holidays do not officially start until Trans-Siberian Orchestra is on tour. This progressive rock group is known for their incredible concerts that feature dazzling light shows and classic holiday songs with a rock and roll twist. The whole family is invited to their special performances that will take place this holiday season. Catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on December 5th at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Don’t miss out on their incredible performances that add all the energy to the holiday season.
Phoenix Holiday Zoo Lights
Another staple of the Scottsdale community is making a visit to the Phoenix Zoo for their annual Holiday Zoo Lights. From November 24th through January 15th the Phoenix Zoo will light up at night with incredible displays of Christmas lights. You will be able to walk around the zoo and see these beautiful displays in person. This all-ages event takes place daily from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM for a wonderful experience that the kids will remember for years to come. In addition to walking the zoo guests can also participate in the drive-through area that was started last year due to the pandemic. Now guests have two different ways to experience the Holiday Zoo Lights! Don’t forget about the Zoo Move & Groove 5K taking place on January 16th, 2022 for any visitors who plan on having an extended stay in Scottsdale for the holidays.
9th Annual Christmas Lights Segway Tour
When you visit Scottsdale around the holidays, you will be amazed at the incredible holiday lights on display in Old Town. This historic neighborhood of Scottsdale is best known for its incredible night scene and restaurants. Segway of Scottsdale Tours will be offering their 9th consecutive Christmas Lights Tour that will take you all around Old Town. Saddle up on these two wheeled vehicles so you can explore Old Town from top to bottom seeing all of the local businesses lit up with holiday lights. Don’t miss out on this annual tradition for Scottsdale!
Old Town Christmas Bar Crawls
If you are looking for an evening of festive shenanigans, look no further than the holiday bar crawls taking place around the holidays in Scottsdale. The 4th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl will be taking place on Saturday December 11th from noon to 8:00 PM in Old Town. This holiday event encourages everyone to show up in their festive attire such as ugly sweaters, Santa suits, or even holiday onesies. The event starts at Riot House and has attendees checking out different bars featuring holiday drink specials and costume contests. Another fun event is the Scottsdale Santa Crawl in Old Town! This bar crawl has guests starting at Wasted Grain for a similar time of fun and excitement. These adults only events are a great way to enjoy drinks out with friends!
Hit the Golf Courses
The holidays are a great time to do something you probably can’t do back such as golf. This is one of the most popular pastimes here in Arizona, as we feature beautiful weather even in winter. You can hit the local golf courses even in the middle of winter and have clear skies. Scottsdale is also home to TopGolf, where you can find an exciting venue that lets you practice your swings while playing games and enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Go See the Holiday Lights at the Paradise & Pacific Railroad
Your family can see even more holiday lights around the holidays when you make a stop by Paradise and Pacific Railroad. Hop on for a trip along the train as you see the lights in person. Additional activities include having Santa on hand, free hot cocoa, a carousel, and much more. This all-ages activity is perfect for those looking for more traditional Christmas excitement during their visit to Scottsdale.
More Holiday Fun in Scottsdale
As you can see, the holiday fun awaiting you in Scottsdale will lead to an incredible stay. You can make the most of your Scottsdale journey by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area. Expect to find luxury amenities and features inside each of these beautiful Scottsdale vacation rentals.
There comes a point each year here in Arizona where the summer temperatures have finally dropped, and the outdoor weather is absolutely beautiful. This typically occurs during the fall season, making Scottsdale one of the best places to visit for a fall getaway. Instead of spending your Thanksgiving holiday back home in the cold, make your way to Scottsdale for a sunny yet comfortable getaway. Scottsdale features a variety of unique events and activities that will make your vacation getaway one to remember. Here are some ways for you and your family to enjoy Thanksgiving this year in Scottsdale:
Pick a Great Vacation Property
One of the best reasons guests have to choose our luxury vacation rentals is the high-end and luxury features found inside. These properties are second to none and feature incredible options such as restaurant quality kitchens. These spacious rooms offer everything you need and then some for an incredible feast. You will find spacious granite or marble countertops that offer plenty of room for you to prepare everything at once. Many of our properties feature dual ovens or commercial size fridges, allowing you to bake or cook each dish at once and also have plenty of room to store leftovers. Each kitchen will come with all of the necessary cookware and utensils so you will not need to purchase any on your own. Luxury dining room tables allow everyone to sit down at once for their meal while kitchen bar counters let the kids have their own area too. These gourmet kitchens need to be seen to be believed. You can also have onsite kitchen staff to make the Thanksgiving feast for you—just set up this service before you arrive!
Want to stay elsewhere in AZ for the fall? Check out our Sedona Fall Rentals Below!
Dine Out for Thanksgiving
Of course, you do not need to always prepare your meal Thanksgiving meal, especially when you are on vacation. Instead, use your time by spending it at a local restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving and offer a special menu just for the holiday. For a fine dining Thanksgiving meal, look out for The Capital Grille. This local steakhouse offers prime cuts of beef along with fresh seafood. For a romantic Thanksgiving outing you cannot go wrong with Different Pointe View. This Phoenix restaurant offers fine dining on a hilltop. The sommelier on staff will help you choose from over the 1,000 bottles of wine available. For a Thanksgiving meal that is a little different go try out ZuZu. This local Scottsdale restaurant focuses on unique twists for comfort food. You will find everything such as pancakes to hearty burgers on the menu here. Mix things up a bit for your Thanksgiving meal right here in Scottsdale.
Thanksgiving Events
There are also plenty of Thanksgiving events taking place in and around Scottsdale this year. 2021 has been fortunate to allow many events to return to in-person instead of virtual. This year the 37th Thanksgiving Day Parade will be taking place in Fountain Hills, just a short drive away from our Scottsdale properties. This event is known for the extravagant floats that are made just for the occasion. Many local businesses and families band together for some truly impressive floats. The Thanksgiving Day Parade is also the first time Santa will be out in public for Fountain hills. The parade will kick off at 9:30 AM sharp and start at the intersection of Saguaro Blvd and Palisades Blvd.
Another great event that will be taking close by to Scottsdale is the Phoenix Turkey Trot. This event will also be returning to in person for 2021 and has been a staple for the community for years. Many different cities feature their own turkey trot at the Phoenix version is no different. You will be able to choose from a variety of race lengths such as a 5K or 10K race. There are even races for the kids including the Tot Trot for ages 6 and under and the 1 Mile Gobble Dash. Each year the proceeds of the Phoenix Turkey Trot go to local charities to help raise funds for those in need. By participating in this year’s Phoenix Turkey Trot, you can help raise money for charity, enjoy an exciting event, and earn your eventual Thanksgiving feast later that evening.
More Thanksgiving Fun in Scottsdale
As you can see, there are so many different ways you can spend your Thanksgiving holiday right here in Scottsdale. In addition to these special events and activities you can also enjoy everything there is to love about Scottsdale. Head out to the Sonoran Preserve for incredible hiking and beautiful views. Check out Old Town Scottsdale for unique local restaurants and bars. Everything is a close drive when you stay in Scottsdale. Reserve one of our fine homes today, like these lovely Old Town Scottsdale vacation homes, and get ready for Thanksgiving.