When is Christmas at the Princess 2026? According to the official site, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hosts Christmas at the Princess nightly from November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027—one of Scottsdale’s longest-running holiday light festivals.
What should you know before you go? It is a ticketed public event across 65 acres, with set evening hours, advance parking options, and add-ons like ice skating and photos with Santa. Buy from the official channels; popular nights sell out.
Data note: Dates, hours and attractions come from christmasattheprincess.com (homepage and FAQ). Ticket starting prices come from the official Ticketspice ticketing page for 2026 Christmas at the Princess. No third-party resale prices are cited.
2026 Season Snapshot
- Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027 (nightly)
- Hours: Mon–Thu 5–10 p.m.; Fri–Sun 4–11 p.m.
- Extended hours: beginning December 17, daily 4–11 p.m. (official homepage)
- Setting: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale
- Scale called out on the homepage: 65 acres, 17 million lights, 6,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice rink, 120 ft. Ferris wheel
- Admission: ticketed; children 3 and under free (official FAQ)
- General Admission: starting at $35/person (official Ticketspice)
- Premium Admission: starting at $70/person (official Ticketspice)
- Advance self-parking: $35; advance valet: $120 (official FAQ); day-of parking costs more
What the Event Includes
The official homepage frames Christmas at the Princess as a large outdoor holiday celebration with:
- Extensive light displays and seasonal décor
- Desert ice skating on a real-ice outdoor rink
- A traveling Ferris wheel
- Santa experiences and holiday characters
- Fire tables / igloos and s’mores-style experiences
- Dining at resort restaurants plus seasonal walk-up food stands
- Shopping in resort retail during evening hours (FAQ: stores 9 a.m.–9 p.m.)
New-for-season features highlighted on the site include experiences such as the S’mores Chalet, Starlights light spectacular, and Chateau Champagne. Details rotate by year—check the activities pages before you go.
Tickets, Parking and Add-Ons
Buy official tickets early
The FAQ is blunt: Christmas at the Princess is ticketed with limited capacity and often sells out. Purchase on the official website / Ticketspice page rather than waiting for gate inventory. Tickets from unauthorized resellers are not honored, per the FAQ.
On the official 2026 Ticketspice page (fetched November 5, 2026):
- General Admission — starting at $35 per person
- Premium Admission — starting at $70 per person
Select dates may show value pricing (the ticketing page’s calendar notes value dates at a discount off those standard starting prices). Always confirm the live calendar when you book.
Parking is separate
Per the official FAQ:
- Self-parking purchased ahead: $35
- Valet purchased ahead: $120
- Day-of parking is charged at a premium
- Admission and parking are separate purchases unless a package (such as certain fire-table reservations) includes them
Self-parking directions on the FAQ point visitors to Cottage Terrace; valet uses the hotel’s front drive. The FAQ also notes alternate parking arrangements while a new parking garage is under construction.
Popular add-ons (official FAQ prices)
- Photos with Santa: $65 each (includes listed experience elements; personal phone photos encouraged)
- Ice Pass: $40 each (skate rental and skating for the evening, in timed blocks by capacity)
VIP Express wristbands that shorten attraction waits are described as included with overnight resort stays, not sold separately as a day ticket, per the FAQ.
Practical rules from the FAQ
- Cashless event
- Rain or shine; date changes may incur a $20 fee when available
- No refunds on perishable event tickets after purchase (Purchase Protection rules may apply if bought at checkout)
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed
- Service dogs only for event access (overnight guests have a separate pet policy)
- Event venues are described as accessible; some rides may have limitations—ask bell staff on arrival
Planning Tips for a Smooth Night
- Arrive at opening if you want the fullest evening without rushing—the FAQ recommends it.
- Book dining early. Signature restaurants (Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Scottsdale and others listed on the site) fill up; the FAQ suggests reserving about a month ahead where reservations apply.
- Weeknights early in the season tend to feel lighter than peak weekend nights, based on the FAQ’s crowd guidance—still buy tickets first.
- Two evenings or an overnight stay can feel less rushed on 65 acres if you want rides, skating, lights and dinner without watching the clock.
- Pair the Princess with other local holiday stops on your calendar—such as Phoenix Zoo ZooLights 2026, Las Noches de Las Luminarias 2026, or things to do in Scottsdale in November.
“Every November I put Christmas at the Princess on my own calendar the same week the tickets drop. The lights are the easy part—the stress comes from sold-out nights and day-of parking. Buy the official tickets and parking together, then enjoy Scottsdale’s version of winter without the scramble.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas at the Princess 2026?
November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027, nightly, per christmasattheprincess.com.
What are the hours for Christmas at the Princess?
Mon–Thu 5–10 p.m., Fri–Sun 4–11 p.m., and daily 4–11 p.m. beginning December 17 (homepage).
How much are Christmas at the Princess tickets?
Official Ticketspice lists GA from $35 and Premium from $70 per person; confirm live pricing when you book.
Is Christmas at the Princess open to the public?
Yes—as a ticketed event. Buy ahead; dates often sell out.
Visiting Scottsdale This Season?
If holiday weekends have you thinking about a Scottsdale address—or you’re already local and mapping winter plans—I’m happy to help with the real estate side while you enjoy the lights.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate Specialist
Talk With Elizabeth · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Christmas at the Princess (official homepage) · Christmas at the Princess FAQ · Official 2026 Ticketspice ticketing page
Disclaimer: Event details, hours and prices can change; verify on official pages before purchasing. Not an event sponsor. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch