When is Las Noches de las Luminarias 2026? The Desert Botanical Garden's holiday tradition runs 26 nights, starting Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 and ending Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Dates are Nov. 27–29; Dec. 4–6, 11–13, 16–23 and 26–31; and Jan. 1–3.
How much are tickets? Adult general admission is $39.95 to $44.95, and children 2 to 17 are $18.95. Garden members pay $37.95 to $42.95 and $16.95. Prices vary by date, and the Garden recommends buying in advance.
Data note: Dates, times, prices and programming come from Desert Botanical Garden's event page and its 2026 announcement. The history and luminaria count come from Tempe Tourism (Oct. 2026). No market statistics are included in this post.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at a Glance
- Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008
- When: 26 nights, Nov. 27, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
- Adults: $39.95–$44.95 (members $37.95–$42.95)
- Children 2–17: $18.95 (members $16.95)
- Tradition: since 1978, with more than 8,000 luminaria bags, per Tempe Tourism
- Presenting sponsor: PNC Bank
2026 Dates by Week
November
- Fri.–Sun., Nov. 27–29 (Thanksgiving weekend)
December
- Fri.–Sun., Dec. 4–6 (Members Weekend)
- Fri.–Sun., Dec. 11–13
- Wed., Dec. 16, through Wed., Dec. 23
- Sat., Dec. 26, through Thu., Dec. 31
January 2027
- Fri.–Sun., Jan. 1–3
Note the gaps: there's no event Dec. 24 or 25, and the early-December dates are weekends only.
What's New and What's Back
- Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding, an immersive, larger-than-life floral art installation
- Live music on select evenings, including Traveler World Orchestra, Simply Three and Vinyl Station
- Sonoran Santa and Mrs. Claus photos on Nov. 27–29 and Dec. 18–23
- Festive desert décor, holiday trees and wreaths along the trails
- Seasonal food and drinks throughout the Garden
- Members Weekend Garden Shop pop-ups, Dec. 4–6, 3 to 8 p.m.
A Valley Tradition Since 1978
Tempe Tourism notes the event dates to 1978 and now lines the trails with more than 8,000 luminaria bags. The Garden describes illuminated pathways surrounded by the warm glow of traditional luminarias and twinkling holiday lights, a way to experience the Garden after dark.
Tribute Bags
You can buy a personalized luminaria tribute bag to honor someone or mark an occasion. Bags are displayed at the Ottosen Entry Garden Terrace, and the last day to buy is Dec. 9.
What a Night Costs
Using the Garden's published prices, here's the ticket math before any fees:
- Two adults, general admission: $79.90 to $89.90
- Two adults and two kids (2–17), general: $117.80 to $127.80
- Two adults and two kids, members: $109.80 to $119.80
The spread depends on the date you choose, so compare nights on the ticket page. Children under 2 aren't in the published child price range; check the Garden's ticket page for their admission.
Planning Tips
- Buy early. Advance tickets are recommended, and prices vary by date.
- Pick your night by what you want. Santa photos run on Nov. 27–29 and Dec. 18–23; check the entertainment schedule for specific bands.
- Book dinner. Reservations at Gertrude's by Tarbell's are highly recommended during the event, via OpenTable.
- Check the rainout policy on the Garden's site before you go.
- Consider membership if you'll go more than once; members save on each ticket and get Members Weekend.
“Luminarias is the night I recommend to every client who just moved here. There's nothing like walking the desert trails by candlelight in December, and it's an easy drive from Scottsdale and Arcadia. Buy tickets early for the weekends right before Christmas; they go fast.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Making a season of it? Pair it with our guide to ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and our list of things to do in Scottsdale in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Las Noches de las Luminarias 2026?
Nov. 27, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, on select nights, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
How much are Las Noches de las Luminarias tickets?
Adults $39.95–$44.95; children 2–17 $18.95.
Is there a promo code for Las Noches de las Luminarias?
The published discount is member pricing, about $2 off each ticket.
Where is Las Noches de las Luminarias?
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.
New to the Valley?
Holiday traditions like this are part of why people fall for Scottsdale and Phoenix. I'll help you find a home close to the places you'll love most.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Let's Talk · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Desert Botanical Garden: Las Noches de las Luminarias · Desert Botanical Garden: 2026 Announcement · Tempe Tourism: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Disclaimer: Event details are set by Desert Botanical Garden and can change. Confirm dates, prices and schedules before you go. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch