Event · Community

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting — Desert Ridge Marketplace

When

Mon, Nov 23 · 6:00 PM–9:00 PMMonday, November 23, 2026: 6:00–9:00 pm; tree lighting 7:15 pm; free Santa photos 7:30–9:00 pm; VIP hour 5:00–6:00 pm

Where

Desert Ridge Marketplace — The District21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Whole family

Cost

Free and open to the public; optional VIP early access 5–6 pm: adults $40, kids 4–12 $5, 3 & under free (VVIP $300 per reservation of up to 6)

Organizer

Desert Ridge Marketplace

Desert Ridge Marketplace turns The District into "Cheerville" for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the Monday of Thanksgiving week. From 6:00 to 9:00 pm the outdoor center hosts free holiday activities, strolling characters, games, giveaways and holiday performances on The District Stage, plus a free craft near the splash pad. Santa and Mrs. Claus help light the tree near Jin Jia Chinese Cuisine and Barnes & Noble at 7:15 pm, and Santa then moves to the photo area for free photos with Santa from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public; activities, crafts and photo ops are first come, first served while supplies last. An optional ticketed VIP hour from 5:00 to 6:00 pm benefits Phoenix Children's (adults $40, kids 4–12 $5, ages 3 and under free) and includes a s'mores kit, a hot cocoa bar and a framed photo with Santa. To avoid congestion on Tatum Boulevard, the center suggests entering and leaving from Deer Valley Road and City North Drive.