Christmas at the Princess

As Arizonans, we cherish our unique desert lifestyle, but when the holiday season arrives, many of us seek that special, magical experience that truly brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Look no further than Christmas at the Princess, an annual, highly anticipated event hosted by the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This isn't just a hotel; it's a transformed winter wonderland that has become one of Arizona's most cherished holiday traditions, drawing in countless families and friends year after year.

For those of us living in the Grand Canyon State, "Christmas at the Princess" offers a dazzling escape into a world of festive enchantment right in our backyard. It's a place where millions of twinkling lights illuminate the desert night, where holiday music fills the air, and where every corner seems to hold a new, delightful surprise. From thrilling rides to captivating light shows and cozy fire pits, this event is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable memories for all ages, truly embodying the joy and wonder of the holiday season.

This article will guide our local Arizona users through the enchanting world of Christmas at the Princess. We’ll explore its spectacular location in Scottsdale, delve into the myriad of services and features that make it so special, discuss potential promotions for attendees, and provide essential contact information. Our aim is to give you an insider's look at why this event has become a beloved tradition and how you can best experience its magic, whether you’re planning a special family outing or a romantic holiday escape.

Christmas at the Princess is nestled within the sprawling and luxurious grounds of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, located at 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA. This address places it in the upscale North Scottsdale area, making it a prominent and easily accessible destination for residents across the Valley and beyond.

The resort’s location off Loop 101 ensures convenient vehicular access from various parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area. For those driving, the property offers ample parking, though guests frequently recommend arriving early, around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, just before sunset, to secure parking and experience the full transition from twilight to dazzling lights. The efficiency of the "super quick" shuttle bus service from the parking areas to the entrance is also a notable convenience, helping to manage festive crowds smoothly.

While the event is primarily enjoyed by those who drive, its location in Scottsdale means it's well-connected to various local neighborhoods, making it a feasible evening outing. For those coming from further distances or considering an overnight stay, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess itself is a full-service luxury resort, offering accommodations that provide direct access to the Christmas at the Princess festivities, often including VIP express wristbands that help cut down wait times for attractions. This combined accessibility, whether you're visiting for just the evening or planning a staycation, makes it a highly desirable holiday destination for Arizonans.

Christmas at the Princess, as an immersive holiday experience within the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort, offers a wide array of services designed to enhance the festive atmosphere and guest comfort. While many are integral to the event itself, some are resort-wide services that complement the holiday offerings.

• Extensive Light Displays: The core service is the breathtaking display of "millions of twinkling lights" around the entire property, including illuminated swans, a pirate ship, a candy cane forest, singing trees, and a spectacular light show projected onto the resort's facade.
• Holiday Attractions and Rides: Numerous family-friendly activities are available, such as "The Chair Lift" (a ferris wheel), "Snow Mountain" (a 120-foot ice slide), "Nordic Nine Mini Golf," and an "Ice Maze" in The Village. Many of these are included with general admission.
• Princess Express Train: An enchanted train ride meanders through the resort's "majestic Lagoon Lights display," offering a unique way to experience the illuminated grounds.
• Character Meet & Greets: Festive holiday characters like Graham the S'more, Shivers the Yeti, Princesses Noel & Angelica, and Santa's Secret Elf Squad roam the grounds for photo opportunities. Santa Claus also has dedicated experiences.
• Food and Beverage Stands: Various stands are set up throughout the property, offering "holiday treats and hot cocoa" and "creative drink options" to celebrate the season. The resort's permanent restaurants are also decked out with seasonal specials.
• On-Site Parking & Shuttle Service: Dedicated parking is available, with a quick and efficient shuttle service transporting guests from parking lots to the main event entrance.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Guests consistently praise the staff for being "so friendly and attentive," ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience even with festive crowds.
• Fire Pits and Igloos: Complimentary fire pits are available in areas like S'mores Land, Twinkle Town, and Winterland, offering warm gathering spots. Private igloo rentals are also an option for a more exclusive experience.
• Real Ice Skating Rink: The "Desert Ice Skating Rink" provides a unique opportunity to glide on real ice under the desert stars. An ice pass is a separate fee.
• Aurora Ice Lounge & Games: A new addition described as a "glacial, one-of-a-kind game and lounge experience made of real ice," offering games and craft cocktails (additional cost).

Christmas at the Princess is lauded for its numerous features and highlights that create an "unforgettable" and "magical" holiday experience. These are the elements that truly set it apart as a premier holiday destination in Arizona.

• Breathtaking Light Displays: The sheer "amount of lights around the property was breathtaking," with "6 million dazzling lights" transforming the entire resort into a "winter wonderland." This visual spectacle is consistently highlighted as a top feature.
• Immersive Thematic Zones: The event is divided into engaging areas like "The Village" with its carnival atmosphere, "S'mores Land" with its cozy fire pits, and "Winterland" including the unique "Aurora Ice" lounge, ensuring a variety of experiences for all interests.
• Variety of Attractions for All Ages: From thrilling rides like "The Chair Lift" and "Snow Mountain" to interactive activities like "Nordic Nine Mini Golf" and the "Ice Maze," there are diverse "excursions around the resort" enjoyable for "all ages," catering to both young children and adults.
• Enchanted Plaza Shows: The towering Christmas tree in the Enchanted Plaza, synchronized with 70,000 LED lights and classic holiday music, alongside spectacular light shows projected on the resort's facade, provides a stunning central spectacle.
• Magical Holiday Ambiance: The combination of twinkling lights, "festive music," and "holiday cheer" creates an "enchanting" atmosphere where "every corner feels like a Christmas postcard come to life."
• Delicious Holiday Treats and Drinks: The availability of "tasty" "creative drink options" and "hot cocoa" adds to the festive indulgence, warming guests on chilly desert evenings.
• Exceptional Staff Friendliness: Reviewers consistently praise the "friendly and attentive" staff who ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for all visitors, even amidst large crowds.
• Seamless Entry and Parking Logistics: The "super quick" shuttle bus from parking to the entrance demonstrates efficient event management, reducing potential frustrations for attendees.
• Unique Desert Ice Skating: The real "Desert Ice Skating Rink" offers a distinctive winter tradition, allowing guests to glide on ice in the unique Arizona climate.

These features collectively contribute to Christmas at the Princess being an "unforgettable experience" and a highly recommended holiday outing.

While "Christmas at the Princess" is primarily a seasonal event, the host property, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, frequently offers various promotions that can enhance the experience for locals, especially during the holiday season or for those considering an overnight stay to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. It's always recommended to check the official Fairmont Scottsdale Princess website directly or call for the most current and specific holiday packages and offers.

Common types of promotions that might be available during the "Christmas at the Princess" event or for stays at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess include:

• Overnight Stay Packages: Often, booking an overnight stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess during the "Christmas at the Princess" event includes complimentary nightly admission to the festival, along with VIP Express Wristbands. These wristbands can significantly cut down wait times for popular attractions, making the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
• Arizona Resident Discounts: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, like many Arizona resorts, may offer special "Arizona Residents" rates or discounts. This is a common way for local communities to enjoy luxury experiences at a more accessible price.
• Fairmont/Accor Live Limitless (ALL) Member Offers: Members of Accor Live Limitless, Fairmont's loyalty program, might receive exclusive rates, earning points on stays, and other benefits that can be applied to a visit during the holiday season.
• Dining Packages: Some promotions might bundle dining credits or special holiday meal experiences at the resort's acclaimed restaurants with event access.
• Spa Packages: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is home to the Well & Being Spa, and holiday promotions might include spa credits or special seasonal treatments.
• Family Packages: Given the family-friendly nature of Christmas at the Princess, there might be specific packages tailored for families, potentially including extra perks for children or bundled activity passes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers related to "Christmas at the Princess" or stays at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, locals should directly visit the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess website or call their reservations line. Planning ahead, especially for this popular event, is always advisable to secure the best rates and availability.

For inquiries regarding "Christmas at the Princess" or to book an overnight stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to fully immerse yourself in the holiday magic, you can use the following contact details. It's always best to reach out directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on event schedules, tickets, and hotel availability during this popular seasonal offering.

Address: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA

While a specific phone number for "Christmas at the Princess" is not provided as a separate entity, the main phone number for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is (480) 585-4848. This number can be used for general inquiries about the resort and its events.

For general contact with the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, you can use:

Phone: (480) 585-4848

You may also find additional contact options, such as email or specific reservation lines, on the official Fairmont Scottsdale Princess website, which is the primary source for detailed information regarding their events and accommodations. Given the event's popularity, it's recommended to book tickets or make reservations well in advance.

For us Arizonans, Christmas at the Princess is far more than just a holiday event; it's a cherished local tradition and an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the festive spirit right in our own desert backyard. It’s uniquely suitable for locals for several compelling reasons, making it an annual highlight for countless families and friend groups across the state.

Firstly, its accessibility in North Scottsdale makes it a convenient outing for residents from various parts of the Valley. While it feels like a grand escape, the short drive and efficient shuttle service from parking ensure that the magic begins almost immediately upon arrival, without the hassle of extensive travel. This ease of access encourages multiple visits throughout the season, allowing families to build their own unique holiday memories year after year.

Secondly, Christmas at the Princess offers a truly immersive experience that caters to all ages, from the youngest children to the seasoned adults. The "breathtaking" millions of lights transform the familiar Fairmont Scottsdale Princess into an enchanting winter wonderland, a visual spectacle that defies our desert landscape. With a wide variety of activities, including mini-golf, thrilling rides, ice skating, and charming character meet-and-greets, there’s something for everyone. This diverse range of activities ensures that every family member, regardless of age, finds something enjoyable, making it an ideal multi-generational outing.

Moreover, the genuine "friendly and attentive" staff contribute significantly to the overall positive experience. Their dedication ensures that despite the festive crowds, everything runs smoothly, allowing guests to focus purely on enjoying the magic. The availability of "tasty" and "creative drink options" and various food stands adds to the festive indulgence, creating a full sensory holiday experience.

Finally, for locals seeking to extend the magic, the option of an overnight stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers VIP access to the event, allowing for an even deeper and more relaxed immersion into the holiday cheer. This makes it perfect for a luxurious holiday staycation, a unique way to celebrate the season without leaving the comfort of our beautiful state. Christmas at the Princess is not just an event; it’s a treasured part of Arizona's holiday identity, offering unforgettable moments and a festive spirit that truly comes alive for our community.