The holidays are in full swing at the Arizona Boardwalk. Whether it’s holiday shopping or upcoming events, here’s a highlight of the boardwalk’s offerings this month.
Winter Waterland at the OdySea Aquarium
SeaTREK Santa will be making his appearance at OdySea’s Winter Waterland from now Jan. 7, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online for $44.95 per adult. Guests can spot SeaTREK Santa at 12:15 or 4:15 p.m. on weekends through the holidays. Be sure to check online when booking to see if there will be one or two appearances on that day.
The aquarium will be decked out in festive lighting, decorations and music while guests make their way through the exhibits. The Voyager will be transformed into the Festive Holiday "Ride-Thru" Experience, where guests can watch the decorations change as they ride through the custom-themed exhibits.
Additionally, there is a SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt with the chance to win some prizes. Keep an eye out for all the Santa images that are hidden throughout the aquarium. Located at the Discovery Desk, mail a letter to SeaTREK Santa before posing for a picture.
More information: odyseaaquarium.com/promotions/#winter.
Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is introducing its new Glistening Gardens this holiday season. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Jan. 7, guests will have the chance to see the conservatory brightly lit with thousands of lights and holiday displays.
Take in all the beauty as “fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling meadow grass, firefly lights, fairy-lit birch trees and festive decorations.” Throughout the month there will be special holiday appearances, including Butterfly Fairy Leslie Campa, Native American flutist Aaron White and classical violinist Jonathan Levingston.
More information: butterflywonderland.com/special-events.
Christmas Characters at the Museum of Illusions
This holiday season the Museum of Illusions (MOI) will have Christmas character appearances on select days Dec. 3-17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Be amazed by the variety of exhibits displayed at the museum and walk away with a festive picture posing with the Grinch (Dec. 3), Nutcracker on Stilts (Dec. 10) or the Magician Santa (Dec. 17).
In addition to Christmas characters, MOI will be giving back throughout the entire month of December. Through Dec. 31 all patrons have the opportunity to round up their purchase in support of The Singletons Round Up Initiative.
Money gathered from the initiative will go directly to this Arizona-based nonprofit that’s devoted to helping single-parent families who are battling cancer meet their needs.
More information: moiscottsdale.com/current-event/christmas-characters.
Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Wounded Women Warriors presents the free Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market. With over 80 vendors, the market will have holiday decor and unique gifts to shop from.
Taking place on the courtyard there will be music, special character appearances, face painting, glitter tattoos and more.
More information: azboardwalk.com/event/free-scottsdale-sparkle-christmas-market.
Snowflake Search at Kids Quest, Cyber Quest
Guests have from Dec. 11 to 25 to locate all 12 snowflakes hidden throughout Kids Quest or Cyber Quest. Anyone who finds all 12 snowflakes will get a free spin on the Prize Wheel. Guests who find all the snowflakes and the mischievous elf will get a chance to win $100 in free play.
More information: kidsquest.com/snowflakesearch.
Candlelight Open Air Holiday Special
There will be six Candlelight Open Air Holiday Specials throughout the month of December featuring “The Nutcracker” and more. Buy tickets now to experience “the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight during the most wonderful time of the year.”
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at azboardwalk.com/events-listings. Taking place in the courtyard the concert times are as follows…
- Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.
Family Fun Holiday Fair & Marketplace
Dec. 16-17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. guests get to partake in this free holiday fair. This is a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, bounce houses and slides, face painting, coloring contests and more. For $10 families can get a professional photo taken with Santa Claus. The courtyard will be covered in a snow blizzard to truly make visitors feel as though they're in a winter wonderland.
Be sure to register beforehand to earn a free entry ticket in their raffle. Prizes include a family four pack of tickets to Odysea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and more.
More information: azboardwalk.com/event/free-family-fun-holiday-fair-marketplace-4.
Free Movie - “The Little Mermaid”
This month’s Movies at the Boardwalk will be “The Little Mermaid,” playing Dec. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. Be sure to arrive early to partake in all the activities prior to the movie beginning at dusk. There will be a character meet and greet, where guests can take a photo and chat with their favorite characters, a jiggling jellyfish craft, Plinko game for kids and a chance to win Loungefly Daughters of Triton Purse and Little Mermaid Card Holder.
Spots are first come first serve. Bring along a folding chair, blankets, etc. and settle in for this free showing on the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard.
More information: azboardwalk.com/event/free-movie-the-little-mermaid.
The Arizona Boardwalk is located in Scottsdale at 9500 E. Vía de Ventura.
