Phoenix may be known for its sunshine and desert landscapes, but when December arrives, the Valley transforms into a full-on holiday playground. From glittering night markets and light festivals to outdoor concerts, botanical garden strolls, and cozy seasonal pop-ups, there’s no shortage of festive things to do. The best part? Each event pairs perfectly with a little cannabis, whether you’re looking for something energizing, calming, creative, or deeply relaxing.
If your idea of holiday cheer includes exploring the city with thoughtfully chosen strains, this guide will help you plan a December filled with lights, music, community, and standout experiences.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden + A Calming, Reflective Strain
One of Phoenix’s most iconic holiday traditions, Las Noches de las Luminarias turns the Desert Botanical Garden into a glowing oasis. Thousands of hand-lit luminarias line the pathways while live music echoes between the saguaros. It’s serene, magical, and best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
Bring a balanced hybrid or CBD-forward strain—something that enhances the senses without overwhelming them. Perhaps, even, a Dusties Horchata pre-roll. The warm candlelight, cool night air, and soft performances feel richer and more textured when paired with a strain that encourages mindfulness and relaxation.Â
Think calming, earthy notes and an effect profile geared toward reflection and ease. Perfect for a date night, a quiet self-care outing, or an evening with close friends who want to wander and take it all in.
ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo + Something Uplifting and Fun
ZooLights is the opposite of subtle. This event is bold, bright, and buzzing with energy—ideal for families, friend groups, and anyone who loves colorful displays, music, and holiday spectacle. The animal lanterns and themed light tunnels make the entire zoo feel like another world.
For a night this lively, bring along an uplifting sativa or an energetic hybrid like our Forbidden Fruit vape. And if that’s not quite what you’re looking for? Look for strains known for being energizing, social ease, and mood elevating. Something citrusy or sweet fits the vibe of the electric light displays and keeps the whole evening lighthearted and fun. You’ll find yourself chatting more, laughing more, and getting fully swept up in the magic.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts + A Creative, Inspiring Strain
Every December, Margaret T. Hance Park fills with local art, live performances, food trucks, and hands-on experiences. The Phoenix Festival of the Arts is a great way to pick up unique gifts, support local creators, and enjoy an afternoon that blends culture, color, and creativity.
Pair this one with a creative, head-forward hybrid—like HIDAYS’ Pear Anytime Rosin-Infused gummies. Their balanced, upbeat profile makes colors pop, music feel richer, and artwork more engaging without tipping into anything overwhelming. The bright, fruity flavor fits perfectly with an afternoon spent browsing vendor booths or listening to local performers. If you’re the kind who gets inspired easily, bring a notebook or sketchpad—events like this tend to spark ideas, and the Pear Anytime gummies make those moments even more vivid.
Downtown Ice Rink at CityScape + A Focused, Feel-Good Hybrid
Skating in the middle of downtown Phoenix while surrounded by skyscrapers and holiday lights is an experience that always feels a little surreal. Whether you’re a confident skater or someone who hugs the wall and laughs through every wobble, the CityScape rink is a December must-do.
Bring a hybrid you know well, something that keeps you relaxed and loose without becoming distracting. Tropical Cookies, for instance. You want a strain that enhances the moment but still supports coordination, clear-headedness, and steady energy. Look for smooth, balanced effects that keep you warm, focused, and in the spirit of winter festivities.
Arizona Lights in the Night (Mesa) + A Dreamy, Relaxing Indica
For those willing to head a little east, Arizona Lights in the Night is a drive-thru-style wonderland full of towering displays, glowing arches, and synchronized light shows. It’s cozy, convenient, and perfect for low-effort holiday cheer.
Since you’re sitting back and taking in the lights from the comfort of your car, this is a great time to bring a deeply relaxing indica. The calm, dreamy state pairs beautifully with the immersive displays and gives everything a nostalgic, cinematic feel. It’s the ideal option for a slow evening when you’re not in a hurry and want to settle into the season.
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide + A Nostalgic, Happy Hybrid
Rawhide’s holiday celebration is packed with parade floats, light shows, live entertainment, and a playful, small-town-Christmas atmosphere. It’s wholesome, nostalgic, and full of things to see and do.
A nostalgic, feel-good hybrid works best—something with warm, happy effects that match the upbeat environment. Look for strains that help you feel present, social, and open to enjoying the whimsy of parade floats and winter characters. It’s a great pick for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants a classic holiday outing.
Make Phoenix Your Personal Holiday Playground with Sunday Good DispensariesÂ
The beauty of celebrating the holidays in Phoenix is the variety. One evening can be calm and candlelit; the next can be bright, bold, and buzzing with energy. Whatever your December looks like, there’s a strain that fits the moment—and a Sunday Goods location ready to help you find it.
Whether you’re heading to Desert Botanical Garden, skating downtown, or exploring the heart of Phoenix’s arts scene, bring along something that elevates the experience. After all, the holidays are about joy, connection, and finding moments that feel like your own kind of magic.
