Celebrate the holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights at the Desert Botanical Garden.

One of my favorite holiday events here in the beautiful Sonoran Desert  is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden — a beautiful Southwestern holiday tradition that’s been taking place at this location since 1978. Each December, the Garden’s longest-running tradition brings the warm glow of more than 8,000 lit luminaria bags to its trails and the sparkle of thousands of tiny white lights perched in the trees. You can’t help but catch the holiday spirit while strolling along with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand on a crisp, clear night.

Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place over 15 nights, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Nov. 24 and 25. December dates include 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 19-23, and 26-30.

Adding to the festivities will be live music performances throughout the garden. From handbell and harps to carolers and mariachis, you can count on an inspired soundtrack to accompany your visit. See the entertainment schedule here.

Returning this year, La Posada will take place on Dec. 17 to celebrate the Mexican holiday tradition by the same name. On this evening, guests are invited to join in the festivities (included with ticket), which features piñatas, traditional food and drink, and two singing processions through the Garden.

Additionally, this desert wonderland experience includes “Fernando Botero: El Maestro” in the Garden and in Dorrance Hall, where a harmony of color and beauty come together in paintings, drawings and monumental sculpture.

Make the evening even more special with a sophisticated, alfresco culinary experience at Gertrude’s, the Garden’s on-site restaurant, where rotating menus celebrate Arizona’s growers and producers and feature seasonally inspired creations. Reservations recommended.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s website or call (480) 481-8188.

Tempe is all about holiday spirit. For information on other holiday festivities, visit our events calendar.