Celebrate the holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights at the Desert Botanical Garden
One of the most-anticipated holiday events here in the Sonoran Desert is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. This beautiful Southwestern holiday tradition has been taking place at this location since 1978. Each winter, 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.
For 2025, Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. over 19 nights. Kicking off the weekend of Nov. 28 to 30 and continuing on the following December dates: 5, 6, 12 to 14, 18 to 23 and 26 to 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.
Framerate: Desert Pulse
This year, Frame Desert Pulse, a multi-sensory art exhibit by ScanLAB Projects, will be on display in conjunction with Las Noches de las Luminarias. Through photography, motion and sound, this exhibit invites visitors into the visual and emotional energy of the Sonoran Desert and reveals new ways of seeing and deepening appreciation for our vibrant ecosystem.
Explore thousands of stunning images across five monumental video installations for one not-to-miss transformative experience that is on display from Oct. 11, 2025, to May 10, 2026.
Plan Your Visit
Take a closer look at the magic that awaits you with our Desert Botanical Garden Guide. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s website or call 480-481-8188.
For additional holiday happenings throughout Tempe, visit our events calendar.