A Double Dose of Holiday Magic in Arizona

Visiting the Best Drive-Through Light Shows in Arizona

It might be the middle of summer, but I still catch myself smiling when I think back to last year’s holiday season. While everyone else was worrying about gift lists and cookie swaps, my family was out chasing light tunnels, neon reindeer, and holiday music that could make even the Grinch dance. We didn’t just visit one show, we went to two! World of Illumination’s Enchanted Safari in Tempe and Rockin’ Christmas in Glendale made it feel like Arizona turned into a glowing wonderland. I can honestly say it was the best drive through light show in Arizona, times two.

It all started in Tempe, where we kicked off our holiday fun with Enchanted Safari, and it was like stepping into a glowing jungle. Picture neon animals, glowing trees, and music that synced perfectly with every twinkle and flicker. My niece was convinced the lights were moving just for her. We rolled down the windows to feel the cool December air, and everyone started singing along to the music. There’s something about being surrounded by color and sound that makes you forget the world outside. By the time we drove under the last glowing arch, my mom said, “We have to do this again next year.”

But we didn’t even wait that long. Just a week later, we headed to Glendale for Rockin’ Christmas, and it was like a totally different world. Instead of the jungle vibe, this one felt like a holiday concert powered by Santa himself. The lights pulsed to rock music, and every section had a new surprise, drums, guitars, and a giant Santa that looked ready to headline his own show. The energy was electric, and we couldn’t stop laughing.

World of Illumination really knows how to make every theme unique. That’s what makes it the best drive through light show in Arizona. You could go to every location and never see the same thing twice. Each display has its own charm, and every turn brings something new. The creativity behind these shows is unreal. You can tell how much work and love goes into them because every detail feels intentional, from the timing of the lights to the cheerful greetings from the staff who wave you through with big smiles.

Now that it’s July, the heat’s in full swing, and I’m counting down the months until World of Illumination opens again. I’ve already got my eye on tickets because last year taught me that the early bird gets the best time slots. The shows usually run nightly from mid November through early January, which means there’s plenty of time to fit them into your schedule, but trust me, once you go once, you’ll want to go again. Whether you’re in Tempe, Glendale, or anywhere in between, it’s worth the short drive.

Another thing I love about these shows is how they bring people together. It’s not just families with kids, it’s couples, friend groups, and even solo visitors who just want to soak up the holiday magic. Everyone’s there for the same reason, to smile, to sing, and to feel like a kid again. There’s something universal about it. You can’t drive through miles of glowing lights synchronized to your favorite songs and not feel your heart lift a little.

If you’re looking for variety, visiting both Tempe and Glendale is the way to go. Each show has its own personality, and seeing both gives you the full experience of what World of Illumination has to offer. It’s the perfect way to keep the holiday spirit alive all season long. Tickets go fast every year, so as soon as they’re announced, I’ll be ready to grab mine early.

I think that’s what keeps me coming back. The world moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of it all. But for those few minutes at World of Illumination, you get to slow down. You get to laugh with your family, take goofy pictures, and remember what the holidays are supposed to feel like, joyful, warm, and full of light.

This year, we’ll definitely be back for another round. For now, I’ll just keep daydreaming about those tunnels of color and the sound of Christmas music echoing through the car. It might be summer outside, but in my mind, it’s still glowing with the magic of the best drive through light show in Arizona.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, make sure to grab your tickets early at worldofillumination.com once they go live, tickets always go fast! Whether you start in Tempe, Glendale, or both, you’ll leave with memories that last long after the lights go out.