33 THINGS: GO, SEE, DO

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RELATIVES IN TOWN?

Already hiked the stairs, toured downtown, and out of go-to sightseeing ideas? I’ve seen people online asking for things to do, which is why I pulled together this list of 33 fun, festive, and sometimes off-the-beaten-path ways to show your visitors a good time this Thanksgiving weekend.

From twinkling light displays to family-friendly shows and hidden local gems, both indoors and out, there’s something for every one! And, of course, local eats & treats to visit along the way!

🎄 HOLIDAY LIGHTS & FESTIVE FUN

1. Wigwam Christmas Tree Lighting + Dinner at Old Pueblo Café & Pub
Kick off the holiday season in style at The Wigwam’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa as the resort’s giant tree lights up the night. Eat at Old Pueblo Café & Pub (one of my favorite places) either before or after.
🗓️ Nov 28 | 5-8 PM
📍 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park | wigwamarizona.com

2. Noches de las Luminarias – Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)
8,000 glowing luminarias, live entertainment, and Sonoran-style Santa & Mrs. Claus.
🗓 Select nights Nov 28 – Dec 30 | 📍 dbg.org

3. Tianyu Lights Festival – Camelback Ranch (Glendale)
Larger-than-life lanterns across four themed worlds: Bugs Aglow, Rainforest, Color of Holidays & Prehistoric Animals.
🗓 Now – Jan 4 | 📍 tianyuculture.us

4. Glendale Glitters
Holiday lights, interactive features, photo ops and vendors.
🗓 Opens Nov 28 & 29 at 5 PM | 📍Glendale Glitters 

5. Feliz Navid Cantina – Salt & Lime (Scottsdale)
A Christmas explosion! The whole restaurant transforms into a festive wonderland with themed dishes and cocktails. 90-minute dining experience for 2-10 guests. Reservations required.
📍 Scottsdale & Shea | Opens Fri, Nov 28 | Reservations by phone only

🍽 EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

6. Goodyear Civic Square (GSQ)
Kick back under the holiday lights, then grab dinner at Copper & Sage or live music, drinks and dancing at The Stillery (see Buzz review).

7. Pier 54 (Tempe)
Waterfront dining in the desert: brunch + sunset cocktails, and canal views.
📍pier54az.com

8. The Lola AZ – Westgate (Glendale)
People-watching, patio vibes, and craft cocktails—perfect after a stroll through Westgate’s outdoor mall.
📍The Lola Cocktail Lab & Eatery 

9. Organ Stop Pizza (Mesa)
Pizza, pipes, and pure nostalgia—home of the world’s largest Wurlitzer organ.
📍 Organ Stop Pizza

10. Buck & Rider (North Scottsdale)
Pair a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum with fresh seafood & cocktails at nearby Buck & Rider.
📍 Buck & Rider Scottsdale | Musical Instrument Museum

11. The Lake at Estrella + Dinner with a View
Take a sunset stroll around the lake(s), then grab dinner at The Cantina at Presidio or Lakeside Grill (patio perfection).
📍 North & South Lake Trail Exchange

12. Desert Diamond White Tanks (Waddell)
Bright lights, dining, and entertainment + the best food, all in one stop. Whether you’re playing the slots, grabbing a cocktail, or catching live music, Desert Diamond is sparkles.
📍 Desert Diamond Casino (Buzz Review)

13. Movie at Harkins + Dinner at Bubba’s 33 – Goodyear
Catch a casual dinner and a movie night all in one stop! Bubba’s 33 is known for its burgers, wings, and fun sports-bar vibe, perfect for low-key family fun after a long day of entertaining guests.
📍 Bubba’s 33 (Buzz Review)

🎳 FAMILY FUN

14. Fat Cats (Surprise)
Bowling, mini-golf, arcade games & movie theater—all under one roof.
📍 Fat Cats (Buzz Review)

15. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games (Glendale)
Go-karts, arcade, VR, spark bowling, and laser tag for your inner speed demon.
📍Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

16. Topgolf (Glendale)
Swing, sip & snack your way through multi-level fun (no golf skills required) just don’t crank your back (like I did). Make reservations.
📍Topgolf Glendale

17. Player 1 Arcade (Surprise)
Retro fun for all ages — dozens of vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games.
📍 Player 1 Arcade

18. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Scottsdale)
The thrill of freefall—without the plane! I have done this with my family, it’s fun! For ages 3-103.
📍 iFly World

19. PopStroke by Tiger Woods (Glendale)
Mini golf meets full-service bar. Two 18-hole courses, outdoor games, and great food.
📍 PopStroke

20. House of Sport by Dick’s Sporting Goods (Glendale)
This brand-new experiential sporting destination features rock climbing, putting greens, batting cages, and more. Arizona’s first “House of Sport” brings shopping, recreation, and community events under one (giant!) roof.
📍 DICK’s House of Sport 

21. Free Train Rides by Maricopa Live Steamers (Glendale)
All aboard! Take the kids for a free (donations) miniature train ride at Maricopa Live Steamers Park. It’s a hidden gem for families and train lovers alike.
🗓 Sunday, Nov 29 | 11 AM–2 PM
📍 Maricopa Live Streamers Train Rides

22. Puttshack + Dinner at Culinary Dropout (Scottsdale Quarter)
Bring your A-game to Puttshack, the tech-infused mini golf experience that keeps score for you (and plays music while you do it). Then refuel next door at Culinary Dropout or Etta, both local favorites with patio vibes and killer cocktails.
📍 Puttshack | Culinary Dropout | Etta

23. Slick City (Goodyear)
Indoor slides + air courts = fun for all ages.
📍 Slick City

🌵 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

24. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium + Dillon’s (Litchfield Park)
Ride the Sky Lift and have lunch with the flamingos at Dillon’s BBQ inside the zoo! Also, be sure to catch the Sea Lion Show!
📍 Wildlife World Zoo | Dillon’s KC BBQ

25. Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Hike + Juniper Tree (Yarnell, AZ)
A moving tribute to the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who gave their lives in 2013. Plaques along the trail share each firefighter’s story, making this hike both emotional and inspiring. For an even deeper connection, watch Only the Brave before you go — then read about the Alligator Juniper Tree the crew saved.
📍 Granite Mountain Hotshots Juniper Story | 🎥 Only the Brave
🙏 Thank you to Buzz Reader, James Schmaltz, for sharing this with me.

26. Scorpion Bay Marina (Lake Pleasant)
Rent a boat, or just brunch overlooking the water at Scorpion Bay Grill.
📍 Scorpion Bay | Scorpion Bay Grill

27. Verde Canyon Railroad – Clarkdale
A classic Arizona rail adventure through red rock country that everyone MUST experience at least once!
📍 Verde Canyon Railroad (Buzz Review)

28. Hike the Tortuga Trail – Skyline Regional Park (Sienna Hills, Buckeye)
Peaceful desert views and gentle inclines, perfect post-pie walk that’s family friendly.
📍 Skyline Park Trail Map
🗒️ Thanks to Buzz Reader (and friend) Maureen Wilson for this!

29. Japanese Friendship Garden (Phoenix)
Step into serenity. This 3.5-acre authentic Japanese stroll garden features flowing streams, a 14-foot waterfall, and a koi pond with more than 300 fish.
📍 Japanese Friendship Garden

🎰 MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS & HIDDEN GEMS

30. The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall (Goodyear)
Treasure-hunt your way through 2-stories of vintage finds and collectibles.
📍 The Brass Armadillo

31. Pompeii: The Exhibition – Arizona Science Center (Phoenix)
Step back to 79 AD in this immersive exhibit of ancient artifacts.
🗓️ Now through April 12, 2026
📍 Pompeii: The Exhibition

32. Dorrance DOME – Arizona Science Center (Phoenix)
An all-new planetarium experience featuring 360° visuals and sound.
🕰️ Daily at 3 PM
📍 Dorrance DOME

33. Rosson House Museum (The Square PHX)
Tour the Rosson House Museum, a fully restored 1895 Victorian home. Then grab a bite at the legendary Pizzeria Bianco as seen on Chef’s Table on Netflix, the episode of which also talks about Phoenix history. Watch it!
🗓️ November 28, 2026 | 10 AM - 4 PM
📍 Rosson House Museum | Pizzeria Bianco | Chef’s Table - Episode 1

Whether you’re hosting, playing tour guide, or just soaking in the long weekend, I hope this list is your ticket to making the most of Thanksgiving in the Wild West Valley and beyond. From twinkling lights and festive cocktails to lakeside adventures and hidden gems, Arizona’s got plenty to be thankful for and most of all:

You don’t have to shovel sunshine!