Christmas At The Fairmont Princess

Updated December 26, 2023

One of the most sought-after Christmas activities in Scottsdale, is “Christmas at the Princess” - a massive Christmas experience that turns even the most adult of adults into kids. It’s here that you can do everything from ice skate, to take a train around all of the lighting displays, ride a Ferris wheel and a carousel, go down an ice slide, make s’mores by a fire pit, drink adult hot chocolate, and so much more!

Check out my post to help decide if you should do an overnight stay, what there is to see and do, as well as tips on how to navigate this experience, i.e. parking, which restaurants to book dinner at, etc.

NOTE: This event sells out fast and reservations book up even faster! Don’t hesitate on booking!

Should you stay at the fairmont?

While pricier, it is nice to be able to wander the grounds, have a leisurely dinner, then head back to the grounds before heading up to your room. Fairmont tends to do a lot of deals just a few months out from the event (September and October). Snag even a base room as they will offer you upgrades.

Snagging a room means:

• Priority dinner reservations

• VIP wristbands (this gives you access to the Express line)

• Extra treats

To book now, click here.

Food options

restaurants

Fairmont Princess has four restaurants on site and only three of them are good. Our recommendations:

• Ironwood (American)

• La Hacienda (Mexican)

• Toro (Latin)

While Bourbon Steak is on the property as well, they are completely mismanaged - the staff is extremely slow and somewhat rude. We recommend not booking here.

other food

During this event, they also have “The Lodge” for BBQ, as well as food/snack stands, should you choose to forgo a reservation.

What to see and dO

ferris wheel

Grab some adult hot chocolate

They have stands everywhere for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. They come in beautiful reusable cups so you can wander the grounds.

LED LIGHTS DISPLAY & TRAIN RIDE

Covering many acres, Fairmont puts on the same lights display every year, though it never gets old. You have the option of taking a “train” ride around the park to see them or cruising the walking paths.

Merry-Go-Round

TIP: There’s no time limit to riding this - stay on as long as you want!

Mini-Golf

Mini-golf was new for 2023 and super fun to play! TIP: Go later in the evening when most of the kids have gone to bed. It won’t be as crowded,

Nativity Scene

When you wander the hidden path to the Nativity scene, you will see that it’s on a loop of sounds and lights that tells the story of the Nativity.

take a pic in front of the tree

Every year, the Fairmont Princess outdoes themselves with the Christmas Tree LED display. In 2023, a whole new light show was launched!

Watch the Christmas Story Projection

Wander the Paths

Other things to do

• Snag a fire pit and make your own s’mores

• Go down the ice slide on a tube

• Go ice skating

• Take pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Shop in the wonderful Christmas stores

• Grab a drink in the ice bar (extra fee for entry - we found it to be exorbitant)

Tips & tricks

1. If you choose to buy tickets only, they go super, super fast so make sure you book as soon as the tickets become available - usually around October.

2. If you want less crowds, head there at the beginning of December.

3. Consider staying on the property for Express access, as well as better access to restaurant reservations.

4. If you don’t want to stay, but want dinner, make sure that you book the restaurant a month in advance (along with the tickets). Otherwise, there’s one food place and some snack stands.

5. The experience is only open from 5pm - 11pm nightly. It seems like that’s plenty of time, but you always run out of time.

6. Always bring a coat, gloves, and a hat. It is chilly at night!