The holiday season in Arizona brings festive celebrations across the state. With its warm climate and abundance of luxury resorts, Arizona has become a popular destination for celebrities to spend Christmas and New Year’s. From star-studded tree lighting ceremonies to lavish parties at exclusive golf clubs and spas, there are many opportunities to spot famous faces enjoying holiday traditions in the Grand Canyon State.
Where do celebrities spend Christmas in Arizona?
Arizona’s myriad of high-end resorts provide privacy and exclusive amenities that attract celebrities from around the world during the holiday season. Some of the top spots to potentially see a famous face are:
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
This lavish resort features casual elegance amidst the Sonoran Desert. With luxury casitas, award-winning dining, and golf at the renowned Troon North Golf Club, it’s no wonder celebrities like Tiger Woods, Justin Timberlake, and Dr. Dre have spent Christmas holidays soaking up the sun in Scottsdale. Holiday activities range from saguaro tree lighting to visits from Santa during Christmas brunch.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley
This exclusive enclave on the north slope of Camelback Mountain provides private villas and bungalows for ultimate seclusion. With Asian-inspired spa treatments and ski lifts to carry guests up the mountain, Sanctuary is a popular holiday hideaway for those seeking privacy, like Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and more. They ring in the New Year with glamorous parties as fireworks launch over the mountains at midnight.
The Phoenician in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s premier AAA Five Diamond resort dazzles during the holidays with a massive tree and light display in the grand Thoi Son restaurant. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have been spotted soaking in holiday ambiance while snacking on the Phoenician’s signature Thoi Son Hot Chocolate with warm churros. The resort hosts celebrations like their annual ICE Holiday Wine & Chocolate Tasting to ring in Christmas and New Year.
What celebrity Christmas events happen in Arizona?
Beyond just sightings at luxury resorts, there are also famous Christmas events around Arizona where celebrity appearances have been known to occur.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
This beloved holiday tradition features thousands of flickering candles lining the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden. Over 8,000 hand-lit luminarias create a magical atmosphere. Performers like Kristin Chenoweth have given special holiday performances here, with various celebrities attending the event over the years as well. Dazzling light displays and entertainment create seasonal wonder throughout the gardens.
Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend Launch
Kicking off the holiday season in historic downtown Glendale, this launch event draws around 20,000 attendees annually. Tree lighting ceremonies, fireworks, pictures with Santa, and performances from American Idol alumni are highlights. Nick Jonas made an appearance one year to light a ceremonial giant Christmas tree outside city hall and pose with fans for pictures by the glittering displays.
Arizona Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mesa Mormon Temple
Over 300,000 LED lights adorn the Christmas trees that surround the Mesa Mormon Temple each year. This display, visible from the highway, draws viewers from all over Arizona. A holiday performance and lighting ceremony happens annually in late November, with surprise celebrity guests joining in for the festivities on occasion.
What extravagant things do celebrities do for Christmas in Arizona?
The celebratory holidays bring out lavish gestures from those looking to spread seasonal joy to friends and family. For celebrities visiting Arizona, the possibilities are endless when it comes to over-the-top expressions of Christmas generosity.
Rent Out Resorts for Private Holiday Stays
Justin Bieber reportedly rented out the full Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson for a private holiday vacation one year, booking all 107 rooms to ensure seclusion. What’s better than escaping with your inner circle to spend quality time together over the holidays while still enjoying resort amenities and services tailored exclusively to you? Celebrities like Bieber spare no expense in creating special memories with loved ones.
| Celebrity | Resort | Reported Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Bieber | Miraval Tucson | $300,000 |
| Kylie Jenner | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | $450,000 |
Gift Extravagant Presents
What holiday is complete without a generous exchange of gifts? Celebrities have been known to give cars, jewelry, and expensive getaways to their loved ones while vacationing in Arizona for Christmas.
Kylie Jenner reportedly gifted her daughter Stormi a life-size playhouse modeled after their own $36 million mansion one year, sparing no detail to match real-life furnishings for the toddler to enjoy. With seemingly endless resources, gift-giving reaches new heights for celebrities looking to make lasting holiday memories for those closest to them during their stays in Arizona.
Host Elaborate Holiday Parties
Accommodations at luxury resorts provide plenty of space for celebrities to host lavish holiday celebrations while in Arizona. Extravagant décor transformed ballrooms and reception halls into Christmas wonderlands, with menus catering decadent holiday meals for their guests.
Kim Kardashian chartered planes to fly 50 of her closest friends and family members in for an intimate Christmas soirée in the Santa Catalina Mountains at the Canyon Ranch Resort one year. No detail was spared to shower love, gratitude, and seasonal merriment on those invited to these exclusive star-studded holiday happenings.
Indulge in Boutique Holiday Offerings
Customized holiday experiences abound for those looking to make Christmas in the desert extraordinary. From festive treatments at spas to bespoke menus for Christmas dinner to extravagant holiday décor arrangements in luxury suites, celebrities enjoy one-of-a-kind offerings made just for them during stays in Arizona over the holidays.
Unique local businesses craft specialty holiday gifts, activities, and celebrations personalized to each celebrity guest. Custom cowboy boots embossed with family holiday photos for country singer Luke Bryan or a hot air balloon ride over the red rocks of Sedona on Christmas morning for actress Emma Stone are examples of boutique holiday surprises celebrities indulge in when visiting Arizona during this seasonal time of year.
What types of holiday traditions do celebrities partake in while in Arizona?
Though celebrities lead glamorous lives different than most, many still uphold beloved holiday traditions to stay grounded and create special memories with family during Christmas stays in Arizona.
Family Meals
Even Justin Timberlake makes time for homecooked food and classic holiday dishes when visiting Arizona for Christmas, according to reports. Celebrity families gather to share festive meals, whether at their luxury resort accommodations or private vacation rentals around the state.
Partaking in traditional dishes or family recipes over quality conversation and holiday cheer helps stars like Timberlake and Jessica Biel foster cherished moments with loved ones amid hectic schedules and fame.
Festive Performances
The theater scene in Arizona hosts various holiday-themed concerts, ballets and productions each Christmas season. Spotting singer Diana Ross or figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi indulging in the arts during spirited stage performances in Arizona is not unheard of over the holidays.
The nostalgia, festive ambiance, and quality family time offered through these holiday performances allows celebrities a chance to share beloved seasonal stories in new places with their own families while visiting Arizona.
Pictures with Santa
Even world-famous pop stars and actors make time for silly shots with Saint Nick during their stays. After all, what’s Christmas without capturing the holiday spirit in photographs?
Reports of stars like Gwen Stefani and her children waiting patiently in line for photos with Santa around Arizona prove that classic holiday joy requires no fame nor fortune. Celebrities anchoring themselves in timeless traditions keep the Christmas spirit alive when enjoying seasonal getaways out west.
Local Community Events
Arizona towns and neighborhoods really get into embracing holiday cheer. From glittering light displays to festive caroling events to local Christmas markets, there are endless community happenings for celebrities to enjoy with locals during their winter stays in the Grand Canyon State.
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have been spotted taking in the holiday magic put on yearly by the small town of Carefree, Arizona according to reports. Understated moments like these where celebrities and locals blend together in holiday wonder are part of what makes Christmas in Arizona so uniquely charming for famous out-of-town guests.
What are the best spots for celebrity holiday sightings in Arizona?
While celebrities value privacy on their winter getaways, there are a few noted areas around Arizona where stargazers are known to possibly spot famous faces soaking in seasonal attractions.
Old Town Scottsdale
This downtown district dazzles with holiday charm, featuring festive decorations, tasty treats, unique boutiques, and art galleries. Various celebrities have been seen strolling Old Town Square taking in sights like the glowing Christmas tree and ice skating rink at the Scottsdale Waterfront shopping center. With many restaurants, bars, and stores in the area, Old Town allows stars a chance to meander and enjoy low-key holiday vibes.
El Pedregal Shops and Dining in Scottsdale
Attached to The Phoenician resort, this luxury open-air marketplace houses high-end boutiques and gourmet dining options. With a central fireplace and views of Camelback Mountain, stars can browse the latest fashions and dine al fresco while staying warm and cozy. Spotting celebrity families wandering through holiday decor displays or picking up gifts for loved ones here is not uncommon.
Sedona Red Rock Country
With majestic scenery made even more magical and covered in frosting snow, Sedona offers endless photo opportunities that celebrities jump at when visiting Arizona for Christmas. Whether hiking amidst the rich red rocks dusted in powdery snow or simply admiring the breathtaking landscapes, stars like Patrick Dempsey and Ben Affleck have been spotted soaking in Sedona’s natural seasonal beauty over the holidays.
Local Christmas Markets
Artisan goods, live entertainment and holiday libations draw crowds to European-style Christmas markets popping up all over Arizona. Celebrities wishing to shop local while taking in the festive ambiance have been seen at markets like the annual Christkindlmarket in Scottsdale and the Tempe Festival of Lights. Browsing gifts and goodies while enjoying festive music and foods allows stars a balanced taste of beloved traditions during their Arizona stays.
Conclusion
The holiday season brings sparkling lights, festive music and good cheer across Arizona. And the state’s abundance of luxury resorts and spas, exclusive golf clubs and private vacation estates are magnets drawing celebrities in from colder climates to the warm embrace and first-rate amenities of the desert each Christmas.
From star-studded tree lightings to extravagant holiday shopping sprees to chances for fans to possibly spy celebrities embracing beloved traditions alongside locals, Arizona offers the best of celebratory holiday experiences paired with seclusion and five-star treatment for those looking to escape fame and indulge in the most wonderful time of year.
So if you find yourself wandering Old Town Scottsdale’s glittering streets, hiking trails dusted in magical snow or cheering on festive performances this Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for famous faces looking to memorialize seasonal occasions they just can’t experience to such degrees back home in Hollywood or New York. You never know what celebrity sightings the special Christmas charm exclusive to Arizona might bring!
FAQs about Celebrity Holiday Celebrations in Arizona
Where are the best places to rent a vacation home to vacation like a celebrity in Arizona?
Exclusive neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and luxury communities in Carefree/Cave Creek offer multi-million dollar homes with ample amenities perfect for celebrities. Resorts like Four Seasons Scottsdale and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain also have private rental villas.
Where do celebrities go hiking when visiting Arizona in the winter?
Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Tom’s Thumb Trail in Scottsdale and Red Rock State Park in Sedona are noted hiking trails celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Nick Jonas and Ben Affleck have been seen on over the holidays.
What special holiday menu items are offered at luxury resort restaurants in Arizona?
Scene-stealing desserts like the Spiced Pear Tartin at Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary or the Buche De Noel Yule Log at SWB at the Phoenician wow resort guests. Seasonal dishes often integrate local ingredients like Arizona citrus or pecans for celebrities dining out.
Where can you see spectacular holiday light displays in Arizona like celebrities do?
Destinations like Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Glendale Glitters festival, Mesa Mormon Temple Lights and even neighborhood displays in Deer Valley provide perfect backdrops for seasonal photo ops that you might spot famous faces wanting to capture.
What are the hottest spots for celebrity holiday shopping in Arizona?
Old Town Scottsdale, El Pedregal Shops at the Phoenician Resort, upscale boutiques at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix, and artsy galleries in Sedona often draw A-list shoppers looking for unique gifts and mementos from their winter visits.