Aside from the awestriking displays, the Phoenix Light Festival also has to offer countless stalls and rides for people of all ages to enjoy. If you want to experience the most magical trip ever, then do not hesitate to plan a trip to the Lights of the World now!
Festival Dates
Unfortunately, the Lights of the World did not open festival dates for the year 2020 due to the ongoing Coronavirus 2019 pandemic. No dates have been discussed yet for the year 2021, and people are still unsure whether North America’s largest festival of lights would still be held.
The last time that the Phoenix Light Festival opened was way back in 2019, starting from November 22, 2019, to January 12, 2020. There were also extra days that were held by the festival before it was finally closed.
The next available lights festival available in the same area is the Phoenix Music Lights Festival, which was also postponed to October 2-3, 2021. Unlike the Lights of the World, the Phoenix Music Lights Festival is held only for 2 days and is more of a concert with EDM blasting through its speakers rather than focusing solely on displays and entertainment.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
If you want to experience the magic of the countless displays, along with trying out the stalls and rides in the festival, then you can visit the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
The moment the Lights of the World opens once again for the whole world to gaze and admire, the Arizona State Fairgrounds is sure to be the brightest place in North America. How could it not when 10 million lights are used for this wonderful event?
If you are traveling from the Southern Arizona Cities and/or the East Valley, you can take exit #143 C from I-10 westbound (19th Avenue exit). 19th Avenue will be on your right (north). To get to the Encanto entrances or Monte Vista, pass through McDowell Lane.
If you are traveling from the West Valley, take exit #142 from I-10 eastbound (27th Avenue exit). To get to Thomas Lane, turn left (north) on 27th Avenue. Continue straight on Thomas (east) to 19th Avenue. To get to the Monte Vista or Encanto parking lots, turn right (south) on 19th Avenue.Exit #197 off I-17 (19th Avenue, State Capitol exit) if you are traveling from the North Valley. To get to the Monte Vista or Encanto exits, take 19th Avenue north.
You can also take a bus on your way to Arizona State Fairgrounds. The nearest bus stations to the event are 19th Av & Monte Vista Rd, Mcdowell Rd & 17th Av, 19th Av & Mcdowell Rd, and 15th Av & Palm Ln. The bus lines 17 and 19 all stop near the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
The nearest light rail station to Arizona State Fairgrounds, on the other hand, would be Mcdowell/Central Ave.
If you are going to hail a cab or a taxi, then the driver is sure to know the way once you say you are going to Arizona State Fairgrounds, as the location – along with the event – is widely known in the area.
The traveling restrictions of public transportation, however, are subject to change due to the ongoing Coronavirus 19 pandemic.
Festival Hours
Expect the lights to turn on, the rides to start operating, and the stalls to start cooking at exactly 5:30 in the afternoon. The Phoenix Light Festival opens at 5:30 p.m., and you can enjoy the magic it has to offer for approximately five hours as it closes at 10:00 p.m.
The festival is open from Thursday to Sunday only.
If you are going to the festival to take your kids to the rides, or perhaps check out the “Funny Magic for Kids” that the festival has to offer, then do take note that this opens at 7 p.m. on a Thursday and 8 p.m. on a Sunday. For Friday’s and Saturday’s, the entertainment for children may open at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Cost to Visit the Festival
The tickets to visit the Phoenix Light Festival differs depending on the person’s age. For adults, the tickets are around $17.99.
A senior’s tickets would cost $14.99, while the tickets for kids that are aged 12 and under will cost $14.99, as well. Children who are under the age of 3 are guaranteed free admission.
People who work for the military, or for those who are first responders, will be guaranteed a ticket worth $14.99 as long as they are able to present an ID.
You can purchase “Family Fun 4-Packs” tickets for $99.00. This ticket will include the entrance to the fest and access to unlimited rides in the festival for four people.
General admission, however, including the unlimited ride package, will cost around $25 for each person.
Do take note that the festival also has a variety of stalls that serve the most delicious of food, so you should definitely pack an extra amount of cash for that.
Weather and What to Wear
If you are going to visit the festival for the year of November to January, then make sure to pack enough clothes that will protect you from the harsh cold nights of winter. These clothes should be able to keep you warm enough to enjoy the 75 displays, 10 million lights, a variety of rides, and food stalls.
Where to Sleep – Hotels nearby the lights fest
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown are sure to accommodate you well after a well-spent trip with their promising amenities, such as free breakfast and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Their rooms are air-conditioned and are accommodated with a refrigerator, a flatscreen TV. A gym, business center, and meeting rooms are available, as well.
If you have children with you, Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown is also family-friendly as they also offer children activities.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix offers different room types, such as bridal suites, suites, and family rooms. They also offer bicycle rental, and their hotel provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, as well.
Their rooms are air-conditioned and are accommodated with a minibar and a flatscreen TV. Room service is available, as well.
You are free to lounge in their other property amenities such as a bar/lounge and a pool to keep cool in. There is also a gym and a business center. The hotel is also dog / pet-friendly.
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is sure to provide all of your needs, starting with their property amenities such as a paid private parking and Wi-Fi. If you have dog/s with you, then Renaissance can accommodate you and your pet well.
You can relax well in their bar/lounge, or perhaps spend time in their pool or fitness center with a gym/workout room.
Their room features air conditioning, a refrigerator, cable/satellite TV, coffee/tea maker, and a bath/shower. Room service is also available.
What to Eat – Restaurants Nearby
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
If you like American or contemporary food the most, then Rusconi’s American Kitchen is your go-to place. They offer lunch, dinner, and even brunch. Alcohol is also available.
Rusconi’s is a must-visit place once you go to Arizona. They provide the greatest ambiance and provides free Wi-Fi. Outside seating is available, along with parking and takeout.
Different Pointe of View
Do you perhaps want to experience a rather classy, fancy dinner during your stay in Arizona? Then you should definitely not miss out on Different Pointe of View. The place focuses on dinner and late-night meals and drinks.
The ambiance in Different pointe of View makes it the best place for a sophisticated dinner, along with the meals that they serve, which are mostly American cuisines.
They also offer Vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free meals. Outdoor seating is accommodated, as well.
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Do you want to have a nice, scrumptious breakfast outside? Try out Matt’s Big Breakfast during your stay in Arizona, and you will find yourself having a smile on your face and your stomach full with the breakfast meals that they offer.
Every meal that they serve is well-cooked and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The atmosphere and service of Matt’s Big Breakfast are also worth appreciating. You can go to Matt’s Big Breakfast for either breakfast or brunch.
More Things to Do in Area
There are a lot of tourist attractions in Phoenix that you definitely should not miss out on.
Desert Botanical Garden
If you are opting to enjoy a rather relaxing adventure after the Phoenix Light Festival experience, then the Desert Botanical Garden is sure to be the perfect place for you. It displays a lot of succulents usually found in the desert. All placed beautifully to please one’s eyes. They also offer knowledge on desert landscaping, wellness, and a whole lot more.
Camelback Mountain
If you feel like you’re looking forward to some hiking, then make sure to visit Camelback Mountain. Not only will it be able to give you a fruitful, refreshing hike, but it also provides a great view of Phoenix above. Make sure to bring lots of water with you, as hiking at Camelback Mountain will sure be a challenge.
Musical Instrument Museum
For another tranquil tourist attraction, the Musical Instrument Museum at Phoenix is guaranteed to be giving you all of its best exhibits and displays. If you’re a music fan, then this museum is definitely a must-visit place for you. The admission fees range from $10 to $20.
