BlogUnveiling the Miracle of Lights: What's New for Christmas at the Princess 2023
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Unveiling the Miracle of Lights: What's New for Christmas at the Princess 2023

As the holiday season approaches, anticipation is building for the enchanting festivities at the Princess. This year, we are unveiling a host of new experiences and enhancements for an even more memorable and magical Christmas celebration.

Christmas at the Princess: The Miracle of Lights

Christmas, at its heart, has always been a celebration of light. From the shimmering bulbs that adorn our homes and streets to the warm glow of candles during midnight services; every flicker and gleam reminds us of the magic this season brings. It's not just about the physical luster, but the inner light of joy, hope, love, and unity that it kindles within each of us.

Aurora Ice Lounge + Chill

Step into Scottsdale’s only glacier—Aurora Ice—a one-of-a-kind game and lounge experience where everything is made of real ice! Slip into an ultra-warm faux fur parka and leave the desert heat behind as you step into an Arctic wonderland. Chilled to a brisk zero degrees and bathed in the soft glow reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, Aurora Ice is the coolest new place to chill out.

  • Cozy up to your favorite someone and savor a welcome craft cocktail worth melting for at the ice bar and take-home a custom Aurora Ice cup
  • Enjoy a range of frosty fun games including Zamboni races, shuffleboard and more, offering fun-filled competition
  • Immerse yourself in the Arctic's magnificence, brought to life through hand-chiseled ice sculptures and picture perfect photo ops

$30 per adult | $15 per child

Located in Winterland

Buy Tickets

Enchanted Plaza Shows

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind, 7-minute HD video that projects against the resort’s facade telling the story of our new holiday character, Cocoa the Bear, and his journey to find a shining Christmas star along with a Christmas tree strung up with 70,000 LED lights that twinkle and dance to 18 classic holiday songs. If you’re searching for that quintessential holiday experience in Scottsdale, look no further!

Shows every 30 minutes in the Enchanted Plaza from 5-10pm nightly.

Cocoa the Teddy Bear

Our newest loveable character, Cocoa, is made of magic! One night in the North Pole, Santa's elves were making a fresh batch of candy canes and accidentally spilled candy glitter everywhere – even in Santa’s workshop! Landing on a very lucky Teddy Bear, he came to life and was filled with laughter and Christmas spirit. Kept warm by a hat and scarf made by Mrs. Claus, Cocoa joins Santa on a magical adventure to place the star atop the Christmas tree.

Snap a pic with Cocoa as he walks around Christmas at the Princess

Nordic 9 Mini Golf

Embark on an exciting alpine adventure at our ski-themed mini golf course, where each hole is a snowy slope filled with ski slopes, an avalanche, and igloo views. Celebrate the winner with a photo at the Last Resort Podium at hole 9.

Complimentary with General Admission Tickets

Interactive Bubble Sword Experience

Discover holiday magic around every corner, as your Christmas Quest interactive mode sword works as your interactive guide. Featuring two settings, interactive and bubble sword mode the Christmas Quest Illumination Edition Bubble Sword – Christmas Quest, featuring bubbles and flashing lights.

$55 each | Purchase

Princess Express Train

Enjoy more than seven million dazzling lights during your stroll or ride on the Princess Express Train through the resort’s majestic lagoons where graceful swans abound, along with brand-new installations, including a 12-foot 3D hippo, octopus, and hot air balloon, plus a 15-foot princess. Then, travel through a 17-foot infinity tunnel, which features over 256 million color combinations from special LED bulbs. Don’t forget to grab a tasty beverage at Comet’s Caboose, located just outside the train depot.

Complimentary with General Admission Tickets

Spectacular Light Displays

Our designers have channeled their inner elves, meticulously crafting spectacular new displays in our workshop just in time for the holidays! Behold larger-than-life installations, from 14’ polar bears and toy soldiers to immaculately trimmed trees gracing our grand lobby and the bright lights of palm trees lining Princess Drive! Don't miss La Hacienda Plaza's new signature tree and wreaths, perfect for those unforgettable holiday photos with friends and family.