Holiday Events and Things to Do in Gilbert, Arizona
As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better time to discover the charm of Gilbert, Arizona. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Gilbert offers a unique blend of small-town warmth, festive traditions, and modern amenities that make it an ideal holiday destination and an excellent place to call home. From twinkling light displays and cozy seasonal events to a thriving community spirit, Gilbert shines as a holiday gem nestled in the heart of the Southeast Valley. Whether you’re planning a festive getaway or exploring the idea of relocating, Gilbert is brimming with reasons to fall in love this holiday season.
Get to Know Gilbert, Arizona
Located in the southeastern part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert is a perfect blend of modern suburban living with deep-rooted history and vibrant community life. Initially a small farming town, it has since evolved into a suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and unique outdoor attractions.
Gilbert is famous for its mix of natural beauty and suburban amenities. One of its standout attractions is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a 110-acre natural habitat with lush wetlands, over 200 bird species, and scenic walking trails. The heart of the town, Downtown Gilbert, better known as the Heritage District, is home to award-winning restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and entertainment venues.
Whether you're drawn to the scenic outdoors, the bustle of city living, or the peaceful suburban life, Gilbert has something for everyone.
Holiday Events and Must-Do Things in Gilbert
Below are what makes Gilbert the ideal place to enjoy the holidays and perhaps even call home:
SanTan Village Holiday Events
The SanTan Village in Gilbert is a popular open-air shopping destination. During the holidays, it transforms into a prime spot for festive fun for families, shoppers, and the community.
Santa Pet Nights - November 25 and December 2, 4 pm to 7 pm
On the top of my list, and I’m sure every fur-mom’s out there, is their Santa Pet Nights, where guests can bring their pets for holiday photos with Santa on select evenings, supporting the Humane Society with each photo purchase.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus - Tuesdays from November 26 – December 17, 11 am to 12 pm
You can also bring the whole family to enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus every Tuesday, featuring festive tales, songs, treats, and holiday magic for young children. While you’re there, you can take part in the Christmas Angel Toy Drive to give back by donating new toys and clothing for children in need.
Riparian Preserve Holiday Nights
Riparian After Dark - December 13 – 22, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Gilbert’s number one natural gem, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, is especially magical during the holidays. The vast nature preserve becomes a peaceful, illuminated wonderland at night through the Riparian After Dark event. Holiday nights at the Riparian Preserve promise cozy evening walks with family and loved ones under the natural beauty of the Arizona night sky and thousands of holiday lights and displays.
In addition to the light displays, the week-long event also features local food and drink vendors, offering warm seasonal treats to enjoy in the cozy evening under the stars. Again, if you’re like me, you’d be pleased to know that leashed pets are welcome. The event often supports local charities, including animal rescues that accept donations of pet supplies.
Holiday Lights to View with the Family
Christmas on Comstock - 6 pm to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and 6 pm to 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday
One of Gilbert’s beloved holiday light displays, Christmas on Comstock is an event where a neighborhood located on East Comstock Drive lights up with thousands of colorful LED displays, inflatables, and festive decorations each December. The synchronized light shows are set to holiday music, creating a delightful walk-through or drive-by experience for families. In 2015, the neighborhood hosting Christmas on Comstock earned national recognition by winning ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. This dazzling display features over 110,000 lights and 300 strobe lights, many of which are synchronized to holiday music, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
This neighborhood event has grown popular over the years, often attracting large crowds, so visiting on weeknights or arriving early can help avoid peak times. The best way to soak in the holiday spirit is by parking at Basha’s or San Tan Charter School and taking a leisurely walk through the brilliantly lit streets. Driving through is also an option, but for everyone’s safety and convenience, be sure to check the neighborhood’s Facebook page for the latest traffic directions and entry instructions. Admission is free, though attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish Arizona. Gilbert’s Christmas on Comstock perfectly encapsulates the community spirit that makes the town such a welcoming place to live.
Water Tower Holiday Lighting - December 16, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Celebrate the season in the heart of Gilbert at the Water Tower Holiday Lighting! This year’s event marks the grand reopening of the beautifully renovated Water Tower Plaza, making it the perfect backdrop for holiday cheer. Join the festivities on December 16, featuring kid-friendly crafts, snow activities, a synthetic ice rink, inflatables, food trucks, and live carolers.
At 7 pm, watch as the Gilbert Mayor and Town Council light up the iconic Water Tower in a magical ceremony, followed by synchronized light displays every half hour from 5:30 pm to 10 pm nightly through January 6. Warm up with gourmet hot cocoa, cookies, and other seasonal treats, or grab dinner at one of the fantastic nearby restaurants in downtown Gilbert. This family-friendly event is sure to add sparkle to your holiday season!
Gilbert Farmer’s Markets and Holiday Markets
Gilbert Farmer’s Market - Saturdays 8 am to 12 pm (Closed November 23 and December 28)
For locals and visitors alike, the Gilbert Farmer’s Market is a staple of the community, and the holiday season brings an extra layer of warmth and festivity to the atmosphere. The market is located near the historic Water Tower Plaza. The farmer’s market is simply the best in Arizona (for me, at least), with its over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, and handmade crafts that make for perfect holiday gifts.
Made with Love Market and Holiday Street Fair
If the farmer’s market is not enough to fill your holiday shopping needs, Gilbert also hosts several other market events, like the Made with Love Market at the Gilbert Civic Center Plaza. This event features more local vendors with unique, handmade items perfect for holiday shopping. This market runs from November 29 to December 1, 9 am to 2 pm. Then, every weekend in December, the Made with Love Market holds a Holiday Street Fair at San Tan Village Mall, Friday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Agritopia Night Market - December 11, 5 pm to 8 pm
Another option is the Agritopia Night Market, where visitors can enjoy an evening of local produce and crafts in a charming farm setting.
Holiday Shows at the Hale Theatre
The arts and culture scene in Gilbert also offers a cozy night of holiday entertainment at the Hale Theatre. This year, the theatre is presenting A Christmas Carol, a heartwarming retelling of Charles Dickens's classic story of redemption and holiday spirit. Spend an evening in a small, intimate setting and enjoy the show’s impressive costumes, live carols, and powerful performances.
Another holiday highlight at Hale Centre Theatre is Hi-Fi Holidays: A Retro Holiday Tradition, a concert featuring classic Christmas hits sung by talented performers from around the country. This event promises to transport you back in time with nostalgic tunes from legends like Judy Garland and Bing Crosby, giving that festive and upbeat atmosphere to your holidays.
Gilbert Beyond the Holidays
Holidays in Gilbert, Arizona are only a slice of what this charming town has to offer. With its excellent schools, safety, and family-friendly environment, Gilbert consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Arizona. The town boasts a strong job market and a focus on innovation, making it a prime spot for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Gilbert also hosts year-round events past the holidays, such as festivals, parades, and fairs, drawing visitors and boosting community spirit. It is indeed magical during the festive season, but it truly shines all year with its family-friendly atmosphere, strong economy, and recreational opportunities.
Gilbert’s attractions and events make the holidays memorable, while its community and modern amenities make it a great place to live all year long.
Make Gilbert Your Next Move
This holiday season, Gilbert, Arizona, offers the perfect mix of warmth, charm, and community spirit. From dazzling light displays and festive markets to one-of-a-kind events like the Water Tower Holiday Lighting, Gilbert creates a magical holiday experience for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re enjoying seasonal celebrations or exploring Gilbert’s year-round appeal, it’s clear that this vibrant town is more than just a holiday destination—it’s a place that feels like home.
Your Dream Home in the Heart of Gilbert
If Gilbert's holiday charm has you dreaming of calling this wonderful town home, I’ve got the perfect listing for you! Located at 1520 E Megan St, this modern and move-in-ready property offers everything you need for comfort, style, and convenience.
This stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home also features a private 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom casita, perfect for guests, family, or a home office. With 2,152 square feet of contemporary living space, an open layout, and a clean, sophisticated design, this home is perfect for modern lifestyles.
Each bedroom includes its own private bathroom, offering ultimate comfort and privacy for everyone in the household. The primary suite is a luxurious retreat, complete with high-end finishes and ample space to relax.
Located directly across from the community pool and playground, this home is ideal for families or those who love staying active. Built in 2021, it blends modern amenities with the convenience of being close to everything Gilbert has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to make this incredible property your own and enjoy all the benefits of living in this vibrant community!
Ready to discover more about Gilbert? Reach out today to learn about its thriving community, exceptional real estate options, and why so many are proud to call it home. Let Gilbert be your next holiday tradition—or your next chapter!