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December 20, 2021

Socially-Distanced Holiday Destinations in Phoenix for 2021

December 20, 2021
socially distanced holiday in phoenix

Trying to stay healthy and safe during the holidays without sacrificing too much merriment in Phoenix, Arizona? We’re right there with you. That’s why this year Champion Charter Bus is all about celebrating the season at socially-distanced destinations.

As Arizona’s largest city, you can bet there’s no shortage of dazzling light displays, ice skating rinks, Santa Claus meet n’ greets, holiday-themed theatrical and musical performances, and so much more. Many of Phoenix’s events are able to be enjoyed outdoors in the open air, or booked as private experiences with your own group of friends, family or colleagues.

Once you decide on where to go, hit the road in a healthy and sanitary way with a private charter bus rental just for you and your group. Aboard your Phoenix bus rental, the rules are up to you. Whether you want to require mandatory mask wearing or simply provide hand sanitizer for all guests, no matter the COVID-19 mitigation options you choose, you can count on a masked-up personal driver and reliable private transportation to anywhere in Phoenix.

However you choose to safely celebrate this holiday season, read on for how to enjoy Phoenix’s best socially-distanced holiday destinations, then give us a call at 480-257-7734 to book your charter bus there!

mother and child enjoying holiday lights

World of Illumination

This year, the masterminds behind the world’s largest drive-through animated light show are bringing not just one, but two bright adventures to the Phoenix area.

Visit Reindeer Road at Tempe Diablo Stadium where you’ll experience a colorful adventure of sparkling reindeer, snowmen and toys all the way to Santa’s Workshop. If you’re more interested in a “Candyland”-esque wonderland filled with animated, twinkling sugar plum fairies, candy cane forests, and a gingerbread village, make sure you head to Candy Rush at the Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale.

It’s important to know that World of Illumination drive-through shows don’t allow motorcoaches or minibuses, so if you have a group you want to bring, we recommend booking a sprinter van (or a few). When you call us at 480-257-7734 to book group transportation this holiday, just let your reservation specialist know your group size, ideal trip itinerary, and your need for a sprinter van to enjoy this special event!

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Address: 2200 W Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282

Phone: (480) 350-5205

Desert Diamond Casino

Address: 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305

Phone: (623) 877-7777

child marveling at christmas lights

ZooLights

For the past 30 years, the Phoenix Zoo has become a wonderland of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures this time of year. Meet Santa and his elves at the Leapin’ Lagoon, visit the three-story Christmas Tree at the Crossroads Cafe, and walk the Outer Tropics Trail to see more light displays than ever before.

Be mindful that this event doesn’t offer the same animal exhibit viewing experience as a daytime visit, but you may be able to catch a peek at zebras, flamingos, and otters! You can also enjoy a display of illuminated paintings that shed a light on animal conservation and feature 13 endangered species, including the elephant, hawksbill sea turtle, and Amur leopard.

You can enjoy a walkthrough of the ZooLights display from now through January 15th, 2022, except on January 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th when it’s closed to foot traffic. General tickets are $20 per person, or you can purchase discounted tickets in bulk for groups of 50 or more.

Phoenix Zoo

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Phone: (602) 286-3800

families enjoying holiday ice skating

Skate Westgate

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a spin around an ice skating rink! Enjoy outdoor skating in Phoenix this winter at Skate Westgate in Westgate Entertainment District’s Fountain Park through January 17th, 2022. While you can personally maintain a distance between skaters, for extra mitigation against COVID-19 spread, go ahead and book the skating rink for private lessons, a holiday party, or group event on the ice.

Complete your visit to Westgate Entertainment District by adding some food, shopping and extra fun to your day’s itinerary. After your ice skating event, plan a group dinner at a favorite spot like Bar Louie, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, or State 48 Funk House Brewery. You can also gather your guests at this sprawling entertainment complex for one more round of fun at LumberjAxes Axe Throwing Bar or Stir Crazy Comedy Club.

Westgate Entertainment District

Address: 6751 N Sunset Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305

Phone (Private Lessons, Parties, and Group Events): (623) 877-3752

group clinking holiday drinks at a christmas party

Miracle at Floor 13 Rooftop Bar

This themed pop-up bar (open until January 1, 2022) is the ultimate holiday corporate party destination for this year! Book the patio for a private event or make a reservation with a group of 21+ friends to sit around a fire pit in the open air and enjoy a delightful menu full of festive, boozy treats.

Cocktail lovers will want to try the Christimaspolitan, a curious mix of vodka, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, and absinthe mist; or the Bad Santa, a mix of Jamaican rum, spiced butter, oatmilk, and nutmeg, served warm. Don’t leave on an empty stomach and opt for an order of Santa Sliders—bite-sized sandwiches stuffed with a whole holiday dinner of turkey, cranberry, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

If you’re more interested in making this spot a stop on a Phoenix holiday bar hop, you can reserve a 90-minute experience for up to 20 people. Once you’ve had your fill, pile back into your private minibus rental and let your professional designated driver take you to another festive Phoenix bar like Feliz Navidad Cantina at Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill in Glendale.

Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown

Address: 15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: (602) 343-0006

people admiring christmas shopping display

Christmas at the Princess

Through January 2, 2022, head to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort with a Scottsdale bus rental to experience Christmas at the Princess, a 12-year holiday tradition and open air holiday wonderland celebration. Experience a whole manner of festive activities, from the Lagoon Lights walking path through the resort’s majestic lagoons all lit up for the holidays, to the thrilling Twinkle Town, where you can drop down the 70ft Polar Slide and spin around on the Christmas Carousel.

While you and your group can enjoy a socially-distanced experience at this mostly outdoor event, to warm up from the night air, you can rent private heated Igloos at The Village. If you have a small group, you can purchase a VIP Igloo Fire Pit experience for up to 8 people, which includes express wristbands, one hour of ice skating, a charcuterie board and s’mores platter, and a fire pit table at The Village.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Address: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Phone: (480) 585-4848

Book a Phoenix Bus Rental this Holiday Season

Ready to safely hit the road to your socially-distanced destination in Phoenix? Give Champion Charter Bus a call at 480-257-7734 and tell your reservation specialist all about your holiday plans. We’ll pair you with the perfect group transportation for you and your group so you can enjoy the holiday season safely, happily, and stress-free!