Winter Plans in Scottsdale With Arizona Shuttle

Winters are the season for celebration as it comes with many happening events. And the winters in Scottsdale are the best, with the mild sun, blue skies, and breezy throughout the day. And December is the coldest month in Scottsdale. The average high temperature recorded was 65 degrees F. Scottsdale is known for its weather, a perfect vacation stop all year round, with luxury stays and a top-notch golf course. But winters here have a special feel as many events happen during the festive season.

Visit These Events, And Fun Destinations

Attend The Parada Del Sol Parade

The parade is the annual community gathering showcasing history, live musical entertainment, and shopping opportunity. Scottsdale airport shuttle You can experience Arizona’s old-west entertainment with tour groups giving you the tours. Parada Del Sol parade details The parade has been a tradition since 1953. When the trial ends, it's the celebration for all age groups; it is where live concerts, food, shopping, and party are held. So grab your chance to be a part of the celebration.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

This is heaven to all car lovers as this is the auction held by the Barrett- Jackson collector car auction company for over 50 years. This event was named the no.1 attraction for car lovers in 2019. The exhibits include attractive, unique, and valuable automobile collections. It's the world-famous automobile collections auction only in Scottsdale, Arizona. This auction takes place every year in January.

Desert Ice Skating

During winter, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort turns into a wonderland with festive celebration vibes. The attraction of this place is its 6000 sq. feet ice skating ring, its musical Christmas trees, and the snow activities like sledding, an ice maze, and featuring the best views as the chair goes up. The hotel takes the winter to give you the best experience by skating on the natural ice around the sparkling Christmas tree.

Desert Golf

Scottsdale has over 200 golf courses giving you the most beautiful views and offering golfers of all levels to put their skills into action. golf course transportation Some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale are

• Camelback Golf Club
• Boulders Club
• Troon North Golf Club
• TPC Scottsdale
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

And the list keeps on going but give yourself the pleasure of experiencing playing golf on the finest gold courses in the world.

Arizona shuttle is here at your service, where you can enjoy your travel experience without any hustle. Our services are available 24/7, offering you door-to-door pickup and drop. We assure the utmost safety of passengers with flexibility in making changes in the date and time without any charges. Our shuttle services are affordable, and we offer SUVs, shuttle services, and pre-booked luxury cars. Book your ride now, and for more information, contact (480) 710-3441.

More Winter Activities to Add to Your Scottsdale Itinerary

Hike Camelback Mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Winter is the only season when most visitors should attempt Scottsdale's most famous hikes. Trails like Echo Canyon on Camelback Mountain and the Gateway Loop in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve become far more comfortable in December through February, when cool morning air replaces the dangerous summer heat. Locals recommend starting early to catch sunrise over the Sonoran Desert, when the saguaros glow gold and temperatures are at their most pleasant. Trails near Tom's Thumb in the northern Preserve offer a quieter alternative to the busier city-side trailheads, with dramatic granite formations and views across the valley toward the McDowell Mountains.

If you are staying in Old Town, the drive north to the Preserve trailheads runs along Scottsdale Road or via the Loop 101 (Price Freeway), making it an easy morning trip before an afternoon of shopping or golf.

Wander Old Town Scottsdale in the Cool Air

Old Town Scottsdale is at its best in winter. The walkable district along Main Street, Brown Avenue, and East 2nd Street is packed with Western art galleries, jewelry shops, Southwest boutiques, and restaurants with patio seating that is actually usable in winter. Thursday evenings are the traditional Scottsdale ArtWalk, when galleries in the Arts District open their doors to strollers — a tradition that has run for decades. Winter visitors should also make time for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic Little Red Schoolhouse, home of the Scottsdale Historical Museum, both steps from the civic center mall with its public sculpture gardens.

Catch the Season's Signature Events

Beyond the parade and the car auction already covered above, Scottsdale's winter calendar is dense with annual events:

• Canal Convergence — a free, multi-night public art installation along the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront, typically held each spring but anchored by the fall and winter programming calendar; check current dates on the City of Scottsdale's site.
• Christmas at the Princess — the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort's holiday festival, running from late November through early January, with lights, an ice rink, and snow play (detailed above).
• Holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — the rail-themed park on East Indian Bend Road hosts its long-running holiday light display and train rides each December.
• The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld of Scottsdale each February, one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
• The Waste Management Phoenix Open at neighboring TPC Scottsdale every February — the famously rowdy stadium hole at the 16th draws crowds from around the globe, and it pairs naturally with a Scottsdale winter stay.
• Cactus League Spring Training kicks off in late February, with the San Francisco Giants playing at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies sharing Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on the city's north side.

Winter Activities in Scottsdale at a Glance

Use this quick comparison to match activities to your travel dates and group type.

How to Get Around Scottsdale in Winter

Most winter visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 20 to 30 minutes from Old Town via the SR-202 and Loop 101 freeways, depending on traffic. Renting a car is common, but winter is peak season for events, which means parking in Old Town and around WestWorld can be a headache during the auction and tournament weeks. Many travelers instead rely on a pre-booked airport shuttle for arrival and departure, then use rideshares for short hops between Old Town, the resorts along Camelback Road, and the northern golf courses. Scottsdale also offers a free downtown trolley circulating through Old Town, which pairs well with a day of gallery-hopping and dining without worrying about parking meters.

Practical Winter Planning Tips

• Book early. Winter is Scottsdale's high season; resorts, tee times, and event tickets sell out weeks — sometimes months — in advance, especially in January and February.
• Pack layers. Days are mild and sunny, but desert nights in December and January can be genuinely chilly, so bring a jacket for evening events and patio dinners.
• Reserve restaurants ahead. Old Town patios and resort dining rooms fill quickly during event weekends.
• Confirm event dates. Annual events like Parada del Sol and Canal Convergence shift dates each year, so verify on official city or event websites before locking in travel dates.
• Build in buffer time. Traffic around WestWorld during Barrett-Jackson week and around TPC Scottsdale during the Phoenix Open is heavier than usual — allow extra transit time or travel off-peak.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Plans in Scottsdale

Is December a good time to visit Scottsdale?

Yes. December is the coldest month in Scottsdale, with mild daytime highs around 65°F, which is precisely what makes it so popular — sunny weather comfortable for golf, hiking, and outdoor events while most of the country is dealing with snow.

What is the biggest event in Scottsdale during winter?

January's Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at WestWorld is one of the city's most famous annual attractions, and February's Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is the largest crowd-drawing event of the season. Book lodging well ahead for either.

Can you swim in Scottsdale in the winter?

Many resorts offer heated pools, so swimming is possible year-round. Expect comfortable sunny afternoons but cool evenings — most winter visitors swim midday rather than morning.

How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

Sky Harbor is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Scottsdale by car, depending on your final destination and traffic. The typical route uses the SR-202 Loop and Loop 101 freeways. A pre-booked shuttle eliminates the need for a rental car or airport parking.

What should I wear in Scottsdale in winter?

Think layers. Light clothing works for sunny afternoons, but bring a warm jacket for evenings, when desert temperatures drop significantly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Old Town, trails, and large event grounds like WestWorld.

Is Scottsdale crowded in the winter?

Winter is peak season, and popular spots — Old Town restaurants, golf courses, and trailheads — get busy, particularly during January and February event weeks. Visiting midweek and making reservations in advance will help you avoid the worst crowds.

Do I need a car in Scottsdale?

Not necessarily. Old Town is very walkable and served by a free downtown trolley, and a shuttle can handle airport transfers. If you plan to split time between northern golf courses, WestWorld events, and hiking trailheads, a car or a shuttle service with flexible scheduling makes the trip easier.