Gilbert Christmas Lights 2025: Best Holiday Light Shows Near You
Looking for Gilbert Christmas lights this holiday season? You're in luck! World of Illumination brings two spectacular drive-through Christmas light shows within easy reach of Gilbert, Arizona. Whether you're looking for a quick 12-minute drive or willing to venture 25 minutes for a different experience, Gilbert families have incredible Christmas light options right in their backyard.
The best part? Both shows run through December 30, 2025—which means you still have time to experience the magic before the season ends. But with only 10 days left, now's the time to plan your visit!
Your Closest Option: Enchanted Safari in Tempe (Just 12 Minutes Away!)
For Gilbert residents, Enchanted Safari at Tempe Diablo Stadium is your closest and most convenient option for Gilbert Christmas lights. Located just 12 minutes from central Gilbert via US-60 West, this drive-through light show transforms a safari adventure into a glowing holiday wonderland.
What you'll experience: A 1.5-mile drive through millions of LED lights featuring larger-than-life illuminated animals, all synchronized to festive music playing through your car radio. From towering giraffes to glowing elephants, every display is designed to amaze kids and adults alike. The entire experience takes about 30-40 minutes from entrance to exit, making it perfect for families with young children who want the magic without a long commitment.
The safari theme brings wildlife wonder to the holidays with carefully crafted animal displays that look realistic while creating that magical holiday atmosphere. Towering 30-foot giraffes stand watch over the path, while herds of illuminated elephants feature intricate details down to their LED-lit tusks. Lions with shimmering manes, flamingos in pink and white formations, and even zebras with perfectly striped light patterns create an immersive safari experience you won't find anywhere else in Arizona.
The synchronized music elevates the experience beyond just looking at lights. As you drive through different zones, the music changes to match the theme—from classic Christmas carols to modern holiday hits. The light displays pulse and dance to the beat, creating a true sensory experience. Many Gilbert families tell us this is what makes them come back year after year—it's not just a static display, but a living, moving celebration of the season.
Second Option: Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale (25 Minutes from Gilbert)
Want a different theme? Cosmic Sleigh Ride at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale offers a space-themed Christmas adventure that's about 25 minutes from Gilbert via Loop 202 West.
While it's a bit farther than Tempe, many Gilbert families love having both options. Cosmic Sleigh Ride takes you on an interstellar journey with Santa, featuring glowing planets, shooting stars, and a rocket-powered sleigh. The space theme offers a completely different vibe from the safari, making it perfect if you want to visit both shows this season or if you're looking for something more exciting for older kids.
The space-themed displays transform the traditional Christmas story into a cosmic adventure. Imagine driving through tunnels of stars, passing by illuminated planets that pulse with color, and watching Santa's sleigh—reimagined as a rocket ship—blast through the galaxy. The contemporary holiday music soundtrack features rock versions of classic Christmas songs, creating an energy that older children and teens especially love.
This show proves that Christmas lights don't have to be traditional to be magical. The galaxy effects, shooting stars, and nebula displays use cutting-edge LED technology to create scenes you've never seen at a Christmas light show before. Many families from Gilbert make the 25-minute drive specifically because their kids are obsessed with space and science—it's educational and entertaining at the same time.
Gilbert Christmas Lights: Tickets, Hours & Final Days
⏰ Time is Running Out!Both shows end January 4, 2025—that's only 10 days away! Here's what you need to know:
Enchanted Safari (Tempe) - Your Closest Option:
- Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282
- Distance from Gilbert: 12 minutes via US-60 West
- Hours (Final Days):
- Dec 20-23: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Dec 24: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: CLOSED
- Dec 26-30: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (FINAL WEEKEND!)
- Tickets: Starting at $30 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
- Duration: 30-40 minutes
- Buy Tickets for Enchanted Safari
Cosmic Sleigh Ride (Glendale):
- Location: Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
- Distance from Gilbert: 25 minutes via Loop 202 W to I-10 W
- Hours: Same as above
- Tickets: Starting at $30 per vehicle
- Duration: 30-40 minutes
- Buy Tickets for Cosmic Sleigh Ride
💡 Pro Tip: Weeknights (Mon-Thu) have shorter wait times than weekends. If you're visiting during the final weekend (Dec 27-30), arrive early or expect 15-20 minute wait times during peak hours (7-9 PM). Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to guarantee your spot, especially for the busy final weekend.
How to Get There from Gilbert
Directions to Enchanted Safari (Tempe) - 12 Minutes
From Central Gilbert:
- Head west on Guadalupe Rd or Williams Field Rd
- Merge onto US-60 W
- Take exit 175B for Priest Dr
- Turn right on W Alameda Dr
- Tempe Diablo Stadium will be on your left
Drive time: 12-15 minutes depending on traffic
Distance: Approximately 10 miles
Directions to Cosmic Sleigh Ride (Glendale) - 25 Minutes
From Central Gilbert:
- Head west on Guadalupe Rd
- Merge onto Loop 202 W (Red Mountain Freeway)
- Continue onto I-10 W
- Take exit 139 for 99th Ave
- Turn right on W Northern Ave
- Desert Diamond Casino will be on your right
Drive time: 25-30 minutes depending on traffic
Distance: Approximately 23 miles
What Gilbert Families Are Saying
Sarah M., Gilbert resident:"We live in Gilbert and were thrilled to find Enchanted Safari so close! Just 12 minutes and we were there. The kids loved all the animals, and the synchronized music made it feel so festive. We've already been twice this season!"
Mike R., Gilbert:"Cosmic Sleigh Ride was worth the drive to Glendale. Our boys (ages 9 and 12) thought it was the coolest Christmas lights they'd ever seen. The space theme was unique and the music was rockin'. Highly recommend!"
Jennifer L., Gilbert:"We did both shows on different nights and loved them equally. Enchanted Safari is perfect for our younger kids (3 and 5), and Cosmic Sleigh Ride was more exciting for our older daughter (10). Having both options so close to Gilbert is amazing!"
Frequently Asked Questions: Gilbert Christmas Lights
Q: What are the best Christmas lights near Gilbert, Arizona?
A: World of Illumination offers two spectacular options near Gilbert. Enchanted Safari in Tempe is your closest choice at just 12 minutes away via US-60 West. This drive-through light show features safari-themed displays with millions of synchronized LED lights set to festive music. For a different experience, Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale (25 minutes away) offers a space-themed adventure with contemporary music and galaxy effects. Both shows are drive-through, meaning you enjoy them from the comfort of your vehicle—perfect for families with young children or anyone who wants to stay warm and cozy while experiencing the magic of Christmas lights.
Q: How much do tickets cost for Christmas light shows near Gilbert?
A: Both Enchanted Safari and Cosmic Sleigh Ride offer Gilbert families affordable entertainment at $30 per vehicle (standard admission). Each vehicle can hold up to 8 passengers, making it a great value for families or groups. When you break it down, that's less than $4 per person for a family of eight! Special VIP packages are also available if you want premium perks like shorter wait times and exclusive entry windows. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (recommended for final weekend) or at the gate if available. With only 10 days left in the season, we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot.
Q: When do the Gilbert Christmas lights shows end for the season?
A: Both Enchanted Safari in Tempe and Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale run through December 30, 2025. That means Gilbert residents have only 10 days left to experience these spectacular Christmas light shows! The final weekend (December 27-30) is always the busiest, so if you're planning to visit, we recommend going earlier in the week for shorter wait times. Both locations are closed on Christmas Day (December 25) but open Christmas Eve until 9 PM and every other night until 10 PM through the 30th.
Q: Can I walk through the Christmas light shows near Gilbert, or is it drive-through only?
A: Both Enchanted Safari and Cosmic Sleigh Ride are drive-through experiences only. This format offers several advantages for Gilbert families: you stay warm in your vehicle, young children can stay in car seats, and you can enjoy the show at your own pace without crowds or walking fatigue. The music is broadcast on your car radio (we provide the station), creating a private concert experience. The drive-through format typically takes 30-40 minutes from start to finish. If you prefer walk-through options, Glendale Glitters downtown offers a free walking experience, though it's a different style than our immersive drive-through shows.
Q: What's the difference between Enchanted Safari and Cosmic Sleigh Ride for Gilbert visitors?
A: For Gilbert families, the main difference is distance and theme. Enchanted Safari in Tempe is only 12 minutes away and features a safari/animal theme with classic Christmas music—perfect for younger children and families who want the closest option. Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale is 25 minutes away and offers a space-themed experience with contemporary holiday music and rock songs—ideal for older kids and families who love unique experiences. Both shows feature millions of lights synchronized to music, professional displays, and easy drive-through access. Many Gilbert residents visit both shows on different nights to experience each theme. The ticket prices and duration are identical, so your choice really comes down to which theme appeals most to your family and how far you want to drive.
Don't Miss the Final Days of Gilbert's Favorite Christmas Lights!
With only 10 days left in the 2025 season, now is the time to make Gilbert Christmas lights a family tradition. Whether you choose the convenient 12-minute drive to Enchanted Safari in Tempe or venture 25 minutes to experience Cosmic Sleigh Ride's space adventure in Glendale, you're guaranteed an unforgettable holiday experience.
Both shows offer the same affordable pricing at $30 per vehicle, accommodating up to 8 passengers. That's less than $4 per person for a family of eight—making it one of the best entertainment values in the Phoenix metro area this holiday season.
Book your tickets today before the season ends December 30:
Pro tip for Gilbert families: Purchase tickets online to skip the wait and guarantee your spot during the busy final weekend. Many Gilbert residents have already made these light shows an annual tradition—don't let 2025 pass without experiencing the magic! See you under the lights!
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