West Valley Real Estate & Neighborhood Guides

Things to Do in Surprise AZ: Best Christmas Experience Near Luke AFB (2025)

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Julie Calza is the Founder and CEO of CalzaCo, a top-ranked real estate team helping military, veteran, and civilian families buy, sell, and relocate near Luke Air Force Base and throughout the West Valley. Julie leads strategy and education at CalzaCo, guiding buyers through PCS moves, VA financing, and relocation planning — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

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🎄 TL;DR — The Best Christmas Experience in Surprise, AZ (Perfect for Families Near Luke AFB)

If you’re looking for things to do in Surprise AZ this holiday season or a Christmas activity near Luke AFB this seasonal event is a local favorite. Enjoy 20+ attractions, photos with Santa, a Candy Cane Maze, rides, fire pits, treats, live entertainment, holiday add-ons, military discounts, and more.

Things to do in Surprise AZ: Christmas event in Surprise AZ with lights and attractions for families near Luke AFB.

Things to do in Surprise AZ: A Premier Christmas Event in Surprise, AZ

Whether you’re stationed at Luke AFB, moving to the area, or already living in the Phoenix West Valley, this magical Christmas experience in Surprise, Arizona is one of the best holiday events for families, date nights, and out-of-town guests.

Desert Farm Lights is a perfect way to get to know the community, discover local traditions, and enjoy Arizona winter nights under the lights.

⭐ 🎫 Admission, Pricing & Military Discounts

Tickets for Desert Farm Lights can be purchased online to secure entry — and it’s recommended since space is limited during peak nights.

General Admission: $22.95 per person (ages 3+)
Military & First Responder Discount: 10% off for active duty, veterans, police, fire, paramedics + up to 3 dependents
➡️ Note: Discount tickets must be purchased at the gate – if the venue is maxed out/sold out for the evening you’d need to try again a different time. 

Included with Admission:
✔ Access to 20+ attractions
✔ Photos with Santa (nightly!)
✔ Unlimited rides on select attractions
✔ Access to fire pits
✔ Live entertainment
✔ Dozens of festive photo ops
✔ Parking included

⭐ 🎅 Holiday Attractions Included With Entry

When families and groups are looking for things to do near Luke AFB, bang for the buck is an important factor and Desert Farm Lights delivers! This event gives you one of the most immersive holiday experiences in the West Valley all of this is included in your entry fee:

✨ 20+ Included Attractions:

  • Candy Cane Maze
  • Jolly Journey Train Ride
  • Nightly Santa Photos
  • Desert Carousel
  • 90 ft Fun Slide
  • Bungee Trampolines
  • Frosty’s Movie Feature
  • Live Holiday Entertainment
  • Mega Gingerbread Slide
  • Gingerbread Toddler Slide
  • Outdoor Fire Pits
  • Grinch Lair
  • Letters to Santa Station
  • Yard Games
  • Dozens of Photo Opportunities

This is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Surprise, AZ, and a great way to experience the community if you’re doing a Luke AFB relocation (PCS to Luke AFB) or moving to the West Valley.

Things to do near Luke AFB: Family-friendly Christmas attraction in Surprise Arizona near Luke Air Force Base.

⭐ 🎁 Optional Add-On Experiences

If you want to enhance your Christmas Event Surprise, AZ with special activities these are all available (prices vary):

  • Ice Skating – $15
  • Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride Through the Illuminated Orchard – $12
  • Face Painting & Balloon Art
  • Sugar Cookie Decorating
  • S’mores & Hot Dog Roasting Kits
  • Gift Shopping & Holiday Vendors

⭐ 🍩 Food & Drinks Available

There are several food stalls with both sweet and savory options:

  • Mini donuts
  • Hot cocoa
  • S’mores + hot dog roasting
  • Popcorn
  • Corn dogs / funnel cakes / churros
  • Caramel apples
  • Candied nuts
  • Savory food options
  • Adult beverages

⭐ ❄️ Desert Igloo Experience (Group Reservation)

A popular upgrade — especially for work groups, military units, and families visiting from out of town. This is definitely something to remember if you’re doing a Luke AFB relocation or PCS to Luke AFB because we meet people who have been stationed here for years and not known about this Christmas Event Surprise AZ.

Each igloo hosts up to 15 guests and includes:

  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Games
  • S’mores
  • Private server
  • Themed décor (choose from Gingerbread, Sugar Plum, Vintage Christmas, or Winter Wonderland)

Cost: ~$275–$300
(Cheaper per person than standard admission if you fill it — perfect for groups!)

⭐ ⏰ Dates, Hours & Location

This event runs nightly from November 21 – December 28.
Closed only on Christmas Day.

Hours:
Sun–Thurs: 5pm–10pm
Fri–Sat: 5pm–11pm
(Last entry accepted one hour before closing.)

📍 Location:
14629 W. Peoria Ave, Surprise, AZ 85355

Check out more details and book your tickets: https://www.desertfarmlights.com

‼️ This is a cashless event — bring a card.

⭐ Why This Matters for People Moving to Surprise, AZ or Luke AFB

Local events like this help new families get a feel for:

  • Community culture
  • Family-friendly activities
  • Seasonal traditions
  • Neighborhood vibe
  • Local vendors & small businesses

If you’re doing a PCS to Luke AFB, looking for things to do in Surprise, AZ, things to do near Luke AFB or considering a move to the West Valley, experiences like this give a genuine look at why so many families love living here.

⭐ Thinking of Moving to Surprise, AZ or Near Luke AFB?

Local lifestyle is a big part of choosing the right place to live.
Whether you’re PCSing, relocating, or exploring the West Valley, we help you:

  • Understand neighborhoods
  • Explore schools & amenities
  • Compare commute times
  • Build a personalized home-buying strategy
  • Make your move simple and confident

👉 Schedule a strategy call
👉 Explore homes for sale in Surprise, AZ
👉 Read our PCS to Luke AFB Guide

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Julie Calza is a Licensed Broker in the State of Arizona and an Associate Broker with My Home Group. CalzaCo Team brokers through My Home Group.

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