Desert Farm Lights to Rekindle Holiday Cheer in West Valley
By Claire Natale -
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
WADDELL, Ariz. – Follow the wafting scent of freshly-baked gingerbread through a winter wonderland at Desert Farm Lights, the West Valley holiday light installation returning to Justice Brothers Ranch in Waddell. Happening Nov. 17 through Dec. 31, this year’s 8-acre event will feature a multitude of activations for all ages, including a horse-drawn hayride, DIY toy shop, a 90 ft. fun slide, holiday train ride, giant snow globes and much more.
“Desert Farm Lights is returning this year to capture imaginations with larger-than-life activities and lighting installations,” said Shanelle Kunz, founder of Desert Farm Lights. “Our event is a delight for both kids and your inner child; experience holiday magic and make unforgettable memories with loved ones this winter.”
Initially created as a high-quality, immersive holiday event close to home for West Valley families, this year’s Desert Farm Lights will be a destination worth visiting; couples can snuggle close and enjoy gooey s’mores inside giant themed snow globes, and children will stay occupied with inflatable obstacle courses, bounce houses, bungee trampolines, and a 90 ft. fun slide. Little artists will have the chance to customize the perfect toy at a DIY toy shop using a rainbow of paints and decorations. For those seeking adventure, attendees can put their senses to the test and navigate a gingerbread and scented candy cane maze, following their nose to discover Santa’s house. If the Grinch is more your style, the lovable green curmudgeon will be available for meet-and-greet sessions in his lair on select dates. Fans of the classic stop-motion film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” can take photos with 13 ft. Jack Skellington and 12 ft. Sally inflatables.
To make this holiday celebration accessible for all, Desert Farm Lights will offer plentiful handicap-accessible entertainment offerings and low-sensory play nights to accommodate individuals with special needs. Available to attend on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, families attending low-sensory nights can recharge and decompress in private sensory tents, enjoy the Desert Farm Lights venue in low lighting, softened music and with a non-scented candy cane maze. Guests can view the full list of available accommodations and accessible rides and activities on the event website.
General admission tickets for Desert Farm Lights are $20. Season passes are $36.50 and grant access to all activities available under general admission. Children aged two and under are free to attend. Tickets are available now at https://desertfarmlights.ticketspice.com/desert-farm-lights.
To see the full Desert Farm Lights event calendar, plan your next trip, view parking info and purchase tickets, visit desertfarmlights.com.
About Desert Farm Lights
Desert Farm Lights is a West Valley-based walkable holiday illumination event created by Shanelle Kunz in partnership with Justice Brother’s Ranch and Christmas Light Decorators. A West Valley blogger and mother of three, Kunz conceptualized the event after recognizing a lack of accessible Christmas activities for families in her area. Desert Farm Lights features activities like crafts, real snow, a scented candy cane maze, inflatables for kids, Santa Claus meet-and-greets, immersive snow globes, a giant fun slide and more. For information about hours, location and activities, visit https://www.desertfarmlights.com/.