We love experiencing special holiday events. Whether it’s visiting the North Pole in Flagstaff, Zoo Lights in Tucson or somewhere in between, spending time creating memories is important to us. Last year we were invited to spend a fabulous holiday weekend at the Wigwam Resort in the West Valley. We visit the Phoenix area several times a year but almost always stay in Scottsdale. I’m so glad we ventured outside our comfort zone because holidays at the Wigwam Resort was a really festive experience. From holiday lights and ice skating to breakfast with Santa there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the resort.
Holidays Lights
There are lots of fun holiday light displays throughout the Wigwam Resort. It was fun taking strolls throughout the grounds to look at all the Christmas lights. A special trolley ride through the grounds is available on select evenings ($1 admission) to benefit the Goodyear Firefighters Charities.
Ice Skating
The boys were most excited about ice skating, we had our first ice skating experience the previous year at the Westin La Paloma Resort. It’s not real ice (I imagine that’d be impossible in Tucson or Phoenix) but rather an acrylic material that simulates ice skating. Apparently Canadians use the same stuff in their basements, so they can skate year round at home. That sounds pretty authentic to me. Even better weather in the desert was beautiful, making it the perfect way to enjoy ice skating outdoors. Quinn was ready to skate again the next morning, he definitely enjoyed it even if he wasn’t exactly a natural. 😉
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa was my favorite holiday activity at the Wigwam. While it was a very popular activity, the ballroom had plenty of tables set up and servers to help. The buffet was really well done and everyone was happy with the breakfast options. The S’mores French Toast was my favorite. Both boys loved the made to order pancake station, Quinn had M&M pancakes and Elliot chose chocolate chips. Clearly chocolate is a family favorite. 😉
Santa came around and visited with tables while we ate. We also spent time with him at the Christmas tree after we were done. There was no shortage of personal Santa time! The boys also enjoyed the holiday activity tables as well. They each made a candy cane reindeer and a hot cocoa reindeer, then they wrote a note for Santa reminding him what they wanted. Elliot didn’t want to leave the note in the designated mail box (Quinn, my little rule follower did 😉 ). Instead, Elliot headed back over to see Santa by the Christmas tree, bouncing the whole time while he waited for his turn again. He was so excited to show him the note he wrote himself.
The secret is out because lots of local families make Breakfast with Santa reservations too, you don’t have to stay at the resort to enjoy this fun breakfast.
The Wigwam Resort is a really fabulous idea for most families because you can stay the whole weekend or just pop in for one fun event and with the location being fairly central in Arizona, there is no need to stay the night. Although we did enjoy staying at the resort too. Head over to the Wigwam Resort events page to learn more about this year’s holiday events.
We were guests of the Wigwam Resort for the purpose of sharing our experience. No compensation was received for this review and as always, all opinions and experiences are my own.
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