My favorite thing to do in December is go to Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s beautiful and romantic, sort of like the grown-up version of ZooLights. This year the garden exhibited works by Allan Houser, along with countless plants illuminated nicely by thousands of luminarias. The exhibit changes every year.
You walk along the garden’s pathways for what seems like many miles, so comfortable shoes, hot chocolate and warming clothing are a must, as is a camera. Along the way, cheerful musicians, including Native American Cedar Flutist Anthony Wakeman (who plays soothing music that made me want to curl up in a blanket and go to sleep) and cowboys The Hey Boyz, entertain guests.
A group of friends and I tried to use the map of the garden at first, but eventually we just gave up and let the pathways guide us around. Besides, it’s too dark to even see the map.

Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.