When Shanelle first dreamed up Desert Farm Lights, she wasn’t setting out to create one of Arizona’s most beloved holiday attractions. She was simply a mom looking for a little Christmas magic close to home.
“I was just a mom with three young kids who wanted a quality Christmas experience close to home, something magical we could enjoy together without having to drive 40 miles in any direction,” she says. “When I realized there wasn’t anything like that nearby, we decided to create one ourselves.”
That simple idea quickly turned into something extraordinary. The first year was small, featuring just a couple of bounce houses, approximately 100 illuminated trees, a small light maze, and a handful of food vendors. Still, the response was overwhelming. “The desire for something local and family-friendly was so strong that we sold out every weekend!”
Now heading into its fourth season, Desert Farm Lights has blossomed into a full-fledged holiday destination. What started as a local family event has grown to three times its original size, drawing visitors from across Arizona and beyond. Today, guests can experience an immersive train ride, a horse-drawn wagon ride through a glowing orchard, 150 dazzling trees, and a large Christmas maze, along with real ice skating, private igloo experiences, and more, all right in the heart of the West Valley.
“My husband Jordan and I founded and operate the event together. I manage all the systems and operations, while Jordan leads the setup,” Shanelle explains. “He spends months working 12+ hour days alongside a small crew of people who care about the event just as much as we do.” Their children also play a part, proudly helping assemble props and decorations. “If you happen to ride the train with them, they’ll proudly point out the pieces they assembled!”
The event’s success has sparked more seasonal fun, including the Desert Fall Festival, which debuted this year. “Our inaugural year was a larger footprint than the very first year of Desert Farm Lights, with more attractions, smoother operations, and, like most firsts, a mix of feedback from the community. But overall, we had a great turnout, and it was a lot of fun.”
During the off-season, the family takes time to recharge. “We value family,” Shanelle says. “During the off-season, we immerse ourselves in family time because quality family time is sacrificed during our event season.”
Looking ahead, Shanelle’s dream for Desert Farm Lights shines bright: “To be one of the Top 3 Christmas experiences in the nation.”
With its heartfelt beginnings, community spirit, and dazzling displays, Desert Farm Lights isn’t just an event; it’s a West Valley tradition that turns family time into magic.