December is one of the best months to be outside near Phoenix. NOAA’s 1991-2020 climate normals put the average December high at Phoenix Sky Harbor at 66°F, which keeps holiday light walks, desert hikes, and a day on Lake Pleasant all on the table. For something most visitors don’t expect in winter, Pleasant Water Sports rents heated Yachtuzzi hot tub boats at Scorpion Bay Marina.
Lake Pleasant is one of Arizona’s largest lakes, just under an hour from the city, and Pleasant Water Sports operates there by reservation from October through April. Here’s how a lake day fits alongside the rest of a December trip.
What Are the Best Outdoor Things to Do Near Phoenix in December?
The best outdoor December plans near Phoenix mix holiday events with desert time: Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, morning hikes on Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, and an afternoon on Lake Pleasant in a heated Yachtuzzi. Mild afternoons make all of these comfortable without summer’s heat.
Holiday Lights After Dark
The Desert Botanical Garden’s luminarias run on select nights from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027, and ZooLights runs nightly at the Phoenix Zoo from November 25, 2026, to January 15, 2027, according to each venue. Both start at 5:30 p.m., which leaves your days open.
Morning Hikes With Valley Views
Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are the classic Phoenix summit hikes, and cooler months are the time to do them. Start early, carry water, and check trail conditions first.
An Afternoon on the Water
About an hour northwest of downtown, Lake Pleasant Regional Park adds something the city can’t: open water ringed by desert ridges. That’s where Pleasant Water Sports operates from Scorpion Bay Marina.
Is Lake Pleasant Open in December?
Yes. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is open year-round, and from November 1 through April 30 the main entrance runs 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to Maricopa County Parks. Pleasant Water Sports at Scorpion Bay Marina operates by reservation only from October through April, so call (602) 714-7478 before driving out.
That reservation step is the biggest difference between a December visit and a July one. In summer, the team is on site daily and walk-ups are welcome when space allows. In winter, hours flex with the weather and the booking calendar, so a confirmed time is what guarantees a boat is ready when you arrive. The county charges $10 per vehicle at the gate in 2026. Our Lake Pleasant visitor page covers the rest of the park basics.
What Can You Do at Lake Pleasant in December?
Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing year-round, according to Maricopa County Parks. An easy December plan for visitors: hike the park’s trails in the morning, have a picnic lunch you packed in town, and get on the water once the day warms up.
For time on the water in December, Pleasant Water Sports rents the heated Yachtuzzi at Scorpion Bay Marina by reservation, and the marina’s own rental desk offers pontoons and fishing boats for groups who’d rather cruise than soak.
For holiday visitors, the Yachtuzzi gets around December’s one catch: the lake cools off in winter, but the tub doesn’t. It also works for a mixed group in town for the holidays. Grandparents can settle in and soak, cousins can take turns at the controls, and everyone gets a photo of a hot tub floating past saguaro-covered hills. Sessions run two hours for up to six people at $400, and booking is by phone only. Details are on our Yachtuzzi page.
If part of your group wants more movement, jet skis and paddle boards are also available at Scorpion Bay. Whether they’re running in December depends on the date and conditions, so ask when you call (602) 714-7478.
How Far Is Lake Pleasant From Phoenix and Scottsdale?
Scorpion Bay Marina is just under an hour’s drive from central Phoenix, in the northwest Valley near Peoria. Visitors staying in Scottsdale should plan on a similar drive or a little longer, depending on traffic. Put “Scorpion Bay Marina” into your maps app, since that’s the easiest way to find Pleasant Water Sports inside the park.
December sunsets come early, so plan the lake around daylight. An early-afternoon Yachtuzzi session catches the warmest part of the day and still gets you back to the city in time for the luminarias or ZooLights. That’s a two-stop holiday itinerary with very little planning.
How Do You Plan a December Lake Day Without Surprises?
Call Pleasant Water Sports at (602) 714-7478 as soon as your travel dates are set, and book the Yachtuzzi. Holiday calendars fill up quickly, and an open day means a weather change won’t clash with a flight, a family dinner, or tickets you’ve already bought.
A few things that matter:
- Leave a backup day. Reservations can move to another date within the same calendar year with 48 hours’ notice. On a trip that ends December 30, that doesn’t leave many days to move to.
- Pack a swimsuit. It’s easy to forget when you’re packing for winter travel.
- Bring the renter’s valid driver’s license and a credit or debit card. Both are needed at check-in.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals don’t get extra time when another booking follows.
For park hours, the gate fee, parking, and the full drive-day checklist, see our first-timer’s guide to Lake Pleasant in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Rent a Jet Ski at Lake Pleasant in December?
Jet skis are part of the Pleasant Water Sports lineup, but December availability depends on the date and weather. Call (602) 714-7478 to check. Rates run from $125 for one hour to $495 for a full day, for up to two riders, with fuel and tax extra.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter Lake Pleasant Regional Park?
Maricopa County charges $10 per vehicle in 2026, rising to $12 by 2028 under the county’s approved fee schedule. The entry fee is separate from any rental.
Can You Book the Yachtuzzi Online?
No. The Yachtuzzi is call-to-book only. Reach Pleasant Water Sports at (602) 714-7478 to check your date and reserve a two-hour session.
Is the Yachtuzzi a Good Activity for a Group Visiting Phoenix for the Holidays?
Yes. The Yachtuzzi holds up to six people, so friends or couples traveling together can have their own heated hot tub boat on Lake Pleasant for two hours, with their own playlist on the Bluetooth stereo. It’s $400 per session, booked by calling Pleasant Water Sports at (602) 714-7478.
What Should You Wear on a Yachtuzzi in December?
Wear a swimsuit for the tub and bring warm layers and towels for before and after. The air cools quickly once the sun drops lower in the afternoon.
Is Lake Pleasant Crowded in December?
Far less than in summer. Winter skips the long July gate lines, though weekends can still bring a short wait at the county entrance.
Why Should Lake Pleasant Make Your December List?
Lake Pleasant gives a Phoenix holiday trip something a light show can’t: two hours in warm water on one of Arizona’s largest lakes while much of the country is bundled up. Pleasant Water Sports makes it happen from Scorpion Bay Marina, by reservation, through the winter months. Call (602) 714-7478 to book, and we’ll see you at Scorpion Bay.