This is an absolutely must in December. We have gone every year for the past 4 years and it seems to improve each year. Though I wish they would bring some of the musicians back from previous years (more bluegrass!), changing it up keeps it interesting as well. The variety of music is fun and makes for a nice walk around the gardens.
Depending on the seasonal sculpture exhibit, the gardens are absolutely lovely at night. Some years have been fairly ordinary with the exhibit not really enhanging the experience. However this year is utterly stunning with Chihuly glass scattered throughout the gardens and even lit up! Truly beautiful and a perfect way to showcase desert landscape to visitors. Strolling around with your family clutching hot cocoa or cider (perhaps with some Jameson or Baileys) and listening to carolers or big band swing is a classic experience all Arizonans should have.
This is also one of the DBG's largest fundraisers, so it's important to show support for such a wonderful place in the middle of the city. It's doses of nature like this that keep me sane!