Scottsdale: Segway Holiday Lights Tour & Old Town Sights

Summary

Holiday lights Segway ride through Old Town and waterfront

You’ll glide through Scottsdale’s festive streets by Segway, catching holiday lights along the waterfront and exploring Old Town’s lively art scene with a local guide. Expect laughs, photo stops at spots like Soleri Bridge, and time to soak up both city buzz and quieter moments—all included with bottled water and plenty of stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about getting on a Segway in downtown Scottsdale. But our guide, Mike, handed me a helmet and grinned like it was no big deal. “You’ll get it in five minutes,” he said. He was right. We wobbled for maybe two blocks before it started to feel kind of natural, gliding past people bundled up in light sweaters—even though it’s December, the air is just cool enough to notice but not cold. The first burst of colored lights hit us near the waterfront, and suddenly it felt like we’d rolled into some kind of desert holiday movie set.

Mike pointed out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art as we zipped by—he joked that half the sculptures outside look different at night because the holiday lights bounce off them in weird ways. There were families everywhere, kids running around with those glow-stick necklaces, and this faint smell of kettle corn drifting from somewhere I never did find. We stopped for photos near the Soleri Bridge; honestly, I didn’t know Paolo Soleri was such a big deal here until Mike told us about his other projects (I probably should have paid more attention in art class). The bridge itself looked almost unreal with all the reflections from the water and those strings of lights.

Old Town Scottsdale was buzzing—music from a bar mixed with Christmas carols piped through speakers somewhere overhead. At one point we paused outside an old saloon; Mike told us some story about cowboys that I only half caught because someone’s dog in a Santa hat distracted me (I mean, priorities). We got a quick break to stretch our legs—honestly needed after an hour standing on the Segway—and I grabbed some water from my backpack while watching locals pose for selfies under giant candy-cane arches. It’s funny how you can feel both like a tourist and part of something local at the same time.

I still think about how weirdly peaceful it felt rolling along the waterfront after all that noise—just us, quiet wheels on pavement, and thousands of tiny lights reflecting off the canal. Not what I expected when I signed up for a “holiday adventure,” but sometimes those are the moments that stick with you longest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scottsdale Segway Holiday Lights Tour

• Ride Segway in Old Town Scottsdale
• Explore Downtown Scottsdale area
• See Scottsdale Waterfront and Civic Center Mall
• View gardens, art, and local festivals
• Visit Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
• Observe historical sights and famous saloon
• Take break at Scottsdale's original resort
• View Western art outside museum
• See Paolo Soleri designed bridge
• Enjoy water and mountain views at Southbridge
• Admire famous local art

Top questions

How long is the Scottsdale Segway holiday lights tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is bottled water provided during the Segway tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all participants.

Does this tour include stops at Old Town Scottsdale?

Yes, you’ll roll through Old Town Scottsdale as part of the route.

What kind of guide leads this Segway tour?

A local guide leads every group and shares stories about Scottsdale’s history and art scene.

Are there photo opportunities during the tour?

Yes, your guide will stop for photos at key locations like Soleri Bridge and waterfront displays.

Is there time to take breaks or stretch your legs?

You’ll have a short break midway to stretch your legs or use restrooms if needed.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

Does this Segway tour operate near public transportation?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby downtown Scottsdale.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of a Segway i2 personal transporter with helmet provided, guidance from a friendly local expert who shares stories along each stop—including Old Town Scottsdale and contemporary art highlights—a bottle of water to keep you refreshed as you roll past thousands of holiday lights before finishing back downtown.