The month of celebration is here, and with it comes many bedazzling events for your pets to partake in.

Remember, December is not only about humans celebrating Xmas but also quite an opportunity to indulge in fun with your pets.

Some pet-focused events this December nearby you include Pawliday Winter Wonderland (NJ), Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market (NC), Santa Paws (KS), Shop With Your Pet (AZ), Telluride X-Mas Eve Torchlight Parade (CO), and International Animal Rights Day.

Continue reading to learn more about these events and how to participate.

1. Pawliday Winter Wonderland, New Jersey

As the name suggests, Pawliday Winter Wonderland is the ultimate winter celebration in Voorhess, New Jersey.

However, it is a reasonably new event organized by the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) on December 3, 2023.

The event guarantees a fun time for pets and pet owners with selected activities such as holiday shopping, taking photos with Santa and the Grinch, games, food trucks, and more.

The 40+ vendors in the event are hand-selected for pets so they do not feel left out.

You can buy your furry friend unique toys, snacks, and accessories.

• Location: 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ
• Date and time: December 3, 12 pm to 4 pm.

2. Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market, North Carolina

Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market at Southern Pines is another fun event to bring your pets in this December.

Located at Growler Company in Southern Pines, NC, this family event brings in community vendors, including Sandhills dog fair vendors, games, beer and food, and photo sessions.

The Santa will be available for photos from 2 to 4 pm, and only well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome in the event.

Moreover, a portion of the proceeds received from this event goes to local pet rescues and shelters.

• Location: Southern Pines Growler Company
• Date and time: December 9, 11 pm to 4 pm

You can book a stay at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Southern Pines Pinehurst if you drive in from far away.

3. Santa Paws, Kansas

Santa Paws is the most awaited dog-friendly event hosted by Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, Kansas, on December 9.

You can bring your pet to take a picture with Santa or the Grinch, relish delicious sweets from the bake sale, and browse unique items from vendors for pet treats and accessories.

It is presented by Helping Hands Humane Society, an animal resource center located in Topeka that provides shelter and meals to homeless animals.

In fact, most of the proceeds from the event go to supporting a good cause.

• Location: Helping Hands Humane Society, Topeka, Kansas
• Date and time: December 9, 11:30 to 3 pm

4. Shop with Your Pet, Arizona

Shop with Your Pet is a grand festive shopping event where pet owners can bring their beloved pet, of course leashed, and explore pet-friendly shops and eateries.

Held each year on December 9 in Scottsdale, Arizona, it is quite an event for avid shoppers with pets!

You can allow your dog to participate in the ugly sweater contest, devour delicious treats, and take complimentary pictures with Santa and the Grinch.

Moreover, the Arizona Humane Society will be out with adorable pups looking for a new home.

• Location: The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 15191 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Date and time: December 9, 12 to 3 pm

5. Telluride X-Mas Eve Torchlight Parade, Colorado

The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade taking place in Telluride is a must-visit event if you happen to reside in Colorado.

The annual event brings together many locals and tourists with their pets to enjoy the parade of skiers sliding down the mountainside. They ski down Coonskin to Telluride Trail and into town with glowing torches.

As a vacationer, it makes a perfect holiday event if you happen to be exploring Colorado in December.

Choose popular viewing spots, including Main Street, Pacific Street, and Columbia Avenue.

Don't forget to grab some hot chocolate and enjoy this event, which is free for everyone.

• Location: Telluride, Colorado
• Date and time: December 24

6. International Animal Rights Day

International Animal Rights Day is observed on December 100 every year, which coincides with Human Rights Day.

Like Human Rights Day, International Animal Rights Day advocates for compassion towards animals, including pets. Moreover, it champions the cause of exposing animal exploitation.

Although not strictly festive, you can take this day as an observance to promote your pets' mental and physical well-being.

Spend time with your pet, pamper them, buy those treats or essential accessories, and take them along to shelters to care for homeless pets.

It can also be a great day to partake in rallies or community events promoting animal welfare.

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations hold special adoption events encouraging people to take in homeless animals. In fact, you can be one of them.

Conclusion

Many of these events may not be near your locality, but you can attend them with your pet if you are willing to travel.

However, you can always start an event celebrating pets in your locality or community.

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is a premier pet hospital in Urbandale that organizes community programs for pets each year in December.