Due to concerns regarding the coronavirus, before making plans we recommend that you confirm information by contacting the event organizer.

Mariachi Miracle

El Milagro del Recuerdo

Dec. 3-12
Set during Christmas, this mariachi opera explores the themes of traditions and familial bonds while its characters deal with life-changing decisions and dream of something more. The production is staged by Arizona Opera. Dec. 3-5, Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, (602) 266-7464; and Dec. 11-12, Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., Tucson, (520) 293-4336, azopera.org.

’Tis the Season

ZooLights 

Through Jan. 15
This grand holiday event glows with millions of LED lights and includes a three-story-tall Christmas tree, lakeside music-in-motion shows, 3D light sculptures and life-size animal lanterns, ranging from a herd of bison and elephants to a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple-people eater. A drive-through Cruise ZooLights complements the classic walk-through event on select nights. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix phoenixzoo.org, (602) 286-3800. 

Silent Night

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Dec. 3-31
Thousands of traditional luminarias line garden trails, buildings and courtyards, casting an elegant glow on the garden’s world-renowned plant collection. The event is complemented this year by “Chihuly in the Desert,” which blends ornate glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly with the distinct shapes and colors of the desert. A variety of musical groups performs each night. Select dates, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway., Phoenix, dbg.org, (480) 481-1225.

A Loverly Production

My Fair Lady

Dec. 7-12
A working-class girl blossoms into the belle of high society under the tutelage of a distinguished London linguist. The cherished musical features such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.” ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, asugammage.com, (480) 965-3434.

Golden Jubilee

Fiesta Bowl Parade 

Dec. 18
An array of colorful floats, high-flying helium balloons, marching bands and specialty and equestrian units performs along the 2-mile parade route. This year’s event celebrates the 50-year history of the Fiesta Bowl organization with the theme “Gold Standard: A Commitment to CommUNITY.” Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper and the Fiesta Bowl founders are grand marshals. 9 a.m. Central Avenue from just south of Bethany Home Road, south to Camelback Road, east to Seventh Street, south to Minnezona Avenue, Phoenix, fiestabowl.org, (480) 350-0900.

Sugarplum Dreams

The Nutcracker 

Dec. 10-24
Ballet Arizona rings in the holiday season in the Land of Sweets as dancing toys, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers and sparkling snowflakes dance to Tchaikovsky’s grand holiday score performed live by The Phoenix Symphony. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, balletaz.org, (602) 381-1096.

Delicate Balance

Zoppé Italian Family Circus

Dec. 23-Jan. 3
Presented in an intimate 500-seat tent, this one-ring circus celebrates the tradition of Old-World Italian circus arts, including acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and expert jugglers. Big Surf, 1500 N. Hayden Road, Tempe, zoppe.net.

Meet the Artists

Arizona Fine Art Expo

Jan. 14-March  27
Guests can meet and watch nationally acclaimed and award-winning artists at work in 124 patron-friendly studios as Thunderbird Artists hosts this art adventure. Among the featured artists is Monte M. Moore (pictured) who balances his career as a professional artist with screenwriting and filmmaking. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $10, season pass; $8, seniors and military. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, arizonafineartexpo.com, (480) 837-7163.

Hot Wheels

Barrett-Jackson Auction

Jan. 22-30
Some of the world’s premier collector automobiles take center stage at the 50th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. In addition to seeing thousands of unique and valuable vehicles cross the block, visitors can check out displays of all the auction vehicles, learn more about collector cars in Behind the Hobby symposiums, ride in the latest vehicles from top automakers and shop in the marketplace. Among the cars featured is this 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, barrett-jackson.com, (480) 421-6694.

Broadway Powerhouse

Bernadette Peters

Jan. 28
The veteran star of Broadway performs signature songs from the iconic shows in which she has starred, along with favorites from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman and more. The concert is part of the Arizona Musicfest series. 7:30 p.m., Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, azmusicfest.org,
(480) 422-8449.