Our picks for the top events and exhibitions in Phoenix and Scottsdale for December 2024 and January 2025.

Here’s to Life

Escape Series: Roger Clyne
Dec. 6-8

Roger Clyne, the frontman for the legendary Tempe bands The Refreshments and the Peacemakers, has probably played nearly everywhere in Arizona. However, he’s never performed at a place like Rancho de Los Caballeros. Come see the musician play a weekend of electrifying shows, complete with a meet and greet and a dude ranch filled with luxurious amenities as part of our sister magazine PHOENIX’s Escape Series. Check the website for the schedule. Packages range from $1,750-$2,250. Rancho de Los Caballeros, 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, tickets.phoenixmag.com

A Nose That Glows

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through Dec. 23

This year, you will believe a reindeer really can fly. The timeless television special has been adapted for the stage, complete with misfit toys, an elf who moonlights as a dentist, reindeer games and a cranky abominable snowman. Sat., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, (480) 921-5700, childsplayaz.org

Roll Up For the History Tour

The F.Q. Story Home Tour and Holiday Marketplace
Dec. 7

Glance inside several beautiful, historic homes built in the styles of Spanish Colonial Revival, English Tudor and Craftsman bungalow in this holiday-themed tour highlighting this unique and historic central Phoenix neighborhood. After the tour, visit the local holiday vendors, and sample the food trucks and homemade baked goods. The tour runs from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and the marketplace is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 after Dec. 1. The event starts at 11th Avenue and Willetta Street. fqstoryhometour.org

Not A Barbie Girl

Billie Eilish
Dec. 13

The Grammy winner won yet another Oscar for her contribution to the “Barbie” film soundtrack, the touching ballad “What Was I Made For?” Now she’s on the road again to perform the songs from her most ambitious and revealing album yet, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” 7 p.m. Check the website for prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, (623) 772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com

Kickoff to History

VRBO Fiesta Bowl
Dec. 31

The last edition of the classic college bowl game was a tense, high-scoring matchup that proved to be must-see football. This year, history will be made again when the Valley hosts one of the first-ever College Football Playoff Quarterfinal games. 5:30 p.m. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, (480) 350-0911, fiestabowl.org

Destination: Art

Arizona Fine Art Expo
Jan. 10-March 23

Art lovers can witness nationally acclaimed and award-winning craftspeople at work in more than 120 patron-friendly studios. This event is a creative journey hosted by Thunderbird Artists that is sure to inspire. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $12, season pass; $10, seniors and military. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 837-7163, arizonafineartexpo.com

Zoom, Zoom

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Jan. 18-26

The world’s best auto auction returns to Scottsdale, and it has something for major car collectors and casual hobbyists. Take a look at the souped-up sports cars or purchase some vintage memorabilia. Don’t forget your checkbook as attendees will have the chance to bid on rare and historic vehicles. Doors open at 8 a.m. Check the website for ticket packages. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, (844) 528-3598, barrett-jackson.com

Wish Upon A Star

Disney On Ice
Jan. 16-19

If Disney movies have taught us anything, it is that magical things can happen when we wish upon a star. Your family will be enchanted when your favorite characters take to the ice in this show about what happens when dreams come true. It’s filled with stunning choreography, eye-popping acrobatics, incredible stunts, beautiful costumes and brilliant special effects. Check the website for ticket prices and show times. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800. footprintcenter.com

Creatives Unite

Celebration of Fine Art
Jan. 18-March 30

This annual juried invitational gathering features 100 artists nationwide who show and sell their gallery-quality work in an intimate studio setting. This event requires multiple visits, as stunning new works are crafted daily. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Season pass: $10, adults; $8, seniors and military; free, children 11 and younger. 18400 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, (480) 443-7695, celebrateart.com

Art With a Story

4th Annual Winter Artisan Market
Dec. 6-7

Are you exhausted from the hustle and bustle of looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone? The nonprofit Sonoran Arts League is allowing you to relax and enjoy shopping for once. More than 75 artisans will purvey their jewelry, paintings, photography and more. You can even learn the stories behind the art from the creatives themselves. Free, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, (480) 488-1090, ext. 1003, hollandcenter.org

What A View

Grand Canyon: From Dreams to Memory
Through Dec. 28

The natural world wonder carved by the waters of the Colorado River is stunning no matter where you see it from, but everyone views it differently. A group of artists from diverse backgrounds are sharing how they see the Grand Canyon using a variety of mediums that capture the essence of the transcendent landmark. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lisa Sette Gallery, 210 E. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, (480) 990-7342, lisasettegallery.com

Native Artistry

47th Annual S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market
Dec. 14-15

Even after a name change and a renovation, this annual event at the S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum) is still going strong. It features fine art, crafts and cultural items from more than 110 Native American artists. The event runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission is $10 and $5 for Indigenous people, first responders and active and retired military personnel. S’edav Va’aki Museum Foundation members and children ages 12 and younger are free. S’edav Va’aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 534-2430, svmfoundation.org

Artistic Wonderland

Gold Palette ArtWalk
Dec. 12

The monthly walk through the Scottsdale Arts District will get a holiday glow-up as part of Scottsdazzle. There will be themed collections from local and national artists, creative gifts, strolling carolers and hot cocoa. 6:30-9 p.m., Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of East Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, scottsdazzle.com

Antagonistic Fabrics

Ben Venom: Use It Or Lose It
Through Jan. 12

They may be soft, but these are not your grandmother’s quilts. Venom, a punk rock quilter, crafts with recycled textiles and conjures up designs inspired by the occult. What would Grandma think? Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m.; Mesa Contemporary Art Museum, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, (480) 644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

Creative Heat

32nd Annual Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
Jan. 17-19

There’s a chill in the air, but the light and warmth of blown glass being shaped and formed can bring some heat to an Arizona winter. If glass isn’t your thing, more than 155 juried fine artisans creating in all mediums will be on hand to catch your eye (including featured artist Charles Thomas), or you can enjoy some live music or delicious food and wine. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $5-$15 (cash only), 101 Easy St., Carefree, (480) 837-5637, thunderbirdartists.com

Art+Music

Amplified Vol. 4
Jan. 25

The NPR Tiny Desk Concert veterans Daniel, Me Estás Matando will join a diverse lineup that includes the Phoenix Symphony for this family-friendly art and music festival with outdoor installations and vendors of delicious foods. Check the website for a schedule. Tickets are $20-$50 for the general public. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 257-1880, phxart.‌org

Auto Art

Arizona Concours d’Elegance
Jan. 19

See hundreds of select, rare and exotic automobiles on display in an elegant setting, all revolving around this year’s theme of “The Art of Automotive Engineering.” Proceeds from this popular event will go toward select charities, including Make-A-Wish Arizona. Grounds open at 9 a.m. $85-$125. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, arizonaconcours.com