Cirque du Soleil: ’Twas the Night Before
Dec. 18-20

A cynical teenager’s holiday is upended when she’s swept into the world of the iconic Christmas poem, reimagined with Cirque du Soleil’s signature gravity-defying acrobatics, aerial feats and inventive visual storytelling. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle for all ages. Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com

Ignite Hope Candlelight Celebration
Dec. 13

The young patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital can feel isolated during the holidays. Join this walk and candlelight vigil to show your support and remind them that they are not alone. Funds help support Phoenix Children’s programs. Festival begins at 3 p.m. and walk at 5:30 p.m. $20-$40 for adults; $5-$10 for kids. North High School Courtyard, 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, pchignitehope.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through Dec. 23

Experience this stage adaptation of the beloved holiday television special, complete with live musical performances and a timeless story that features whimsical misfit toys, an elf who moonlights as a dentist, a talking snowman and a cranky abominable monster. Sat., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets from $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, (480) 921-5700, childsplayaz.org

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Jan. 18-26

The world’s top auto auction returns to Scottsdale. Browse or bid on rare vehicles, view high-performance sports cars and purchase exclusive memorabilia at this event, beloved by both new collectors and long-time vehicle enthusiasts. Doors open at 8 a.m. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, (844) 528-3598, barrett-jackson.com

Duran Duran
Jan. 5

There aren’t many ’80s bands that can still sell out arenas like they did back in their heyday. Rockers Duran Duran, known for their cinematic music videos and synth-heavy hits such as “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “The Reflex,” is part of that elite company. They will be making a quick run along the West Coast during the holiday break and have thankfully included Phoenix as one of the stops. 8 p.m. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com

Chandler International Film Festival
Jan. 23-Feb. 1

For a decade, the Chandler International Film Festival has brought the world to Arizona by screening more than 100 films from around the globe. For its 10th anniversary, the event will expand its reach by holding viewings at several venues across the East Valley. There will also be filmmaker workshops, panel discussions, red-carpet events, award ceremonies, celebrity guest appearances and swanky after-parties. chandlerfilmfestival.com

The Book of Mormon
Jan. 6-11

If the fact that this Tony Award-winning musical was conceived by the creators of “South Park” wasn’t enough of an indication, this show is for adult audiences only. We can also verify that this story about two Mormon missionaries who travel to Uganda to preach their gospel is absolutely hilarious. Check website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, (480) 965-3434, asugammage.com

VRBO Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 8

The 55th edition of this classic game will host a College Football Playoff semifinal. If the last few years of this event have been any indication, you can expect a tense, high-scoring matchup that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last play. 5:30 p.m. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, (480) 350-0911, fiestabowl.org

Scottsdale Book Festival
Jan. 24

Fulfill your need to read at this free event, featuring local and national authors across every genre. There will be book signings, author talks, interactive presentations and family-friendly activities. Here, you’re bound to discover your new favorite book. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, scottsdalebookfestival.com

Mac Schweitzer: A Southwest Maverick Rediscovered
Through Sept. 2026

The modernist paintings of Mac Schweitzer were featured throughout Tucson and at Trader Vic’s in Old Town Scottsdale. But when she died in 1962 under mysterious circumstances, her legacy faded from public view. That wrong will be corrected when the pioneering artist’s archives and artwork are displayed at this first-time exhibition of Schweitzer’s work. Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, (480) 686-9539, scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Tempe Festival of the Arts
Dec. 5-7

Mill Avenue will come alive as nearly 350 creatives from across the country showcase their original handmade works of art at this beloved street festival. There will also be food trucks, drinks, children’s activities and live music to keep the party going. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mill Avenue District, Tempe, tempefestivalofthearts.com

Winterlight: Season of Illumination
Dec. 11

As you stroll through Old Town during Scottsdazzle for the Gold Palette Artwalk, step into The Marshall Gallery to view works from abstract painters Joseph Maruska and William Pugh, as well as mixed media artist Don Quade and figurative painter Erica Vhay. 6:30-9 p.m., The Marshall Gallery, 7106 E. Main St., Scottsdale, (480) 970-3111, themarshallgallery.com

48th Annual S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market
Dec. 13-14

This annual event at the S’edav Va’aki Museum showcases fine art, crafts and cultural goods from more than 100 Native American artists. Immerse yourself in the culture with traditional performances, ancestral demonstrations and authentic Indigenous cuisine. The event runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission is $10; $5 for Native Americans, first responders and military. Museum Foundation members and children 12 and under are free. S’edav Va’aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 534-2442, svmfoundation.org

Beyond Van Gogh
Through Jan. 4

This brand-new, immersive exhibition allows you to experience Vincent Van Gogh’s work in a whole new way. It features a compelling storyline and innovative technology, such as virtual reality, allowing you to view iconic works such as “The Starry Night” from a different perspective. Check website for times and ticket prices. Galleria Centre, 4343 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, beyondvangogh.com

NI: Natural Intelligence
Jan. 10-Feb. 28

The artists in this exhibition explore the notion that nature, not artificial intelligence, is the true source of creativity. It will feature work by Kim Cridler, Ala Ebtekar, Carlos Estévez, Máximo González, Timothy Horn, Alan Bur Johnson, Michael Koerner, Mayme Kratz, David Kroll, Marie Navarre, Beverly Penn, Benjamin Timpson and Frances Whitehead. There will be an opening reception on Jan. 10 from 1-3 p.m. 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

Celebration of Fine Art
Jan. 17-March 29

This annual juried invitational features more than 100 artists from across the nation who display and sell their work in an intimate studio setting. This event requires multiple visits, as stunning new pieces are created daily. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Season pass: $12, adults; $10, seniors and military; free, children 12 and younger. 18400 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, (480) 443-7695, celebrateart.com

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Jan. 18

See hundreds of select, rare and exotic automobiles on display in an elegant setting, all revolving around this year’s theme of “Sculpture in Motion.” Proceeds from this popular event will be donated to select charities, including Make-A-Wish Arizona. Grounds open at 9 a.m. $90-$100. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, arizonaconcours.com

A Drag Queen Christmas
Dec. 8

What do Onya Nerve, Jewels Sparkles and Suzie Toot really want for Christmas? You can find out when you join host and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorite Nina West for this fabulous adults-only holiday show. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com

Scottsdale 

Altamira Fine Art

The gallery specializes in exhibition and sale of Western contemporary artwork by more than 40 artists in a range of media, including oil and acrylic paintings, glass and bronze works and digital art installations. 7038 E. Main St., Scottsdale, altamiraart.com, (480) 949-1256.

Bonner David Galleries

The gallery features the best of both representational and contemporary fine art by more than 30 nationally and internationally collected artists, providing a welcoming, relaxed setting for the seasoned collector and those just beginning their art journeys. 7040 E. Main St., Scottsdale, bonnerdavid.‌com, (480) 941-8500.

Carstens Fine Art Studio & Gallery

An artist since 6 years old, Cyndy Carstens is the visionary behind this working artist studio and gallery. Her paintings focus on elements of light as she strives to reflect the assurance of beauty, hope and tranquility even in our most challenging moments. 7100 E. Main St., Scottsdale, cyndycarstens.com, (480) 946-3217.

Old Town Scottsdale Rodeo Museum

Located in the heart of Old Town, the museum is packed with historic cowboy and rodeo artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 1950s, including bull ropes, saddles, vintage rodeo magazines and original Parada del Sol posters that boast artwork by the likes of Kenneth M. Freeman. Adventurous guests can climb atop El Diablo—one of the winningest bulls ever who is now on permanent display, mid-buck—for a fun photo-op. 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, (602) 616-6901.

On the Edge Gallery

Visitors can interact directly with the artists at this one-of-a-kind Scottsdale gallery, which represents more than 40 professional, juried Arizona makers who own and operate the exhibit space. An array of fine and contemporary art from every creative medium is featured, including fiber art, photography, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and mixed-media pieces. 7077 E. Main St., Scottsdale, ontheedgegallery.com, (480) 265-8991.

Pejman Gallery 

Artist Bob Pejman is internationally acclaimed for his depictions of European and Old-World vistas. The Scottsdale gallery exhibits his collection of oil paintings and mixed-media works on canvas as well as original paintings by leading American and European artists and sculptures by Gaylord Ho. 7130 E. Main St., Scottsdale, pejmangallery.com, (480) 970-1505. 

Quan’tum Art Inc.

Located in the courtyard at Marshall Square, QAI offers original contemporary art by internationally collected artists: sculptor John Gleason, glass artist Suzanne Larson, painter Jacque L. Keller, ceramicist Alvin Pace and more. 7077 E. Main St., Scottsdale, quantumartinc.com,  (480) 216-0450.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

A museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design that challenges expectations, SMoCA has four main galleries that showcase changing exhibitions and works from the museum’s growing permanent collection, plus an outdoor courtyard featuring “Knight Rise,” a Skyspace enclosure by James Turrell. 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, smoca.org, (480) 874-4666.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum features Western and Native American art and artifacts, gallery tours and educational activities that bring the West’s heritage and culture to life. Permanent exhibits include “Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection,” which features 65 examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries, and “The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection,” a showcase of more than 1,400 cowboy gear and other Old West objects. 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, scottsdalemu‌seumwest.‌org, (480) 686-9539.

Wilde Meyer Gallery

With galleries in Scottsdale and Tucson, Wilde Meyer presents changing exhibits of innovative, original, contemporary fine art, with styles that range from sophisticated abstracts and contemporary Western to figurative and landscape works. Media includes paintings, bronzes, sculpture, glass and more. 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, (480) 945-2323; 2890 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson, (520) 615-5222, wildemeyer.‌com.

Xanadu Gallery

Paintings, sculpture, mixed-media pieces and other works in a variety of media and styles are in the spotlight at this eclectic gallery, which was established in 2001. 7039 E. Main St., Scottsdale, xanadugallery.com, (480) 368-9929.