Events Around the Valley This Week (December 23-29)
This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 23-29.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations. Information for EVENTS should be submitted at least eight weeks before the first of the month it is to be published. Log on to phgmag.com/calendar-submission.
SPECIAL EVENTS
ZooLights
Through Jan. 12
Head to the Phoenix Zoo for an animal-inspired light exhibit. With millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, ZooLights offers a magical holiday experience complete with music and hot cocoa. 5:30-10:30 p.m., general admission from $30; member admission from $25; free for children 2 and under, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolight
Christmas at the Princess
Through Jan. 4
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 6 million lights, an ice-skating rink and festive activities for all ages. Don’t miss the Enchanted Plaza show with a four-story musical tree. Mon.-Thurs., 5-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 4-11 p.m., $35 per person; free for kids under 3, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, christmasattheprincess.com
Scottsdazzle
Through Dec. 31
Old Town Scottsdale comes alive with this annual spectacle, a month-long celebration featuring holiday lights, themed events and plenty of shopping and dining. Be sure to catch the tree lighting ceremony and sing-along at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Free. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, scottsdazzle.com
Through December 31
Las Noches de las Luminarias
The garden’s collection of beautiful desert plant life will take on a warm glow when thousands of luminarias light up the garden trails and courtyards. Select dates, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $14.95-$41. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org
Desert Farm Lights
Through December 29
West Valley holiday lovers no longer need to head across town for Christmas cheer. The event features illuminated mazes, bounce houses, obstacle courses and a gingerbread slide. Stop by Santa’s Workshop afterward. Kids can also say hi to the North Pole’s most famous resident. 5:30-10 p.m. $20. 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell, desertfarmlights.com
Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express
Through December 30
Santa’s elves will read Chris Van Allsburg’s popular holiday book (the basis for the movie starring Tom Hanks) as your family ventures up to “the North Pole.” There will be hot chocolate, cookies, sing-alongs and Santa Claus. Check website for dates. The train leaves at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and RV Park, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, 888-848-3511, thetrain.com
World of Illumination
Through December 29
Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as you drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. Tempe will have an Enchanted Surfer theme, while Rockin’ Christmas will be the theme of Glendale’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe. Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, worldofillumination.com
Tianyu Lights Festival
Through January 5
Nature and art come together in one spectacular walk-through light show. Displays include forest creatures, pandas, unicorns, dragons and a three-story, color-changing “butterfly tree.” W.-Su., 5:30-10:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Camelback Ranch – Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, tianyuculture.us
ARTS & CULTURE
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
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through December 23
When the Christmas Eve weather gets too foggy for Santa, the time for reindeer games is over, and only one reindeer can guide the big guy’s sleigh. Sa, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Su, 2 p.m. $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
“Harry Fonseca: Transformations”
Through April 20
In the late 1970s, the late Nisenan Native American artist Harry Fonseca began his “Coyote” series. The main character in these works, seen as a “trickster” in Native American storytelling, is a metaphor for how one changes and defies society’s preconceived notions. The Heard has gathered the work of this underrated artist, who also explored queer subcultures and the dark side of American history. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for ticket prices. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 252-8848, heard.org
- Search for more Valley Events here!
- Information for EVENTS should be submitted at least eight weeks before the first of the month it is to be published. phgmag.com/calendar-submission
EVENTS COMING SOON…
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
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
January 18-26
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Casual fans and major car collectors from around the world will converge in Scottsdale for the greatest automobile auction in the nation. Attendees will have the chance to bid on rare and historic vehicles. Doors open at 8 a.m. Check website for ticket prices. VIP packages available. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 844-528-3598, barrett-jackson.com
February 3-9
Waste Management Phoenix Open
Get ready to cheer on your favorite PGA golfer from the famous 16th hole when the “greenest show on grass” returns. Visit website for tee times and ticket prices. Tournament Players Club, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, wmphoenixopen.com
