Events Around the Valley This Week (December 9-15)
This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 9-15.
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
December 14
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Festively decorated boats will illuminate Tempe Town Lake, but the sparks really fly with a holiday fireworks finale. 4-9 p.m. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, downtowntempe.com
December 13
Dane Cook
It’s been a while since Dane Cook has hit the road with new material. Catch up with the comedian for his Fresh New Flavor tour. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
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
Through December 30
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
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
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
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
Through December 22
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Santa’s elves lend a hand to a down-on-their-luck shoemaker and his wife in the musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.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…
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
