This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 18-31.
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

John Mulaney
Dec. 31

John Mulaney, known as “Baby J” to those who’ve seen the former “Saturday Night Live” writer’s latest Netflix comedy special, will be back on the streets of Phoenix with a new hour of comedy to help you ring in 2024 on a hilarious note. 7 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com

‘Twas the Night Before…
Through December 24

Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash because Cirque du Soleil is bringing the timeless holiday poem about Santa’s yearly sleigh ride to life with all the jaw-dropping acrobatics you’ve come to expect from the famous troupe of performers. Check the website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Through January 14

The festivities get wild during the Valley’s favorite holiday event. Real-life animals will roam alongside life-sized animal lanterns ranging from a herd of elephants to a “purple people eater.” You can also expect millions of LED lights throughout the zoo, a three-story-tall Christmas tree, and a dazzling music-in-motion show. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $25-$35, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, (602) 286-3800, phoenixzoo.org

Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
Through December 30

Experience the beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden. tempetourism.com/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/

Scottsdazzle
Through December 31

Santa will kick off Scottsdale’s holiday extravaganza with a tree-lighting ceremony along the waterfront at 7 p.m. on Nov. 25. Then boys and girls can meet the North Pole’s most famous resident every Saturday morning at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. Grown-ups can stroll to enjoy the holiday artwork or participate in a bicycle scavenger hunt. Check website for a list of events and times. Old Town Scottsdale, (480) 312-7177, scottsdazzle.com

Desert Farm Lights
Through December 31

West Valley mom and blogger Shanelle Kunz wanted to bring the holidays closer to home, so she founded an eye-catching light display, now in its second year. But there’s more to this event than illumination. Expect a toy workshop, s’mores roast inside a snow globe, hayride, scented candy cane maze to Santa’s house and much more. 5:30-10 p.m., $20, 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell, desertfarmlights.com

World of Illumination
Through January 1

Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as your drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. Tempe will have a Cosmic Sleigh Ride theme, while Reindeer Road will be the theme of Glendale’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe; and Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale; worldofillumination.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Luis Rivera Jimenez: A Brief Proposal on Race and Cultural Cosplay
Through Dec. 31

The Puerto Rican artist’s first solo museum exhibition uses sculptures and installations inspired by discussions, found objects, digital content and physical and ephemeral materials to ask questions about representation. Jimenez created these new works while in residence at CALA Alliance early in 2023. Call for times. ASU Art Museum, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, (480) 965-2787, asuartmuseum.asu.edu

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through Dec. 24

This year, you’ll 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 very cranky abominable snowman. Sat., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. $13-$35. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, (480) 921-5700, childsplayaz.org

Christina Fernandez: Multiple Exposures
Through January 7

The Los Angeles-based photographic artist has explored crucial issues, including migration, labor and gender, for more than three decades. This survey of her work allows audiences to discover the through-line that connects her pieces. Wed., Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, smoca.org

“The North Star Changes: Works by Brenda Mallory”
Through Feb. 5

“Everything has multiple uses” is the theme of this exhibition by award-winning artist Brenda Mallory, and “even something as permanent as the North Star can be altered.” For Mallory, fabric dipped in beeswax can become a living organism full of color, texture and patterns. 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
Jan. 1

The last edition of the classic college bowl game was a tense, high-scoring matchup that proved to be must-see football, and the way this season is playing out, history could repeat. Check the website for kickoff time. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, (602) 379-0102, fiestabowl.org

Jagged Little Pill
Jan. 30-Feb. 4

If you want to hear some new music from Alanis Morrissette, she wrote two new songs for the musical “Jagged Little Pill,” inspired by her hit album of the same name. The critically acclaimed production also features a story conceived by “Juno” screenwriter Diablo Cody. Check website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, (480) 965-3434, asugammage.com

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto
Jan.11-14

Two hit Disney movies will get a wintery twist with world-class ice skating. Olaf, everyone’s favorite magical snowman, will tell the story of “Frozen,” while Mirabel, of the magical Madrigal family, will share how her mysterious uncle Bruno fits into “Encanto.” Check the website for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800, footprintcenter.com

31st Annual Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
Jan. 19-21

There’s a chill in the air, but the light warmth of blown glass being formed and created can bring some heat to an Arizona winter. But it doesn’t stop there. More than 155 juried fine artisans creating in all mediums will be on hand to catch your eye along with live music, food, wine and chocolate. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $5-$15, 101 Easy St., Carefree, (480) 837-5637, thunderbirdartists.com