Happy Thanksgiving! Events Around the Valley This Week (November 25-December 1)
This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for November 25-December 1.
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
November 29-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
December 1
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
If there’s one thing the holidays need more of, it’s rock. There will be plenty when the band plays its Christmas hits. The show will be an audio-visual spectacular, complete with a light show and lasers. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
28th Annual Hidden in the Hills
Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Conveniently scheduled around the holidays, the state’s longest-running art tour is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift or something to tie the room together. Take a self-guided studio excursion through the Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, where more than 160 nationally recognized and up-and-coming artists’ work in various mediums, styles and price ranges will be displayed and available for purchase. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Check the website for a map of participating galleries. (480) 575-6624, sonoranartsleague.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
AFGHANADELICK
Through November 30
Do you remember that cozy little afghan on your mom’s couch? Local artist Joe Willie Smith is taking those crocheted heirlooms and transforming the Five15 Arts Gallery into a world of yarn and color that evokes that psychedelic spirit of the ’ 60s and ’ 70s. Smith will also perform his “Immersive Afghanalistic Masquerade Performance and Gathering” using his sculptural musical instruments. Gallery visitors will be invited to wear paper masks of their choice. Fri., 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse, 1301 NW. Grand Ave., Phoenix, five15arts.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
November 29-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…
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
