Events
Search our guide to what's happening around Arizona. (Want your event listed? Send an email to Noah Austin at [email protected] Be sure to include the dates of the event, public contact information (phone and/or website) and a brief description.)
-
Central
-
Holiday Sweet Stroll : Sedona
December 22
At Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (336 State Route 179) from 3 to 7 p.m., Santa greets little ones and carolers sing traditional songs as they meander through the courtyards. Retailers will offer unique gifts, giveaways and discounts. Free.
-
Lights of the World Festival at the State Fairgrounds : Phoenix
December 6 to February 3
Enjoy one of the largest light and lantern festivals in North America, combining the age-old Chinese tradition of lanterns with cutting-edge technology and lights. Explore global cultures, cuisine, acrobatics, dance, rides and music concerts.
-
30th Annual Cheez-It Bowl : Phoenix
December 26
480-350-0911 www.fiestabowl.org/
Chase Field presents a Pac-12 Conference team vs. a Big 12 Conference team. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m.
-
Holidays at the Heard Museum : Phoenix
December 26 to December 30
602-252-8848 heard.org/event/holidays/
The Heard Museum presents performances and artist demonstrations introducing visitors to traditional and contemporary American Indian music, dance and art throughout the week.
-
48th Annual National Bank of Arizona Fiesta Bowl Parade : Phoenix
December 29
Enjoy a Phoenix tradition with a parade filled with floats, bands, specialty and equestrian units starting at 10 a.m. Bleacher seating is available for a fee.
-
2018 Boot Drop at The Palace Restaurant & Saloon : Prescott
December 31
928-776-0234 www.bootdrop.com/
Whiskey Row becomes a street party as we ring in the new year. Watch as a 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot is lowered down The Palace building’s flagpole. One drop takes place at 10 p.m. and another at midnight.
-
Ella Enchanted: The Musical : Phoenix
December 15 to December 30
Childsplay brings this charming musical to the Herberger Theater Center's Center Stage (222 E. Monroe Street) for performances at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays, plus special holiday performances. Tickets are $12-30.
-
Vertuccio Farms Christmas Farm Lights Celebration : Mesa
December 5 to January 11
Vertuccio Farms (4011 S. Power Road) hosts 10 acres of awe-inspiring Christmas lights, plus a 30-foot tree, a twinkling barnyard animal display, an ice skating rink and festive photo opportunities, plus a nightly visit from Santa December 15-23.
-
Punk Night at The Grid Games and Growlers : Mesa
December 22
The Grid Games and Growlers (525 S. Gilbert Road) hosts American Standards, Orenda, Girlblood, Those Kind of People and The Dead Beat Hymns starting at 8 p.m. $5 admission.
-
Christmas & NYE at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix : Phoenix
December 25 to January 1
The hotel offers special menus for Christmas and New Year's Eve, a New Year's Eve party at LUSTRE Rooftop Bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and a New Year's Eve sleepover package. Visit website for details.
-
Magical Mystery New Year's Countdown : Scottsdale
December 29
760-668-6650 myspiritquest.net
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a unique personal transformation workshop facilitated by master yoga teacher and healer Dennis Daniels. It includes yoga, estatic dance, writing, meditation, sharing and more. Tickets are $100 early, $125 at the door.
-
-
Southern
-
Old World Santas : Sierra Vista
December 1 to December 25
520-417-6960 www.sierravistaaz.gov
Veterans Memorial Park (3105 E. Fry Boulevard) hosts stories of Santa told throughout the world via a collection of intricately hand-painted Old World Santas created by local artists. Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Free admission.
-
Christmas Choir Concert : Tucson
December 22
520-398-2542 theseaofglass.org
The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts (330 E. Seventh Street) hosts TaliasVan's 50-voice Bright & Morning Star Choir & Orchestra for an evening of holiday cheer starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show.
-
-
Eastern
-
General Guided Tour of Boyce Thompson Arboretum : Superior
December 22
602-827-3000 cals.arizona.edu/bta/events.html
Volunteers narrate the history of Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden and point out colorful plants and birds. Guided walks along the 1.5-mile main trail include fun facts about arboretum history, plants, resident critters and geology.
-
Deuce of Clubs Drop : Show Low
December 31 to January 1
928-532-4140 www.showlowaz.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2488&month=12&year=2018&day=2&calType=0
Count down the final seconds of 2018 with great music, fun, party favors, fireworks, cocoa, treats and stay warm at fire pits at Festival Marketplace from 11 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
-
-
Northern
-
Skiing Santa at Snowbowl : Flagstaff
December 22 to December 24
Arizona Snowbowl hosts a skiing Santa Claus for photo ops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will be skiing on the Big Spruce and Little Spruce runs at Snowbowl and also checking the base area and the lodges.
-