“A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
TO DECEMBER 29
A holiday tradition at ABT, this reimagining of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about Christmas tidings and heart-warming generosity brings curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge to the Mainstage Theatre. Classic tunes include “A Jolly Good Time,” “Christmas Together” and “Link By Link.”
Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623-776-8400, azbroadway.org, various dates and times, see website for tickets
Las Noches de las Luminarias
DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31
Sparkling luminarias and twinkling holiday lights brighten the Desert Botanical Garden at this yearly tradition. Walk the trails and observe the Valley’s beautiful plant life while taking in the atmosphere of the holiday season. There will be musical performances, other entertainment and more, including the Webster Auditorium’s enchanted winter village building activity. December 1 to December 4 is reserved for garden members only, while general audiences can stop by from December 9 to December 11, December 15 to December 18, December 20 to December 23 and December 26 to December 31.
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select dates, $14.95-$49.95 or free for kids 2 and younger
ZooLights
TO JANUARY 15
A popular draw at the Phoenix Zoo each year, the latest ZooLights comes equipped with updated animal lanterns and light displays (more than 50 of them!), new music and light shows, and an enhanced Santa experience. Gather around the lake for a light show involving a 50-foot LED tree, and head over to the Monkey Village for nightly snowfall. And don’t miss out on the holiday safari presentations and community performances. Guest entry also includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert. Plus, for when you get hungry, there will be kettle corn and hot cocoa available for purchase as well as fire pits for making s’mores. Holiday gifts and toys will also be available for purchase.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on select dates, $25-$35 or free for kids 2 and younger
Holiday Pops
DECEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 4
When it comes to Holiday Pops, it’s all about the spirit of the season, whatever background you may come from. Covering all sorts of songs and traditions whether they’re sacred or secular, Holiday Pops is its own tradition. Enrico Lopez-Yañez is conductor, Andrea Ross and Matthew Johnson are vocalists, and Thomas Bookhout is chorus master, with the show featuring the Phoenix Symphony Chorus.
Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, phoenixsymphony.org/show/holiday-pops, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $34-$102
Tempe Festival of the Arts
DECEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 4
With roots that run more than 50 years deep in Tempe, this twice annual festival (it’ll be back in the spring) features more than 350 artists from around the country showcasing a variety of mediums, plus a variety of entertainment including multiple stages of music; food, beer and wine; as well as the interactive Kids Block featuring activities, competitions and more. On Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Parkway and on Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash avenues. Dogs are welcome.
Downtown Tempe, 480-355-6060, tempefestivalofthearts.com, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, free admission
Apache Junction Holiday Program & Light Parade
DECEMBER 3
Those on the eastern edge of Maricopa County can stop by this annual event, bringing for the holidays vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, music, inflatables, food and an appearance from Santa. The main event runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Flatiron Park, with the tree lighting following at 6:30 p.m. and the parade then kicking off at 7 p.m. on Apache Trail between Phelps and Thunderbird. Nonperishable food will be accepted for donation to the Apache Junction Food Bank. This is the event’s 25th year.
Apache Junction, 480-982-8002, apachejunctionaz.gov/891/Holiday-Event, 3 to 6:30 p.m., free admission
Enchanted Holiday Festival
DECEMBER 3
Decorate ornaments, get your face painted, ride a reindeer pony, take some photos with Santa, try your luck in the raffle, participate in a gingerbread workshop, shop for the holidays from boutique vendors, grab a bite to eat and satisfy your sweet tooth with treats — all as part of this New River holiday celebration that’s sure to enchant attendees with the spirit of the season.
3Z Ranch, 48109 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, https://bit.ly/3EDuvX5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$15 or free for babies 12 months and younger
Queen Creek Holiday Festival & Parade
DECEMBER 3
In support of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek, head on down to this East Valley town for a cool Saturday afternoon of family-friendly holiday fun, including a parade and live local entertainment, including singing, cheer and dancing. Then, check out the vendors and grab a bite to eat. There will be a kids zone specifically for the youngsters, while Santa will be on-site for photos as well. The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. and a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The event also ties in with a three-day carnival.
Town Center, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, 480-888-1709, queencreekparade.org, 2 to 7 p.m., free admission
ZONA Music Festival
DECEMBER 3 AND DECEMBER 4
Hance Park will be filled with the sights and sounds of some of indie’s biggest acts with this inaugural music festival. Beach House, Bleachers, and Tegan and Sara will headline the first day, with Portugal. The Man and Japanese Breakfast taking the second day, among a slew of other acts.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1218 N. Second Street, Phoenix, zonamusicfest.com, noon each day, $89-$349
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
DECEMBER 4
Join TSO for an updated presentation of “The Ghost of Christmas Eve — the Best of TSO & More.” The symphonic metal band known for its take on Christmas classics and more will perform the rock opera followed by a second set of its other greatest hits. At least $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to charity.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$99.50
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market Pop-Ups
DECEMBER 7, DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 21
This December, shop for the holidays at The Vintage on Wednesday evenings, courtesy of the entrepreneurs who own the mixed-use facility and founded Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The Vintage Market Home storefront will feature curated gifts, home décor, artisan goods and antiques. There will also be live music, and the restaurant Chestnut will offer drink specials.
The Vintage Arcadia, 4418 E. Osborn, Phoenix, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com, 6 to 9 p.m. each day, free admission
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
DECEMBER 8, DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 12, DECEMBER 13, DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 17
ALT AZ 93.3’s annual concert series is returning with a variety of headliners. The six shows feature, respectively, lovelytheband, the Struts, the Interrupters, Silversun Pickups, Story of the Year and Rome & Duddy. One dollar from each ticket sold will go directly to Lost Our Home, a nonprofit animal welfare organization. And in the name of holiday tradition, be sure to wear your ugliest sweater!
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480-829-0607, altaz933.com/ugly-sweater-2022, various dates and times, $27-$67
“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”
DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 23
Audiences can pick up where they left off last winter holiday season with this sequel show about festivities turned to chaos. Presented by Arizona Theatre Company on the Center Stage, the new show features boisterous sister Lydia Wickham, her long-lost husband and the home’s downstairs residents, not to mention holiday scandal, misunderstandings and other shenanigans. The Herberger Theatre Center’s website describes it as a “celebration of family and forgiveness.”
Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org, various dates and times, $25-$77
“The Elves & the Shoemaker”
DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 24
Performed with large rod puppets, this family-friendly holiday musical experience is about a poor shoemaker and his wife who receive some help from Santa’s elves.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $6-$12 or free for infants
“Holly Dazed: A Festively Confused Cabaret”
DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 18
Written and directed by Jean Paoul C. Clemente and presented by the Order Chaos Theater Company on The Kax Stage, this “festively confused cabaret” humorously finds detail-oriented Lee’s classical piano holiday recital crashed by the lost Holly, though perhaps that’s for the better as it’s taken from polished but somewhat boring to having the Holly Dazed spirit.
Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, $27
“The Nutcracker”
DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 24
Every holiday season brings with it a slew of performances of this classic by different ballet companies. A classic tale featuring a young girl’s winter adventures, mischievous mice and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. With choreography by Ib Andersen, this Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony production of Tchaikovsky-scored classic is a key rendition for Valley fans this winter.
Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602-381-1096, balletaz.org, various dates and times, $35-$209
Western Holidays
DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 11
Head out West for three days of old-fashioned holiday fun in Cave Creek. From a yuletide artisan marketplace to holiday carolers, live music and entertainment including the Crown Kings, a tree-lighting ceremony, children’s activities, food and drinks (including a chili cook-off) and plenty more things to see and do, Stagecoach Village is keeping things merry and bright.
Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480-876-6108, stagecoachvillagecc.com, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, free admission with toy or food donation to Operation Santa Claus
“The Spirit of Christmas”
DECEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 18
Hosted by Mark Hart, this is the Tempe Dance Academy’s 35th annual presentation of this energetic variety show. With two weekends of performances on the Mainstage, it incorporates more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers and a champion hoop dancer.
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $30-$33
Adam Sandler
DECEMBER 11
The Sandman is back on the road for this stand-up tour with a surprise special guest. With a lengthy CV spanning from comedy classics like “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison” to acclaimed dramatic works like “Punch-Drunk Love” and “Uncut Gems,” and blending stand-up humor with song when he hits the stage, Adam Sandler is a comedy legend who needs no introduction. And these days, touring is rare for the actor.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com/events/adam-sandler, 8 p.m., $44.50-$1,497.50
Phoenix Festival of the Arts
DECEMBER 11
A decade of art, music and food in Downtown Phoenix — that’s how long this annual festival has been running. Anticipated are more than 150 art vendors specializing in mediums like ceramics, glass, jewelry and metals; live music on several stages; a family zone; food trucks ranging from tacos, burgers and hot dogs to ice cream; and alcoholic beverages from Dos Cabezas WineWorks and Hensley Beverage Company.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602-254-3100, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, free admission
Santa’s Enchanted Holiday Festival
DECEMBER 11
Like its New River iteration earlier in the month, Enchanted Dream Productions is back with the holiday fun, this time in Peoria. Ride a reindeer pony, get your face painted, snack on some treats, and get your picture taken with Santa. Admission includes a craft activity and raffle tickets. Plus, vendors will be on-site selling gifts and food.
Paseo Verde Park, 7561 W. Greenway Road, Peoria, https://bit.ly/3tCiwTh, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$15 or free for babies 12 months and younger
Phoestivus
DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 15
Back for its 13th year is this annual holiday craft market, now taking place Downtown. On the docket this year are more than 200 small businesses, music, live art, food and drink — plus an appearance from Phreddie the Yeti. Other features include a rock climbing wall, the Phoestivus Pole, and cards for writing grievances or gratitude. Pets are welcome. A fundraiser, the event benefits the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. Community Food Connections accepts donations at points of entry.
Downtown Phoenix, 720 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, phoestivus.com, 5 to 10 p.m. each day, free admission
Cirque du Soleil: “’Twas the Night Before…”
DECEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 24
Cirque du Soleil puts a spin on the classic Christmas poem with this festive show about a curious but jaded girl who finds herself in a world of colorful characters. The famed entertainment company’s website describes it as a “festive show about the wonders of sharing and friendship” and “a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, rip-roaring fun and hugely lovable characters that will become a new tradition for families to cherish.”
Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602-379-2888, cirquedusoleil.com, various dates and times, see website for tickets
“Sesame Street Live!”
DECEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 30
“Make your magic” with this magical show featuring everybody’s favorite characters from the neighborhood, like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Rosita and Count von Count. When magician Justin visits to put on a magic show, the non-magically inclined Elmo joins him and Abby to discover the lesson that with perseverance, anything is possible. Elmo meet and greets are also available at 1 p.m. both days and 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, sesamestreetlive.com, 2 p.m. Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, $25-$70
Decadence Arizona
DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31
Newly relocated from the East Valley to the West, everybody’s favorite New Year’s Eve EDM party is back! Subtitled “Ancient Future,” this year’s two-day lineup features an array of DJs and producers, from Flume to Louis the Child, Porter Robinson and Zeds Dead. This show is for ages 18 and older.
Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, decadencearizona.com, 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, $199-$1,099
