Dec. 12-Jan. 3

Don’t miss opening night of this glowing annual affair featuring 100,000 lights, a tree lighting and dramatic seasonal displays. Santa will be on call through Christmas Eve.

Dec. 6

Family fun is inevitable at this annual event sure to brighten your night. Enjoy lighted floats and performances which start on Central Avenue and travel to Camelback, then 7th Street and to Indian School.

Dec. 12-Dec. 28

Ib Andersen, artistic director of Ballet Arizona, choreographed this annual performance in its third season. Stage effects like a tree that magically grows combine with music by The Phoenix Symphony for dramatic sound and spectacle.

Nov. 28-Dec. 23

The Desert Botanical Garden will illuminate the Sybil B. Harrington Cactus & Succulent Galleries with 7,000 softly lit luminaries guiding visitors to quaint outcoves surrounded by warm fires.

Dec. 13-Dec. 24

This version of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol, adapted into an Off-Broadway musical and performed by Actors Theatre at the Herberger Theater, is a Phoenician can’t-miss.

Nov. 16-Dec. 21, 2008

After 17-consecutive seasons, Childsplay brings “The Velveteen Rabbit” back with a much touted performance at Tempe’s Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12.

Nov. 27, 2008-Jan. 10, 2009

The Phoenix Zoo celebrates the onset of its holiday season with a stunning display of twinkling lights (2.5 million to be exact) that lasts six festive weeks. This year, don’t miss the dancing tree show.

Nov. 28-Nov. 30, 2008

Art aficionados take note! This free self-guided tour will span North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree. Move about, with a handy-dandy map, observing up to 150 artists and their work inside 46 studios.

Dec. 31

Bid farewell to 2008 with thousands of party-goers at this years Tempe block party. This explosive evening at Tempe Beach Park and Mill Avenue features live bands, fireworks, beer gardens and, of course, a midnight countdown.