Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
(image courtesy of www.stonehousecollection.com)
Santa has a lot in store for Arizona locals. Check out the hot holiday happenings around the Valley and surrounding areas.
Santa has some Christmas specials for Valley guys and gals looking to get in the seasonal spirit. In fact, Jolly Ol ' Saint Nick is spreading holiday cheer at an array of local hot-spots, like the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
If you’re still not sure how you’re going to spend Christmas, you might want to consider booking at the AAA Four Diamond Resort. The Biltmore is showcasing its “Miracle on 24th Street” physique, offering several festive displays, events, and activities perfect for any family wanting some holiday TLC. Kids can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, as they sip on hot chocolate. Holiday movies will be available for guests to screen. Couples can opt for festive cooking classes. And you can also indulge in a winter-special dinner menu.
You can score The Biltmore’s December rates from $179 per night. And as a Christmas bonus, you’ll get 30% off a spa treatment. (www.arizonabiltmore.com)
Or, you can go to The Wigwam.
This historic AAA Four Diamond property has transformed its 400 acres into a winter wonderland. The resort is offering special holiday lights tours of Litchfield Park, in addition to a Christmas dinner buffet. And it won’t cost you a pretty penny; the Home for the Holidays package starts at $99. (www.wigwamresort.com)
But if you want to skip town, head to Tucson’s Westward Look. According to AAA Arizona, the resort is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year. You’ll enjoy cookies & cider in the lobby this Friday and Saturday, in addition to scrumptious s’mores kits. Yep, the hotel is showcasing delicious treats to roast over their restaurant fire-pit.
The Westward Look has a Breakfast in Bed package starting at $149 per night, including (go figure), breakfast in bed, a $45 food and beverage credit, and a $15 resort fee. (www.westwardlook.com)
However, if you’ve always wanted to stay at the Ritz, now’s your chance.
The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is offering several holiday experiences like a swim-up butler at their heated pool serving hot cocoa; a life-size tee-pee made out of gingerbread; a Christmas Eve visit from Santa; Christmas Eve dinner at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar; Christmas brunch at Cayton’s; and Christmas dinner at CORE as well.
The resort is offering a Dove Mountain holiday package starting at $199 per night. (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/DoveMountain)
But if you’re interested in Sedona, head to one of AAA’s newest Four Diamond Hotels, El Portal. The resort is within walking distance to the Red Rock Fantasy of Lights display, and conveniently located near the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, home to the Festival of Trees. The luxury retreat has been voted one of the best inns of America, offering twelve unique guest suites. Check out their website for holiday package information. (www.elportalsedona.com)
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