Soak in the last bit of Christmas cheer and make way for the new year during the weekend of Dec. 28 to Dec. 30.
Friday:
Elf: The Musical at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix Theatre will be showing the popular Elf: The Musical at its Mainstage Theatre through Sunday, Dec. 30. Kids of all ages will marvel at this festive, funny and colorful Christmas show in Downtown Phoenix. Elf: The Musical tickets start at $29.
North Pole Experience
Friday is the last day to hop aboard Santa’s Magic Trolley at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff and get transported through the Magic Portal to Santa’s Grand Workshop in the North Pole via the North Pole Experience. Stop at the famous Toy Hall of Fame to help the elves build toys and visit Mrs. Claus’ Bakery for her signature hot cocoa and tasty treats. And, of course, you can’t leave without stopping by the mail room to write a personal letter to Santa and visit the top-secret hanger to see his newest sleigh. Ticket prices range from $39 to $65.
Christmas at the Princess
Through New Year’s Eve, revelers are invited to step into the holiday splendor with Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ four-story musical tree, the Desert Ice Skating Rink (made of real ice), S’mores Land with the Polar Ice Glide and a Build-A-Bear Workshop, 4 million dazzling Lagoon Lights, Santa’s Secret Headquarters and festive friends like Peppermint Penguin, Princess Noel, Graham the S’more, Shivers the Yeti and Selfie Elfie during Christmas at the Princess. The resort also offers special holiday vacation packages with added extras and exclusive character meet and greets, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Cox Charities and the #LoveUp Foundation for foster children.
Las Noches de Las Luminarias
It’s your last chance to check out Las Noches de Las Luminarias as it lights up the night at Desert Botanical Garden. Electric Desert | A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective sets the stage for true holiday magic with more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of twinkle lights and the pulse of Electric Desert. Tickets start at about $30 for members and about $35 for the general public.
New Year’s Dining in Phoenix
Looking to book a decadent dining experience for your New Year’s Eve evening? Click here to check out the festive menus planned at Valley restaurants to say “see ya” to 2018.
Saturday:
Spirited Sipping Seminar: A Bit of Bubbly: France vs. USA
Hearth '61 hosts its popular Spirited Sipping Seminar at 3 p.m. at Mountain Shadows. Talented beverage experts will guide you through a tasting seminar and history lesson worth savoring. Each seminar is 30 to 45 minutes, with extra time for you to stick around and savor your tasty new knowledge. During the event, enjoy a tasting of three wines, plus a full glass of your favorite of the three. Tickets are $30.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts its beloved annual winter wonderland of lights and displays through Jan. 6 each evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tip: To save some time, purchase a Fast Pass now to eliminate long waits to ride the Holiday Lights Train Ride. The Fast Pass is $15 per person per train ride for guests ages 3 and older. (Kids ages 2 and under are free with a paying adult.)
Cosmic Playground at Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center inspires and delights creators, climbers and space-lovers of all ages with its limited-time Cosmic Playground experience through Jan. 13. Guests can climb, slide and explore the galaxy in a unique all-ages play space made almost entirely of household packing tape, and participate in an array of space-themed activities while immersed in cosmic light, sound and motion. Cosmic Playground is a shoe-free environment. Guests must wear clean socks or purchase a pair at the center for $1 (while supplies last). The experience is ADA accessible.
Sunday:
Have a Hygge Weekend
We don’t blame you if hot cider, fluffy slippers and a good book are the only things on the agenda this weekend. Here’s more ideas for creating a hygge-perfect winter weekend.
CitySkate
Arizona’s largest real outdoor ice rink, CitySkate, is taking over Central Avenue right along CityScape Phoenix. Revel in the joy the season brings by ice skating in the heart of Downtown Phoenix—under the twinkling night sky. The rink will be open until Jan. 6 with tickets ranging from $10 to $30 (skate rental included).
