Wrap up Thanksgiving with these long-cherished Valley traditions or new, highly anticipated events. From holiday themed pop-up bars to a variety of exhibits, locals can spend the weekend of Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 creating Instagram-worthy memories.
Friday
Miracle at Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails
The leftovers can wait. Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails has partnered with Miracle to create a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar where guests can indulge in holiday libations and a menu unique to the season. This highly anticipated experience will be open until Dec. 25. For more information, visit bluehoundkitchen.com.
Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade in Downtown Tempe
Welcome the holidays with Tempe’s 25th-annual Fantasy of Lights Parade. Locals and their out-of-town visitors can peruse the Holiday Market, enjoy live entertainment in the CenterPoint Plaza, watch the parade march through Downtown Tempe, take selfies with Santa and much more. The event will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. To learn more, visit downtowntempe.com.
Holiday Pops Concert at the Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is invites you to end Thanksgiving weekend with them. At 7:30 p.m., the Phoenix Symphony chorus and Broadway vocalists will sing the marvelous and oh-so loved songs of the season. Tickets range from $25 to $115.
Saturday
Stories Around the Thanksgiving Table at Chandler Museum
Thanksgiving is precious for reasons other than turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Family time is memorable and invaluable. Unfortunately, it is often fleeting. At 10:30 a.m., Denise Ann Bodman of Arizona State University will provide attendees with the skills to capture and transform stories shared during family time into a history that can continued to be passed down. To learn more, visit chandleraz.gov.
Christmas Lights Scottsdale Segway Tours in Old Town Scottsdale
Make your way through Old Town Scottsdale’s sparkling holiday lights on a Segway. Guests can expect a 1.5-hour trek inclusive of helmets with reindeer antlers, bike lights, reflective vests and an earbud to hear a tour guide narration and music. There will also be a halfway stop complete with hot cocoa. Tickets are currently $59 and can be purchased online.
Phoenix Flea: Fall Flea 2019 in Heritage Square
Show your support on small business Saturday at the Phoenix Fall Flea. Heritage Square will host over 150 vendors displaying and selling fine art, handcrafted goods, vintage items, modern fashion and more. The market will also include food and drink vendors. The Flea will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is $5 to attend. For more information, click here.
Sippin’ Santa at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
This season, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is partnering with Beach Bum Berry to transform into a holiday tiki bar. Guests can expect rum, festive palm trees, inflatables, appropriately themed cocktails and much more. To make reservations, interested parties can email
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with the subject line “Sippin’ Santa.” For more information about Bitter & Twisted’s tropical Christmas, visit bitterandtwistedaz.com.
Sunday
Artists of the Superstitions Holiday Art Show at Gold Canyon Golf Resort
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Gold Canyon Golf Resort will host over 30 artists showcasing their photography, paintings, wood, jewelry, pottery, glass and more. As guests browse the art, they can also relish in the breathtaking view of the Superstition Mountains surrounding them. The event is free to attend. To learn more, visit artistsofthesuperstitions.com.
Christmas at the Princess
One of Arizona’s most notorious holiday events has returned. From 5 to 9 p.m. join Christmas at the Princess for their opening weekend. For $55 guest can receive up to six wristbands that include access to the Princess Express Trains, Copper Canyon Village Light Show, Nativity Garden, S’mores Land Family Campfires, Christmas carousel, ice slide and ferris wheel. Additionally, guests may choose to visit with Santa, go ice skating, build-a-Christmas-bear or sit rink side. Christmas at the Princess’ enchanting experience is the perfect tradition to add to your Thanksgiving weekend.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms has teamed up with a World of Illumination to create an extraordinary Christmas experience. The farm has transformed into a winter wonderland complete with glow-in-the-dark mini golf, ice skating, bonfires for s’mores, visits with Santa, a beer and wine garden, options for holiday shopping, a train ride through Santa’s magic portal and much more. Tickets are $20 online.
