Don’t mind us; we’ll just be reveling in everything unique to December in the Valley. Valley hot spots are uniting, boats are parading, and Santa is visiting. Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 is establishing the month as a season to cherish.
Friday
Christmas at the Princess
Delve into the holidays with the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s 10th annual Christmas at the Princess. The holiday event is family-, friend- and date-friendly. For $55, vehicles can receive up to six wristbands that include access to the Princess Express Trains, Copper Canyon Village Light Show, Enchanted Plaza Experience, 4.5 million breathtaking holiday lights, Christmas characters, nativity garden, S’mores Land family campfires, Christmas carousel, ice slide and ferris wheel. New this year, the Princess has built Winterland, a magical experience filled with dreamy white lights, intimate igloos, live entertainment, an ice bar and Love Abor that guests arrive at through a romantic 17-ft.-long infinity tunnel.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts at Margaret T. Hance Park
The 8th annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts is returning just in time for the holidays. Surely equipped with gifts for every special person in your life, Margaret T. Hance Park will host over 170 art vendors and cultural organizations from 12 to 5 p.m. There will also be live entertainment such as music, art demonstrations, circus performances, dance ensembles, poetry and chorales. Food and drinks will be provided by Hensley Beverage Company, Dos Cabezas WineWorks, 2 Fat Guys Grilled Cheese, Be Crepeful LLC, Freak Brother Pizza and more. The event is pet-friendly and free to attend. To learn more, visit phoenixfestivalofthearts.org.
Christmas Movies at the Quarter: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Cozy up next to the Scottsdale Quarter’s colossal Christmas tree for a 6 p.m. showing of Jim Carrey’s version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The film is free to attend but guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Saturday
Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a World of Illumination
The holidays in Queen Creek best just got even better. Schnepf Farms has decked their halls with an ice rink, reindeer hay rides, an unmatched Illumination Express, 4-D movies, campfires for marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, a carousel, Santa’s shop, sweet treats from Mrs. Claus and much more. The farm’s unforgettable experience is open from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $17 online or $30 onsite.
Holidays Happenings at Uptown Plaza
Enhance your holiday shopping at Uptown Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Santa Claus will be taking pictures with guests. Shoppers can enjoy hot cocoa and apple cider while children immerse themselves in holiday crafts. Want to spend a little more time in this sweater weather? Uptown Plaza will also have giant yard games set up for families and friends to enjoy. For more information, visit uptownplazaphx.com.
Topgolf Live at Chase Field
Valley treasures, Topgolf and Chase Field, have combined their lively environments to provide locals with an unforgettable weekend. Chase Field will be covered in giant glowing targets that guests will launch golf balls towards from their private bays. The experience is complete with Toptracer technology that replays every swing and tracks every shot and stat. Each tee time will last one hour. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online. For more information, visit dbacksevents.com/topgolflive.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
Every year, Downtown Tempe moves its traditional Fantasy of Lights Parade to the water. Beginning at 7 p.m., boats costumed in festive lights will float down Tempe Town Lake. During the free parade, guests can enjoy food from onsite vendors, peruse the Holiday Market, pose with Santa and sip on beer or wine. Although the parade begins at 7 p.m., live entertainment will start at 4 p.m. For further information on acceptable bags, parking and other rules, visit downtowntempe.com.
Sunday
Local Icon | Shopping Experience at a Private Paradise Valley Estate
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sage Aubrey and Naked Rebellion will host a private shopping event benefiting Child Help Organization. Guests can shop from top Valley brands, participate in exclusive giveaways every hour, enjoy live fashion and learn live calligraphy. Ladies bring your kids, man or both! A kid’s zone and man cave will be present. This chic event is free to attend. Reserve your spot and learn more about the location here.
Arizona Fried Chicken and Beer: Chimac Festival at The Pressroom
The Chimac Festival is an Asian-inspired food festival showcasing deliciously fried chicken created by cultures around the world. From 12 to 4 p.m., attendees can sip on ice cold beer while sampling fried chicken from twelve local vendors. In addition to chicken and beer, there will be games, art vendors, cocktails, boba, dessert options and more. Tickets range from $8 to $13 and can be purchased online.
Phoenix Chorale: A Chorale Christmas at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church
At 3 p.m., La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church will host the Phoenix Chorale for their annual holiday concert. Led by world renowned conductor and composer, Dr. André J. Thomas, the chorale will present heartwarming sounds of the season. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.
