Christmas is here! This weekend of Dec. 20 to Dec. 22, ring in the holidays the right way this year by attending some of the Valley’s most festive events. From breakfast with Santa to a holiday-themed community run, even the Grinch couldn’t resist.
Friday
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
At 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, enjoy an acrobatic extravaganza—holiday style! The makers of Cirque Du Soleil want to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas with you at their seasonal Broadway Musical: Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Tickets start at $42 for the show at Comerica Theatre.
Snowfall at Tempe Marketplace
Have a white Christmas this year as snow falls at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Tempe Marketplace. (Cool tip: From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the snow falls exery hour!) This event is free.
The Nutcracker
The holidays aren’t the holidays without The Nutcracker. The beautiful show features intricate ballet numbers to classical Christmas tunes. The performance will take place at the Phoenix Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $28 per person.
Saturday
Rawhide Snowy Christmas
An entire celebration in honor of Christmas will be hosted at Rawhide this holiday season and from 5 to 10 p.m. this Saturday evening, Dec. 21. Free admission allows guests to enjoy the decked out Western Town. Snow, Santa, and food will be at Rawhide Snowy Christmas.
Carribean Christmas Run
Burn off all of those dreaded Christmas calories at the Carribean Christmas Run this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Tempe Beach Park will host this year's 5K walk/run. There will also be doughnuts and photos. Ticket prices vary.
Christmas at the Princess
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess celebrates the 10th anniversary of Christmas at the Princess this holiday season. Now through New Year’s Eve, you’re invited to the beloved winter wonderland to enjoy the glistening four-story musical tree, the 6,000-sq.-ft. Desert Ice skating rink, Princess Express train rides, millions of Lagoon Lights, holiday characters, rides at S’mores Land and Santa’s Secret Headquarters. New this year, Winterland is an enchanted setting of twinkling white lights, romantic igloos, live entertainment, a stocked ice bar and the Love Arbor, which visitors enter through a 17-ft.-long infinity tunnel. Christmas at the Princess is open to the public; general admission is complimentary for hotel guests, who also receive express VIP access to the rides and attractions. General admission/parking for non-hotel guests is $55 per vehicle for self-parking, valid up to six people. Valet/general admission is complimentary when dining at any of the resort restaurants with a $75 spend, for up to six people. Ice skating, photos with Santa, shopping, dining and spa are priced separately.
Sunday
Winter Fairy Festival
The Irish Cultural Center invites you to feel the winter magic this holiday season at the Winter Fairy Festival. From 1 to 5 p.m., attendees can participate in face painting, boutique shopping, and Christmas crafts. Delight in this winter wonderland with family and friends at this free event.
Santa Hustle Arizona
Your favorite community run is back for the holidays! The Santa Hustle 5K, half marathon and kids run will take place at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. Walk or run alongside your Santa-dressed friends. It is $10 to $20 for kids to take part; $34.75 to $80 for adults.
Winter Wonderland Express
All aboard the Winter Wonderland Express at Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Ride sleds, take photos with Santa, or sip on some hot cocoa. There is no shortage of festive things to do from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; ride tickets cost $1.25.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a World of Illumination
Now through Jan. 4, Schnepf Farms invites locals and their guests to a new holiday tradition: Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a World of Illumination. The Queen Creek destination will transform into a winter wonderland with the Illumination Express, ice skating, a 4-D movie, marshmallow roasting over Christmas campfires, a vintage carousel, Santa’s toy shop, endless sweets and treats and so much more. Oh course, no holiday happening is complete without a visit with Santa, and Christmas at Schnepf Farms offers meet-and-greets with the Jolly Old St. Nick himself. This holiday experience operates nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $35 per person with a portion of all ticket sales benefiting A New Leaf Foundation.
