From holiday light shows to the Cheez-It Bowl, all of your favorite New Year’s traditions are back in town from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29. Say hello to 2020 the right way with these festive Valley events.
Friday
Cheez-It Bowl
Since 1989, the state of Arizona has proudly hosted the annual Cheez-It Bowl. If it’s not already a tradition, make it one starting this Friday evening at 8:15 p.m. The Air Force Falcons and Washington State Cougars will battle it out at Chase Field. Tickets start at $30.
Snow Week at the Arizona Science Center
Let it snow! Come out and play in over 100 tons of snow this Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arizona Science Center. There will be snowy science demonstrations and activities, or you can go inside and view the T. Rex exhibit. Admission prices begin at $13.
Zoppe-An Italian Family Circus
You won’t believe your eyes at the Zoppe Italian Family Circus this Friday at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Amazing acrobats, horses, friendly clowns, and more will put on a show that you and your loved ones will never forget. The show will take place at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $24.
Saturday
Fiesta Bowl Parade
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., bring the whole family out to enjoy the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Central Phoenix. There will be marching bands, floats and honorable citizens of our community strolling through the parade. This event is free to the public, or you can reserve seating starting at $15.
Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland
Celebrate the holidays and all of their beauty at Butterfly Wonderland this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festive decorations and, of course, butterflies will delight the eyes this holiday season at Christmas in the Rainforest. Tickets start at $24.95.
World of Illumination
Take a 25-minute drive through the largest animated light show in the world at the Tempe Diablo Stadium through Jan. 5! The World of Illumination features over 2 million lights and other special attractions. The show will go on from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and costs $23 to $33 per car.
Sunday
Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a World of Illumination
Schnepf Farms has partnered with a World of Illumination to create an unforgettable and magical holiday experience. The farm invites locals to immerse themselves in a Christmas Village equipped with an ice-skating rink, vintage Christmas carousal, 4D state-of-the-art animated movie orchestrated by award winning pianist William Joseph, snow-glow mini golf, Santa’s toy shop, and the world’s largest inflatable Christmas-themed obstacle course. Visitors will also get the chance to decorate cookies with Mrs. Clause, roast marshmallows over an open fire, take a hayride to visit Santa’s reindeer and meet Saint Nick himself. To top it off, World of Illumination has created a train ride, complete with gleaming lights and music, that will transport guests through Santa’s magic portal. The holiday event runs nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. until Jan. 4. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased onsite or online.
CitySkate Ice Rink
Join Santa and skate while sipping hot cocoa at the CitySkate Ice Rink in Downtown Phoenix. There will be skating, a 30-ft. Christmas tree and holiday tunes. You can join in on the fun from 3 to 11 p.m. for a price of $15, including skates.
Free Snow Days at OdySea
Celebrate the New Year in the snow at the OdySea Aquarium from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free event is fun in the sun for everyone as it snows in the desert. Over 100 tons of snow will pile high at the venue.
Glendale Glitters
The largest free holiday light display is back and brighter than ever. With over 1.6 million lights and 16 blocks, everyone is sure to be dazzled into the new year at Glendale Glitters. The show goes on from 5 to 10 p.m. in Downtown Glendale.
