The holiday season is just getting started! With dozens of festivities and celebrations debuting around the Valley, we’ve got you covered on all the can’t-miss events taking place Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 23 through Nov. 25.

 

Friday

 

Alternative Black Friday Vintage Market

As the holiday season approaches, the pressure to find the perfect gifts for loved ones only increases. But if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box gift, then perhaps you should pay a visit to the Alternative Black Friday Vintage Market that is set to take over Central Avenue this weekend. The market will have more than 30 local makers, curators and businesses that specialize in high-end vintage clothing and furniture. For more information on this free event, click here.

 

CitySkate Grand Opening and Tree Lighting

CitySkate will debut for the holiday season this weekend, as it welcomes all of the annual, holiday merriments that Downtown Phoenix has to offer. The event will feature a professional figure-skating routine, appearances by Santa Claus via the Polar Express and an official tree lighting ceremony. Admission tickets start at $10; children three and under are free. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at Phoenix Symphony Hall

Harry Potter lovers rejoice! The wizarding world will cast a spell on the Phoenix Symphony Hall this weekend, and the magical sounds of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will come to life in this unique concert experience. Tickets prices vary. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Ornament Marketplace at the Heard Museum Shop

This free event celebrates the holiday season with hand-crafted art pieces and ornaments from local American Indian artists from the Heard Museum shops. Several Native artists will also be offering ornaments featuring carved wood, miniature baskets, pottery and beads. For more information on this event, click here.

 

Saturday

 

 

ZooLights

The holiday season in Arizona just isn’t complete without a visit to ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. The annual event celebrates the holiday season with jaw-dropping light displays, unique glimpses of some of the zoo’s most popular animal encounters, festive food and drink options and a nightly snowfall. Admission prices start at $19.95. For more information on this delightful event, click here.

 

 

Scottsdazzle Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing-Along

The festive holiday celebration, Scottsdazzle, begins on Saturday. This magical event is slated to officially welcome the holiday season with a unique and spirited sing-along with 99.9 KEZ host Marty Manning, as well as the lighting of the iconic and vibrant tree. For more information on this event, click here.

 

 

Christmas at the Princess

Kicking off Nov. 20 with its beloved public tree lighting is the annual holiday celebration of 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. 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. For more information on this festive event, click here. 

 

 

Christmas in the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland

Even if you’re not heading somewhere tropical this holiday season, you can still enjoy the warm and enchanting vibes of the Rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland. This season, the venue will feature butterflies from around the world, and they will transform their space into a holiday home for these sweet and delicate creatures. The experience will include a glowing Noble Fir Christmas tree draped with ornaments. For more information on this magical event, click here.

 

Sunday

  

Thanksgiving Weekend at Jake’s Unlimited

Nothing says family-time fun more than discounts at Jake’s Unlimited. All weekend, the center will offer a 50 percent discount off the Pro Package (which is normally priced at $44.99) with the mention of the cheat code GOBBLE. The popular package includes unlimited buffet, unlimited rides (including Bumper Cars, Carousel, Tea Cups, Frog Hopper and Radius), unlimited laser tag, unlimited non-redemption video games, one game of bowling and shoe rental, one game of mini-bowling, and a $10 fun card. For more information on this fun event, click here.

 

 

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Gravity-defying dance routines, stunning visuals and magical musical sets are set to stun audiences this weekend at “A Magical Cirque Christmas” experience. The dazzling event will transport attendees to the golden age through vibrant costumes and jaw-dropping talents. The performance will take place at the Mesa Arts Center. Tickets start at $30. For more information on this event, click here.