Get into the holiday spirit--or at the least the spirit the eat doughnuts and sliders--during the weekend of Nov. 16 to Nov. 18.
Friday:
Illumination: Symphony of Light
Illumination: Symphony of Light will debut in Tempe this year. The 25-minute spectacular drive-through attraction will showcase unforgettable holiday icons and a 500-ft. tunnel deemed “Santa’s Portal." The stunning portal will display vibrant lighting effects that will swirl around cars in sync with catchy holiday favorites piped in through cars FM dials. Plus, North Phoenix’s location, where the 2017 Illumination kicked off in 2017, will introduce a new 100-ft.-wide nativity scene, along with an expanded Holiday Boulevard Marketplace. Purchase tickets here.
Cosmic Playground at Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center inspires and delights creators, climbers and space-lovers of all ages with its limited-time Cosmic Playground experience through Jan. 13. Guests can climb, slide and explore the galaxy in a unique all-ages play space made almost entirely of household packing tape, and participate in an array of space-themed activities while immersed in cosmic light, sound and motion. Cosmic Playground is a shoe-free environment. Guests must wear clean socks or purchase a pair at the center for $1 (while supplies last). The experience is ADA accessible.
Make-A-Mega-Mess with FOAM at Children's Museum of Phoenix
It's your last chance to enjoy a PopX experience at Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Make-A-Mega-Mess with FOAM! Let loose and get as messy as you'd like; the folks at the museum will take care of clean-up (pack an extra set of clothes for the little ones). All guests must purchase general admission tickets to enter. #GetMessy through Nov. 18. Click here for tickets.
Saturday:
Woofstock
Dog lovers can enjoy a day of free family fun during Woofstock from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Activities include pet adoptions, pet psychic readings, pet caricatures, vendors and more.
Musical and Magical Fall Festival
Las Tiendas in Cave Creek is celebrating the season with the Musical and Magical Fall Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Start by trying one of Bryan's BBQ's Famous smoked turkey legs, stroll to Western Delights and enjoy treats at It's A Divine Bakery. Each shop will be giving away fabulous prizes! Plus, there will be music and magic for the whole family to enjoy.
The Polar Express
All aboard! The pages of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book come to life when both the young and young-at-heart come to relish in a holiday experience like no other during The Polar Express. From Nov. 9 to Jan. 5, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express to indulge in hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while making your way to the North Pole. (Each child receives a special gift along the way, too.) For even more holiday fun, the Polar Express package is offered allowing guests to stay overnight at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Tickets range from $33 to $79, depending on select dates and packages.
Sunday:
Downtown Donut Festival
On Nov. 18, the first Downtown Donut Festival will take place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park. (This is an addition to the 4th Annual Phoenix Pizza Festival, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17.) Approximately 15 local donut makers will come together and serve $1 doughnuts, samples of doughnuts, doughnuts holes and more to a crowd of about 2,000 attendees. Mimosa bars, craft beer and wine tasting stations, fun lawn games, a craft zone for kids and live bands will add to the fun.
2018 Slider Throwdown
Held at Kierland Commons from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, local food truck vendors will go head-to-head to compete for the title of Best Slider during the 2018 Slider Throwdown. Admission is $35 and includes samples of all sliders plus three drink tickets for redemption of non-alcoholic drinks. All proceeds from the event benefit the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, which is dedicated to giving foster children the opportunity for “normal” childhoods and prepare them for successful adulthoods through programming and scholarships.
North Pole Experience
Hop aboard Santa’s Magic Trolley at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff and get transported through the Magic Portal to Santa’s Grand Workshop in the North Pole during the North Pole Experience. While at the North Pole, stop at the famous Toy Hall of Fame to help the elves build toys and visit Mrs. Claus’ Bakery for her signature hot cocoa and tasty treats. And, of course, you can’t leave without stopping by the mail room to write a personal letter to Santa and visit the top-secret hanger to see his newest sleigh. The North Pole Experience takes place from Nov. 16 to Dec. 28 with ticket prices ranging from $39 to $65.
Dino Explorer at the Legoland Discovery Center Arizona
Do you have a dino-loving dude or dudette in the house? Well, treat them to a day they will never forget at the Legoland Discovery Center Arizona. This exhibit features a wide variety of dino-themed activities and hands-on learning. You will also have the chance to build your own Tyrannosaurus Rex--or any other dinosaur. And before you leave, you will have the opportunity to take a photo with the huge lego T-Rex.
