Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

 City of Scottsdale residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for the return of Scottsdazzle, beginning with Jingle & Jazz: Scottsdazzle’s Tree Lighting Spectacular on Saturday, Nov. 29. As the beloved seasonal celebration continues over the remainder of the year, the city along with many of its local merchants, restaurants and businesses will be hosting an array of dazzling holiday experiences for all ages.

“Now in its 10^th year, Scottsdazzle unites the community and shines a spotlight on Old Town’s locally owned businesses. We take great delight in making each year better than before with new and unique experiences designed for our residents and visitors. This year, we will launch a window-painting program to shine a spotlight on local artists, foster culture and creativity and add even more dazzle to the shoppers’ experience,” said Rachel Smetana, tourism and events director for the city of Scottsdale. “During the time of year when there is a lot of hustle and bustle, we invite everyone to take a moment to enjoy the magic of the season and cherish time with your family and friends in Old Town Scottsdale.”

One of the key elements of this magical event is that many of the experiences are offered free of charge and there is truly something for those of all ages and interests. While the Scottsdazzle elves are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the complete calendar of events, here is a sneak peek at what’s in store for this year’s joyful jubilee.

 Jingle & Jazz: Tree Lighting Spectacular
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 7-9 p.m.
Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank
Cost: Free to attend
This cheerful gathering truly ignites the spirit of the season throughout the city of Scottsdale and serves as the signature kickoff event of Scottsdazzle. This year’s event is hosted by community and city leader, Kira Peters, and features a main stage swing band performance as well as kids activities, dance performances and stunning decorations. New this year, The Merchantile of Scottsdale lines Stetson Plaza with an array of local, pop-up boutiques featuring unique seasonal gifts. Guests are invited to sip, snack on seasonal sweets, stroll, shop, get their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and then enjoy the magic of the spectacular lighting of the 36-foot Scottsdazzle tree at the end of the evening.

 Meet Santa at The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Saturdays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20 | Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Santa: 9 a.m.-noon

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Cost: Free to attend

The popular Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market takes on a festive twist during Scottsdazzle, with special visits from Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself! Guests can peruse the stalls filled with local farmers’ harvests and artisan products from local vendors. Whether looking for fresh ingredients for a holiday meal or the perfect gift to put under the tree, it is sure to be found at the market! Children and furry friends are invited to sit with Santa and receive a printed photo to commemorate the occasion.

Shop Small Scottsdale

Saturday, Nov. 29| All day

Throughout Old Town

Cost: Free to attend, prices vary upon purchase

Get into the spirit of the season while supporting local merchants of Old Town during Shop Small Scottsdale. In honor of Scottsdazzle and Small Business Saturday, many merchants as well as restaurants will be offering specials and sales. As a special treat, the Jingle Belles will be strolling, singing and dancing to the tunes of holiday favorites as they make their way through Historic Old Town and the 5th Avenue Shopping District between 1-3 p.m. Shoppers can also receive a gift-with-purchase giveaway at the Ambassador Carts throughout the day.

Ultimate Family Playdate

Saturday, Dec. 6| 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Cost: Free to attend

Gather the family for a magical experience for all ages. The Scottsdale Public Library hosts this winter wonderland-themed playdate extravaganza and features interactive science, sports and an array of fun activities.

Starlight Movie Night featuring “Home Alone”

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 6:30-9 p.m. (film begins at 7 p.m.)

Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl

Cost: Free to attend

Grab a cozy blanket, friends and family, and head over to the Scottsdale Civic Center to enjoy a seasonal showing under the stars of the popular holiday movie, “Home Alone”. The film starts at 7 p.m., but early arrivers can grab a sweet treat and enjoy holiday caroling before the show.

 Scottsdazzle Stroll and Shop

Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 | 6-9 p.m.

Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank

Cost: Free to attend

During Scottsdazzle, Old Town Scottsdale transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with the sights of dazzling lights and stunning décor, the sounds of live music from local musicians, and the smells of delightful treats from local vendors. Guests are invited to take it all in while shopping, sipping, snacking and selfie-ing their way through the event. New this year, The Merchantile of Scottsdale’s pop-up market represents a variety of local boutiques, and there is sure to be something to check off that gift list!

Scottsdazzle Gold Palette ArtWalk

Thursday, Dec. 11 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Scottsdale Arts District

Cost: Free to attend

The Scottsdale Arts District is merry and bright in honor of Scottsdazzle during this festive ArtWalk, which features holiday and seasonal artwork by locally and nationally renowned artists. Guests can shop for the art collector on their list while enjoying live holiday entertainment from strolling carolers, browsing through a multitude of stunning galleries and perhaps even viewing live artists’ demonstrations.

Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 13 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Marshall Way Bridge

Cost: $30 per person. Pre-registration is required.

Kids of all ages are invited to bundle up in their favorite holiday-themed pajamas for this festive breakfast that includes a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, hands-on crafts and a musical performance courtesy of Greasepaint Theatre. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 1.

Holly Jolly DIY Décor

Saturday, Dec. 13 | 2-5 p.m.

Marshall Way Bridge

Cost: Free to attend

Calling artists of all skill levels—let that creativity loose while taking in the sounds of live holiday music and the sights of the beautifully decorated Scottsdale Waterfront! During this experience, guests will be guided through a hands-on, craft session by professional artists of the Scottsdale Artists’ School. At the end of the event, guests can take home their own artfully created decoration.

Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunts

Sunday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9-11 a.m.

Marshall Way Bridge

Cost: $15. Pre-registration is required.

These fun and engaging holiday head-scratchers are led by a Scottsdale Police Detective. Guests are invited to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town for a seasonal scavenger hunt like no other. Puzzles and riddles lead participants from clue to clue, culminating in one final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Participants can get into the festive fun by decorating their bikes and dressing in their most creative holiday attire. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 1.

 Jingle & Mingle, Wine and Craft Workshop

Friday, Dec. 5 | 5-8 p.m.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale Tasting Room

Cost: $50. Pre-registration is required.

Drum up a little sparkle, cheer and creativity during this event that includes a DIY holiday ornament decorating activity led by the Brush Bar artists. Guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of Arizona-grown wine and live music by Winston Williams as they let their creative juices flow! Experience includes materials for the craft, including one ornament to take home, materials for decorating and professional guidance; one glass of Arizona Stronghold wine and complimentary wine bottle engraving (bottles purchased separately). Food and additional ornaments will be available for purchase throughout the evening.  Tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 1.

 Miracle of the Roses Celebration

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 4-6 p.m.

Old Adobe Mission

Cost: Free to attend

The annual festivities honor Our Lady of Guadalupe with a performance reenacting the events of December 12, 1531 including traditional dance and music.

 Public Menorah Lighting (candle lighting begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 5:30-7 p.m.

Scottsdale Waterfront, Soleri Plaza

Cost: Free to attend

Gather around the beautiful nine-foot Menorah and join Valley of the Sun J and other community organizations for a family-friendly evening celebrating Hanukkah. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts.

Live Nativity and Choir Concert

Saturday, Dec. 20 | 6-8 p.m.

Old Adobe Mission

Cost: Free to attend

Enjoy a Christmas choir concert and pay homage to the birth of Christ with a live outdoor nativity featuring real performers and animals.

 Hanukkah Celebration

Sunday, Dec. 21 | 4:30-6 p.m.

Scottsdale Waterfront, Soleri Plaza

Cost: Free to attend

Gather around the larger-than-life Menorah and join the Chabad of South Scottsdale for a family-friendly public menorah lighting. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts.

 Mariachi Sol de México De José Hernández
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 5 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Cost: Tickets start at $51.10++
Unrivaled and uninhibited, fifth-generation mariachi musician Maestro José Hernández and his platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México® are musical ambassadors of their genre, delivering the humor, the heartache and the bittersweet romance that is mariachi. This special performance includes treasured holiday favorites and treasured selections from the mariachi songbook. Tickets can be purchased via https://scottsdalearts.org/whats-on/events/mariachi-sol-de-mexico-de-jose-hernandez/.

In addition to these signature events, holiday revelers can expect a whole sleigh full of additional experiences such as a new Tinsel Trail showcasing holiday window paintings, street entertainment, carolers, events, giveaways and much more.

For more, visit http://scottsdazzle.com.