CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink at CityScape Phoenix (pictured)
A Downtown classic, CitySkate will reopen its doors to the public Nov. 23. On Nov. 29, the ice rink will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 3 to 11 p.m. Guests can expect Santa, performances from professional figures skaters and, of course, ice skating! Throughout the season, visitors are encouraged to indulge in CitySkate’s holiday treats and hot chocolate stand while enjoying carolers, holiday lights and much more. Looking to fully soak in the season? Downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix overlooks CitySkate and will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland where Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails will host “Miracle”— a Christmas-themed pop-up bar! For more information, visit phxicerink.com.
Let it Snow at Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace
This year, plan for snowfall to be a part of your holiday shopping. On Nov. 25, Desert Ridge Marketplace will host its second annual tree lighting ceremony and first snowfall. At 6 p.m., Santa, cheerful elves, Frosty the Snowman and cirque-style performers will sweep the district. Guests can also enjoy holiday libations such as hot toddies and spiked hot cocoa. The tree will be lit at 6:45 p.m. and snow will fall nightly from 7 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 31.
On Nov. 27 at 6 p.m., Tempe Marketplace invites guests to attend the lighting of their 60-foot tree and first snowfall. Prior to the tree lighting, attendees can enjoy a performance from professional ice-skaters. Snow will continue to fall every night from 7 to 8 p.m. until Dec. 31. Plus, Tempe Marketplace hosts Candy Cane Lane, a 100-plus-piece art installation featuring oversized lollipops, gumdrops and gingerbread men. New this year is a giant gumball machine that blows plastic balls around for Insta-perfect pics. The display will be on view through the end of the year.
Even better? Through Nov. 30, guests may be rewarded for holiday shopping. If holiday shoppers spend a total of $375 in the same day at either location, they will be rewarded with two tickets to Ballet Arizona’s notorious holiday performance, “The Nutcracker.” The total must be spent entirely at either Desert Ridge Marketplace or Tempe Marketplace. To redeem tickets, guests can take their receipts to the property’s management office.
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 will open its doors to the public Nov. 26 and run nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. until Jan. 4. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased onsite or online. Head to www.SchnepfChristmas.com for discounts, chances to win a family-pack and more information.
