The weekend of December 3, 4 and 5 is the unofficial start of the holiday season in Cave Creek, Arizona. In the spirit of our eclectic little town, the holiday cheer is going to be spread with events that cater to a variety of tastes.

The festivities begin with the Cave Creek Cowboy Christmas--a family holiday western experience hosted by The Buffalo Chip Saloon and Harold’s Corral. It will kick off Friday night (Dec. 3) and last all weekend long. Admission to the Cowboy Christmas is free.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, fun for the whole family continues. Shop by day at the Cave Creek Thieves Market, get your exercise in the evening with the 8th annual Luminaria Run and enjoy the 57th Annual Cave Creek Christmas Pageant by night. 

The Cave Creek Thieves Market is a monthly shopping bazaar held just north of the intersection of Cave Creek Road and School House behind the post office. With unique and funky merchandise from around the globe, the Thieves Market offers a one-of-a-kind Cave Creek vibe. The market opens by 8 a.m.

The 8th Annual Luminaria run is a family event that takes place along the meandering roads of Cave Creek lined by luminaries. Walkers, runners, and serious athletes are invited to run or walk this beautifully lit evening route through Cave Creek. It is going to be another beautiful night for a run. 

This year a new exciting partnership has taken over this race. Long-standing volunteer support organization, Key Club (a service organization of the Carefree/Cave Creek Kiwanis) has taken the reins. Proceeds from the event will support the Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant, Key Club and other area non-profit organizations. For more information see www.luminariarun.com.

The Cave Creek Christmas Pageant begins later that same night for the 57th year at 7 p.m. There will be a second performance the following evening at the same time. Located at the entrance to Spur Cross Recreation Area, the Pageant is a truly beautiful celebration of faith and light. Set with the backdrop of Spur Cross’s wilderness, a live choir and actors send you back in time to the first Christmas. Mr. Toby Payne has been organizing the event for 23 years, and is proud that the three kings are still riding in on horseback. Be sure to bring blankets to lounge on or lawn chairs to view this spectacular performance.

The town of Cave Creek will continue to embrace the holiday spirit through New Year’s Day which has just been declared “Hug Day” by the town council. 

Cave Creek continues to be the premier Valley destination to spend a day or evening with family and friends enjoying the authentic flavor of Western Americana spiced with creativity that only this little town can offer.  Every week brings with it a new adventure. The early months of the new year give way to many more exciting events, like the Cave Creek Balloon Festival on January 8 beginning at 4 p.m. 

For more information about Cave Creek happenings visit www.cavecreekchamber.org