It’s official. Christmas is just around the corner. In between rushing to decorate, bake and shop, the little ones are wondering just how Santa fits down the chimney. This year, occupy their minds with some good old-fashioned family fun. Each year, most towns across America gather together for their annual tree lighting and picture ops with Santa. And our Valley is no different. Filled from brim-to-brim with festive holiday fun, we at Arizona Foothills have gathered a few events we thought would be jolly ol’ time.

Scottsdale Holiday “Snow and Glow”

Scottsdale’s annual Holiday Harmony celebration kicks off the Christmas season with the mayor’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 at 6:15 p.m. Located at the Scottsdale’s Civic Center Mall, the festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. and include live bands, interactive booths, real snow trucked in and an appearance by Santa himself—an event anticipated by many Valley dwellers.