Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend
The award-winning, much-adored Glendale Glitters is back this year and will kick off with a weekend celebration Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 in Downtown Glendale from 5 to 10 p.m. Known as Arizona’s largest free holiday light display, the celebratory weekend includes holiday entertainment, eats, seasonal gifts, a children’s snowfield, holiday storytelling and, of course, Santa Claus himself. (Make sure to get there by 5:30 p.m. for the countdown to the Glendale Glitters stage show.) visitglendale.com.
Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker
2018 marks the 33rd year of Ballet Arizona’s most beloved show, The Nutcracker. Get your sights set for visions of sugar plum fairies, sparkling Swarovski crystals, a radiant falling snow scene and elegant ballerinas telling the classic holiday tale. The family-friendly show takes place Dec. 13 through Dec. 24 at Symphony Hall in Phoenix. Tickets range from $25 to $167. balletaz.org.
The Polar Express (pictured)
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. 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. thetrain.com/polarexpress.