Things to do in Arizona - December 2011
Hi Friends,
Here is the newsletter: Things to Do in December 2011. The last one for this year!
I hope that this e-mail finds you well and that you will be able to enjoy some of these activities. The holidays are here and there is no better time to be in the southwest! There are so many really unique things about Arizona during the holidays.
This month I have another fun giveaway - I will be giving away dinner for two at the Bamboo Club in Scottsdale! To enter to win just click on this link for the new Facebook page Things to do in Arizona and comment on it that you would like to win, or if you would prefer you can respond to this e-mail giving me your name and phone number. Good luck!
Here are some great things to do in December in Arizona - I think there is something for everyone - from Mariachi Festivals and train rides with Santa to luminarias and lighted boat parades. I hope that you will find something that is perfect for you. I love getting feedback, so please let me know if you enjoyed any of these activities or if there are others that you think I should include. Have a great December and wonderful holidays!!
Event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Some events require tickets or may charge fees for attendance. Please check with event organizers before attending.
Nov 11-Jan 7 - Polar Express - Williams - Grand Canyon Railway - Make this one of your Christmas traditions! On this train ride to the "North Pole" the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg is read as you enjoy treats along the way. At the "North Pole" Santa climbs aboard to give each child a gift and the return trip is a festive one with carol singing. $15-30, 5:30 & 7:30 pm, some Saturday matinees at 3:30 pm, 888-848-3511or http://www.thetrain.com
Nov 17 - Dec 25 A Christmas Carol - Mesa - Enjoy a musical version of this holiday classic at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre - $46-49, $22 show only, 480-325-6700 or http://BroadwayPalmWest.com
Nov 19 - Jan 1- 2011 Arizona Celebration of Lights - Phoenix - A one-mile, drive-through festival featuring more than 7,000,000 lights and Santa’s village, $15-20 per vehicle, Su-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sat 6-10 pm, http://www.ArizonaCelebrationofLights.com
Nov 20 - Dec 4 - 12th Annual Festival of Trees - Sierra Vista - The Mall at Sierra Vista - A winter wonderland of uniquely decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and stockings. In this competition individuals and organizations vie for awards afterwards the trees are auctioned off. Free, 520-417-4990 or http://www.VisitSierraVista.com
Nov 22 - Dec 17 - 11th Annual It’s Elemental Fine Crafts Exhibition - Flagstaff - Coconino Center for the Arts - Presented by the Flagstaff Cultural Partners, this exhibition showcases works by some of the finest craftspeople in Northern Arizona. You will find jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, wood, furniture, fabric, sculpture and more, dozens of artists showing more than 50 original works. The crafts sale is 12/3-4, http://www.culturalpartners.org
Nov 24 - Dec 30 - Valley of Lights - Prescott Valley - Fain Park - Drive through thousands of unique lighted & animated displays. 6-10 pm, 928-772-8857 or www.pvchamber.org
Nov 24 - Jan 9 - 20th Annual ZooLights - Phoenix - Phoenix Zoo - Stroll through the zoo where there are more than 600 lighted sculptures with music and movements. There are butterflies and bats, monkeys and fish and so much more. A unique Phoenix experience. $7-13, 6-10 pm, 602-273-1341 or http://www.phoenixzoo.org
Nov 25 - Jan 1- 17th Annual Festival of Lights - Lake Havasu City - English Village and London Bridge - With over 650,000 lights setting alight along Bridgewater Channel this nightly free event is full of holiday charm. 6-10 pm, 928-855-0888 or 800-2HAVASU or www.golakehavasu.com
Nov 25 - Jan 2 - Show Low Shines - Show Low - Up in the pines you will find that Show Low has been transformed with holiday lights and decorations that light up the town. On 12/3 there is a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Show Low City Library at 5:30 pm and the Electric Light Parade followings at 6:30 pm along the Deuce of Clubs. Santa comes to visit at Gingerbread Lane at Show Low Bluff on 12/9, http://business.showlowchamber.com/Events/details/show-low-shines
Nov 25 - Dec 4 - The Nutcracker - Chandler - Chandler Center for the Arts - Ballet Etudes presents its 25th Anniversary production of the Nutcracker another holiday classic. Backstage tours are offered following most performances. $16-22, 7:30 & 2 pm, 480-644-6500 or http://www.balletetudes.net or http://www.chandlercenter.org
Nov 26 - Jan 1- 16th Annual Festival of Lights - Ahwatukee Foothills - The light display boasts more than one million white lights artistically displayed amongst desert landscape. http://www.folaz.org
Nov 26 - Dec 17 - A Christmas Carol - Mesa - Mesa Arts Center - By Southwest Shakespeare Company, the ultimate family holiday experience. Come to see the classic tale by Charles Dickens of the adventures of Scrooge as he is visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. $12.50-33.50, 480-644-6500 or http://www.swshakespeare.org
Dec 1 - 31st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Lake Havasu City - Wheeler Park - “Christmas in Paradise” is this year’s theme. Free, 7 pm, 928-453-8686
Dec 1 - Dec 30 - 34th Annual Las Noches de las Luminarias - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Although you will be wowed by the thousands of hand-lit luminarias lining the garden pathways, you will be even more impressed by the varying musical entertainment set up at different venues throughout the garden. You should come early and plan on spending the entire evening - there is so much to enjoy. An additional buffet dinner is available, Get your tickets early as it does sell out. $, 5:30 pm, pre-register, 480-481-8188 or 480-481-8188 or http://www.dbg.org
Dec 1 - Holiday Small Works Show ArtWalk - Scottsdale - Scottsdale Arts District - During this holiday tradition, the galleries in the Scottsdale Arts District host their Holiday Shows on the same date, Thursday, December 1st. More than 40 galleries have come together to host their individual Holiday Shows featuring everything from traditional fine art, contemporary and abstract art to Native American pottery, glasswork, jewelry, Persian miniatures, artifacts and much more. Each gallery will feature artwork created by artists they represent. There are pieces available for the beginner as well as the seasoned collector. Free opening receptions, demonstrations, live music, sponsored by Scottsdale Gallery Association, free, 7-9 pm, 480-990-3939 or http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Dec 1- Winter Winds - Tempe - Katzin Concert Hall - The ASU Chamber Players perform wintertime favorites. This is a free event and a great opportunity to hear these ASU students perform. 7:30 pm, 480-965-8863 or http://asuevents.asu.edu
Dec 2 - Dec 4 - 43rd Annual Fall Festival of the Arts - Tempe - Mill Avenue District - This is the largest arts & crafts festival in the Southwest! Mill Street will be the host to 450 national artists & craftspeople displaying their original works. And you can enjoy the free music and street entertainment! 10 am – dusk, 480-967-4877 or http://www.tempefestivalofthearts.com
Dec 2 - Dec 4 - 25th Annual Luminaria Nights - Tucson - Tucson Botanical Gardens. With over 2,000 traditional luminarias and many other lighted displays the Tucson Botanical gardens comes alive during these three nights. There is music by 30 different musical groups and cider and cookies to nosh on. $5-9, 5-8 pm, 520-326-9686 or http://www.tucsonbotanical.org
Dec 2 - Dec 4 - 23rd Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering - Wickenburg - Community Center & Desert Caballeros Western Museum - Listen to real live cowboys reciting poetry, singing ballads and telling stories about cowboy life and their heritage. 928-684-5479 or http://www.wickenburgchamber.com
Dec 2 - Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa's Visit - Sedona - Uptown Sedona with its beautiful red rocks as the backdrop is the perfect holiday setting to enjoy the celebrations and entertainment by musical and performing groups. Even Santa will be there! Free, 5 pm, 928-204-2390 or http://www.sedonamainstreet.com
Dec 2 - Dec 3 - London Bridge Yacht Club’s 29th Annual Christmas Boat Parade of Lights - Lake Havasu City - 50 beautifully decorated boats pass under the historic London Bridge, this year’s theme is Christmas in Paradise. Free, 928-680-4652 or http://www.lhcboatparadeoflights.com
Dec 2 - Dec 11- Black Nativity – Playhouse on the Park - Phoenix - In this telling of the Nativity by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, a joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Thursday (Second Week Only) 2:00pm, Friday-Saturday 8:00pm, Saturday (Second Week Only) 2:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm 602-254-2151 or http://www.blacktheatretroupe.org
Dec 2 - Dec 23 - Holiday Skies Program - Flagstaff - Lowell Observatory - During these evening presentations, the staff discusses the mythology and science of the winter sky, including a discussion of the Star of Bethlehem. Telescope viewing and other multimedia indoor programs will also be available, $, various dates, 7 pm, 928-233-3210 or http://www.lowell.edu
Dec 2 - Dec 23 - A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail - Phoenix - Valley Youth Theatre - This marks the 16th year that the Valley Youth Theatre has been performing this family holiday favorite in which Pooh, Piglet and the whole gang from the Hundred-Acre Wood help Eeyore learn about friendship and the spirit of giving. 602-253-8188 or http://vyt.com
Dec 2 - Dec 3 - 4th Annual Christmas Idea House & Home Tour - Gilbert - A non-profit, all-volunteer women’s organization offers holiday decorations, home décor, unique gifts and gourmet goodies. $10, Fri 4-8 pm, Sat 9 am – 4 pm, http://www.christmasideahouse.org
Dec 2 - Dec 4 & Dec 9th - 11th 26th Annual Poinsettia Festival - Phoenix - Come to Gardener's World to see displays of more than 20,000 poinsettias in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Photo opps are everywhere as you go on a self-guided greenhouse tour. Free, 10 am - 5 pm, 602-437-0700 or http://www.gardenpro.net
Dec 3 - Dec 4 11th Annual It’s Elemental Fine Crafts Sale - Flagstaff - Coconino Center for the Arts Presented by the Flagstaff Cultural Partners. During this weekend only, you can purchase original work from local artists directly in a marketplace setting. Featuring more than 20 artists. Free, 10 am – 4 pm, http://www.culturalpartners.org
Dec 3 - Third Annual Tour de Coops - Phoenix - Multiple Locations - Take this self- guided automobile or bicycle tour of 21 homes with chicken coops in central Phoenix. You can talk to the coop owners and learn how they raise chickens and other livestock in an urban environment. $ - http://tourdecoops.org/
Dec 3 - 9th Annual Luminaria Run - Cave Creek - Center of Cave Creek - Stay fit by running in a Luminaria-lit evening run through quiet desert streets. Post-race fare features frybread, chili & baked goods. Events include a 4-mile run/walk, 2-mile fun run/walk (un-timed) and kid's desert dashes. Children's races begin at 5 pm, adult races begin at 5:20 pm, 602-769-0848 or http://luminariarun.org
Dec 3 - 54th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade of Lights - Chandler - A.J. Chandler Park - The 2011 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights has been designated as a 2012 Arizona Centennial Designated Event! More than 12,000 people are expected to come to see the Mayor switch on the lights and the annual parade of lights! 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm The parade starts @7:00 and the tree lighting is @8:00pm. There will be live entertainment, food, crafts, games & Santa. Free, 5-8:30 pm, 480-782-2735 or http://www.chandleraz.gov
Dec 3 - 25th Annual APS Electric Light Parade – “Silver Bells 25 Years of Tradition” - Phoenix - On Central Avenue from Montebello to Camelback, east on Camelback to 7th Street, 7th Street south to Indian School. This night time parade features entries that are all lined with electric lights. Free. 7 pm, 602-534-FEST(3378) or 602-262-6862 or http://www.phoenix.gov
Dec 3 - 58th Annual Arizona Christmas Parade & Courthouse Lighting & Ceremony - Prescott - Taking place in Arizona's official Christmas City there is a parade at 1 pm and a 6 pm lighting. 928-445-2000 or 800-266-7534 or http://www.visit-prescott.com
Dec 3 - Frontier Christmas Open House - Prescott - Sharlot Hall Museum - See how Christmas was celebrated in 1865 while enjoying live entertainment & refreshments. $3-5, under 18 free, 6-8 pm, 928-445-3122 or http://www.sharlot.org
Dec 3 - Dec 4 - Oro Valley Festival of the Arts - Oro Valley - Oro Valley Marketplace - A one-of-a-kind experience where shoppers can discover local artwork and vegetarian-options for food in the new, environmentally-responsible 115-acre shopping destination. There will be a pre-party and a tree lighting ceremony. Free, Sat. 9 am – 4 pm, Sun. 10 am – 4 pm, 520-797-3959 or http://www.southernazfestivals.org/ or http://saaca.org/
Dec 3 - Stroll in the Glow - Fountain Hills - Stroll among the 60,000 lights on the entire Avenue of the Fountain leading up to the world's tallest fountain. The stores stay open late and Santa arrives as carolers sing. 5 pm, 480-837-1654 or http://www.fountainhillschamber.com
Dec 3 - Christkindlmarket - Phoenix - Heritage Square - Enjoy holiday entertainment and German and Austrian cuisine at this market where vendors and local artisans sell children’s toys and Christmas ornaments. By the Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures - free. 10 am – 8 pm, http://www.ac4gc.org
Dec 3 - Dec 21 - Santa Claus Express - Clarkdale - Verde Canyon Railroad - On this very special train ride enjoy visiting with and being entertained by Santa and Mrs. Claus and even joining in with some caroling - a much better way to get that Santa Claus picture:) Fridays – Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 928-639-0010 or 800-293-7245 or http://www.verdecanyonrr.com
Dec 4 - 27th Annual F.Q. Story Historic Home Tour - Phoenix - Downtown - Luminarias light up the street for this evening home tour featuring examples of Tudor, Spanish Revival, Bungalow and English Cottage homes dating from the early 1920's. $15, $1 discount with a donation of a can of food. Sat 6-9 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm (no luminarias) 602-258-9282 or http://www.fqstory.org
Dec 4 - Holiday Tour of Officers’ Homes - Sierra Vista - Historic Fort Huachuca - You will get a glimpse of Christmas past as you stroll the “Old Post” area. A uniformed soldier will greet you at the door of each turn-of-the-century officer’s home beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Please no children under the age of 10, no strollers or back-packs & photography is not permitted. $10-12, 1-5 pm, 520-417-6960
Dec 4 - Posadas y Piñatas Celebration - Mesa - El Mercado A one day cultural festival which showcases Hispanic traditions through food, music, dancing, and activities for the kids. There will be a toy give-away with Santa, tamale vendors, Ballet Folklorico dancers, mariachis, arts & crafts vendors, piñatas and candy. Free, 10 am – 6 pm, 602-279-4669 ext. 145
Dec 6 - Tuesday Morning Music & Tea - Scottsdale - Kerr Cultural Center Concert featuring ASU Student Jazz Combos. Free but RSVP, 10:30 am, 480-596-2660 or http://asuevents.asu.edu
Dec 9 - 23rd Annual Acker Musical Showcase Night - Prescott - More than 80 downtown businesses open their doors to host musical groups of every genre, turning Prescott’s downtown into a smorgasbord of entertainment, 5:30 -8:30 pm, 928-776-4456 or http://www.ackershowcase.com
Dec 9 - Anonymous 4: Noel - Scottsdale - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - An a capella celebration of Christmas, 8:30 pm, 480-994-2787 or http://www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org
Dec 9 - Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus presents “A Holiday Twist” - Tucson - Ascension Lutheran Church - Under the direction of Terrie Ashbaugh, the concert will include such favorites as “Deck the Hall” and “Silent Night” and East Indian and Iraqi songs will be featured as well, $18-20, 7 pm, 520-404-3148 or http://www.southernarizonawomenschorus.org
Dec 9 - Dec 30 - Holiday Lights 2011 - Scottsdale - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - 50,000+ lights & seasonal displays decorate the train route. $2, 6:30-9 pm, Santa will be there through the 23rd, closed 12/24-25, 480-312-2312 or http://therailroadpark.com/
Dec 9 - Moonlight and Music & Ranger Led Moonlight Hike - Apache Junction - Lost Dutchman State Park - Featuring Close Enough String Band with Dave Baurmann and Barbara Herber for old-time porch music featuring fiddle, banjo, bass, mandolin, guitar, autoharp and musical saw around the campfire as the full-moon rises. Bring a chair and blanket. Followed by 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail, wear trail shoes or boots. $7/vehicle, 5:30 pm, 480-982-4485
Dec 10 - Dec 11 - 19th Annual "It's Feline a Lot Like Christmas" - Phoenix - Phoenix Convention Center - All breed championship/ household pet/Feline agility with more than 300 top cats competing -- pedigreed cats and kittens for sale. Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 9 am – 4 pm, 480-893-7695 or http://www.phxfeline.com
Dec 10 - 38th Annual Festival of Lights - Sedona - Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village - Enjoy the dozens of entertainers including musicians and dancers and over 6,000 luminarias. Free, 3-8 pm, 928-282-4838 or http://www.tlaq.com
Dec 10 - Dec 11 - TequilaFest - Phoenix - US Airways Center - Sample your favorite blancos, reposados, anejos, premium and ultra-premium tequilas ranging from legendary brands to boutique spirits distilled in the heart of Mexico. There will be live entertainment as well! http://www.phoenixtequilafest.com/
Dec 10 - 20th Annual Christmas Mariachi Festival - Phoenix - US Airways Center - This Christmas festival features the finest of mariachis and special guests Antonio Aguilar Jr. and Beatriz Adriana, Ballet Folklorico San Juan and more than 700 dancers and Mariachi musicians. 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com
Dec 11 - ASU 9th Annual Organ Christmas Concert - Tempe - Organ Hall - Beautiful Organ Hall is all dressed up for this holiday program that includes organ works based on seasonal carols and noels, by a variety of composers. $8-19, 2:30 & 5 pm, 480-965-6447 or http://www.herbergercollege.asu.edu or http://asuevents.asu.edu
Dec 12 - APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade - Tempe - Tempe Beach Park & Town Lake - This parade features as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes, all celebrating “Let It Snow!” There will be a special guest, Santa Claus, who will hear children’s gift requests in Tempe Beach Park at 6 pm, parade at 7 pm, free, http://www.downtowntempe.com
Dec 13 - Dec 15 - 15th Annual “Christmas at San Xavier” - Tucson - Mission San Xavier del Bac - One of Tucson’s top choirs, The Sons of Orpheus in collaboration with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus are featured in these performances to benefit the restoration and preservation of the Mission, 6 & 8 pm, http://www.sonsoforpheus.org
Dec 14 - Handel’s Messiah - Phoenix - Central United Methodist Church - Enjoy this holiday tradition as The Phoenix Symphony with conductor Michael Christie, performs Handel’s complete Messiah, 602-495-1999 or 800-776-9080 or http://www.phoenixsymphony.com
Dec 15 - Handel’s Messiah - Phoenix - American Lutheran Church - A different venu to see The Phoenix Symphony with conductor Michael Christie, performing Handel’s complete Messiah, 602-495-1999 or 800-776-9080 or http://www.phoenixsymphony.com
Dec 16 - Dec 18 Pilgrimage to Bethlehem - Sedona - Tequa Festival Marketplace - In this Christmas concert and living nativity, Mary rides through on a donkey accompanied by Joseph and the “Ancient Bethlehem Market”. Begins at 2:30 pm, concert at 5 pm, free, 928-204-9419 or http://www.pottershandproductions.com
Dec 17 - PCA Presents: A Cowboy Christmas - Prescott - Prescott Center for the Arts - Arizona’s favorite cowboy poets and musicians return to the PCA for another special holiday evening, 7:30 pm, http://www.pca-az.net
Dec 17 - 11th Annual Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding - Phoenix - Dodge Theatre - A Phoenix Tradition - A variety show which features musical, comedic and dance performances, $33-88, 7:30 pm, http://www.alicepudding.com or http://www.livenation.com
Dec 17 - Dec 18 - North Scottsdale Polo Club Holiday Tournament - Scottsdale - North Scottsdale Polo Club Holiday Tournament – WestWorld, http://www.northscottsdalepolo.com
Dec 22 - Dec 24 - Luminaria Lighting - Fountain Hills - Along the Main Streets, creates the illusion of an old Spanish village. Free, 6 pm, 480-837-1654 or http:// www.fountainhillschamber.com
Dec 28 - Jan 1 - 64th Annual Arizona National Livestock Show - Phoenix - Arizona State Fairgrounds - Livestock shows and sales, Cowboy Classics Western Art & Gear show, working horse competition, chuck wagon cook-off, tractor pull & ranch rodeo. Farm Experience interactive area for children, $10 parking & admission per car, 602-258-8568 or http://www.anls.org
Dec 29 - 14th Annual Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk – “ArtWalk the Line” - Scottsdale - Scottsdale Arts District - An artistic preface to the big game, free opening receptions, demonstrations, live music, sponsored by Scottsdale Gallery Association, free, 7-9 pm, 480-990-3939 or http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Dec 30 - 34th Annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship - Glendale - University of Phoenix Stadium - One of the most prestigious high school marching band competitions in the country, participants present their best 10-minute field presentations, top bands compete for the coveted Grand Master’s Trophy, finals 6:30 pm, http://www.fiestabowl.org
Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Pinecone Drop - Flagstaff - Downtown - A Flagstaff tradition with the big countdown at 10 pm & 12 am. There is live entertainment on Heritage Square, coffee, hot chocolate & vendors. Free, 928-607-2347 or 800-842-7293 or http://www.FlagDBA.com or http://www.flagstaffarizona.org
Dec 31- 3rd Annual Uptown Countdown on Main Street - Lake Havasu City - Live bands, ball drop and more, 8 pm – 1 am, 928-854-2144 or http://www.golakehavasu.com
Dec 31- 41st Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade - Phoenix - Central Phoenix - Floats, bands, specialty and equestrian units; Arizona's largest one-day spectator event and one of the nation's finest and largest parades, reserved seats $25, 11 am, 480-350-0911 or http://www.fiestabowl.org
Dec 31 - 28th Annual New Year’s Eve Fiesta Bowl Block Party - Tempe - Mill Avenue District - 30+ musical groups on 5 different stages, street vendors, interactive games & fireworks, $, 5 pm – 12:30 am, http://www.fiestabowl.com
That's it folks, however, remember to go to my page Things to do in Arizona where I will be posting more fun events as they become available. You can comment, add your own findings, review other people's discoveries and most important don't forget to click the LIKE button at the top of the page.
As always, if you or anyone you know has any real estate needs or questions, I would love to help out.
I hope that you have very happy, healthy, safe and fun holidays!
Cheers!
David
David Thomas, Realtor®
ABR, e-Pro, CDPE, SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Certification)
West USA Realty
602 763-6363
Fax 888-993-8686
David@OnlineArizonaHomes.com
www.OnlineArizonaHomes.com
