No matter what you celebrate this holiday season, there are plenty of events all month long to help your season stay jolly and bright.
PARK WEST MARKET
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Park West, 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria
What: Featuring more than 100 vendors and food trucks, Park West Market will be set up every Saturday through April 30, 2022 in the parking lot behind Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers. Vendors include local purveyors such as San Tan Honey Farms, Ryan Alarie (RA) Seasonings, Food Evolves, Sensational Gifts, Desert Dog Treat Bar, Kindness Berries by Billie, Get Raw, Buenos Aires Empanadas, Sooooo Hummus Factory, and many more.
Info: theparkwestmarket.com
THE NUTCRACKER
When: Various dates in December
Where: 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
What: Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!
Info: balletaz.org/performance/the-nutcracker-2021
Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival,
featuring Second Saturdays
When: Saturday, December 11, 5-9 p.m.
Where: The festival will take place south of Peoria and Grand Avenues, including Osuna Park and the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
What: The City of Peoria invites the community out to enjoy the annual Old Town Holiday Festival. Take a stroll through Old Town Peoria and enjoy all the holiday activities, including: live entertainment, tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus ($5 for pictures), crafter’s market, kid zone ($5 for activity wristband), and roaming high school choirs. Parking and admission are free.
Info: peoriaaz.gov
PHOESTIVUS 2021
When: December 15 and 16
Where: N. Central Ave. and Pierce St., Phoenix
What: Shopping local has never been better! The chance to find the perfect gifts for this holiday season, meet the artists, participate in the Phoestivus traditions, enjoy a Phoestivus Ale, and more all while enjoying the great outdoors. Phoestivus began in 2009 to be the perfect all-inclusive December celebration. Phoestivus is the brainchild of Ken Clark from Get Your PHX and Community Food Connections. The Phoenix event boasts traditions like the Pheats of Strength, the Airing of Grievances, Hipster Santa, and Yeti sightings.
Info: phoestivus.com
Vistancia’s Holiday Lights Tour
When: Friday, December 17, 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Village at Vistancia neighborhoods, Peoria
What: This annual tradition is all about driving from neighborhood to neighborhood to see the lighted spectacle. It’s the perfect outing to bundle up in your festive attire and scour the neighborhoods looking for the best-of-the-best home Christmas light displays Vistancia has to offer! See Vistancia Village Association’s Facebook page for more details on exact routes.
Info: Facebook.com/VistanciaVillageAssociation
RAWHIDE SNOWY CHRISTMAS
When: Through December 18
Where: Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler
What: The Town will illuminate with over a million lights and be decked out with holiday décor through December 18. Rawhide will feature holiday festivities nightly during public hours (5 – 10 p.m.). Every Friday and Saturday night, Santa will lead the official tree lighting ceremony and be available for photos. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the nightly snowfall down Main Street and seeing all the town lit up. Admission is free!
Info: rawhide.com/event/rawhide-snowy-christmas-2021
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER:
THE MUSICAL
When: Through December 24
Where: Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
What: The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer features all of your favorite characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
Info: herbergertheater.org/events
THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY TO
THE NORTH POLE
When: Through December 24
Where: Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
What: At the magical North Pole passengers will see 12 creatively decorated buildings featuring Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, Naughty Kids Coal Mine, the Antler Inn, Reindeer Flight School, Ice Fishing Hut, Elf School, and Ugly Sweater Factory, among others. Mrs. Claus and acrobatic elves will wave good-bye to Santa Claus as he boards the train for the return trip to Clarkdale. The man in the big red suit will interact with all the children and gift them with a little train memento as a reminder of their Christmas Adventure aboard Verde Canyon Railroad.
Info: verdecanyonrr.com/events/christmas-train
CHRISTMAS AT SCHNEPF FARMS
When: Through December 31
Where: Schnepf Farms, 24610 E. Rittenhouse, Queen Creek
What: Experience the wonder of Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a special kind of holiday magic for the entire family. Featuring the Illumination Express train ride, a Christmas carousel, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, hayrides to reindeer, pictures with Santa, snow globe mini golf, a beer and wine garden, and the world’s largest inflatable Christmas-themed obstacle course.
Info: schnepfchristmas.com
LIGHTS AT THE FARM
When: Through January 2, 2022
Where: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa
What: Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms is Arizona’s largest walk-through synchronized Christmas light show featuring ten acres of festive light displays. Keep time with popular Christmas songs, guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer. Enjoy delicious food, music, skating, and other family-friendly entertainment. Skating is available for an additional charge.
Info: lightsatthefarm.com
PHOENIX ZOO LIGHTS
When: Through January 15, 2022
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
What: Phoenix’s most cherished holiday tradition is back with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and the Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures — polar bears, mammoths, peacocks and more, all aglow. This year, the zoo is offering two options – walk through or drive through.
Info: phoenixzoo.org/events
