By Molly Cerreta Smith
Tis the season to be jolly! For those that are looking to celebrate cautiously this month, Scottsdazzle, the City of Scottsdale’s signature holiday extravaganza, offers all new micro-events and reimagined experiences to give guests and locals the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit in a safe and socially distanced manner.
Holiday movie buffs can enjoy three favorite flicks during the all-new Holiday Movie Nights: The Santa Clause on Friday, December 4; Elf on Saturday, December 5; and Home Alone on Sunday, December 6. The films will be projected on a huge inflatable screen at the East Lawn of the Scottsdale Civic Center, and groups of up to four will have their own socially distanced space in which to view the film. The event begins at 5 p.m. with “socially distanced hour” movies begin at 6 p.m.
Foodie fans can enjoy some interactive (and delicious) demonstrations this season during Scottsdazzle. On Wednesday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m., Schmooze in Old Town hosts the Seasonal Charcuterie Teach and Taste, during which guests will be supplied with everything needed to make their own charcuterie board with live tips from Chef Tony Hamati. On Saturday, December 12 from 2-3 p.m., La Senora, the Saguaro Hotel’s signature restaurant, presents the Holiday Food Demonstration featuring tips, tricks and recipes for preparing elegant holiday bites.
Creatives and crafters can make their own holiday masterpieces to enjoy or to gift to loved ones this season with two Merry Make and Take events held at The Merchantile. One leads guests through designing their own wood ornament in which to trim the tree (Saturday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to noon), and the other instructs guests on how to make their own festive succulent terrarium (Sunday, December 13, 10 to noon). On Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 1 – 2 p.m., The Brush Bar hosts the socially distanced Holly Jolly Painting Party on Marshall Way Bridge. Individual supply kits and tutorials are included with registration for each event.
New events that have health and wellbeing in mind include some Yuletide Yoga designed to stave off holiday stress with two sessions — one on Saturday, December 19 hosted by CorePower Yoga, and one on Sunday, December 20 hosted by CA Yoga Barre. Each class takes place on Marshall Way Bridge from 8 – 9 a.m. Another session, Sun Salutations Yoga, held on Monday, December 21 beginning at 11 a.m. welcomes in the winter solstice and celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Old Town’s Soleri Bridge. Bike riders can “spin their wheels” during the Sparkle and Spin Scavenger Hunt, which will lead them around Old Town for this fun event with two times — Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Some of the Scottsdazzle’s most popular events are returning this year, including the Scottsdazzle-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk on Thursday, December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA). Participating SGA members are hosting special events including artist demonstrations, refreshments, and live music in their galleries. Guests can enjoy appearances from seasonal characters such as Santa and the Grinch, classic holiday melodies from stroller carolers, and treats and sips as they peruse the Scottsdale Arts District and shop for their favorite art enthusiasts.
The Santa Wine Around, another popular Scottsdazzle favorite, returns on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 6 p.m. This spirited event allows participants to partake in a fun self-paced sip through some of Old Town’s signature wineries and tasting rooms. To elevate the holiday spirit, attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday characters. For those that love to shop local for gift-giving season, the Old Town Farmers market, held on Saturdays through December 19, takes on a festive spin throughout the season, and many of the area’s retailers and restaurants are offering specials to encourage residents and visitors alike to Shop Scottsdale.
The City of Scottsdale abides by all state and federal regulations and CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19 and asks that all attendees do their part by wearing a mask and social distancing at Scottsdazzle events to ensure a safe celebratory season for all! For details on each event, including prices and registration, visit scottsdazzle.com.
