Kick-start the Holidays at the Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas at the Princess, through Jan. 2. The annual festival glows with more than 5 million lights and features ice skating, train rides, photos with Santa, fire-pit tables, s’mores, an ice slide, Ferris wheel, carousel, nativity garden and light shows. Call for times and ticket prices. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.
Meet the Artists on Their Home Turf
Sonoran Arts League presents Hidden in the Hills, Nov. 19-21 and Nov. 26-28. The annual self-guided artist studio tour showcases 192 artists who exhibit and sell their work at 45 private studio locations, with artist demonstrations included at many of the stops. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale, 480-575-6624, hiddeninthehills.org.
Hear Songs from the Heart by a Legendary Guitarist
Recognizable by his bolero hat, sunglasses and fingers that fly, Esteban blends classical techniques with flamenco style. See for yourself as he is joined by a full band and his violinist daughter, Teresa Joy. The concert is holiday-inspired and celebrates 30 years since the charismatic musician became an Arizona icon in 1991 when he started playing at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. Nov. 28, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. $44.50-$54.50. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org.
Take the Kids on a Holiday Train Ride
Thousands of lights adorn trees and displays throughout McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which is only accessible to those who have purchased tickets in advance. Visitors will have an opportunity to ride the train and carousel as many times as they’d like during their time slot, with rides loaded at reduced capacity. 6-9:30 p.m. nightly Nov. 26-Jan. 2 (closed Dec. 24-25 and 31), with 90-minute blocks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or 8 to 9:30 p.m. Visits with Santa are available through Dec. 23. $15; free, children 2 and younger. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, 480-312-2312, therailroadpark.com.
Rock Around the Christmas Tree
Join Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley as they celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. The new jukebox musical features a full catalog of classic rock n’ roll hits, plus a selection of heartwarming holiday tunes, all done up in that unmistakable rockabilly style. Through Jan. 2, call for times and ticket prices. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com.
