While December means sledding and ice-skating in colder climes, in the Valley, it means huddling around a firepit on a patio – or an outdoor fireplace at a resort. “[Even] if you come just for dinner, you’ll have this wonderful smell in the air of the mesquite wood burning… that’s really special in the winter,” says Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North publicist Kim Cole. “There is no better sunset view in the Valley, in my opinion, than the view on Onyx patio. You see the sparkling city lights of Scottsdale and Phoenix below, so you get this great juxtaposition of nature and city.” The resort’s seasonal programming provides a perfect in-town getaway. For families with children who still believe in Christmas magic, she recommends Breakfast with Santa – a buffet-style meal with St. Nick himself – hosted four consecutive Saturdays in December ($70 per adult, $30 per child ages 5-12, complimentary for children ages 4 and younger; reservations required). For adults, there are winter pickleball clinics, guided hikes, new cryotherapy offerings at the spa, mulled wine demonstrations and bourbon and chocolate pairings at Proof for wintry relaxation, Arizona style. fourseasons.com
