This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 18-31.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations. E-mail calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com to submit events for consideration.
SPECIAL EVENTS
John Mulaney
December 31
The comedian and former Saturday Night Live writer detailed his well-publicized personal turmoil in the hilarious Netflix stand-up special Baby J. As a special treat, Phoenicians can see his latest hour of comedy before 2023 comes to an end. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
‘Twas the Night Before…
Through December 24
Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash because Cirque du Soleil is bringing the timeless holiday poem about Santa’s yearly sleigh ride to life with all the jaw-dropping acrobatics you’ve come to expect from the famous troupe of performers. Check the website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 514-2919, livenation.com
Desert Farm Lights
Through December 31
West Valley holiday lovers no longer need to head across town for Christmas cheer. The event features illuminated mazes, bounce houses, obstacle courses and a gingerbread slide. Stop by Santa’s Workshop afterward. Kids can also say hi to the North Pole’s most famous resident. 5:30-10 p.m., $20, 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell, desertfarmlights.com
The Night Before Christmas
Through December 24
The classic holiday poem comes to life with a dazzling musical score sung by a cast of puppets. Call for times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza
Through December 31
Decor and entertainment level up the holiday spirit along the Scottsdale Waterfront this month! The season long celebration kicks off with a Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 25 from 7pm – 9pm. Attendance is free. Full lineup of festivities at scottsdazzle.com
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Through December 24
‘Tis the season and the Pratt Brothers Christmas will be celebrating the holidays for an entire month at Rawhide. From November 24 – December 24, attendees will enjoy a truly magical holiday experience across 15 acres of land featuring 6 million lights, a holiday express train ride, a nightly parade, jaw-dropping stunt shows, holiday shopping, a dazzling gingerbread house light show, live entertainment, one-on-one time with Santa Claus himself, and much more. Open every Wednesday – Sunday from 6 – 10 p.m., Tickets range from $29 – $75 per person (free for children ages 2 and under) and can be purchased at www.prattbrotherschristmas.com
ZooLights
Through January 14
The Valley’s favorite holiday event will dazzle the eyes with millions of LED lights, a three-story-tall Christmas tree, a sparkling music-in-motion show and life-size animal lanterns ranging from a herd of elephants to a purple people eater. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $25-$35, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Through December 30
The garden’s collection of beautiful desert plant life will take on a warm glow when thousands of luminarias light up the garden trails and courtyards. Select dates, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $16.95-$39.95. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org
Enchant
Through December 31
This family event has an immersive walk-through light maze created from more than 4 million sparkling lights, a 100-foot-tall tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, holiday shopping, delicious food and drinks, and most importantly, Santa Claus. Check website for ticket prices and deals. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, enchantchristmas.com
World of Illumination
Through January 1
Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as your drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. Tempe will have a Cosmic Sleigh Ride theme, while Reindeer Road will be the theme of Glendale’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe; and Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale; worldofillumination.com
SPORTS
Guaranteed Rate Bowl
December 26
The Big 10 and Big 12 Conferences will face off as Chase Field will transform into a football field. 8:15 p.m. kickoff. Call for ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 480-350-0911, fiestabowl.org
Phoenix Suns
December 22-31
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant look to get the team on a winning path against the Sacramento Kings, Dec. 22; Dallas Mavericks, Dec. 25; Houston Rockets, Dec. 27; Charlotte Hornets, Dec. 29; and Orlando Magic, Dec. 31. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
Arizona Coyotes
December 19 & 27
The ’Yotes return to Tempe with games against the Ottawa Senators, Dec. 19; and Colorado Avalanche, Dec. 27. Check website for times and ticket prices. Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Dr., Tempe, 480-563-PUCK, coyotes.nhl.com
CONCERTS
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 27
No holiday is complete without playing a Christmas album by the new age group. But if you sold your CD collection when you got a Spotify account, you have an opportunity to catch the group in person so you can feel the joy that only comes this time of year. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
THEATRE & DRAMA
Scrooge: The Musical
Through December 30
Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is retold with songs by the great Leslie Bricusse. Check website for showtimes and ticket prices. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 833-282-7328, atc.org
A Christmas Carol
Through December 24
The famous Charles Dickens tale about second chances is brought to life with stunning songs that will warm anyone’s heart – even the stingiest and snarkiest of Scrooges. Check website for ticket prices and times. Nov. 30-Dec. 23, Check website for days and times. $30-$65. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com; Dec. 8-24. Check website for days and times. $38-$45, Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria, 623-815-7930, theaterworks.org
Sister’s Catechism Christmas: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold
Through December 30
Historians determined what Joseph and Mary did with the frankincense and myrrh the Three Wise Men brought Joseph and Mary, but they don’t know what happened to the gold. A resourceful nun tries to solve the mystery in this comedy from the author of Late Nite Catechism. Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Elf: The Musical
Through December 30
Based on the hit movie starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, an orphan raised by Santa’s elves heads to New York City to meet his biological father. There’s only one problem: his dad is on the naughty list. Get in the holiday spirit with this delightful musical for the whole family. Call for times and ticket prices. Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through December 24
When the Christmas Eve weather gets too foggy for Santa, the time for games is over. There’s only one reindeer who can guide the big guy’s sleigh, and his name is Rudolph. Based on the popular television special. Sa, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Su, 1 p.m. $13-$35. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
It’s A Wonderful Life
Through December 23
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you’d never been born? Everyman George Bailey does, and his guardian angel Clarence shows him how the lives of those around him would be drastically different in this musical based on the classic film. Check website for days and times. $25-30. 8989 E. Via Linda, Ste. 118, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
White Christmas
Through December 30
A military veteran song and dance duo joins forces with a sister act to save a Vermont inn. This timeless musical features songs from Irving Berlin, including the title track, which was allegedly written at the Arizona Biltmore in the 1940s. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Waste Management Phoenix Open
February 5-11
Get ready to cheer on your favorite PGA golfer from the famous 16th hole when the “greenest show on grass” returns. Visit website for tee times and ticket prices. Tournament Players Club, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, wmphoenixopen.com
Bluey’s Big Play
February 17-18
Your children’s favorite cartoon dog and his family come to life in a whole new (and three-dimensional) way that is certain to spark their imagination. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
