This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 9-15.
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
December 14
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Festively decorated boats will illuminate Tempe Town Lake, but the sparks really fly with a holiday fireworks finale. 4-9 p.m. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, downtowntempe.com
December 13
Dane Cook
It’s been a while since Dane Cook has hit the road with new material. Catch up with the comedian for his Fresh New Flavor tour. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
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. $14.95-$41. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org
Desert Farm Lights
Through December 29
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
Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express
Through December 30
Santa’s elves will read Chris Van Allsburg’s popular holiday book (the basis for the movie starring Tom Hanks) as your family ventures up to “the North Pole.” There will be hot chocolate, cookies, sing-alongs and Santa Claus. Check website for dates. The train leaves at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and RV Park, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, 888-848-3511, thetrain.com
World of Illumination
Through December 29
Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as you drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. Tempe will have an Enchanted Surfer theme, while Rockin’ Christmas will be the theme of Glendale’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe. Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, worldofillumination.com
Tianyu Lights Festival
Through January 5
Nature and art come together in one spectacular walk-through light show. Displays include forest creatures, pandas, unicorns, dragons and a three-story, color-changing “butterfly tree.” W.-Su., 5:30-10:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Camelback Ranch – Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, tianyuculture.us
THEATRE & DRAMA
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through December 23
When the Christmas Eve weather gets too foggy for Santa, the time for reindeer games is over, and only one reindeer can guide the big guy’s sleigh. Sa, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Su, 2 p.m. $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Through December 22
Santa’s elves lend a hand to a down-on-their-luck shoemaker and his wife in the musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
SPORTS
Phoenix Suns
Will this year be the one the Suns bring home a championship? Find out when the team takes on the Indiana Pacers, Dec. 19; Detroit Pistons, Dec. 21; Denver Nuggets, Dec. 25; Dallas Mavericks, Dec. 27; and Memphis Grizzlies, Dec. 31. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
Arizona Cardinals
The Red Sea will rise as the Cardinals take on the New England Patriots, Dec. 15. Call for kickoff times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com
CONCERTS & COMEDY
MONDAY
- Sarah Brightman @ Arizona Financial Theatre
TUESDAY
- The Story So Far with Superheaven & Koyo @ The Van Buren
THURSDAY
- Kany García @ The Van Buren
- The Slackers & Los Yesterdays w/ Bandulus & Jesse Wagner @ The Rebel Lounge
FRIDAY
- A R I Z O N A @ The Van Buren
- Billie Eilish @ Desert Diamond Arena
- Dane Cook @ Arizona Financial Theatre
SATURDAY
- Phoenix Ballet A Holiday Spectacular Featuring The Nutcracker @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- Emo Nite LA @ Crescent Ballroom
- Tall Heights with Lau Noah @ Valley Bar
SUNDAY
- Phoenix Ballet A Holiday Spectacular Featuring The Nutcracker @ Arizona Financial Theatre
Buy tickets at LIVENATION.COM or TICKETMASTER.COM
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
December 28
VRBO Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe
The parade features brilliantly colored floats, giant balloons, antique cars, equestrian units, marching bands marching to Seventh Street and Minnezona Avenue. 10 a.m. Begins at North Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, Phoenix, 480-350-0900, fiestabowl.org
January 18-26
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Casual fans and major car collectors from around the world will converge in Scottsdale for the greatest automobile auction in the nation. Attendees will have the chance to bid on rare and historic vehicles. Doors open at 8 a.m. Check website for ticket prices. VIP packages available. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 844-528-3598, barrett-jackson.com
February 3-9
Waste Management Phoenix Open
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
