Things To Do Around the Valley This Week (December 30-January 5)

This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 30-January 5.
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

Scottsdazzle
Through Dec. 31

Old Town Scottsdale comes alive with this annual spectacle, a month-long celebration featuring holiday lights, themed events and plenty of shopping and dining. Be sure to catch the tree lighting ceremony and sing-along at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Free. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, scottsdazzle.com

ZooLights
Through Jan. 12

Head to the Phoenix Zoo for an animal-inspired light exhibit. With millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, ZooLights offers a magical holiday experience complete with music and hot cocoa. 5:30-10:30 p.m., general admission from $30; member admission from $25; free for children 2 and under, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolight

Christmas at the Princess
Through Jan. 4

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 6 million lights, an ice-skating rink and festive activities for all ages. Don’t miss the Enchanted Plaza show with a four-story musical tree. Mon.-Thurs., 5-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 4-11 p.m., $35 per person; free for kids under 3, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, christmasattheprincess.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

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

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

The Three Little Pigs
Through January 12

Here’s a pro tip: Bricks are the best way to wolf-proof your residence. Find out what happens when some foolish pigs don’t follow this important advice when building their new homes. 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 Memphis Grizzlies, Dec. 31. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com

 

CONCERTS & COMEDY

TUESDAY

• Throwbacks NYE @ The Van Buren

Buy tickets at LIVENATION.COM or TICKETMASTER.COM