This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 8-14.
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
The Nutcracker
December 12-27
If you’ve never seen this beloved holiday show, it’s the perfect opportunity to see Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score brought to life by Ballet Arizona. Check website for times and ticket prices. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, 602-381-1096, balletaz.org
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
December 13
Festively decorated boats will illuminate Tempe Town Lake, but the sparks really fly with a holiday firework finale. 4-9 p.m. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, downtowntempe.com
Chanukah in Carefree
December 14-21
This eight-night community event benefitting the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center features a menorah lighting, live music and more. Event begins nightly at 5:30 p.m. The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree, chanukahincarefree.com
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Now through December 28
20 acres of the famed Rawhide Western Town explodes in holiday cheer with more than 7 million lights, pyrotechnics and a 100-foot-long gingerbread house light show. Open daily from 6pm-10pm. $30 general admission, $70 VIP. Tickets on sale at prattbrotherschristmas.com
ZooLights
Now through January 16
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. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $30-$35. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Now 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
Scottsdazzle
Now through December 31
The holiday season begins with a sing-along and tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29. What follows is a month of whiskey tastings, crafts, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt and yoga sessions. Check website for a list of events and times. Old Town Scottsdale, 480-312-7177, scottsdazzle.com
Christmas on the Farm
Through December 28
Take a walk through Santa’s Village or build an ornament at his Toy Factory in this holiday festival celebration. There will also be ice skating, s’mores and hot chocolate, and a colorful light maze. Check website for times and ticket prices. DH Farms – Phoenix Event Complex, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, visitdhfarms.com
World of Illumination
Through January 4
Countless colorful lights will twinkle to the music on your car radio as you drive through this immersive 1-mile light show. 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
Beyond Van Gogh
Through January 4
You may recall an immersive Van Gogh exhibit coming through Scottsdale several years ago. This is a completely different experience, filled with a compelling story that follows the artist’s life and legacy and cutting-edge technology (including a virtual reality experience) that allows you to experience iconic works like “The Starry Night” in a whole new way. Check website for time and ticket prices. Galleria Centre, 4343 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, beyondvangogh.com
Tianyu Lights Festival
Through January 4
Nature and art converge in a spectacular walk-through light show. Displays include forest creatures, pandas, unicorns, dragons and a three-story color-changing “butterfly tree.” W-Su, 6-10 p.m., Check website for ticket prices. Camelback Ranch-Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, tianyuculture.us
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 a visit from 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
Le Petit Chef
Through December 31
Dinner is fun again thanks to this innovative experience. A tiny chef is projected onto your table, narrating the story of the four-course prix fixe menu that awaits you. The menu features Wagyu with red onion jam and Dijon hollandaise, as well as Meyer lemon crème brûlée topped with a honeycomb crumble. Vegetarian and kids’ options are also available. 5:30 and 8 p.m. Different packages available. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com
THEATRE & DRAMA
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
December 11-21
Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins return to Sun Studios for the holidays. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
Looking Over the President’s Shoulder
Through December 14
This play tells the story of Alonzo Fields, grandson of a freed slave and chief butler to four U.S. presidents. Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
A Christmas Carol
Now through December 28
Charles Dickens’ tale is brought to life by theater troupes throughout the Valley with stunning songs sure to warm the heart of any Scrooge. Nov. 26-Dec. 28 at Phoenix Theatre. Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J. Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Nov. 28-Dec. 24 at Hale Centre Theatre. $45-$75. Check website for days and times. 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com Dec. 5-21 at Theater Works. Check website times. $47-$53. Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria, 623-815-7930, theaterworks.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 shows him how the lives of those around him would drastically differ in this musical based on the classic film. Check website for days and times. $30-$41. 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Through December 28
All young Ralphie wants from Santa is a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun. However, it seems that everyone is conspiring against him, including St. Nick! This musical is based on the hit holiday movie.Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
Black Nativity
Now through December 14
The popular Black Theatre Troupe production returns in a new version of the Langston Hughes play to bring hope and joy to audiences during the holiday season. Call for times. $50. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-258-8128, blacktheatretroupe.org
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through December 22
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. Tickets start at $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
A Drunk Christmas Carol
Through December 28
One actor will portray Charles Dickens’ most miserly character after downing five whiskey shots, while the other actors try to keep the story on track. God bless them, everyone! Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
The Dinosaur Christmas Revue
Now through December 21
All your favorite dinosaurs are coming together to celebrate the holiday the prehistoric way! Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
CONCERTS & COMEDY
Colter Wall and Friends
December 10
The Canadian country singer will perform hits in support of his latest album, Memories and Empires. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
ALT AZ 93.3 Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
December 12-13
Blue October headlines this holiday-themed alternative music extravaganza. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
Phoenix Ballet A Holiday Spectacular Featuring The Nutcracker
December 12-14
The Phoenix Ballet’s rendition of this classic promises to be bigger and better as it moves to the Arizona Financial Theatre. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
101.1 The Bounce Holiday Jam
December 13
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Too $hort headline this hip-hop Christmas party. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com
SPORTS
Phoenix Suns
Catch the Suns in action when they take on the Golden State Warriors, Dec. 18; and Los Angeles Lakers, Dec. 23. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
Arizona Cardinals
The end of the Cardinals 2025 season is truly one for the diehards and sickos as they take on the Atlanta Falcons, Dec. 21. Call for kickoff times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
January 17-25
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
Waste Management Phoenix Open
February 2-8
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
About this guide
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number. Submissions must arrive at least 8-10 weeks prior to the month of publication/event. E-mail to: calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com; or mail to: PHOENIX magazine, 16100 N. 71st St., Ste. 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
