This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 29-January 4.
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
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
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
Nothing to note.
CONCERTS & COMEDY
Wednesday, 12/31 – 2000s NYE 26 presented by Club 90s @ The Van Buren
SPORTS
Phoenix Suns
The Suns will start making a push for the playoffs when they take on the Sacramento Kings, Jan. 2; Oklahoma City Thunder, Jan. 4; New York Knicks, Jan. 9; Washington Wizards, Jan. 11; Miami Heat, Jan. 25; Brooklyn Nets, Jan. 27; Detroit Pistons, Jan. 29; Cleveland Cavaliers, Jan. 30; Los Angeles Clippers, Feb. 1; Golden State Warriors, Feb. 5; Philadelphia 76ers, Feb. 7; Dallas Mavericks, Feb. 10; Oklahoma City Thunder, Feb. 11; Orlando Magic, Feb. 21; Portland Trailblazers, Feb. 22; Boston Celtics, Feb. 24; and Los Angeles Lakers, Feb. 26. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
ASU Men’s Basketball
Cheer on the Arizona State University Sun Devils as the team battles Colorado, Jan. 3; Kansas State, Jan 10; West Virginia, Jan. 21; Cincinnati, Jan. 24; University of Arizona, Jan. 31; Oklahoma State, Feb. 10; Texas Tech, Feb. 17; and Utah, Feb. 28. Call for times and ticket prices. Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.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.
