This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for December 2-8.
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
Escape Series: Roger Clyne
Dec. 6-8
Roger Clyne, the frontman for the legendary Tempe bands The Refreshments and the Peacemakers, has probably played nearly everywhere in Arizona. However, he’s never performed at a place like Rancho de Los Caballeros. Come see the musician play a weekend of electrifying shows, complete with a meet and greet and a dude ranch filled with luxurious amenities as part of PHOENIX’s Escape Series. Check the website for the schedule. Packages range from $1,750-$2,250. Rancho de Los Caballeros, 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, tickets.phoenixmag.com
December 2
13th Annual Golf Classic
Support older adults with disabilities by playing golf at the scenic private course at Mirabel Golf Club. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Check website for registration information. Mirabel Golf Club, 37100 N. Mirabel Club Dr., Scottsdale, foothillscaringcorps.com
December 6-8
Tempe Festival of the Arts
Nearly 350 artisans will display their original works at this beloved street festival. Food trucks, delicious drinks, children’s activities and live music will also be available. F-Sa, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Su., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mill Avenue District, Tempe, tempefestivalofthearts.com
December 7
37th Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Lighted floats and balloons make their way to Seventh Street and Indian School Road in this annual Valley tradition. 7 p.m. Begins at North Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, Phoenix, 602-534-FEST, phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/electric-light-parade
December 7
Local Love: Holiday Market
Sip and sample sweet treats, a variety of local wines and artisanal cheeses at this holiday shopping experience. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tracy Dempsey Originals/ODV Wines, 1325 W. University Dr., Tempe, tracydempseyoriginals.com
December 7
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting
Visit Santa or enjoy live entertainment as the City of Chandler counts down the minutes until it lights up its unusual thistly tree. 4:30-9 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chander Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2000, chandleraz.gov
December 5
Andrea Bocelli
It’s been three decades since the Italian tenor started his career. To celebrate this milestone, he’ll perform many of his hits and selections from his holiday-themed album A Family Christmas. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
The Shops’ Annual Holiday Wine & Dine
December 5
The Shops at Gainey Village hosts an evening of fine wines and culinary delights this Thursday, December 5 from 4pm to 7pm. Guests can enjoy horse & carriage rides, Christmas lights and live music, in addition to the bites and sips from participating restaurants. Visit theshopsgaineyvillage.com for more info.
FuelFest
December 7
FuelFest returns to Westworld of Scottsdale for its 4th annual show in Arizona, featuring 700+ cars and live action drifting with fan ride alongs. Celebrities scheduled to appear include actors Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker. Visit fuelfest.com for more information.
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 San Antonio Spurs, Dec. 3; 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 Seattle Seahawks, Dec. 8; and 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
- King Diamond with Special Guest Vocals by MYRKUR, OVERKILL & NIGHT DEMO @ The Van Buren
TUESDAY
- Odie Leigh with Clover County & Izzy Mahoubi @ Crescent Ballroom
WEDNESDAY
- Latto with Mariah the Scientist & Karrahbooo @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- Shovels and Rope with Al Olender @ Crescent Ballroom
FRIDAY
- Beach Bums with Up Now, Dreamboat & Pink Machine @ Valley Bar
- Luke Grimes with Carter Faith @ The Van Buren
SATURDAY
- W.A.S.P. with Armored Saint @ Marquee Theatre
SUNDAY
- 42 Dugg @ The Van Buren
Buy tickets at LIVENATION.COM or TICKETMASTER.COM
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
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
