Top 5 Events for Happy Holidays

By Editor December 9, 2016 09:00

By: Samantha Collins

If you’re like me, then as soon as November 1st hits, you’re singing Christmas tunes and dreaming of coquito. It’s the holiday season, and while for the rest of the country, that usually means cozy nights indoors curled up by the fire, every Phoenician knows that it’s the best time of year to get outdoors and into activities. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do this month that will get you feeling right and full of joy and cheer. Come along as we guide you to the top five things to do this December!

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker

Whether you realize it or not, you know the Nutcracker by heart. Somewhere, someplace, at some point, you’ve heard the gentle sweetness of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and maybe didn’t even realize where it comes from. Ballet Arizona brings its yearly performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the Valley once again, and if you’ve never seen it before, do yourself a favor and get your tickets on the double. Put an image to those classic holiday songs you already know, and be swept away into a world of fantasy and holiday cheer!

Facebook Photo/Ballet Arizona

Click here for more information.

Date: December 9th – 24th

Times vary, see website for details

Tickets: $25 – $164

Location:

Symphony Hall

75 N 2nd St

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Tamale Festival 2016

Sponsored by Food City, the Tamale Festival is all about bringing you the best tamales in the Southwest! Just in time for the holidays, its everyone’s favorite traditional food: the tamal. Entry is free and open to all, and on top of being able to taste and buy a variety of tamales from a huge amount of vendors (in case you don’t feel like making your own), you’ll also be able to browse from vendors of jewelry, arts, crafts and more! On Sunday, a panel of judges will deem one lucky tamal the winner out of all participating vendors. Come enjoy the weekend with food, fun and shopping with the family!

Facebook Photo/Tamale Festival 2016

For more information, click here.

Date: December 10th – 11th

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

FREE entry

Location:

Cesar Chavez Plaza

201 W Washington St

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Luces de Navidad

While other parts of the country are staying indoors, everyone in the Valley knows it’s time to head out to the streets! With an outdoor festival like Luces de Navidad, you have good reason to get out and enjoy every bit of beautiful winter weather. Not like you needed another reason to feel the holiday spirit, but Luces de Navidad is a family-friendly event in downtown Tolleson that’s bringing you food trucks, entertainments, kids activities, ugly sweater contests and more! With a special performance by AJ Castillo, it’s sure to be a fantastic way to spend your weekend, even if you’re not from the west side. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

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Date: December 10th – 11th

Time: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

FREE entry

Location:

Paseo de Luces

downtown Tolleson

91st Ave & Van Buren

Lights of the World Lantern Festival

A staple of the holiday season is a ridiculous amount of lights. Whether it’s the classic white twinklers or your red and green neon flashing variety, it wouldn’t be the holidays without lights! Usher in the Lights of the World festival, where you can see the most incredible light and lantern spectacular! Bring the family and explore the festival, as you see some of the world’s greatest landmarks and marvels of architecture, from Russia’s Saint Basil’s Cathedral to the Taj Mahal of India. There’s nothing quite like seeing the world all lit up to make life a little more magical; don’t miss it!

Photo Credit: lightsoftheworldus.com

For more information, click here.

Date: November 18th – January 29th

Times vary, check website for details

Tickets: Adults $25/Kids $15

Location:

Rawhide @ Wild Horse Pass

5700 W North Loop Rd

Chandler, AZ 85226

Skate Westgate

Whether you’re doing a double axle or shakily holding onto the railing, ice skating is a timeless winter activity that never gets old. Westgate is bringing it to the West Valley with its real ice rink, ready for anyone and everyone to come and have some fun! Let’s pretend like we live in a winter wonderland, so break out your scarves and gloves and hear those sleigh bells ringing as you glide along in your skates and make some memories with your loved ones!