December’s Top 10 Things to Do in the Valley

By Editor December 8, 2016 07:46

‘Tis the season for cozy sweaters, holiday lights and unwrapping gifts! December might be the last month of the year, but it doesn’t disappoint with some of the most festive, fun and entertaining events of the year for the entire family.

As usual, here’s our monthly list of the top events that are happening in and around the Valley:

Lights of the World @ the Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

It’s the largest lights show in North America to date, and it is happening now right in our backyard. The Lights of the World spectacle promises an unforgettable exploration of global cultures and cuisine with 11 overarching exhibits and 75 breathtaking displays. More than six million dollars have been invested in this magnificent attraction, which also includes 30 carnival rides for the kids, games and daily performances. Lights of the World will be staying in the Valley from now until January 2017.

Photo Credit: lightsoftheworldus.com

Click here for more information

Date (s): November 18 – January 29

Times: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location:

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

5700 W. N Loop

Chandler, AZ 85226

The Original Tamale Festival 2016 by Food City

Arizona’s best tamale-makers are all set to make you feel at home this holiday season during Food City’s 15th Annual Tamale Festival in downtown Phoenix this month. Foodies will be able to taste and buy a wide selection of savory and sweet homemade tamales, next to live mariachis, ballet folklorico dancers and much more. So what are you waiting for? Bring that appetite and we’ll see you there!

Facebook Photo/Tamale Festival 2016

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Date (s): Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, December 11

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. both days

Location:

Downtown Phoenix

On Washington, between 1st & 4th Ave.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ Comerica Theatre

The magic of the holidays is ready to come alive with Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. This stunning performance will sweep you into the world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. In the story, they embark on a thrilling adventure of dancing toys, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers and sparkling snowflakes. It’s a production that’s mesmerizing audiences from across the country. Get your tickets now!

Facebook Photo/Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

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Date: December 9 – 24

Time: 7 p.m.

Location:

Comerica Theatre

400 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Mambo Bachata Holiday Jam @ Mambo Exquisite Dance Co.

Stilo Dance and Mambo Exquisite are pulling off the perfect dance holiday special that you can’t miss. With performances by Stilo Dance, Cubanos con Timba, Moving On and Viveza Dance Co., this holiday bash will make you want to get up and moving with full-on Latin sabor. The event will also feature appearances by DJ Pooya and DJ D-Lo. Tickets start at only $10, and ten percent of the profits will be going towards local charities.

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Date: December 17

Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Location:

Elks Lodge

6398 E. Oak St

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Snoop Dogg @ Comerica Theatre

Snoop Dogg is making a holiday stop in the Valley. Join him in the days leading up to New Year’s as he performs some of his greatest hits, including “Drop it like it’s hot,” “Gin and juice,” and “Who am I.” Snoop will be joined on stage by none other than Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Warren G, DJ Quik and Tha Dogg Pound.

comericatheatre.com

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Date: December 29

Time: 8 p.m.

Location:

Comerica Theatre

400 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phoenix Festival of the Arts @ Margaret T. Hance Park

Phoenix Center for the Arts is proud to present the fifth annual event, featuring more than 125 art vendors and cultural organizations. It’s a perfect time to connect with the local art community and celebrate the season. The festival will also feature a brand-new family zone, providing fun and free activities for families all day long. And for the adults: beer, wine and a culinary lineup of gourmet food trucks.

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Date: December 9 – 11

Times vary, see website for more details

FREE Admission

Location:

Margaret T. Hance Park

1202 N. 3rd St.

Phoenix, AZ 85003

A Merry-Achi Christmas @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

A proud fifth generation mariachi musician, Maestro Jose Hernandez and his platinum-selling Sol de Mexico have broken countless barriers in mariachi music, becoming the first mariachi ensemble to be nominated for a Grammy Award. Their original rhythms, fresh sounds and inspiring ideas have energized the world of mariachi for more than 30 years and now it’s your turn to experience their sound live. Don’t miss it!

Facebook Photo/A Merry-Achi Christmas/Mariachi Sol de Mexico

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Date: December 17

Time: 8 p.m.

Location:

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

7380 E. 2nd St.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Fiestas de Diciembre @ ALAC

The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center is celebrating all month long with Fiestas de Diciembre. Attendees will be able to go into the center to offer a rose to the Virgen de Guadalupe and join the mariachi in singing “Las Mañanitas.” Visitors will also take advantage of an amazing Christmas Bazaar featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts by some of the most talented local artists Phoenix has to offer. So come along and enjoy some champurrado, buñuelos and some great company!

Facebook Photo/Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center/Fiestas de Diciembre

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Date: December 11

Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location:

Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center

147 E. Adams St.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Grupo Cañaveral @ Delirium Night Club

Let the stress of work fade away with the cumbia sound of Grupo Cañaveral. Created by the legend Humberto Pabón Olivares in 1995, the group has become an iconic sound in Latin America. So grab a partner and get ready to dance away to some of their classics, including “No te voy a perdonar,” “La Ladrona,” “Por debajo de la mesa,” and much, much more.

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Date: December 10

Time: 8 p.m.

Location:

Delirium Night Club

1612 E. McDowell Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85006

A Christmas Carol @ Herberger Theater Center

Arizona Broadway Theatre brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley and Bob Cratchit to the Herberger Theater Center. Selfish Scrooge must face his ways when three ghostly visitors lead him through his past, present and future. This Broadway adaptation of Charles Dickens’ popular story breathes new life into this heartwarming tale. Bring the whole family to create holiday memories and leave singing the tunes of Disney composer Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.