Top 10 Things to Do in Phoenix for the Holidays

 

With the holiday season a few short weeks away, today’s blog post is dedicated to the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Phoenix. From specific regional celebrations that capitalize on Arizona’s Southwestern charm like the annual Noches de las Luminarias festival to glimpses of winter wonderland’s at the city’s famous ice rink, we’ve curated a list of the top Phoenix-area events for the holidays. Check them out below and start planning your holiday to-do list!

Phoenix Event’s For The Holidays

Fresh From the Kitchen tastings and events

To kick off your holiday events attend one of our upcoming Fresh From the Kitchen holiday tasting events!

Each month we host delicious tastings for clients to sample our catering menu, including tasty appetizers, main courses, and an array of mouth-watering desserts. From weddings to holiday events, these tastings are a great opportunity for existing clients and potential clients to get an idea of the catering menu preferences for upcoming events.

Holidays at the Heard

The Heard is a Phoenix treasure highlighting the art and history of American Natives. The museum hosts the annual Holidays at the Heard event every December. The event include cultural dances, music, and food – like delicious fry bread and fry tacos – from local Native Americans. The event is free to non-museum members with museum admission. For more information check out the Heard Museum website.

CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink at the CityScape Shopping Center

One of Phoenix’s most beloved traditions is back! CityScape Shopping Center hosts the annual City Skate Holiday Ice Rink every December. The installation includes a freshly surfaced ice rink and festive holiday lights. The event, held annually in downtown Phoenix, offers ice skating rentals and tasty treats like hot cocoa and cider. Located at the CityScape Shopping Center, it’s conveniently located next to shops and restaurants.

Ballet Arizona’s Production of the Nutcracker

Ballet Arizona’s award-winning ballet company puts on one of the year’s biggest productions with the annual run of The Nutcracker. The beloved story tells of the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Experience dancing toy soldiers, waltzing flowers, spinning snowflakes, and tumbling jesters. A highlight of the show is the stunning performance from the Sugar Plum Fairy soloist; a truly beautiful choreography piece by company choreographer Ib Andersen. The production runs from December 9th – 24th. For more information, head to Ballet Arizona’s website.

Noches de Las Luminarias Festival at Desert Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a truly unique holiday event to Phoenix, check out the Noches de Las Luminarias Festival held annually at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The events stunning botanical gardens are illuminated with over 8,000 luminaries along its pathways. Musicians, including strolling mariachi players, are located throughout the gardens and fill the space with festive holiday music. The event draws record numbers and regularly sells out. To get advance tickets, head to Desert Botanical Gardens site.

The Annual production of A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail presented by the Valley Youth Theatre

For the past 20 years, the Valley Youth Theatre’s production of A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail has delighted Phoenix-area families. The 21st production starts this year and features the same famous cast of characters, like Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger, as they try to find Eeyore’s missing tail. Local actors and actresses perform in the annual play, including many children. Performances begin December 2nd and run through the 23rd. To purchase tickets, head to Valley Youth Theatre’s website.

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

Each December the Phoenix Zoo turns its grounds into a winter wonderland through ZooLights. The park glows with almost 3 million bright, sparkling holiday lights and animated light-up displays. Every hour on the hour the lights run through an orchestrated light show set to holiday music. It’s truly a spectacular sight to behold! The event features carousels, wagon rides, hot cocoa, and other holiday treats. As the event happens at night, spectators also have the chance to see nocturnal zoo animals in their most active states.

Crafeteria by Frances

Phoenix is a thriving mecca of independent small business, artisans, vendors, and foodies. Crafeteria, an annual holiday market, hosted by hip boutique Frances features the many talents of in the local community! The event is a holiday market you won’t want to miss. The market includes goods from 30 local vendors including handmade gifts like custom clothing, jewelry, plush toys, knitwear, beauty products, and holiday decor. Local food truck favorites like Short Leash Hot Dogs, Mustache Pretzels, and Urban Cookies will also be available. Mark your calendar for Crafeteria, December 2nd from 6-10 p.m.

Phoestivus Market

If local, independent markets are your thing, you’ll love attending the holiday Phoestivus Market in Phoenix. This open-air market features amazing samplings of Phoenix’s favorite vendors and food trucks. From home-gron to home-made goods, the market’s nearly 150 vendors will be sure to provide the perfect gifts to check off your holiday list! The event is held December 8th and December 15th at 721 N. Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

Christmas Lights Tour with Marshall Shore

Marshall Shore, Phoenix’s “Hip Historian” hosts the annual Christmas Light Tour, taking locals around to the best Phoenix-area holiday light shows. Shore’s engaging personality and funny demeanor entertain guests as they travel throughout the Phoenix-area learning about historical facts of the region while checking out stunning holiday light displays. To join the fun, snag your tickets via Eventbrite.

Need help planning your holiday meals? Let Fresh From the Kitchen cater your holiday events.

For more information, please contact info@freshfromthekitchenllc.com, (602) 694-1197.
Fresh From The Kitchen is a catering and event planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Under the direction of Chef Noelle Townsley, Fresh From The Kitchen has won numerous awards including the industry’s highest achievement, The Bride’s Choice award. Other achievements include being named the 2013 and 2015 Best Event Caterer by Arizona Foothills Magazine and catering the 2015 Maxim Magazine featuring Nick Cannon Super Bowl Party.