This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for the week of December 12 through
Zoolights
December 18, 2022.
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.
December 16-24
A cynical teenager is transported inside the world of the iconic holiday poem with the stunts of derring-do you’ve come to expect from Cirque du Soleil. Check website for times. $35-$110, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
No word if she’s taking the midnight train from Georgia, but the Empress of Soul is heading to Phoenix to perform her hits in the round. 7:30 p.m., $45-$125, Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
December 17
Al McCoy will serve as the grand marshal of the 50th edition of this extravaganza featuring floats, giant balloons, antique cars, equestrian units, marching bands and more. Reserved seating is available for $30. 10 a.m. Begins at N. Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., Phoenix, 480-350-0900, fiestabowl.org
December 16-January 3
This one-ring circus, set inside a 500-seat tent, will feature all the traditions of an old-world Italian circus, including acrobats, juggling and clowns. Check website for times. $25-$45, Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Dr., Mesa, zoppe.net
Now through December 31
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. $16.95-$39.95. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org
Now through December 24
If you’ve never seen this beloved holiday show based on a German short story, it’s the perfect opportunity to see Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score brought to life with choreography by Ballet Arizona’s Ib Andersen. Check website for prices and showtimes, Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. Phoenix, 602-381-0184, balletaz.org
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. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Now through January 1
Skate in the cool desert air as the Downtown shopping hub transforms into a beautiful ice rink with an eye-catching holiday tree to light your path. 4-11:30 p.m., $13-$20, CityScape Phoenix, 11 W. Washington St., Phoenix, cityskatephx.com
Now until January 15
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 ranging from a herd of elephants to a purple people eater. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily. $25-$35, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org
Now until January 1
This family event has an immersive walk-thru light maze created from more than 4 million sparkling lights, a 100-foot-tall tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, holiday shopping, delicious food and drinks, and most importantly, Santa Claus. Check website to ticket prices and deals. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, enchantchristmas.com
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. 5:30-10:30 p.m., $12-$15, 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell, desertfarmlights.com
Now until December 31
The holiday season begins with a sing-along and a tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. on Nov. 26., followed by a month filled with whiskey tastings, art activities, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt and yoga sessions. Old Town Scottsdale,
480-312-7177, scottsdazzle.com
Through December 31
Tchaikovsky gets the “immersive” treatment as the timeless holiday fantasy about a toy nutcracker who battles the mouse king comes to life in a dazzling new way. Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Visit immersive-nutcracker.com for times and ticket information.
Through December 24
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, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Su, 1 p.m. $13-$35. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
Through January 1
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 a Candy Rush theme, while Rockin’ Christmas will be the theme of Phoenix’s display. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe; and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale, worldofillumination.com
Featuring music by Rogers and Hammerstein, the award-winning fairytale musical about true love and missing slippers receives a contemporary twist. Call for times and ticket prices. Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Through December 30
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you’d never been born? Everyman George Bailey does, and his guardian angel Clarence shows him how the lives of those around him would be drastically different in this musical based on the classic film..Check website for days and times. $25-$30. 8989 E. Via Linda, Ste. 118, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
Through January 14
Imagine trying to recite Shakespeare after five shots of liquor. That’s the premise of this uproariously funny production sprinkled with pop culture references, improv and audience interaction. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., drunkshakespeare.com
End.
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
December 27
Wisconsin and Oklahoma State will face off as Chase Field transforms from a baseball diamond to a football field. 8:15 p.m. kickoff. Call for ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 480-350-0911, fiestabowl.org
Dec. 31
Are you ready for some college football? The winner of TCU vs. Michigan will face the winner of the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kickoff at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, (602) 379-0102, fiestabowl.org
Jan. 10-Feb. 25
The beauty of nature and humanity come together in the paintings and sculptures of three nationally recognized artists. Each of their works explores the organic and spiritual connection between all Earth’s creatures. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Opening reception, Jan. 14, 12-3 p.m. Lisa Sette Gallery, 210 E. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, (480) 990-7342, lisasettegallery.com
January 14-15
Your kids’ favorite cartoon dog and his family come to life in a whole new (and three-dimensional) way that is certain to spark their imagination. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
February 6-12
Decisions, decisions…The Super Bowl and “The Greatest Show on Grass” are both in Phoenix on the same day this year. So, will you choose Rihanna or cheer on your favorite PGA golfer from the famous 16th hole? Visit website for tee times and ticket prices. Tournament Players Club, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, wmphoenixopen.com
February 12
It does seem unusual that the NFL scheduled a football game around a Rihanna concert, but this matchup is for all the marbles. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. Ticket packages start at $4,887.50. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com