Holiday Festival at The Falls
5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs
11111 N. 7th St.
The resort’s Falls Water Village water park will become a poolside winter wonderland of holiday cheer and twinkling lights. Guests are invited to indulge in holiday sweets and hot chocolate while strolling through a festive village of cabanas featuring holiday-themed activities, treats and more. Children are invited to meet, get their photo with and share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus, who will be stationed inside a cozy poolside cabana. The Phoenix Fire Department will also be at the event for a special meet-and-greet and fire truck showcase. The event is free.
Merry Merry Holidays at Metrocenter
Dec. 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20
Metrocenter Mall
29th and Dunlap avenues
Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly events including: free photos with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus, including magic and games, 12-8 p.m.; and performances and fun from the Metrocenter Merry Makers and local musical groups including the Arizona Conservatory, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition, from 12-3 p.m. on Dec. 5 there will be performances by Persephone, ball walkers, stilt walkers, balloon artists, face painters and more. Visit www.metrocentermall.com/events.
Holiday Tree Lighting
5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Rico’s American Grill
7677 N. 16th St.
The public is invited to gather for a festive celebration as the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak’s mountaintop holiday tree is illuminated, and will become visible across the city. Guests will be treated to performances by the award-winning Sunnyslope High School Choir, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, a visit from Mrs. Claus, and a variety of activities and crafts for all ages. The event is free and open to the public.
The Nutcracker Festival
10-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Dorrance Theatre,
Ballet Arizona
2835 E. Washington St.
602-381-1096
Enjoy a family-friendly day full of unforgettable holiday festivities. There will be Creation Stations with Ballet Arizona, ChildsPlay, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Heard Museum Desert Botanical Garden and many more. There also will be a Holiday Brunch, available throughout the Festival, and seasonal shopping from Ballet Arizona’s Nutcracker Gift Shop. Enjoy performances from The School of Ballet Arizona and Ballet Arizona. Tickets are $65 per person. Call to purchase in advance, or available at the door.
Christmas at The Castle
6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Children will enjoy a visit from Santa Claus, hear a Christmas story, make a Christmas ornament, decorate cookies and sip on hot cocoa. Entertainment provided by carolers and fiddlers. For the adults, the bar will be open, and The Cornish Pasty Company will offer a selection of their delicious traditional pasties. Stop by the replica cottage, where you will be greeted by a harpist playing traditional music. For an entrance fee of $5, each adult will receive three tickets that can be used for cocoa, cookies and ornament making. Additional tickets will be available for $1 each. Children 12 and younger have free admission. Visit www.azirish.org.
Chanukah on the Lawn
4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Biltmore Fashion Park,
Lawn in front of Saks
2502 E. Camelback Road
602-944-2753
Chabad of Phoenix presents this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy balloon art, face painting, latkes and doughnuts, Chanukah crafts, raffles and prizes. There will be a popcorn menorah lighting at 5:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.ChabadAZ.com.
HonorHealth Holiday Tree Lighting
5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7
John C. Lincoln Medical Center,
Third Street & Dunlap Avenue
602-870-6060, ext. 1345
Join the Crystal Princess and Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The whole family will enjoy games, crafts, activities, hot cocoa and cider, hand-decorating your own cookies, and a free photo with the Crystal Princess for each individual or family.
Holidays at the Heard
Dec. 26-31
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
602-252-8848
Exciting performances and artist demonstrations introduce visitors to traditional and contemporary American Indian music, dance and art throughout the week. Visitors can also browse items in the Museum Shop. Have lunch at the Courtyard Café, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during Holidays at the Heard. Included in general museum admission. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday, which is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.heard.org/holidays.
Yote’s Family New Year’s Eve Party
6-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 N. 16th St.
Celebrate the coming of the New Year and enjoy dinner, a sparkling champagne toast, a variety of activities for all ages, dancing, and plenty of family fun. Admission includes dinner and activities and is available for $65 per adult and $29 per child ages 10 and younger. To purchase tickets, call 602-906-3840.
