‘Home Sweet Home’ Gingerbread House Show & Auction
6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 2-6
RED CityScape
1 E. Washington St.
Last year’s event featured more than three dozen painstakingly crafted gingerbread homes created by local artists, architects, business owners, chefs, scout troops, celebrities, school groups and community members. The exhibit is free to view, however, the auction, which is set for 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7, has an admission charge of $20 (online, or $25 at the door). Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free during the auction. Refreshments will be served. Proceeds fund a variety of services and programs through the city’s Neighborhood Services Department. For tickets or more information, visit www.nhsphoenix.org/HomeSweetHome.html.
Holiday Tree Lighting
5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Rico’s American Grill,
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 N. 16th St.
The resort’s mountainside holiday tree will be lit with festive glowing lights during the free celebration, featuring holiday carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, a visit from Mrs. Claus, a station for letter writing to the troops and holiday crafts for kids including ornament making. An “Angel Tree” benefiting Maricopa County Children’s Medical Center will be on display. Guests are encouraged to take a tag and donate needed items and gifts.
Annual Holiday Art Sale
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 4-5
Phoenix College
1202 W. Thomas Road
A large selection of original art and crafts created by PC students, staff and faculty will be available, including ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photographs, glass and more. Cash only for purchases. Located in the Eric Fischl Gallery, second floor of the Fine Arts Building.
Holiday Festival at the Falls
5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
11111 N. 7th St.
602-866-7500
The Falls Water Village is transformed into a poolside winter wonderland. Indulge in holiday sweets and hot chocolate while strolling through a festive village of cabanas featuring holiday-themed activities for children, treats and more. Children can pose for a commemorative photo with Santa Claus. The Phoenix Fire Department will be at the event for a special meet-and-greet and fire truck showcase. Guests are asked to bring two cans of food or $5 per person to benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Holiday Bazaar
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
VALLEYLIFE
1142 W. Hatcher Road
602-216-6385
The event will include entertainment, raffles, gourmet food trucks, arts & crafts and other wares. Proceeds from booth rentals and raffle tickets will help fund the VALLEYLIFE arts program. The Holiday Bazaar will be held outside, rain or shine.
Seeds for Autism Holiday Sale & Open House
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
SEEDs Facility
1345 W. McKinley
602-989-1242
The theme is “decorate, design and dine.” There will be lots of hands-on activities including wreath-making ideas, how to create bows, demonstrations of gift-wrapping techniques, and more. On the culinary side, learn fabulous appetizer ideas and how to make no-bake desserts, as well as great holiday cocktails and other fun drink ideas. And of course, many great gift items will be available for purchase. Visit www.seedsforautism.org.
Fifth Annual Festival of Trees
6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
877-779-2470
The event includes food, drink, music and a live auction to raise funds for PSA Art Awakenings, serving adults and youth with mental health illness. Holiday trees and wreaths will be raffled, fully decorated and delivered to the winners the next day. Admission is $25 at the door or $20 if purchased online before Thanksgiving at www.ArtAwakenings.org/FestivalofTrees.
‘Breakfast with Santa’
Dec. 21-24
Rico’s American Grill,
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
7677 N. 16th St.
602-997-2626
Guests will enjoy seasonal photos with Santa and holiday story time, while Mrs. Claus treats children to cookie decorating, gingerbread activity books, and a tasty breakfast buffet. Seating times are at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. The buffet will feature made-to-order omelets, applewood-smoked bacon and sausage, homemade biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict and a French toast bar, fresh fruit and more. Reservations are required. Pricing is $29.95 for adults and $18 charge for children ages 10 and younger, inclusive of a complimentary photo with Santa.
