For many people the holiday season is about gathering with family and friends to continue traditions, start new ones and make memories. The excitement of dressing up to attend a live performance or bundling up to stroll through venues with dazzling lights, winter snow, and holiday music are what many families look forward to each year. There are many events to choose from across the Valley! Here are some popular places to go and things to do.
Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical
at the Arizona Broadway Theatre • Nov. 15–Dec. 29 • www.azbroadway.org
Experience the “tale as old as time” that reminds us to look beyond one’s exterior and find beauty from within. Follow Belle through a daring and magical adventure as she attempts to rescue her beloved father from a terrible beast and offers herself in exchange for his freedom. However, she soon discovers
that she is not the only prisoner held—and the “beast” is far more than meets the eye.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
at the Arizona Broadway Theatre • Dec. 14–24 • www.azbroadway.org
School performances available.
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring, because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!” we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t
take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season!
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Nov. 27–Jan. 12 • www.phoenixzoo.org
The holiday light event at the Phoenix Zoo dazzles with almost 4 million lights, wildlife lanterns, a 200-foot-long light tunnel and more. Enjoy the synchronized light show with original music. Visit the S’mores station, the interactive Glow Garden, and, of course, Santa! A photo with Santa will top off your holiday excursion. Sensory Friendly ZooLights is on Dec. 2 and Cruise ZooLights takes place Nov. 10–12 and Jan. 13–14.
Christmas Fest at Vertuccio Farms
Dec. 4–23 • www.vertucciofarms.com
Stroll through a dazzling, interactive light display featuring over 5 million lights. Enjoy the many other holiday offerings and fun activities. The play area for kids has slides, jumping pads and mini golf—you can even visit a petting zoo—and on weekends you can shop at the Mistletoe Marketplace. Visit with Santa Dec. 6–8 and Dec. 13–18 from 6–9 p.m.
Joy to the Herd at Shamrock Farms
Dec. 7 & 8 • www.shamrockfarms.net
Shamrock Farms wishes you and your family a dairy merry Christmas! Celebrate this holiday season with the moo-vers and shakers—the 10,000 cows that produce the milk for your shakes— at the “Joy to the Herd” event, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Welcome Center Barn is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with holiday crafts, face painting and more. Meet the herd on a guided tram tour. Then visit with Santa and Roxie the spokescow. Visit the milking barn, the feed zone, the cow lounge and the interactive play area. Learn how fresh milk gets from the farm to your table! Reservations and prepayment are required.
Winter Wonderland at Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Dec. 14/15 and 21/22 • www.enchantedisland.com
Take an enchanted Holiday Train Ride into a snowy Winter Wonderland this season! Where else in the Valley can you enjoy 25 tons of snow? Ride a sled, explore holiday-themed bounce structures, take family photos at the giant red inflatable chair and more. You can enjoy free candy canes and a cup of hot
cocoa at the Santa area. Keep your eyes peeled for Elves on the Shelves! If you locate all 10 elves in the amusement park, you will be entered to win an annual Family pass to the park.
Elf Jr: The Musical at Fountain Hills Youth Theater
Dec. 6–22 • fhtaz.org
Buddy always felt that he was different than the other elves in Santa’s workshop. When he discovers that he is actually a human, Buddy leaves the North Pole and heads to New York on an amazing holiday adventure!
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Every day • www.wildlifeworld.com
Wildlife World Zoo is home to Arizona’s largest assortment of exotic animals. The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lions, tigers and bears are just a few of the animals on hand—there are monkeys, cheetahs, giraffes, penguins, gazelle and so much more! Enjoy the rides, the animal feeding stations and the petting zoo, too!
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Nutcracker & More
at the Herberger Theater • Various dates • herbergertheater.org
The Herberger Theater has something for everyone this holiday season. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Nov. 16–Dec. 23; “Christmas Greeting Musical,” Nov. 29–Dec. 1; Winter Wonderland offers free admission on Dec. 6 and “The Nutcracker” performances are Dec. 14 & 15.
Scrooge! at Arizona Theatre Company
Dec. 7–28 • atc.org
ATC’s holiday musical extravaganza “Scrooge!” celebrates the season with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The title character is joined by a distinguished cast of more than 24 actors, live musicians, and an all-star creative team.
The Elves & The Shoemaker at Great Arizona Puppet
Theater • Nov. 29–Dec. 22 • azpuppets.org
Santa’s elves help a poor shoemaker and his wife in this musical treat. Performed with large rod puppets, this is a holiday experience for the whole family to enjoy!
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Nov. 26–Jan 4 • oldtucson.com/yuletide
Yuletide will take you on a visit to the “West Pole” where you will enjoy the
western winter wonderland with horse drawn carriage rides, holiday stunt shows, musical and magic show. There will be thrills and adventure for the whole family.
