There are other things I love about Christmas that I can find anywhere. Many of the activities and projects can be found with a frugal price tag, if not free! I decided to write down here my list of Christmas activities that I try to complete in the season. Using this as a guide, you, too, can do a little searching around the internet and find ways to enjoy the holidays while holding onto your pocket change!
THE CHRISTMAS HIT LIST:
Going Out and Celebrating Christmas and Winter:
Iceskating
Up north, this is a pretty easy task - find lake, shovel, then skate. Down in Mesa, AZ, this gets trickier to pull off. I've found a few ice skating rinks available with public skate hours, and also going online I found a bunch of different holiday skate rinks that are set up for the holiday season. They vary in price from free to rather spendy, but each has their own draw.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies:
It used to be there was one LARGE tree, and everyone came from miles around to watch it get plugged in. Now, it seems every mall and town square has a largest tree. Tree lighting ceremonies are nice to attend because they nudge you into the mood of the Christmas - and often there are free snacks floating around these celebrations, as well!
Christmas Concerts / Pageants / Performances
Whether you want a comedy, a display of human beauty and ingenuity, the sounds of Christmas, or just information or experiences, there are literally hundreds of things going on in any area during Christmas with a holiday/winter theme. From learning about other religions, to celbrating the Christian nativity, to watching sugar plum ballerinas, look up your area and start seeing who has what going on. Some great ideas for places that usually put on free or affordable events:
-local elementary / high schools
-nearby colleges / art centers
-churches / community centers
You can also find many events at big venue places like theaters and event centers, galleries, or other large venues still for under $20 a ticket, Unique Christmas activities are usually found in the local music / arts magazine for your area, as well as in the newspaper (or get busy with some online searches!) Sometimes the tickets are cheaper by the seating, sometimes by the time of the show. You can often find discounts through your bank/financial group, utilities company, or other membership you may have. And keep an eye out, as sometimes you can bring in donations of food goods/toys instead of cash for your entry cost.
-local elementary / high schools
-nearby colleges / art centers
-churches / community centers
You can also find many events at big venue places like theaters and event centers, galleries, or other large venues still for under $20 a ticket, Unique Christmas activities are usually found in the local music / arts magazine for your area, as well as in the newspaper (or get busy with some online searches!) Sometimes the tickets are cheaper by the seating, sometimes by the time of the show. You can often find discounts through your bank/financial group, utilities company, or other membership you may have. And keep an eye out, as sometimes you can bring in donations of food goods/toys instead of cash for your entry cost.
Christmas Lights/Decoration Walk-About
I don't know about anyone else, but I remember mom and dad bundling me up and us driving into town (15 miles away) to look at people's Christmas Light displays. I was also astounded by what some people could do with lights. I can't be the only one, because lighted displays are big business, now-a-days, and there are PLENTY of places to go see awesome light displays. I recommend if you are new to an area and don't know the 'neighborhoods' to visit, search online for "YOUR TOWN, STATE Christmas Light Display Winners", and you should find some neighborhood's that have extensive lighting present.
Candle Lit Walk (or Skiing)
Now, there was a luminary lit cross-country skiing event at a nearby skiing joint from where I grew up, and it was beautiful. Without snow, I think candle-lit anything loses a little oomph, but I am holding out hope this year for a luminary event at the local nature preserve. Find some candle lit walks near you searching for "Candle Lit Holiday Event" or "Christmas / Holiday Luminaries Event" with your town's name thrown in. If near Mexico or with nearby Latino communities, search for something similar to "Annual Lighting of the Luminarias or farolitos," or "Las Posadas,”
Festival of Trees
A festival of trees is pretty much just a chance for people to show of beautifully decorated trees. Sometimes, they are decorated and to be given to families in need of a tree this season, and sometimes they are auctioned off to people/businesses as a fundraiser. Either way, when you have dozens to hundreds of trees all gathered in one place, it is a fun site to go see. Most often these are called "Festival of Trees" and that searched with your town name should lead you to any nearby.
Christmas Caroling
I used to go caroling with at least 3 groups every year. Going ot with the church, the school choir, the school band, and then sometimes I'd be doing it for 4H, youth group, or whatever other group decided to form up, go out and sing/play. I truly wish more people did this, as I believe it is essential to share the spirit of the holidays, and music is just so easy to provide. If you don't have a group that is going out, make your own - try first to entice friends that are already 'grouped', from book club, meet up, church, and if nothing happens there, then put out some facebook noise. Call a place ahead of time to see when they would apreciate some spirit-rousing sounds. I know nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, and other care facilities love the activity. Try reach the facilities' volunteer coordinator, or the activities director to figure out the details of a visit, then sign up those friends. Words and/or music are easily printed off the internet for the most common carols, or everyone can bring their phones/tablets - consider the apps "Christmas Carols" for the lyrics, or "Christmas Carol Karaoke" for lyrics with music playing behind you. Want to just improv your caroling? Google search "Let's Go Caroling" on your device and 5 classics pop up, with words and music backing.
Christmas Parties and Cheesy Party Games
Be it with co-workers, friends, class mates or strangers, CHristmas parties are classic, and for good reason - everyone likes to drink, eat, and be merry, and the holidays provide ample reason to do all of the above. So, whether gunning for the Ugly Sweater championship, or completing silly relay races involving jingle bells and panty hose, just loosen up and live it up. If you have the time, I recommend hosting at least a few friends over for some holiday cheer in a cup, food on a plate, and light-hearted games or Christmas movies.
Staying In / Enjoying Christmas and Winter Traditions:
Decorating the House for Christmas / Making Decorations:
-Decorating Windows
-The Christmas Tree
-Make some ornaments
-Play fun Christmas music while you work!
-Make a wreath:
-Make the house smell like Christmas
-Prepare/hang/make stockings:
Cookie Bake/Decorating and / or Cookie Exchange
-Arrange a cookie exchange with friends
-Try a new recipe for something festive
-Make baked goods/treat boxes for single neighbors
Christmas Cards:
-Make artwork from recycled Christmas cards.
-Make a Christmas card for the mailman.
-Check off your Christmas Card List
Make Gingerbread House
- quickie graham cracker houses
- snap apart gingerbread cutout cookie cutter for small cookie houses
- anything goes construction, using up old candies
Read Christmas Stories
- favorites for any age
- fiction for adults (NOT romance)
- series of steamy Romance Christmas stories
Watch Christmas Movies:
-Pop some popcorn for the movie with different 'flavors'
-Have an indoor picnic on the living room floor while you watch.
-Top Lists of Christmas Shows to Watch (and available Netflix/Hulu, etc)
-have the cocoa bar open, with cookies at the ready.
-Grab some Christmas Collection Music CD's from your library
-Stream music from phone/device to your TV through ChromeCast to listen around the house if you don't have good speakers!
-Check out new Christmas songs/atypical carols: Search for them online or look through music collections that cater to the odd. My current favorite oddball song: OSHA Inspection At Santa's Workshop
Listen to Christmas Music:
-Listen to Christmas Music on your phone or computer at Spotify for free-Grab some Christmas Collection Music CD's from your library
-Stream music from phone/device to your TV through ChromeCast to listen around the house if you don't have good speakers!
-Check out new Christmas songs/atypical carols: Search for them online or look through music collections that cater to the odd. My current favorite oddball song: OSHA Inspection At Santa's Workshop
Christmas Shopping / Gift Wrapping:
-Shop for Gifts for Siblings
-Complete online shopping with a physically distant friend on Skype!
-Wrap Christmas Gifts - in all reusable/recycled materials!
Christmas Crafts / Make Gifts for Christmas:
-Make snow globe soap.
-Make snow candles and read a Christmas story book by candlelight.
-Make a pine cone bird feeder and hang it in a tree outside your home.
-Enlist friends to 'manufacture' a lot in a short amount of time. Have different friends help different days so you can gift the other item to the other person who didn't help make it!
Random Other Christmas Traditions:
-Pickle in the Christmas Tree
-Peppermint Pig
-Silver Coin in the Soup/Bread/Baked Good
-Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas
-Food Drive
-Respond to Santa Letter: USPS How To
-Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas
-Food Drive
-Respond to Santa Letter: USPS How To
Some options for those in Mesa, AZ area:
Holiday Ice-skating Options Around Mesa, AZ:
-Tempe Marketplace Holiday skating takes place in front of Dave & Buster's.- In front of Dave & Buster's.
- 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 27-28 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 29,
- ages 5 to 95!
- Skates are provided no charge, however you need socks on.
- FREE
"Nothing says winter in the city like a freshly surfaced ice skating rink decorated with twinkling holiday lights. That's what visitors will find at the annual CitySkate at CityScape Phoenix event, which arrives in downtown Phoenix every year in December. Guests can rent ice skates and take a spin around the rink, snack on holiday treats like cookies and hot cocoa, enjoy the twinkling lights, and listen to the sweet sounds of holiday carolers - all in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The ice skating rink is located at the CityScape center and stays open until January."
- One East Washington, Phoenix, AZ
- Grand opening is 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.
- Ice rink is open Saturday, Nov. 28-Monday, Jan. 11.
- $15 from 3-11 p.m. weekdays and all weekend.
- $12 from 11:30 a.m.-1:20 p.m. weekdays and for students with ID.
- $8 for ages 4-8, military members and seniors.
- Free for age 3 and younger.
- Admission fee includes skate rental. 602-772-3900, phxicerink.com.
"The Desert Ice Skating Rink returns to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess as part of the hotel's Christmas at the Princess" season celebration. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is magical during the holidays, with seemingly every corner decked out with decorations. The 6,000-square-foot Desert Ice Skating Rink — with real ice and nightly snowfall — is a big draw. Reservations are available for rink-side fire pits with blankets so you can enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate and cocktails. The resort also features Lagoon Lights with more than 2.8 million lights, rides on the Princess Express Train, a massive four-story musical Christmas tree and more. New this year is S'mores Land with a Christmas carousel, petting zoo, and visits by holiday characters."
- Ice skating is during the evening Thursday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Jan. 3.
- Times vary; call or check the hotel website.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive.
- $30 Entrance fee and parking for non-hotel guests per car up to 9 people, plus $15 admission to rink, $5 skate rental (free entrance to area).
- 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.
"Winter Wonderland Ice Rink 4,500-square foot ice rink made with real ice. In the area is also Jack Frost's Food Truck Forest, live performances on Friday and Saturday evenings through Dec. 19, Santa's Market Place with visits from Santa Claus. "
- Visitors can get discounts for the ice rink as customers of SRP and City of Mesa Utilities (coupons available on the websites), or from purchasing items from a downtown Mesa business or for groups of 20 or larger.
- Merry Main Street runs Nov. 27-Jan. 3.
- 20 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ
- located on the east side of Mesa City Plaza
- Open Nov. 27 – Jan. 3 (*Noon – 5 p.m. on Dec. 24, Closed Dec. 25)
- Ice rink runs 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
- $10 for a one-hour session, includes skate rental. .
- Rink holds 125 people at one time.
- No discount for personal skates
Tree Lighting Ceremonies at or near Mesa, AZ:
-Mesa Downtown has their ceremony - Merry Main Street holiday festival in downtown Mesa, kicking off on Nov. 27 starting at 5:45 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony.-Gilbert at San Tan Village has theirs
-Tempe Marketplace Annual Tree Lighting & First Snow Fall takes place on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at The District Stage by Dave & Buster's. There will be a holiday ice skating performance in front of the District Stage, followed by the lighting of a 60-foot holiday tree. The tree lighting will be followed by a magical snowfall at 7 p.m. free.
"It’s time for one of the most longstanding and cherished holiday traditions in Tempe; the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade sponsored by Wells Fargo! In its 23rd year, the parade will feature as many as 40 units, including floats, balloons, clowns, novelty units, marching bands, and the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade proceeds through Downtown Tempe (route to be announced at a later date).
At the conclusion of the parade is the Fantasy of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, in Centerpoint Plaza. Santa Claus will take the stage for his official duties and then takes his seat in Centerpoint Plaza to hear children’s special gift requests. Families are encouraged to bring their own camera for free Selfies with Santa.
- November 28, 2015, 6PM
- Downtown Tempe
- The parade will start at the corner of 3rd St and Mill Avenue. The route will proceed south on Mill to 7th St, west on 7th St to Maple, and north on Maple to 5th St where it ends.
- Free Admission for Spectators
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale.
Opening night festivities will include a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa. December 11, 2015, 6:30p.m. – 9:00p.m. Train ride is $4 and carousel ride is $2.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.
Christmas Concerts / Pageants / Performances around Mesa, AZ
"This 12th annual production features classic scenes from "The Nutcracker," including dolls coming to life, angels dancing on clouds and snow falling in the theater."
- Desert Vista High School, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix.
- $14-$30.
- Shows at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
- Santa greets children after the 2 p.m. performance.
- Dance Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, to purchase tickets.
- 480-706-6040. afnutcracker.com
-CANTICLES IN CANDLELIGHT Concert
Presented by Red Note Foundation, Mesa Arts Center
- "Bring the entire family to an event to reaffirm the real reason for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Christ. The presentation tells the Christmas story through narration and the music of the season. Held in the beautiful Ikeda Theater of the Mesa Arts Center and brought to you by the wonderful Red Note Foundation Volunteer Choir and full Orchestra. Start the Christmas season off right and join us as we celebrate the coming of the Savior of the World."
- Monday, November 30.
- Doors open 6:00 PM. Concert begins at 7:00pm.
- Admission is FREE with a non-perishable food donation to benefit United Food Bank- help raise a TON of food this year.
- A Donation Raffle will also be available with high quality items for you or that special person you just can't seem to find that perfect gift for.
- Holiday Concert, Tempe Symphony Orchestra
Tempe Center for the Arts Theater
"Tempe Symphony Orchestra is made up of volunteer performers, and is owned and operated by the
City of Tempe Library & Cultural Services Division."
ASU Tempe Campus
"The ASU choirs join the ASU Symphony Orchestra for a program of seasonal favorites, including Haydn’s Te Deum and Robert Shaw’s Many Moods of Christmas, featuring performances by the ASU Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Barrett Choir, Concert Choir and Choral Union.
For ticket information call 480.965.3434 or visit the ASU Gammage "
Tempe Center for the Arts Theater
"Tempe Symphony Orchestra is made up of volunteer performers, and is owned and operated by the
City of Tempe Library & Cultural Services Division."
- December 28, 2015 | 7:30 pm
- Schedule and program are subject to change.
- Performances at Tempe Center for the Arts are free with general admission and require a ticket. Tickets are available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.
ASU Tempe Campus
"The ASU choirs join the ASU Symphony Orchestra for a program of seasonal favorites, including Haydn’s Te Deum and Robert Shaw’s Many Moods of Christmas, featuring performances by the ASU Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Barrett Choir, Concert Choir and Choral Union.
For ticket information call 480.965.3434 or visit the ASU Gammage "
- Dec. 4, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
- School of Music, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: ASU Gammage
- Cost: $5-$10, plus applicable fees
-Chanukah Party: noon Dec. 20. Spin the dreidel and enjoy a menu that includes latkes, matzo ball soup, brisket, vegetables and a special Chanukah dessert. Limited to 45 participants. Reservations required by Dec. 13. Chanukah, also known as Festival of Lights, begins at sundown Dec. 20 and is held to commemorate the Jewish story of King Antiochus Epiphanes and the Maccabees.
- noon Dec. 20. Reservations required by Dec. 13.
- Jewish Family Children's Services Center for Senior Enrichment, 6250 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix.
- $7.
"Silveridge Pops Orchestra, a 70-member orchestra led by director Julie Mahoney and comprised of retired music lovers and former music educators performs a holiday concert. Light classics and popular music are performed in the style of groups like the Boston Pops. See website for schedule and maps to performance locations. "
"All are welcome to sing along as an orchestra performs Handel's "Messiah." Singers are encouraged to bring scores. A limited number are available there."
- 7 p.m. Dec. 19.
- Venture Out RV Resort, 5001 E. Main St., Mesa.
- Free.
- 480-985-9886.
- www.silveridgepopsorchestra.org
"All are welcome to sing along as an orchestra performs Handel's "Messiah." Singers are encouraged to bring scores. A limited number are available there."
- 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
- First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert.
- Free admission.
- 480-892-9166.
- gilbertumc.org.
-Handbell Concert: In their fourth season, the Desert Valley Christian Ringers, an advanced community handbell choir presents its "Peals of Christmas Joy" holiday concert.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
- Good Life RV Resort, 3403 E. Main St., Mesa.
- Donations accepted.
- 480-830-0550.
- www.dvcr.org.
Experience the sights, tastes, smells and sounds of what daily life was like when Jesus was born through this living re-creation of the first Christmas. There are interactive activities, music, a stable with live animals, cookies and hot chocolate, and families can dress up in period costumes and have their photos taken.
- St. Luke Lutheran Church, 807 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa.
- Free.
- 480-969-4414.
- 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
- stlukemesa.com.
"Musical groups from around Arizona perform free concerts at 7 to 7:30pm each night."
- Dec. 1 through Christmas Day.
- will be moved to the north side of the temple's Visitors Center.
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple, 525 E. Main St., Mesa AZ.
- Free.
Phoenix First Assembly of God Church, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.
"This large-scale musical performance features a live orchestra and choir, professional acrobatic silk artists, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a lights show, live animals and Nativity. Reserved seating and hearing-impaired performances available. "
- Thursday through Wednesday, Dec. 9-19.
- Performances are at 7 each day with additional 3 p.m. performances available Saturdays and Sundays.
- $7 - $$12-$15 for reserved seating, free general admission available in second balcony, first come first serve, excluding shows Dec. 11-15.
- For free seating, please arrive early and park in the north lot for easy access to the north entrances.
- For groups of 10 or more tickets use promo code: GROUP15 to save 10%.
Studio
Dec 5 | 7:30 pm
Written and produced by Mario Barnabe, the show features original electronic music and dazzling projected visuals making Incarnate a Christmas experience like no other. Composer Robert Moore, and visual artist, Caleb Kilian, create layers of sound, color and imagery, presenting a multi-sensory event not to be missed.
- Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts, 710 N. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 - At this performance only --- Incarnate opens with jazzy Christmas tunes played by the Russ Schmidt Quartet featuring Fred Forney.
- Tuesday, December 1 10:30 AM FREE Event - no registration required ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY 2625 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 489-5300
- Saturday, December 12 5:00 PM FREE Event & Dinner RSVP REQUIRED CALL (602) 346-3337 CHRIST CHURCH LUTHERAN, 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 955-4830 Benefitting Phoenix Rescue Mission
- Thursday, December 17 7:00 PM FREE Event - no registration required SPIRIT OF JOY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1159 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234, (480) 507-0742
Under $20, Unique Christmas Activities:
-Moonlight & Mistletoe Holiday Gala:
"Classic holiday films roll on a huge projection screen at this vintage holiday gala that begins with swing-dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. The Savoy Swingdicate featuring Holly Pyle performs from 9 to 11 p.m. DJ Ango plays holiday dance and swing music for the remainder of the night. Prizes and gifts for best-dressed are awarded and a photo booth by Joseph James Artography is available. The Ghost Lounge offers food and holiday-themed drinks. An all-ages event with ID required for alcoholic drink purchases. Get a $2 discount on admission when you donate a new unwrapped toy for Heart for the City, which help at-risk Valley youth."
"Classic holiday films roll on a huge projection screen at this vintage holiday gala that begins with swing-dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. The Savoy Swingdicate featuring Holly Pyle performs from 9 to 11 p.m. DJ Ango plays holiday dance and swing music for the remainder of the night. Prizes and gifts for best-dressed are awarded and a photo booth by Joseph James Artography is available. The Ghost Lounge offers food and holiday-themed drinks. An all-ages event with ID required for alcoholic drink purchases. Get a $2 discount on admission when you donate a new unwrapped toy for Heart for the City, which help at-risk Valley youth."
- 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 19
- Hotel San Carlos, 202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
- $16, $14 with toy donation, drink prices vary.
- 602-253-4121.
- www.savoyhopcats.com/Moonlight-Mistletoe_2011.html
Space 55, at 636 E. Pierce St. • Phoenix, AZ 85004
"Space 55’s perennial Holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals. Sun City retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance, and drink themselves silly as they battle a heartless homeowner’s association that tries to evict them from their condo on Christmas Eve. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll pee a little. Need we add that this show is not even remotely appropriate for children?"
- Buy Tickets Online
- Fridays and Saturdays: $18
- Sundays: $15
- Nov. 27th – Dec 27th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 5 pm
- Special performances: First Friday Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm.
- Christmas Week: Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec 23 at 8 pm.
Herberger Theatre Center, downtown Phoenix
"Are there too many nuts in the Fruitcake? That remains to be seen as 16 Bars dashes into the Holiday Spotlight. We’ve seen the days of the Easy Bake Oven and Veg-O-Matic; but what are the big items on the most wanted list this year? We’re about to find out as we heat up the joint for the holly jolly Fruitcake Follies!"
- located on the southwest corner of Van Buren and 3rd Street -
- Lunch Time Theater at The Kax Stage, you can bring your own lunch!
- Tickets are $6.00 *additional fees apply when ordering online
- Showtimes:
- Monday, November 30, 7pm
- Tuesday, December 1, 12:10pm
- Wednesday, December 2, 12:10pm – FREE Community Outreach Program (immediately following show) – Opera Joven
- Thursday, December 3, 12:10pm
- Tuesday, December 8, 12:10pm
- Wednesday, December 9, 12:10pm
- Thursday, December 10, 12:10pm
- Tuesday, December 15, 12:10pm
- Wednesday, December 16, 12:10pm
- Thursday, December 17, 12:10pm
Musical Instrument Museum | 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, AZ 85050 | 480.478.6000
"Each year, Matheny and friends bring The SnowCat to life in a popular series of performances for families, combining singing, storytelling, live music, and visual art."
- Saturday, December 5 | 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, December 5 | 1:00 p.m.
- Tickets: $12.50–$17.50
With the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall
"The magic of The Nutcracker illuminates the stage with more than 150 performers, hundreds of costumes, and the beauty and athleticism of Ballet Arizona’s nationally recognized dancers. A timeless holiday tradition for all ages."
- $15.00 for nosebleed section on balcony (otherwise $70 or so...)
- December 11 - 27, 2015
- Shows at 1/2pm and 7:30 most days
Mesa Arts Center
"East Valley Millennial Choirs & Orchestras rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season with the breathtaking Youth Choirs, the majestic Grand Chorus,and the elegant Symphony Orchestra. A Christmas concert unlike anything you have ever experienced."
- DEC 4-5, 5:00PM & 8:00PM
- $17 - $38
"Thursdays, Wednesdays, Nov. 26 through Dec. 23. Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic is performed by Southwest Shakespeare Company for the first time in its 18-year history. SSC's Producing Artistic Director Jared Sakren plays Scrooge as he is visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Warm wassail in a SSC souvenir mug is available. "
- Preview performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.
- Shows continue Saturdays at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, Sundays at 3 p.m. Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 and 11 and evenings Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 and Wednesday Dec. 21.
- Mesa Arts Center, Farnsworth Studio Theater 1 E. Main St., Mesa.
- $12.50-$33.50
The open-air holiday market features about 70 vendors, seven food trucks and entertainment and activities for attendees of all ages. Loosely inspired by a 1997 episode of "Seinfeld" which contained the "Festivus for the Rest of Us," the event also includes Feats of Strength, a Phoestivus Pole, an Airing of Grievances and holiday carolers. The first 100 attendees each evening receive a Phoestivus Goodie Bag.
- Phoenix Public Market, 14 E. Pierce St., Phoenix. Free admission, item prices vary.
- 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.
- 602-456-9388.
- www.phoestivus.com.
"This musical by composer Michael McLean tells the story of a nurse assigned to care for an elderly man who shares with her the untold carols of Christmas. "
- 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21
- Tickets are available online.
- ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe.
- $12.50-$28.50.
- 866-832-8211.
- www.forgottencarols.com.
"The Spur Cross Cowboy Church hosts cowboy poetry and traditional Christmas carols with OK Choral, the church choir. Refreshments are served following the performance."
- 7 p.m. Dec. 23.
- Pioneer Living History Village, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix.
- 623-556-7935.
- Concert is free, though Admission Prices to Museum may apply:
- Children under 18 are $7
- Adults are $9.
- Veterans and Seniors are $8.
- *Parties of 15 or more $7 per person
- Children under 5 are free
It's Feline A Lot Like An After Christmas Extravaganza Cat Show:
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix.
"More than 200 cats compete for top honors. Features the feline-agility competition."
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix.
"More than 200 cats compete for top honors. Features the feline-agility competition."
- Dec. 27-28. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday,
- $7; $6 for seniors; $3 for ages 2-12.
- 480-893-7695.
- www.phxfeline.com.
Christmas Lights/Decoration Walk-About
-Internet search of "Mesa, AZ Christmas Light Display Winners" brought up this nifty 'neighborhood map: Click to go there!
-Mesa Arizona Temple"The annual Mesa Temple Garden Christmas Lights display conveys peace and goodwill of the season with a unique and spectacular exhibit of hundreds of thousands of colorful lights.
- Free admission,
- free parking.
- Saturday, November 29 through Wednesday, December 31
- lights are on display from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
-Tempe Marketplace has nice decorations, as do many malls.
"The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel is magical during the holidays, with seemingly every corner decked out with decorations. Christmas at the Princess festival events and activities are open to the public and include: The 6,000-square-foot Desert Ice Skating Rink — with real ice and nightly snowfall — is a big draw. Reservations are available for rink-side fire pits with blankets so you can enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate and cocktails. The resort also features Lagoon Lights with more than 2.8 million lights, rides on the Princess Express Train, a massive four-story musical Christmas tree, S'mores Land with a complimentary Christmas carousel, a petting zoo (open from 5-9pm featuring sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and an alpaca) and visits by holiday characters."
- $30 Entrance fee and parking for non-hotel guests (up to 9 people per vehicle)
- Light shows, rides on the Princess Express Train and the Christmas Carousel are complimentary. Skating, Santa photos, shopping and dining are priced separately.Times vary for rink; call or check the hotel website.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive.
- 480-585-4848,
- scottsdaleprincess.com.
"Historic Downtown Glendale comes to life each holiday season with about 1.5 million multi-colored twinkling holiday lights located throughout a twelve-block area that includes the Old Towne and Catlin Court Districts."
-Ahwatukee Festival of Lights- Free to walk or drive around the area.
- November 27 through January 9, 2016
"The beautiful Ahwatukee lights can be seen on Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway."
- Free to walk,
- November 28 through January 1, 2016
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale.
"All Aboard Arizona's most unique holiday event! Take a train ride through many festive holiday lights and displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will include a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Santa will be at the park through December 23."
- December 11, 2015 – January 2, 2016 (excluding December 24, 25, and 31), 6:30p.m. – 9:00p.m.
- Free admission to park, Train ride is $4 and carousel ride is $2.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.
Candle Lit Walks (Skiing by candle light is awesome, too, if you can find it)
- Gilbert Water Preserve Candlelit Walk - Riparian After Dark
"Each night of the event, the Town of Gilbert will be partnering with a non-profit organization to help collect items to help support each organization. Please consider donating any of the following products listed below to the start of the walk located in the Southeast Regional Library parking lot (Guadalupe and Greenfield Roads)."
- December 11- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Diapers,Wipes and Feminine Hygiene Products for The House of Refuge
- December 12- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Toys/Games for Gilbert Fire and Rescue Toy Drive
- December 18-5:30pm-9:00pm-Non-Perishable Foods for United Food Bank
- December 19- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Dog Food/Supplies for Maricopa Animal Rescue
"Each night of the event, the Town of Gilbert will be partnering with a non-profit organization to help collect items to help support each organization. Please consider donating any of the following products listed below to the start of the walk located in the Southeast Regional Library parking lot (Guadalupe and Greenfield Roads)."
- December 11- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Diapers,Wipes and Feminine Hygiene Products for The House of Refuge
- December 12- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Toys/Games for Gilbert Fire and Rescue Toy Drive
- December 18-5:30pm-9:00pm-Non-Perishable Foods for United Food Bank
- December 19- 5:00pm-9:00pm- Dog Food/Supplies for Maricopa Animal Rescue
Festival of Trees
-One option is going to the decorated holiday trees displayed at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. These nine foot trees decorated by local interior designers are part of a fund-raising event for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Holiday trees will be on display from Monday, November 23, 2015 through Tuesday, December 1, 2015. - 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Christmas Caroling
- print out words and music to classic songs for number in group.
- join a group at a church / community group / meetup group
- play songs on instrument or just sing with friends at a local spot / nursing home / hospital
Christmas Parties and Cheesy Party Games
Games to Host at your own party:- Ugly Sweater Competition
- White Elephant
- Loaded Questions
- Christmas Relay Races
- Minute To Win It
"If you are celebrating Christmas Eve without your family, would rather not spend Christmas with your family, or you don't celebrate Christmas at all -- this party is for you. The cider is spiced and spiked and so is the egg nog. Bad Santa is on-site to pose for awkward "family" photos with attendees. "
- 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 24.
- Dollhouse Cocktail Lounge, 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale.
- No cover, $5 drinks, free photos.
- 480-359-7118.
- dollhouseaz.com.
Kid Friendly Activities
-Holiday Gift-Making Workshop:"10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17-18. The hourly childcare center transforms into a gift-making workshop for ages 2-12 where kids get to create their own handmade gifts to give to friends and family for the holidays while parents get their holiday shopping done. KidsPark, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Suite 220, Scottsdale. $12 per hour for two children, $8 per hour per single child, $3 per hour each additional sibling. 602-788-2445. www.kidspark.com."
-Rides for Toys:
"The Phoenix Fire Department trades one ride in a fire truck or police car for a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item in sizes from newborn to 8. Donations go to Valley charities helping at-risk children. Donations are always accepted at Phoenix Fire stations during business hours. "
- 5-8 p.m. Dec. 17.
- Target, 2727 W. Agua Fria Freeway, Phoenix.
- Donation required for ride.
- 602-920-6097.
- phoenix.gov/fire.
Santa Action Options
Consider any of these activities to do with kids that still believe in Santa:
- Write a Letter to Santa, post to North Pole - c
- Photos with Santa
- Visit Santa at Mall Set up
- Make cookies for Santa Claus
"Dec. 17. Activities include a pancake breakfast, picture with Santa, a goody bag for each child and holiday activities. A candy cane seating is 8:30-9:15 a.m. with a gingerbread seating from 10-10:45 a.m. Tickets are required and go on sale 8 a.m. Nov. 14 and may be purchased on line or at the Mesa Amphitheatre box office, 263 N. Center St. Call or e-mail Jacquie.gallo@mesaaz.gov for more information. Mesa Convention Center, Building B, 201 N. Center St., Mesa. $5 per person for both adults and children. 480-644-4948. www.mesaamp.com."
-Breakfast With Santa: 9-11 a.m. Dec. 17. Children ages 3-10 can enjoy breakfast with Santa and have their picture taken with him. Pancakes, sausage, fruit and juice are served, and kids get a goodie bag. Parents should bring cameras. Limited to the first 125 children. Register in person or online with bar code 81077 by clicking on "classes and programs." Call for more information. Presented by the city of Phoenix. Desert West Community Center, 6501 W. Virginia Ave., Phoenix. $2. 602-495-3700. phoenix.gov/parks/calendar/index.html.
INSIDE THE HOME:
Decorating the Christmas Tree and House / Making Decorations:
Decorating Windows:
Draw snowflakes on in hot glue (peel off and store in aluminum foil, and then just heat gun and restick!)
String Pinecones on string, tie onto a small expanda-curtain rod. You can wrap the rod in some garland or poofy ribbon, or if it is white try wrap it with thin red ribbon to make it peppermint stick like. Hang this window filler from inside the sill of the window and enjoy! You can also use ornaments, or orange slices, or mini wrapped gifts, or whatever you have many of that speaks of Christmas.
The Christmas Tree -
hanger for ornaments,
stand
skirt
Make some ornaments:
-Make a button tree ornament.
-Make an angel ornament
-Pop some popcorn to string on your tree.
-Make a star ornament.
Play fun Christmas music while you work!
- online streaming radio
- music downloads from library
Make a wreath:
Make the house smell like Christmas
Prepare/hang/make stockings:
-Hanging off stair balustrade/railing
-Hanging off top of book shelf
-Stocking stuffers
Cookie Bake/Decorating and / or Cookie Exchange
-Make reindeer donuts.
-Make peppermint marshmallow hot cocoa stirrers.
-Make peppermint bark to give to a neighbor.
Christmas Cards:
-Make a Christmas card for the mailman.
Make Gingerbread House
- snap apart gingerbread cutout cookie cutter for small cookie houses
- anything goes construction, using up old candies
Read Christmas Stories
- fiction for adults (NOT romance)
- series of steamy Romance Christmas stories
Watch Christmas Movies:
-Have an indoor picnic on the living room floor while you watch.
-Top Lists of Christmas Shows to Watch (and available Netflix/Hulu, etc)
-Top Lists of Christmas Shows to Watch (and available Netflix/Hulu, etc)
-have the cocoa bar open, with cookies at the ready.
Christmas Shopping / Gift Wrapping:
-Shop for Gifts for Siblings-Complete online shopping with a physically distant friend on Skype!
-Wrap Christmas Gifts - in all reusable/recycled materials!
Christmas Crafts / Make Gifts for Christmas:
-Make snow globe soap.-Make snow candles and read a Christmas story book by candlelight.
-Make a pine cone bird feeder and hang it in a tree outside your home.
-Enlist friends to 'manufacture' a lot in a short amount of time. Have different friends help different days so you can gift the other item to the other person who didn't help make it!
Random Other Christmas Traditions:
-Pickle in the Christmas Tree-Peppermint Pig
-Silver Coin in the Soup/Bread/Baked Good
Make a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas.
Make a nativity set from recycled materials.
Sleep under the Christmas tree lights.
Here’s the 10 easy steps:
Have your child write a letter to Santa and have them seal it in an envelope they address to: Santa Claus, North Pole.
Tell the child that you’ll place a stamp on it and mail it to St. Nick for them.
Later, when alone, open the envelope, read the letter and write Santa’s response on the back of the child’s letter. Have Santa mention it’s important to be green and that’s why he is writing on the back.
When responding, be sure to reference your child’s notable accomplishments not included in their letter, i.e., Santa is so proud that you volunteered to help ____, or Santa is really impressed with the great job you’re doing in school — especially with math, etc. Sign it Santa Claus with a P.S. to get to bed early Christmas Eve.
Place the letter into a new envelope addressed to the child at his or her home address. Be sure to include:
Santa Claus,
North Pole,
as the return address on the envelope.
And don’t forget to apply a First-Class Mail® stamp.
Place the stamped envelope into a larger envelope (or Priority Mail® envelope) with adequate postage addressed to:
NORTH POLE POSTMARK POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
Letters from Santa must be received by the Anchorage, AK, Postmaster no later than Dec. 15, 2014.
The Anchorage Postmaster will open the envelope, remove Santa’s letter addressed to your child, apply the North Pole postmark and mail it back home.
When Santa’s letter arrives, have your camera ready when you ask your child to open the letter and read it out loud.
Tweet the photos using the #SantaLetters and post them on Facebook. Keep the letters in a scrapbook as a great family keepsake along with the photos.
Sending / Responding to a Santa Letter:
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And the Postal Service can help you prove it when Santa replies to your child’s letter to Santa — complete with the North Pole Postmark!Here’s the 10 easy steps:
Have your child write a letter to Santa and have them seal it in an envelope they address to: Santa Claus, North Pole.
Tell the child that you’ll place a stamp on it and mail it to St. Nick for them.
Later, when alone, open the envelope, read the letter and write Santa’s response on the back of the child’s letter. Have Santa mention it’s important to be green and that’s why he is writing on the back.
When responding, be sure to reference your child’s notable accomplishments not included in their letter, i.e., Santa is so proud that you volunteered to help ____, or Santa is really impressed with the great job you’re doing in school — especially with math, etc. Sign it Santa Claus with a P.S. to get to bed early Christmas Eve.
Place the letter into a new envelope addressed to the child at his or her home address. Be sure to include:
Santa Claus,
North Pole,
as the return address on the envelope.
And don’t forget to apply a First-Class Mail® stamp.
Place the stamped envelope into a larger envelope (or Priority Mail® envelope) with adequate postage addressed to:
NORTH POLE POSTMARK POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
Letters from Santa must be received by the Anchorage, AK, Postmaster no later than Dec. 15, 2014.
The Anchorage Postmaster will open the envelope, remove Santa’s letter addressed to your child, apply the North Pole postmark and mail it back home.
When Santa’s letter arrives, have your camera ready when you ask your child to open the letter and read it out loud.
Tweet the photos using the #SantaLetters and post them on Facebook. Keep the letters in a scrapbook as a great family keepsake along with the photos.
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