December 2023
All Month:
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo: (All Month)
A magical holiday experience with over 3 million
twinkling lights, illuminated animal sculptures,
and festive activities for all ages.
https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/ZooLights/
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer at Herberger
Center Stage Theater:
(Showtimes throughout December)
Follow Rudolph’s journey with Hermey the Elf and
Yukon Cornelius encountering the Abominable
Snowman and the land of Misfit Toys. Watch
the TV classic come alive on stage with
stunning effects and cherished tunes like “Ru-
dolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly
Christmas.” Sam The Snowman narrates while
the North Pole, including Santa Claus and playful
elves, mesmerizes. Childsplay’s magical production
celebrates uniqueness.
Join a backstage tour after the December 9 or
December 23, 4pm shows.
https://herbergertheater.org/events/rudolph-the-
red-nosed-reindeer-2/
A Christmas Carol at The Hale Theater:
(Showtimes throughout December)
Their spectacular and heartwarming rendition of
Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption comes
to life magically. This production brims with
traditional carols, breathtaking costumes, and
unforgettable characters, ensuring a season filled
with joy and warmth for families. Celebrating its
21st year in Gilbert, this production promises to
be an enriching experience for all.
https://www.haletheatrearizona.com/Online/ar-
ticle/achristmascarol23
Ballet Arizona: The Nutcracker
(Showtimes throughout December)
In a grand return to Symphony Hall, Ballet Arizona
presents a holiday classic. Experience the magic
and delight of the season through Ib Andersen’s
rendition of The Nutcracker, accompanied by The
Phoenix Symphony’s masterful performance of
Tchaikovsky’s cherished score. Join Clara on her
wintry escapades as she confronts a number
of mischievous mice and captivates the Sugar
Plum Fairy. Whether it’s your debut or your 100th
viewing of The Nutcracker, this heartening tradition
never ceases to mesmerize, bringing smiles to all
who attend!
https://balletaz.org/performance/the-nutcrack-
er-2023/
Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields
Set amidst the Arizona Diamondbacks and
Colorado Rockies’ Cactus League Spring
Training home, this event captures the unique
holiday spirit of the Sonoran Desert. Discover
an immersive holiday experience featuring a
dazzling light maze spread across 10 acres.
Explore illuminated sculptures, a towering
100-foot Christmas tree, and skate through
a twinkling forest. Don’t miss the charming
artisan vendors and boutiques within tiny
storefronts at Enchant!
https://enchantchristmas.com/scottsdale-az-
salt-river-fields/
World of Illumination: Cosmic Sleighride
At Tempe Diablo Stadium (All Month)
Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host
Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday adventure
that is out of this world at Cosmic Sleighride pro-
duced by World of Illumination. Shoot past the
sun, race among the stars and pass through Kris
Kringle’s celestial portal where toys prepare for
launch. Orbit around a team of astro elves hov-
erboarding through the cosmos as you enter the
stratosphere of Santa City, where all the holiday
magic happens. Hold on to your seat — you’re in
for one stellar ride.
https://www.worldofillumination.com/tickets/
tickets-tempe-arizona-diablo-stadium
DECEMBER 1ST
Artlink’s First Fridays Art Walk in Downtown
Phoenix
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Downtown Phoenix, Various Locations
Description: Stroll through the vibrant streets of
Downtown Phoenix and discover a diverse array
of art galleries, studios, and cultural institutions
open late for First Fridays Art Walk.
https://artlinkphx.org/
DECEMBER 1ST - 3RD
The Phoenix Symphony Presents Holiday Pops
This dazzling performance is designed to infuse
a festive spirit into your heart. With a selection
of carols and hymns representing various traditions,
the atmosphere will make your season merry and
bright. Led by guest conductor Gerald Steichen,
the Symphony, accompanied by the Phoenix
Symphony Chorus, anticipates a very special
appearance from a certain North Pole celebrity,
promising an enchanting experience for all of the
attendees!
https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/show/holi-
day-pops-2324/
DECEMBER 9TH
Discovery Days at Taliesin West
Presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Discover art, architecture, and nature during
Taliesin West’s Discovery Days. Unearth the
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s impact while
freely exploring our grounds with performances,
as well as a series of interactive activities, ask-
me stations, and family crafts. Join us on the
9th of December and uncover what Taliesin
West and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
offer. Limited tickets available for Discovery
Days. Secure yours now at:
https://franklloydwright.org/event/discov-
ery-days/
Alice Cooper’s 21st Annual Christmas Pudding
Presented by the Celebrity Theatre
Christmas Pudding, a top Phoenix holiday event,
brings together stars like Alice Cooper, Sammy
Hagar, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Quiet Riot, and
Sixwire for our 21st Annual Fundraiser, backing
Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix
& Mesa. Enjoy these exciting Solid Rock teen
performances, including winners of the 2023
Proof is in the Pudding Music & Dance Competi-
tion, with the Bucket Brigade, Solid Rock Dance
Company, and cheerful Christmas surprises.
https://www.alicecoopersolidrock.com/event/
christmaspudding2023/
DECEMBER 11TH
Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus
Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Neiman Marcus is hosting a breakfast with Santa
including photo opportunities and carolers.
hosted at the Neiman Marcus in Scottsdale
4th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl
Saturday, Dec. 11 noon to 8 p.m.
Put on your best holiday sweater and buy tickets
to enjoy festive libations at nine participating bars
in Scottsdale. If you have a December birthday,
you can also send a photo of your ID for proof
to the event to get a free pass for you and five
friends.
https://tinyurl.com/12BarCrawl
DECEMBER 15TH
Cirque Du Soleil ‘Twas The Night Before…
at the Arizona Financial Theatre
Multiple shows from Friday, Dec. 15 to Sunday,
Dec. 24. “’Twas the Night Before...” is an exciting
twist on the cherished Christmas tale, brought to
life in the unique style only Cirque du Soleil can
provide. This joyful performance combines love,
holiday spirit, exhilarating acrobatics, in addition
to endearing characters.
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-
before
DECEMBER 16TH
SPOTTED: PHOENIX DECEMBER 2023 CAR
SHOW
at the Martin Auto Museum
Indulge in a day filled with gourmet food, refreshing
drinks, and an exquisite display of top-tier vehicles
from the Phoenix region, all showcased in our outdoor
venue area. Explore the Martin Auto Museum, where
more than 150 classic cars await your admiration.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this automotive
spectacle!
Wristbands for museum entry will be conveniently
available for purchase at both entrances.
https://linktr.ee/spottedphoenix
DECEMBER 22ND
Friday Night Films: White Christmas at
Taliesen West
Presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Experience the nostalgia of classic cinema in
a historic space at Taliesin West! Join us for
screenings of old-Hollywood favorites in our
Cabaret Theater, showcasing the significance of
film at Taliesin West. This week’s feature is “White
Christmas” (1954), a holiday classic capturing the
tale of veterans aiding a retired general with a
musical show at his New England inn.
https://franklloydwright.org/event/friday-night-
films-white-christmas/
***
This event information provided in this calendar
section of Discover The Phoenix Region magazine
is sourced from various organizers, and while we
work to achieve accuracy, details such as dates,
times, and locations may be subject to change.
We recommend verifying event specifics directly
with the event organizers before making plans or
attending.
Discover The Phoenix Region is not responsible
for any modifications, cancellations, or inaccuracies
related to the listed events.
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DTPR MAGAZINE #14-1 2023