5 Things to Do in Phoenix this Holiday Season

Christmas is only a few days away and the holiday season is in full swing. The kids are out of school for the next few weeks and will need something fun to keep them occupied while you finish that last minute holiday shopping. We’ve compiled this list of fun and festive activities to participate in this winter season – all the way through to the New Year. Celebrate the holidays in style by following this enjoyable CC Sunscreens winter guide!

Where: Downtown Glendale
When: Every Friday & Saturday night until January 7th.
How Much: FREE

Glendale is famous for its winter wonderland event, titled Glendale Glitters. Every Friday and Saturday night from now until January 7th, you’re invited join in on the fun! This free event is touted as one of the best holiday block parties in the Southwest, boasting 1.5 million LED lights, snow playgrounds for the kids, petting zoos, delicious food and handcrafted holiday gifts. This award-winning event is the largest free light display in Arizona. Even if you cannot make it to the parties over the weekends, the lights are on definitely worth the visit on their own – every night of the week. For more information, visit Glendale’s website here: https://www.glendaleaz.com/play/parks_and_recreation/parks_and_recreation_news/

Where: Desert Botanical Gardens
When: December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 20-23, 26-31
How Much: Adults: $30, Kids: $12.50 (non-member prices)

Featuring 8,000 lit luminaria bags and hundreds of thousands of white twinkle lights, the beauty of the Desert Botanical Gardens is illuminated during these breathtaking evenings. The already breathtaking plants and wildlife in the garden take on a new life when surrounded by light. Las Noches de Las Luminarias can be a romantic date by strolling through the paths sipping hot chocolate with your loved one. You can also take the whole family and enjoy delicious eats while listening to the beautiful sounds of the nine musical entertainment groups situated throughout the park. For more information, visit: http://www.dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias-2016

Where: Symphony Hall 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85034
When: Nightly until December 24th
How Much: $43.00-$164.00

The magical story of Clara and her toy Nutcracker never get old – and are a staple holiday event for many families across the nation. Pass the tradition down to your children and watch them enjoy the mischievous adventures of dancing toys and waltzing flowers. Allistair Macaulay of the New York Times touts of the ballet, “Ballet Arizona’s ‘Nutcracker’ is one of the three finest productions of the nearly 20 I’ve seen across America.” Hurry, because tickets are selling out fast, and the show ends on Christmas eve. Visit balletaz.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Where: Downtown Phoenix
When: Daily, now until January 8th
How Much: $25 express pass (online only) $15 general admission

As Arizonians, we don’t have many lakes that freeze over every year and provide natural skating rinks, however, what screams holidays more than a few spins on the rink with friends and family? This is where CityScape’s annual ice skating rink comes in. Rent skates and take a spin on the rink, or just watch from the sidelines while you enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa and fresh holiday sweets. In the heart of Downtown Phoenix, the CitySkate rink is located right outside great bars, restaurants and shopping. The rink is open to the public daily from now until January 8th, however there are various session times on each day. Visit the website for more information.

Where: Heard Museum
When: Monday December 26th-Friday December 30th
How Much: Adults $18.00 Children $7.50 (free for museum members)

This event is a must see, especially for your out-of-town guests as it celebrates native cultures and winter holiday events. Watch Native American dance and music performances twice daily, as well as art demonstrations at 11am and 4pm daily. Immerse yourself in native American culture by tasting homemade fry bread and fry bread tacos – a fun twist on the native American classic. Enjoy all of the regular exhibitions on display at the Heard museum, on top of the special holiday performances and presentations. For more information, visit the museum website here: http://heard.org/event/holidays/

From all of us at CC Sunscreens, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and New Year.