THINGS TO DO ZOOLIGHTS WHEN: Daily through January 19, 2020, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. WHERE: Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, 455 N. Galvin Parkway Papago Park in Phoenix WHAT: See millions of twinkling and dancing lights, a three-story-high holiday tree, live reindeer, a 200-foot long polar slide, photos with Santa, hundreds of glimmering light displays and lakeside music-in-motion shows. New this year to the holiday display is the Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring more than 60 creatures – all aglow. Tickets start at $14.95.
High Street next to Desert Ridge Marketplace 5415 E High Street, Phoenix 480-454-4354
CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS WHEN: Daily through December 31 WHERE: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale WHAT: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the splendor of the season at the AAA Five Diamond award-winning Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with entertainment including a desert ice-skating rink made with real ice, recognized as one of the “Top Ten Holiday Ice Rinks in the World” by the Vancouver Sun; A Build-A-Bear Workshop where fans can find the brand’s one-of-a-kind holiday experience; Enchanted plaza shows; an opportunity to join Santa inside his secret headquarters, where the young and young-at-heart can have family photos taken with Kris Kringle himself while meeting a few of his favorite friends along the way; S’Mores Land, Lagoon Lights and the Princess Express Trains, holiday character appearances and much more! $55 general admission per car. Ride/attraction wristbands additional. HOLIDAY WINE AND DINE EVENT AT THE SHOPS GAINEY VILLAGE WHEN: December 5, 4-7 p.m. WHERE: 8777 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale WHAT: Kick off the holiday season with the SHOPS Gainey Village on Thursday, December 5th from 4:00pm-7:00pm during their fourth annual Holiday Wine and Dine Christmas event! Guests will enjoy live music by The Sahnas Brothers, Spanish Guitarist, Miguel de Maria, the steel drums duo as well as electric violinist, Natasha Ratz. To put guests in the spirit, festive horse and carriage rides by Scottsdale Horse and Carriage will be available around the shopping center in addition to baked goods, coffee and hot chocolate by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. For those 21 years and older, complimentary wine tastings will be available at selected restaurants. The event is free to attend. 5TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT THE QUARTER WHEN: December 6, 13 and 20 WHERE: Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale WHAT: At the Quad near the fountain, enjoy free holiday movies including Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Story during these free holiday events. Enjoy shopping and dining before or after these special holiday viewings. SANTA AT THE PROMENADE WHEN: December 7 and 14, 11: a.m. -3 p.m. WHERE: The Promenade, 16243 N. Scottsdale Road WHAT: Shoppers, neighbors, friends, and family (even four-legged ones!) are invited to celebrate the holidays with a fun event including Selfies with Santa, complementary hot cocoa bar, and a “Make Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater” station (bring your own sweater, supplies to decorate are provided). Each event is free and takes place near Nordstrom Rack. Guests may register via www.eventbrite.com/e/selfies-with-santa-tickets-79079517967. SCOTTSDALE FOOD STREET WHEN: December 13, December 20, and December 27, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Commons on Shea, 6451 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale WHAT: Scottsdale Food Street is a new food market for people to explore and eat. It is a free, weekly community event on most Fridays to bring people together
26 • December 2019 • THE SCOTTSDALE STANDARD
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