Holiday Happenings

Holiday Happenings The Latest from Kierland Commons

Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson Photos Courtesy of Kierland Commons

IT’S SHAPING UP TO BE A BUSY SEASON AT KIERLAND COMMONS, THE POPULAR SCOTTSDALE SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT 15205 N.

KIERLAND BOULEVARD. To help keep you in the know, we rounded up Kierland Commons’ latest news and events.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

This holiday season enjoy fun family festivities at Kierland Commons. There are story times with Mrs. Claus (Saturdays, December 11 and 18 from 3-6 p.m.), and photos for your pets (Mondays, December 13 and December 20 from 4-8 p.m.) There’s also, of course, photos available with the big man in red all season long. Visit kierlandcommons. com/holiday for full details.

VUORI CLOTHING NOW OPEN

Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle, an integration of fitness, surf, sport, and art, according to the company. They celebrated their grand opening at Kierland Commons on November 12.

BAD BIRDIE’S KIERLAND COMMONS DEBUT

On November 18, Bad Birdie celebrated their retail store’s grand opening at Kierland Commons.

“At Bad Birdie, we design standout golf apparel that’s comfortable as all hell without compromising on performance or good vibes. We do it this way because, quite frankly, we think it’s what the game needs,” according to the company. “So, if you’re looking for a good game, and a better time, then we’re going to get along just fine.”

NEW OPENINGS THIS MONTH

Kierland Commons also confirmed these businesses to be opening in December:

TIA MODERN HEALTH: Tia’s therapists practice in a collaborative care model that enables both counseling and medication management prescribed by an accompanied physician. Tia’s licensed clinical therapists offer a variety of specialties ranging from trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and more. Learn more at asktia.com/locations/tia-phx.

JOHNNIE-O: “We are excited to announce that Johnnie-O will be opening at Kierland Commons this December,” according to the shopping center. Johnnie-O, started by John O’Donnell in 2005, is a branded lifestyle apparel company, founded in Santa Monica, California, that embodies living your best life. The johnnie-O brand fuses a Southern California vibe with East Coast style through a full line of clothing and accessories for men and boys.

COMING IN SPRING 2022

Here is a sneak peek at what to expect in spring 2022 at Kierland Commons:

TravisMathew: Founded in 2007, TravisMathew draws its inspiration from the culture and lifestyle of Southern California’s surf, sand, and sun. As a premier men’s lifestyle brand, TravisMathew has created versatile, everyday apparel that seamlessly transitions from work to play. With a smart blend of performance and innovative design, each product is crafted to achieve a perfect balance between functional comfort and superior style.

The Lexus Experience: Lexus will bring its interactive, visceral brand experience of brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance to Kierland Commons. Known for anticipating the future of luxury for its customers, the space promises a memorable encounter, inviting you to explore vehicles in a lowpressure environment that is steeped in immersive design.

Holiday Fun at The Promenade Scottsdale

Information and Photo Courtesy of The Promenade Scottsdale

LOOKING FOR SOME LOCAL HOLIDAY CHEER? Drive on over to The Promenade Scottsdale at 16243 N. Scottsdale Road to celebrate the season.

FREE GINGERBREAD HOUSE KITS

Locals can pick up a free gingerbread house kit with purchase at select stores and restaurants while supplies last.

Participating retail locations include: • Chin Up Donuts • Club Pilates (available at a special class on December 17 only) • Elements Massage • Exclusively Men’s Barber and Spa • Giftology • Penchetta • Rinaldi’s Deli • The Capital Grille • V’s Barbershop • World of Rugs

HOLIDAY TREE CELEBRATION

Join in on spreading holiday cheer throughout the season at The Promenade Scottsdale as the shopping center invite local charities in partnership with The Promenade shops to deck the halls. Check out all the trees near Nordstrom Rack to vote for your favorite. The winning tree’s nonprofit will receive a $1,000 donation on behalf of The Promenade and runner ups will receive $500 each.

Nonprofit and Participating Retailer/Restaurant Partnerships: • One Love Pitbull Foundation and Chin Up Donuts • Harvest Compassion Center and SAS Shoes • HopeKids and Elements Massage • Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children and

Someburros • Girls on The Run and Golden Spoon

A holiday tree decorating winner will be announced on or after January 5, 2022.

Want more details? Visit scottsdalepromenade.com to learn more.

Holiday Happenings

The Magic of Christmas At The Princess

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS IS SET OPEN FOR ITS TWELFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

The iconic AAA Five Diamond resort becomes the most festive place this side of the North Pole during its annual Christmas at the Princess six-week festival, which happens through Jan. 2, 2022.

Guests will experience that town center holiday feel that you see in all those holiday movies, where people hug a little longer, smile a little more, and share the joy of the holidays with those they love.

NEW THIS YEAR

A Christmas Wish Forest: As the sun begins to set in the evening sky, make a wish upon a star in the Wish Forest that shines each night with the hopes and dreams of families. Each family will receive magical wish paper to write and record their holiday wishes and dreams. Then, the magical paper is lit, and the wish flutters to the stars. Write it, light it, and watch it fly to the stars! Donations will be accepted and will go to LoveUp to benefit foster care kids in the Valley.

The Village, Featuring S’mores Land: The powder is falling, and the mountains are calling at The Village. Sled down the 120-foot Snow Mountain, conquer the ice as you glide through the Alpine Skate Trail, or catch a thrill with a ride on the 90-foot-tall chair lift, with 26 gondolas. Little adventurers will be challenged in the Ice Maze! And don’t forget to Ski Scottsdale with a hop on the ski lift for a fun photo op.

Ice Pass, Unlimited Skating: The all-new ice pass gives guests unlimited access to the two outdoor 6,000 square foot ice skating rinks – Desert Ice and the new Alpine Trail – both made of real ice! $40 per person (skate rental included).

Snow Mountain: Sled down 120 feet of blizzardy bliss on the four-lane ice slide! And don’t forget to say hello to Shivers the Yeti before sliding down the frozen attraction.

VIP Igloos: As Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, warm up in one of ten VIP climate-controlled igloos with adjoining heated patios. Enjoy the ambience with a warm winter cocktail in hand. Advanced tickets required.

CHERISHED FAVORITES

Activities that are must-visit favorites are back, including: Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, Princess Express Train, a walk-through experience of more than six million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, S’mores Land, Winterland, and Twinkle Town.

ADMISSION AND PARKING

• In-house guests: Express pass event admission is complimentary for registered hotel guests. • Dine-in: Dine at the resort’s signature restaurants and receive complimentary admission and 50% off valet parking with a $75 minimum spend at any of the resort’s restaurants. Reservations required. • Self-parking and admission: $72; includes up to four wristbands.

For more information on Christmas at the Princess, visit ScottsdalePrincess.com or call 480-585-4848.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive.

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DEADLINE FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE IS DECEMBER 10.

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Delivers Another Year of Holiday Cheer

THE HOLIDAY LIGHT EXPERIENCE AT SALT RIVER FIELDS, A UNIQUE AND DAZZLING DRIVE-THROUGH HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW, IS BACK THIS YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THE SPECTACLE OF NEARLY FIVE MILLION LIGHTS THAT WILL GREET YULETIDE REVELERS ALONG 1.2 MILES THAT ENCIRCLES THE AWARDWINNING SPRING TRAINING HOME OF THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS AND COLORADO ROCKIES.

Tickets for the Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields are now on sale. Hours are 6-9 p.m. daily with tickets ranging from a general admission of $35 on weekdays to a $375 weekend carriage ride for 12. Tickets for various experiences are available at holidaylightexperience.com.

“Salt River Fields is very excited to deliver another opportunity to celebrate the season with The Holiday Light Experience. This year, we’ve elevated every aspect of the five million light spectacle. There are so many new ideas and new surprises in store, including a Santa’s Village, Holiday Light Theatre, and handcrafted gifts,” says Dave Dunne, General Manager, Salt River Fields.

New this year is Santa’s Village. This magical spot welcomes one and all with hot chocolate, beverages and snacks, shopping for distinctive and handcrafted gifts, plus the new Holiday Light Theatre, a spectacle of dynamic, festive lights presented on a 20x40 screen! And, of course, it’s his village – Santa will be there greeting guests.

Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is specially designed as a safe, drive- through exceptional experience enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own vehicle. Guests will wind through a sparkling pathway more than a mile long that surrounds the awardwinning baseball facility, a landmark within The Talking Stick Entertainment District. At every turn, the magical route is anticipated to overflow with spectacular light displays, synchronized to Christmas melodies that bring popular holiday themes and characters to life. Favorite holiday songs will be simulcast directly into vehicles on a designated FM radio signal.

For tickets and latest event details, visit holidaylightexperience.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook @HolidayLightExperience.

Scottsdazzle Lights Up the Holidays This December

By Molly Cerreta Smith THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, SCOTTSDAZZLE, IS UN-

DERWAY! With so many events, there are multiple ways to celebrate the season all month long with food, drinks, crafts, activities, scavenger hunts, and more. Check out the line-up of some of Scottsdazzle’s most popular happenings, as well as some new ones debuting this month.

Calling all kids! Santa is waiting to receive those letters! Parents can have their children submit wish lists online, so they can visit the Letters to Santa station at the Old Town Farmers Market on Saturday, December 4 and December 11. (Santa himself will be there to snap selfies with little ones as parents shop for last minute gifts and provisions for the holidays).

For those that love to raise a glass in celebration of the season, Scottsdazzle’s “Wine Dazzle” events are just the thing. Participating wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars throughout Old Town, including Carlson Creek, LDV Winery, Kazimierz and Su Vino Winery, are featuring fun events such as crafting, bottling, pairing and “challenge” tastings while enjoying delicious local wines.

Scottsdazzle Stroll takes place Saturdays, December 4, 11 and 18 along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is alive with the sounds of the season. Guests can peruse the area while listening to live holiday music, checking out stunning public art installations, and enjoying holiday décor. (A selfie in front of the city’s all new 40-foot Scottsdazzle tree is a must!). Local vendors will be offering hot cocoa, coffee, and sweet holiday treats during the strolls.

The Scottsdale Gallery Association’s Scottsdazzle themed ArtWalk on Thursday, December 9, encourages art lovers to shop their favorite local art galleries for the perfect gift while enjoying artist receptions and refreshments at individual galleries as well as strolling carolers throughout Scottsdale’s Arts District. (And maybe even a Santa spotting, too!)

On Sunday, December 12, Old Adobe Mission hosts the traditional Miracle of Roses Pageant, which features a performance reenacting the appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City; this event also serves to honor Our Lady Guadalupe. The Mission also hosts a live Nativity exhibition featuring real performers and animals reenacting the holy manger scene and art objects representing the birth of Jesus on Saturday, December 18.

Artistic types can enjoy two Holly Jolly Painting Parties — one on Saturday, December 18 and one Sunday, December 19, on Marshall Bridge. Each event includes all supplies needed to create a fun holiday masterpiece. Taking place during that weekend, the Sparkle and Spin Scavenger Hunt returns — encouraging guests to explore Old Town on their bikes, uncovering clues and solving puzzles and riddles along the way. For those that need to unwind and destress from the hectic holiday season can find their Zen during two Yuletide Yoga events held on Marshall Bridge. Hosted by CorePower Yoga on Saturday, December 18 and CA Yoga Barre on Sunday, December 19, these classes encourage attendees to stay present and mindful of the joy of the season.

New this year, the City of Scottsdale is encouraging residents and visitors to support small businesses (and earn some holiday cheer in return!) with the Shop Scottsdale Holiday Giveaway.

Through Saturday, December 25, small business supporters have a chance to win one of five $250 AMEX gift cards just by shopping. With each $25 qualifying purchase, shoppers have a chance to win big. Qualifying purchases can be made at small businesses in Scottsdale including in-store, online delivery, takeout and gift cards. Shoppers must submit their receipts online to be entered; winners will be notified on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Visit scottsdazzle.com for all things Scottsdazzle.

Holiday Happenings

The Holiday Cheer is Here at Desert Ridge Marketplace

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS IN FULL SWING, AND DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE IS CELEBRATING WITH A CALENDAR FULL OF CHEERFUL EVENTS AND FESTIVE

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES. Guests are invited to wander through a whimsical wonderland in The District where they can catch festive feels, snap dazzling shots, and check off their holiday gift list.

All month long, take in the sights of Christmas in Color, a collection of festive art installations in vibrant shades. Stop by Nutcracker Nights, which features massive Nutcrackers standing four to ten feet tall, framing the fireplace near AMC Theatres. Head toward Dave & Buster’s and stroll beneath a canopy of illuminated spheres and catch a glimpse of the 20-foot-long Starry & Bright star tunnel filled with vibrant new pops of color. Finally, pop over to the 40-foot-tall Holiday Tree at the main entrance that is sure to make the perfect seasonal shot.

Through December 31, Desert Ridge Marketplace will transform into a living snow globe with its nightly snowfall every evening at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. near AMC Theatres (excluding Christmas Day). Plus, enjoy snowfall every hour on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Continuing the holiday spirit, Desert Ridge Marketplace invites guests to partake in its Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree. The center has partnered with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts to children in need. Through December 22, guests can visit the table near Dave & Buster’s, pull a tag, and shop for a gift at their favorite Desert Ridge Marketplace brands.

Desert Ridge Marketplace will also feature some of the Valley’s hottest local bands at The District Stage every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Plus, enjoy holiday shows from local community performance groups. Visit shopdesertridge.com for the full schedule.

Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix. For more information, visit shopdesertridge.com.

December Happenings, Events and New Tenants at Scottsdale Quarter

SCOTTSDALE QUARTER IS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ENDLESS EVENTS, ENTERTAIN-

MENT, AND EXPERIENCES FOR THE COMMUNITY. The festive activities include photos with Santa, the highly anticipated free Christmas movie series, countless festive photo opportunities for selfies or your family holiday card, and so much more!

Every Saturday and Sunday through December 19, guests can enjoy shopping, carolers, festive characters and more while strolling through Santa City in The Quad. Also, you can meet Santa and get your photo taken with the jolly man in red through December 24. Reservations are recommended and available at scottsdalequarter.com.

The annual Christmas Movies at The Quarter event series is back! On select Fridays at 6 p.m. bring your chairs and blankets to watch a special holiday feature film in front of the Christmas tree with some surprise character appearances.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCHEDULE:

• December 3: Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four

Realms • December 10: Elf starring Will Farrell • December 17: Jim Carey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Santa Paws is coming to town! It doesn’t matter if they’ve been naughty or nice, bring your fur babies in for their very own picture with Santa on December 6 and December 13 from 6-8 p.m. Reservations available on the Scottsdale Quarter website. On December 11 from 12-3 p.m., you and your pup can create a tasty treat at Camp Bow Wow’s bone bar and receive a complimentary professional photo with the meanest, greenest grouch in town.

NEW AND UPCOMING SHOPS

Scottsdale Quarter has added several new stores to its ever-expanding elite lineup of tenants. SkinCeuticals SkinLab™ by Maffi Plastic Surgery recently opened on 72nd Street and the South Street corridor and is SkinCeuticals SkinLab’s first-ever Arizona location. YETI, the best premium coolers and accessories, opened in November in The Quad. Other new tenants include Jennifer Croll, Peloton and Levi’s. Slated to open soon and in 2022 include Landmark Theatres, Faherty, Brilliant Earth, Etta, and Puttshack. These new tenants contribute to the already immersive and dynamic mix of retailers, restaurants, entertainment, and local businesses at the Scottsdale Quarter town center.

For holiday hours and more information, call 480-2708123 or visit scottsdalequarter.com.

Holiday Happenings Great Wolf Lodge’s Annual Snowland Celebration Continues

GREAT WOLF LODGE, LOCATED AT 7333 N. PIMA ROAD IN SCOTTSDALE, IS INVITING LOCAL FAMILIES TO ONE OF ITS MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE YEAR: ITS ANNUAL SNOWLAND CELEBRATION!

Through January 5, 2022, guests will be immersed in a winter wonderland, with daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, seasonally themed crafts, holiday stories and songs, and new this year: Snowland Cabanas. The Snowland Cabanas transport families to their very own whimsical candy cane chalet – a private oasis inside the water park that Great Wolf Lodge created to bring even more holiday joy. Each Cabana features elaborately holiday-themed décor, so guests can cozy up on a lounge chair with their little ones next to a glowing Christmas tree while enjoying a respite from the chilly winter weather inside the 84-degree water park. Throughout the day, snow magically falls from inside the Cabana – creating a truly memorable experience for families. Each Cabana also includes a wreathshaped tube to use on the Crooked Creek lazy river, and a special retail bundle with commemorative ornaments, keepsake mugs, assorted flavors of candy canes, vouchers for holiday-inspired beverages, and more.

Beyond spreading holiday cheer with Snowland Cabanas, Great Wolf Lodge is raising funds for Make-A-Wish, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. For each reservation of a Snowland Cabana, $10 will be donated to Make-A-Wish. Additionally, retail outlets at Great Wolf Lodge will sell festive Santa Hat Wolf Ears for $6.99, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the organization.

There will also be fun, physically distanced activities included as part of an overnight stay, starting in the morning with “Twas the Night Before Snowland” Yoga Tails and concluding in the evening with the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party. Families can also enjoy Snowland Bingo, Trivia games and the popular “Craft Kit to Go” program that gives guests the opportunity to pick up a craft to complete in-room.

Throughout Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge’s Paw Pledge program will be in full effect. The program focuses on disinfection and sanitization, physical distancing, personal protection, and minimizing surface interactions in all guest areas across the resort. For more information, visit greatwolf.com.

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November 26 - December 29

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