DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

BILLY JOEL & STEVIE NICKS

When: Dec. 8

Where: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

What: The Piano Man returns to Chase Field alongside of Stevie Nicks! The two award-winning, powerhouse music figures are adding a stop in the desert to their ongoing tour. Billy Joel had already visited Chase Field in 2019 for their first stadium show in Arizona, which was packed with over 50,000 fans!

Info: mlb.com/dbacks/ballpark/events/upcoming/ billy-joel

Gladys Knight

When: Dec. 8

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

What: Gladys Knight, an iconic figure in the music industry, stands out as one of the most versatile and enduring vocalists over the past five decades. Her remarkable talent has led to hits across various genres. Known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, Knight has also been acclaimed for her dynamic stage presence and ability to connect deeply with her audience.

Info: celebritytheatre.com

BALLET ARIZONA’S “THE NUTCRACKER”

When: Dec. 8 – 10

Where: Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix

What: Ballet Arizona takes the Symphony Hall stage in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s “The Nutcracker,” as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!

Info: balletaz.org

ALICE COOPER’S 21ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING

When: Dec. 9

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

What: Renowned as one of Phoenix’s ‘Signature Holiday Events,’ Christmas Pudding will bring together Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Quiet Riot, and Sixwire for this annual fundraiser to benefit Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix & Mesa.

Info: alicecoopersolidrock.com/event/ christmaspudding2023

Blippi Live

When: Dec. 9

Where: Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix

What: Families will sing, dance, and learn with Blippi in this exciting live experience. He’s even bringing along an all-new special guest, Meekah. Together, they’ll explore what makes different cities so unique and special (complete with a healthy, kid-approved dose of monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks, naturally), inspiring curiosity in preschool audiences by making learning accessible and fun.

Info: phoenix.theater/tickets/blippi-live

AEROSMITH & THE BLACK CROWES

When: Dec. 10

Where: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

What: Aerosmith is set to conclude their “Peace Out” tour with a performance at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. Joining them for this event will be the Black Crowes as special guests. This tour marks a significant milestone, commemorating Aerosmith’s 50 years of influential music and their status as one of America’s most iconic rock bands. To enhance the concert experience, THX, established by renowned filmmaker George Lucas, will introduce the THX Certified Live! This initiative aims to optimize the sound quality in each venue, ensuring a high-fidelity audio experience for the audience.

Info: footprintcenter.com/events/aerosmith

RICK SPRINGFIELD

When: Dec. 15

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

What: The artist famous for “Jessie’s Girl” is set to perform at the Celebrity Theatre, delighting fans with beloved classics such as “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” “Human Touch,” and the iconic “Jessie’s Girl.” Info: celebritytheatre.com

“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…” BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

When: Dec. 15 – 24

Where: Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix

What: “Twas the Night Before…” is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. Info: cirquedusoleil.com

RODRIGUEZ VS EDWARDS

When: Dec. 16

Where: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale

What: Get ready for an electrifying evening as Rodriguez and Edwards face off in the ring for the WBO & IBF World Flyweight Championship. This much-anticipated match brings together two of the world’s top flyweights in a battle for supremacy. Don’t miss the chance to witness this highstakes showdown at the renowned Desert Diamond Arena. Be there to experience the intensity and skill of world-class boxing, as these two fighters vie for the prestigious titles. Info: desertdiamondarena.com

DEREK HOUGH: SYMPHONY OF DANCE

When: Dec. 19

Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa

What: From the Emmy award-winning mind of Derek Hough, the live dance show is the first-national tour for the performing dynamo in four years. The show features all new high-energy choreography, stunning stage production,