Holidays and Giving
QUEEN CREEK'S HOMETOWN
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Season's Greetings
Some things change and evolve, while others remain the same. This December issue is my first as the new publisher of Queen Creek City Lifestyle. I may be a fresh face but I am committed to the aim of this publication, which is to connect the residents of Queen Creek to their community and take pride in the amazing people, events, businesses, and more that lie right on our doorstep. If anything, I plan to lean into the local flavor and truly celebrate the town we live and work in. So while things do change, Queen Creek is an example of rapid growth, the spirit of the place remains rooted in farms, family, and fun.
I am excited to join at a time when the holidays are in full swing, the town is decorated, and there is always a festive event to go to. December is also a time filled with traditions such as the Hometown Christmas Parade that everyone looks forward to. Nothing matches seeing all the families come out, children waving to Santa, and delighting in passing down traditions they grew up with. As a newly married man myself, I look forward to creating our family and participating in these annual customs.
Queen Creek is a special place, unlike any other. A town that gives its residents a quality of life and small town feel. As publisher, I not only want to capture this in the pages of this magazine but to partake as well. Under my watch, I am inspired to get involved in the community whether it is through events, giveaways, community service, and more. So, if you see me around, come and introduce yourself and say hi, I would love to meet you.
JACKSON YORK, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Macy Smith | macy.smith@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Jared Orr, Breanna Vega
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cassandra Faragosa, Jenna Grant, Brianna Wells
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Blake, Jenny Kaufman, Stephanie Slezak
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
city scene
1: The Giving Machine was one of many booths at the Praise in the Park event. 2: Musical performances at Praise in the Park held at Pecan Lake Entertainment. 3: Homecoming parade float. 4: Football team float at the Homecoming Parade. 5: Trunk or Treat event at Queen Creek Elementary School where whole families could dress up. 6: A decorated trunk for the Trunk or Treat at Queen Creek Elementary. 7: Queen Creek Olive Mill held a local art show.
San Tan Charter School Ground Breaking
San Tan Charter School broke ground on their new Queen Creek campus. In attendance included the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, Queen Creek Town Council Member Bryan McClure and Dawn Oliphant, owner Dr. Chris Sippel and his family, the building team and principal, Katie Cox. The school is slated to open in July 2026. The tuition-free K-8 charter school will provide a unique model of featuring three distinct programs, Montessori, mainstream, and gifted.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Turkey Burger Boss Ribbon Cutting
Turkey Burger Boss celebrated their ribbon cutting. Turkey Burger Boss was created to bring something fresh and different to the food truck scene—a healthier, handcrafted twist on America’s favorite meal. Every burger is made from scratch with premium turkey and their signature Boss seasoning blend, paired with their fresh-cut Boss Fries and housemade specialty sauces.
Grand Opening of The Sacred Pint
The Sacred Pint officially opened in Queen Creek and features 36 unique craft beers on tap and a selection of wines. This locally owned brewery and taproom also has a gourmet charcuterie board service care of Meets N Cheeses. Enjoy a glass of beer or a flight at this new addition to the Queen Creek food scene.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Jenny Kaufman
THE Hometown, Christmas PARADE
The annual Hometown Christmas Parade has become a beloved tradition that captures the heart and soul of the community.
“For decades, the Hometown Parade has been the official Christmas event in Queen Creek,” says Adam Robinson, the town’s Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s a core memory for generations of families.” Many residents can recall a time when they rode through the parade as children, only to return years later with their own kids in tow. It’s a full-circle moment that perfectly embodies the town’s small-town spirit and deep community roots.
Behind the scenes, the parade is the result of months of careful planning and organization. “The secret ingredient is mixing a whole lot of planning with a whole lot of Christmas spirit,” Robinson shares. From mapping out floats to hanging wreaths, his team works year-round to make sure the event runs seamlessly. “All the hard work melts away when someone puts on a classic Christmas song,” he adds. Robinson hopes that everyone who attends leaves with something lasting.
A Queen Creek tradition that blends family with great memories.
ARTICLE BY JARED ORR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
HOLIDAY FASHION
Brianna Wells has your holiday fashion tips in the desert.
ARTICLE BY BRIANNA WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Vintage Ralph Lauren wool dress and blazer with Hunter boots.
The holidays are here and you may be wondering what to wear, especially in the desert. Dressing for the holidays in Arizona is all about effortless elegance. Our winter weather doesn’t call for heavy coats often... instead, we get to have fun with glamorous textures, lightweight layers and a color palette inspired by the desert itself. Holiday style in Arizona should feel classy, confidence-boosting and easy. I recommend pieces that move with you from sunshine to starlight and sparkle without sweating too much. We have the unique advantage of celebrating the holidays with blue skies and palm trees... we might as well dress the part. Here is my fashion advice for blending the season with a vibrant Southwest touch.
TOP TIPS FOR ARIZONA HOLIDAY STYLE
1. Choose Light Layers
Our temperatures can swing 30 degrees in a day, therefore think breezy fabrics with removable items like structured blazers or light sweaters. That way you can adjust to the climate with ease.
David Meister red holiday dress and Shona Joy cactus emerald slip dress.
Vintage beaded purse.
2. Let Texture Create the Festive Feel
Experiment with different textures such as velvet, metallic, knits, satin, and suede that can bring instant holiday shine without the heaviness of winter bulk.
3. Play with Elevated Neutrals
Try wearing colors of champagne, mocha, cactus, emerald green, cranberry, desert sand and ivory that can feel both festive and weave through that Southwestern feel.
4. Accessories are the Holiday Magic
The little things do matter. Add some statement earrings, gold
belts, embellished shoes, or a shimmering clutch to dress up any warm weather outfit.
All the pieces featured here were thrifted and/or rescued from the landfill and given an upscale second chance.
Brianna Wells is a fashion stylist and founder of Vacation Editor, a sustainable, resort ready online boutique based in Arizona. Her styling blends modern elegance with effortless eco-chic confidence, helping women look polished and feel beautiful year-round.
Instagram: vacationeditor
Models: Brianna Wells
Jennifer Miranda
Anthropologie Callaghan knit off shoulder dress with Hermes scarf, Free People crushed green velvet skirt.
Homemade Garland
Sometimes the personal touches not only provide some spirit but memories too.
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA
Cinnamon, Orange & Pine – For Christmastime
The most magical moments of the holidays are not created through brand new bells and whistles but the love that goes behind the scenes. Bring in some arts and crafts that hearken from another time. These DIY dried orange garlands are the perfect touch to elevate your classic Christmas tree. Inspired by the whimsy of the forest – these bring a natural touch to even the most seasoned decorator.
Supplies:
• Mandolin or sharp knife
• Oranges
• Cinnamon sticks
• Fir sprigs
• Twine
• Paper towels
• Parchment paper
• Toothpick or skewers
step one:
Preheat the oven to 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up prepare the oranges by using a mandolin or a sharp knife to cut slices that are about a fourth of an inch. Lay the orange slices on a paper towel and press out any extra juice. This helps get the juice out before baking. Line a parchment baking sheet and arrange oranges in a single layer. Do not layer or they will not dehydrate.
step two:
After baking the orange slices for 4 hours, flipping them halfway through. Before handling the oranges allow slices to cool. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke 2 holes on each side of each orange slice. Then use a piece of string or twine to string up the orange slices in a line.
step three:
Tie a loop at each end so that it will be easier to hang the garland around your tree. You can also add variety by alternating some cinnamon sticks and fir sprigs in between the orange slices. Hang this garland over a fireplace, bannister, or door frame for additional touches around the house.
step one step three step two 1 2 3
Gifts for the Host of the Party
Don't come to a party this season empty-handed.
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA
You know what they say: the best mannered never show up empty handed to the home of their host. This year, shop local in the Queen Creek area to give your host a taste of appreciation. This gift guide outlines the best in hand gifts for all types:
The Wine Lover One
The Coffee Lover
Pair a bag of coffee from Queen Creek’s Better Buzz Coffee with a custom mug to hand over to your host. Gift them the taste of handcrafted coffee by ordering online or pick up in person - snagging signature blends such as Costa Rican, Guatemalan, and Organic Bali Blue Moon to name a few. Find locally roasted coffee at 37716 N. Gantzel Road or betterbuzzcoffee.com.
For custom mugs with a short turn around time visit Imagine Your Designs Company – a local design company from Queen Creek specializing in all things custom. Email: kerri@imagineyourdesignsco.com for quotes and custom mugs.
Two
Wrap a bottle of local wine in a beautiful Christmas hand towel to gift to your hostess this holiday season. Save money on the gift wrap and make it functional yet stylish. Top it with an olive wood ornament for an extra touch of beauty. Find local wines and specialty wines as well as olive wood ornaments at The Queen Creek Olive Mill – with selections changing seasonally, at 25062 S. Meridian Rd. Find Christmas themed hand towels from Bitz’n’Pieces a locally owned handcrafted towel and sewing shop, featuring designs from classic bells and poinsettias to the whimsical grinch and wine lover puns. Starting at $12, these towels can be found through Facebook: Bitz’n’Pieces or direct contact at (508) 847-7012.
Four
The Plant Lover
Give the gift of edible or floral plants to your host this year by visiting the local A&P Nursery. From seasonal fresh herbs, to bright, vibrant flowers, pair a plant with a sturdy pot and come in tow with something fresh for your host. With A&P being a family owned and operated nursery, it’s a one stop shop for the plant lover. Visit A&P Nursery in person at 40370 N. Gantzel Road.
Three
The Candle Lover
Give a gift of heavenly smells and soaps with a bar soap and candle duo. Find beautiful, nontoxic, handcrafted candles from Desert Liberties online or in person, specializing in seasonal scents and themed candles. Shop at desertliberties.com
Pair with organic bar soaps from Queen Creek Naturals. Hand poured, small batch, high quality hand soaps can be found in blends of beef tallow, goats milk or shea butter with scents like Gingerbread, Pinetop, Night Violet and a variety of floral and woodsy flavors too. Soaps range from $4-$10. This family business is owned and operated in Queen Creek - order online at www.queencreeknaturals.com.
Owner of the mobile bookshop, The Prickly Pages, has the holiday reads for you.
Tis The Season for Reading
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and escaping into a Christmas read is a perfect way to unwind. With the busy holiday season, finding a cozy spot to read and a fun Christmas book can be the ticket to getting you in the holiday spirit. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite reading spot and jump into one of these Christmas reads.
ARTICLE BY JENNA GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
The Christmas You Found Me
The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler will bring tears to your eyes and make you feel all the feels this holiday season with this slow-burn romance. A single dad, Guy, is willing to do anything for his 4 year old daughter, Emma, who is in kidney failure. When the ink is barely dry on her divorce papers, Sienna, finds that her ranch is all she has left until Guy answers an ad in the local newspaper about a husband for hire. Can this instant family find true love? Will Emma receive the help she needs as a Christmas miracle?
One Foggy Christmas
One Foggy Christmas by Kortney Keisel is a swoon worthy romance you’ll want to read this Christmas season. When a ski accident leaves Sadie with no memory of her husband of three years, Nash, he tries to win her back. Nash is up against all odds as Sadie thinks she is still with her ex boyfriend from years ago. Will Nash’s love and devotion win back his wife or is Sadie lost to him forever?
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter blends mystery and romance in this rivals to lovers Christmas read. When two authors, Ethan Wyatt and Maggie Chase, are invited as guests to a recluse fan, tensions are high. Haven’t they always hated each other? But when their host goes missing, there is a mystery to solve and sparks fly. Find out how they solve the mystery and discover they have more in common than they originally thought. You will fly through this rom-com with a smile on your face.
Peppermint Bark
THE PINK CART BAKERY SHARES THEIR RECIPE FOR A FUN
HOLIDAY TREAT.
Peppermint Bark
Cassandra Faragosa of Pink Cart Bakery gives us her recipe for something sweet this season.
Peppermint Bark is a delightful mix of indulgent chocolate and the sparkle of peppermint too.
INGREDIENTS
• Dark Chocolate or Almond Bark
• White Chocolate or Almond Bark
• Peppermint extract
• Toppings of your choice such as crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. You can even make it extra fun by adding mini pretzels or M&Ms!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
• Use quality chocolate: Using high-quality chocolate will result in a more decadent treat.
• Add a little oil: A small amount of neutral oil, like canola, can be added to the melted chocolate to help prevent the peppermint extract from seizing the chocolate.
• Don’t overdo the peppermint: A little peppermint extract goes a long way, so be careful not to add too much.
• Store properly: Store the finished bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for longer storage.
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt the chocolate: Melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate and spread it into a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Chill: Place the sheet in the refrigerator to let the chocolate set.
3. Melt and flavor white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
4. Layer and top: Spread the peppermint-infused white chocolate over the set dark chocolate layer. Immediately sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies.
5. Chill again: Refrigerate the bark until it is completely firm.
6. Break into pieces: Once hardened, break the bark into pieces by hand or score it with a knife before breaking for more uniform shapes.
“...a delightful mix of indulgent chocolate and the sparkle of peppermint too.”
ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA FARAGOSA
PIANO MAN
As Kent Rautenstraus begins to lightly touch the piano keys, a familiar tune floats through the clubhouse at Encanterra.
A few people who were deep in conversation look over and smile. The sounds of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas are familiar to all, and there is nothing quite like music to put you in the holiday mood. Kent has been obsessed with music for much of his life. It was his grandmother who was his first teacher from the age of four. By the time he was 13 he had been hired to play for his first wedding ceremony. Eventually he would go on to play for parties, horse shows, even the opening of shops.
Originally from Colorado, Kent did not actually think he would carve a career for himself in music despite his deep love for the piano. In college he majored in journalism and thought of a different future. However, his clear talent and abilities eventually got him noticed by a local church where he ended up spending 43 years as their music director. In addition, he was the requested pianist for 12 years by the governor of Colorado, Roy Romer.
Kent Rautenstraus tickles the ivories to bring in some Christmas spirit.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BLAKE
Kent Rautenstraus
Kent’s career as a pianist has taken him to places he never imagined. He has played at events where he has performed before John Denver, Omar Sharif, Prince Phillip, and even in the East Wing of the White House for President Bill Clinton. Today, Kent and his wife have called Queen Creek their home since 2024 and love it. He is no longer music director at his church but he still plays private parties and at senior communities.
During Christmas, in particular, music plays such an important role. Kent has seen the impact of playing holiday favorites especially at senior communities. Playing for the elderly, he says is a favorite of his, recalling his own grandmother and what she meant to him. Kent will often get requests and is happy to play tunes that bring back memories as well as that holiday spirit. Kent says he has even witnessed seniors with memory issues suddenly break into song when he begins to play a tune from their youth.
Music is as much a source of healing as it is festive and entertaining. Kent appears to play with such ease that the piano seems to be an extension of him. However, it is perhaps his passion for music and the joy it invites around the piano that keeps him playing for his audience. www.kentrautenstraus.com
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
A Zen Gift Guide
GIFT SOME HEALTH AND WELLNESS FROM ZEN LIFE HEALING CENTER.
We often associate the holidays with indulgence but why not consider thoughtful gifts that promote healthy habits and wellness. Zen Life Center for Healing not only provides classes, but their unique boutique can also help with your holiday shopping this year. For that yoga and fitness lover in your home try a meditation cushion or yoga blanket which provides support and color. There are items to help focus on calm such as sound bowls, salt rock lamps, and mala beads too. To boost immunity in the winter season they have elderberry syrup and chocolate herbal mix options. Their variety of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings come in all styles, colors, and materials so you can satsify anyone's taste. Comfy t-shirts, unique yoga mats, incense and more can be creatively put together in a gift basket for someone who wants to start the new year on the right foot. Here are just a few gift ideas to shop local and with zen in mind.
Zen Life Center for Healing Boutique
1. Mala Beads | 2. Herb N’ Honey Raw Elderberry Honey | 3. Yoga Blanket | 4. Zen Life T-Shirts | 5. Salt Rock Lamp | 6. Sol Terra Chocolate Herbal Drink Mix | 7. Meditation Cushion | 8. Tibetan Sound Bowls | 9. Jewelry
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DECEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 2ND
A Morning with Mrs. Claus
Queen Creek Library | 10:00 AM
Come enjoy an interactive morning with one of the lesser seen characters of the season. Share songs, stories, and get a photo with Mrs. Claus. All ages are welcome at this family friendly seasonal event held in the Zane Grey Community room at the Queen Creek Library.
DECEMBER 5TH
QC Hometown Christmas
Queen Creek Town Center | 6:00 PM
The Town of Queen Creek will host an evening event that will feature a tree lighting, letters to Santa, pictures with Santa, music and more! This family friendly event will start off the holiday season before the parade the next day.
DECEMBER 5TH
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms | 12:00 PM
Bring the whole family for ice skating, a Christmas carousel, snow-globe mini golf, sweets and treats, hayrides to reindeer, a giant obstacle course, and the Illumination Express train ride (to name just a few!). There’s no better place for outdoor holiday activities than Christmas at Schnepf Farms!
DECEMBER 6TH
QC Hometown
Christmas Parade
Queen Creek Town Center 10:00 AM
All our welcome to watch the annual Christmas parade filled with family fun and holiday spirit. Come out to watch the floats with the whole family.
