2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916 epickidsaz.com
Submissions and suggestions:
Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event descriptions to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Be sure to include event title, date, time, place, cost, and details including contact number or website. The deadline for the December issue is December 1.
For Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
POLLUTION SOLUTION Research leads student to address
The year has been challenging for many students. For 11-year-old Srinidhi Chevru, it was an opportunity to
demonstrate her special ability to research, paraphrase, and write a comprehensive report on a subject she’s passionate about.
different areas, while identifying a problem that doesn’t have a simple solution.
Srinidhi Chevru’s project about the effects of pollution sheds light on a growing global problem.
A seventh grader at AmeriSchools Academy, which offers two different programs, one with children working in classrooms with teachers streaming, and an online school with a teacher meeting with students, Srinidhi thrived in the online program.
According to Srinidhi’s teacher, “Her ability to hear feedback from peers and provide insight is exceptional. Srinidhi has continually demonstrated the ability to grow from situations.”
The final element in Srinidhi’s online program was project based, where students are encouraged to explore ideas they find interesting. They learn to apply system thinking to see connections between these
Interested in pollution because of prior research on the great garbage patch, Srinidhi recognized the problem was one with global ramifications. Her pollution project was one that inspired her fellow students and school administration to think about solutions to the growing problem and take action.
An excerpt from her report included the following poem:
EARTH
There once were some men who polluted the Earth
The reason for our birth
The Earth soon became so littered
That birds no longer twittered
And the men finally realized what our planet is worth.
Headliners
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Celebration of Christmas production features the talents of three local kids.
The
42nd annual Celebration of Christmas production presented by Dream City Church is a broadway-style musical theater performance featuring a full live orchestra and stateof-the-art technology with
incredible special effects.
A Valley tradition showcasing the wonder of Christmas through music, dance, live animals, flying angels, and more, this year’s production runs from Dec. 9 through 19. It captures the
Noah Dickerson
Age: 11
Role: Smarty Pants Kid (toy scene)
School: Dream City Christian When I grow up: I would love to be an actor or dancer.
Hobbies: Dance and basketball
magic of New York City during Christmas and one girl’s journey to find purpose. Culminating in a beautiful nativity with a majestic kings’ procession, the show also features the talents of the following young local performers.
Najmi Omotosho
Age: 9
Role: Doll (toy scene)
School: Desert Spring Elementary When I grow up: I would love to be a veterinarian.
Hobbies: Reading, writing, and dancing
For ticket information, visit dreamcitychurch.org/calendar/ celebration-of-christmas.
SHOWROOM OPEN
Anevay Raciak
Age: 9
Role: Doll (toy scene)
School: Legacy
Traditional When I grow up: I would love to be a veterinarian and a ballet teacher.
Hobbies: Ballet, acrobats, and karate
Career Day
BETTER BUILT
Fred Bueler helps construct buildings from the ground up.
Fred Bueler
Profession: Building and Construction
Age: 39
What do you do for a living?
I am a project director for a company called CHASSE Building Team. We are a local general contractor, which is more or less the team that coordinates and supervises every aspect of a building or remodeling project. If you have ever been to Town & Country Shopping Center in Phoenix or visited Scottsdale’s Cheyenne Traditional School, Phoenix’s Madison Meadows Middle School, or Tempe's Wood and Frank Elementary Schools––then you have been to something I've helped to build. When we work with schools on building or remodeling, I am also
one of the leaders of our student engagement program. An important aspect on every project we do with schools across Arizona is making sure we involve the students, staff, and community. We do this through handson learning, getting the students involved in the construction process, giving firsthand experience on the construction of their new school, and even teaching kids and teens about the different career paths the construction industry offers.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
For my specific career, a bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering is preferred. However, there are a variety of ways to enter a career in the construction industry including trade schools and other bachelor degrees in college.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with the project teams, collaborating as a team and watching amazing things get built. At the end of the project, everyone gets to be proud of what the team was able to accomplish and build together.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I grew up playing on a ping pong table that was almost completely covered in Legos. My dad owned a construction company in my home state of Missouri, so I got to see a lot of the moving pieces and jobs involved in building throughout most of growing up. I knew I wanted to do something in the field most of my life. I moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University, where I studied civil engineering with
a concentration in construction. This allowed me to learn several disciplines within the world of building and construction and really hone in on what I liked best. I also got the chance to do five different internships with five different companies, which really helped me narrow my focus and get experience.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Enjoy your Legos! Also, start working in groups from a young age––be it a science club, glee club, or in sports. Working in construction is all about teamwork and communication. For those in high school, definitely take advantage of opportunities to shadow people in all levels of construction and building to see what "a normal day" looks like for people working in the jobs that intrigue you most.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I volunteer with this group called the Scottsdale Charros. Our mission is to serve as Scottsdale’s Goodwill Ambassadors while raising funds via spring training and other outlets so we can make annual grants and donations to organizations in need with a clear focus on education.
Creighton school, a building Fred helped construct.
Fred Bueler is the project director for a general contractor.
Giving Back FURRY FRIENDS
Student honored for “Shelby and the Bears” initiative
Sixthgrader Shelby Shearer, Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Steve Martos, and Mountain View Precinct Commander Shane Disotell were celebrated as this year’s co-grand marshals at Phoenix Christian Preparatory School’s 72nd Homecoming Parade. Shelby is already a veteran community activist, helping to offer something furry and comforting to other children.
Shelby, 12, has been collecting new and gently used stuffed toys for the Phoenix Police Department every February to provide to traumatized youths they encounter while serving the community. She began collecting the stuffed animals when she was 3 years old, when she wanted to have a birthday party with her friends from preschool.
Her mother and grandmother suggested that because it was only six weeks after Christmas, when she had received many presents, she ask her friends to bring teddy bears to the party to donate to the area police station instead of gifts. From there, “Shelby and the Bears” was born, with Shelby collecting 25 teddy bears. The next year even more friends helped her and they brought in 250 stuffed toys to donate to the police department.
Over the last eight years, Shelby’s outreach has greatly expanded, with 600 new or gently used stuffed toys given to Phoenix Police Officer Aaron
Shelby Shearer collects stuffed toys for the Phoenix Police Department.
Stevens, who has just retired from serving as Phoenix Neighborhood Community Action Officer.
Shelby’s soft spot for other kids has led to Phoenix police officers visiting the school, where she and other students collect the stuffed toys for officers to pick up. Last spring, the police department brought a K9 officer to talk to students and answer their questions.
Shelby, who also is a Girl Scout, plans to keep collecting the toys until she graduates from Phoenix Christian Preparatory School.
Mountain View Precinct Commander Shane Disotell, Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Steve Martos, and Shelby Shearer celebrated as co-grand marshalls.
A good night’s rest is the ultimate present and the Lulla Doll helps make it possible. Imitating the closeness to a caregiver at rest by playing soothing sounds of a real-life heartbeat and breathing for 12 hours, the doll has three different volume settings, a velcro strap for safe attachment, and is machine washable.
$49.99 • lulladoll.com
FOR KIDS fun gifts
Create wonderful family memories with Puzzle Rides Scottsdale and Prescott, a mobile escape room-style scavenger hunt adventure on golf carts, where teamwork is used to solve a series of puzzles before time runs out. Fun for all ages, rides include Hijacked By Science, Pirate’s Treasure Adventure, Wild West Heist, and the holiday-only Hijacked by Elves adventure. puzzlerides.com
Make hydration fun again for the holidays and beyond with the reusable GoSili connectable SiliStraw. Made from soft, nontoxic, eco-friendly, 100% platinum silicone, they easily connect for endless sippin’ enjoyment.
$6.99/four pack • gosili.com
Get a big smile with the Prograce kids camera waterproof action video digital camera. This durable video camera comes with two mounts, which easily allow it to be attached to a variety of surfaces, including skateboards, helmets, and bikes. It's waterproof, dust proof, anti-shock and anti-fall, for your child to explore their creativity.
$57.54 • walmart.com
Share the gift of reading this season with The Water Tree Way, a full-length children’s book for all ages by Ruth Mendelson, with a forward by Dr. Jane Goodall. This bold and deep story is full of wonder and action, with profound life lessons beautifully nestled beneath.
$9.99 • thewatertreeway.com
The calming motion of the color-changing electric jellyfish lamp is a visual gift that creates an enchanting visual point of focus. Offering a glimpse into the mysterious ocean world, children and adults alike will feel its soothing effect.
$37.34 • walmart.com
Turn the cuteness factor up for the holidays with a LEGO Star Wars The Child build-and-display model. This buildable model captures all the cute features of the popular The Child from Star Wars: The Mandalorian, including a posable head, movable ears, and an adjustable mouth for different expressions––for ages 10+.
$79.99 • kohls.com
Kit is a five-month subscription that helps every third through eighth grader discover a love for STEM and sports at home.
$59.80/per month • stemsports.com
Give the gift of comfort to your with ergoPouch PJs. Designed to support toddlers who’ve started toilet training and selfdressing, they come in three different thermal grades for temperature control and are made from certified organic fibers that are skin friendly and sensitive on eczema and dry skin conditions and are dyed with non-toxic water based dyes.
$34.99 • ergopouch.com
SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Three generations come together to create inspiring affirmation cards for children.
By Sondra Barr
When three generations come together with a shared passion for helping children, inspiration strikes. For mother and daughter Micheline Etkin and Caroline McLain, creating a company to develop mindfulness tools for children came after the birth of Caroline’s children, Madilyn, 5, and Lucas, 3.
Caroline McLain and her mother Micheline Etkin were inspired to start Shine Your Light Kids by Caroline’s children, Madilyn and Lucas.
“At the best of times, the world can be a hectic place for us adults, so you can imagine how it might seem more intense for children,” says Micheline. “Madilyn is a spiritual and sensitive child who has a tremendous passion for art and writing affirmations. This is how Shine Your Light got started.”
A family run business, dreamt up by three generations, Shine Your Light is a series of mindfulness tools for children to help teach positivity, self-esteem, and confidence. The tools include a collection of artfully illustrated affirmation cards available in both English and Spanish, and My Feelings Matter conversation starter cards.
“Our affirmation cards feature a diverse range of illustrations accompanied by a series of positive affirmations carefully chosen to instill a positive foundation of self-belief in children,” says Caroline, who’s worked in children’s hospitals throughout the Valley and then got her nursing degree and became a school nurse.
After decades working with children’s charities and organizations, including being the global ambassador for the Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation, and honorary PANDA for the Steele Children’s Research Center, helping to create Shine Your Light was also a natural fit for Micheline.
“Kids who develop a strong innervoice can overcome difficulties as they grow up,” says Micheline. Born in Lebanon and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, before moving to the Valley, Micheline instilled in her daughter, Caroline, a responsibility to give back and a respect for her heritage.
“We are a multicultural family and speak Portuguese and Spanish in our household. We had a difficult time finding bilingual affirmation flashcards for kids,” says Caroline. “My daughter said to me, ‘let’s make some mommy.’”
In addition to being available in English and Spanish, Shine Your Light affirmation cards feature watercolor artwork from different local and national freelance artists. The colorful visuals are whimsical and engaging. They’re designed to create self-esteem and seek to teach the younger generation the importance of character above appearances. Meanwhile, the My Feelings Matter series brings together a collection of emotion-based scenarios that serve as an aid to kickstart conversations with young children about their feelings and are designed to help parents and caregivers understand what children are feeling.
“We were driven to create Shine Your Light from our combined knowledge of childhood development and Madilyn’s love for affirmations,” says Caroline.
“Madilyn is very much the architect behind our affirmations,” says Micheline.
“Her positivity is infectious, and we are so delighted to be able to share it with lots of other children just like her.”
“I want my friends to feel happy when they read the cards,” says Madilyn, who along with her brother, Lucas, serves as the inspiration behind every Shine Your Light affirmation.
To learn more, visit shineyourlightkids.com.
Shine Your Light Affirmation For Kids box, includes 25 positive affirmation cards and bonus stickers. $25
Eats
WALLY’S AMERICAN GASTROPUB
Families searching for a tasty dining option in Scottsdale need look no further than Wally’s American Gastropub. But be warned, bring your appetite.
Wally’s is a great spot for everyone in the family to enjoy some delicious food and wonderful service.
Wally’s American Gastropub invited us in to try out some of the menu items recently and every bite was better than the last one. With a variety of options for both adults and kids, Wally’s should be on your regular dining list.
The first thing we tried was the pretzel with asiago cheese fondue. Trust me, it’s the perfect start to an amazing meal. The kids enjoyed dipping the warm dough into the tasty melted cheese.
By Gretchen Pahia
Both our kids ordered the skillet mac ’n’ cheese for dinner, and it didn’t disappoint. Creamy and cheesy, it’s a gold star version of a family classic and uses handmade durum wheat pasta covered in a mouthwatering four cheese blend. We also ordered more adult fare for our meals––‘Fork & Knife’ baby back ribs and the special of the day, a light and flaky white fish with a delicious side of spinach. Of course, no meal would be complete without a dessert to top things off. We decided to share one. Two dessert options––coconut cream pie and a Ghirardelli brownie with ice cream––make it a toss up. Judging from our kids’ reaction to the brownie, the dessert coin flip was a rich and chocolatey winner. The portion is ample enough for a family of four to all have a few bites to savor.
All in all, this quiet, hidden spot in Scottsdale is great for a date night, meeting friends, or a family night out. While the menu isn’t huge, there are plenty of classic American options to satisfy everyone including chicken piccata, fish & chips, classic meatloaf, and braised short ribs. Our family will be back soon to try them all.
GETAWAYS Break Time
Enjoy a much-needed family vacation at these Southern California attractions.
By Gretchen Pahia
After a topsy-turvy 2021, it’s no wonder many families are looking to take a kid-friendly vacation not too far away from home for Thanksgiving or winter break. If you and your family have plans to head to Southern California to enjoy vacation days ahead, here are some entertaining ideas to keep in mind.
Do you enjoy feasting and tales from the high seas? Then Pirates Dinner Adventure is just the treasure you seek. Located in Buena Park, not far from Knott’s Berry Farm, it’s a dinner show similar in style to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.
What sets Pirates Dinner Adventure apart is the emphasis on audience participation. Having members of the audience included in the show determines how the show plays out and adds an unexpected element to the fun. Members of the audience are chosen ahead of the action to participate, which makes it an interactive experience for people of all ages. The night of revelry and mirth includes special effects, aerial artistry, swordplay, and even a magical mermaid.
While engrossed in the riveting pirate’s tale, guests can feast on a preset menu that includes soup or salad, a main entrée (vegetarian and kids' meal options available), dessert, and beverages. If the action leaves you craving more, appetizers and adult beverages are available for an additional cost.
The entire show from arrival to conclusion is a few hours and the swashbuckling antics of the pirates are sure to keep any family entertained without breaking the bank.
Universal Studios Hollywood universalstudioshollywood.com
Another must-see attraction for families visiting Southern California is Universal Studios Hollywood. Attached to Universal City Walk, this theme park is home to a number of fun rides and attractions including Harry Potter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, Jurassic
World—The Ride, Transformers, and much more. You can spend an entire day immersed in different movie and entertainment worlds, from The Simpsons to Harry Potter and everything in between.
Families visiting from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2 get an added visual treat. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is transformed with enchanting spirit, festive décor, and holiday-themed food, beverages, and entertainment. You won’t want to miss The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music with a dash of magic. The cheer of the season extends throughout the park with holiday touches throughout.
Heads up though, you need to prepare before you hit this park. Note: Everyone over the age of 12 must be prepared to show proof of full Covid vaccination (14 days after final dose administered) or a negative test within 72 hours of the visit––home test results are not allowed.
Disneyland and California Adventure Parks disneyland.com
For many people, a trip to Cali is not complete without a stop to Disneyland and California Adventure parks. Both theme parks are now decorated for the 2021 holiday season through Jan. 9. From themed attractions, a holiday parade and fireworks, seasonal festivals, and food, to breathtaking décor, it’s a truly magical place to visit during the holidays.
Beloved traditions that include Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, and magical snow falling on Main Street, USA, are back at Disneyland. Meanwhile, at Disney California Adventure Park, guests will enjoy a heartwarming celebration that brings the holiday season to life with Disney Festival of Holidays, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” Street Party, and the merry motor-themed holiday décor on Route 66 in Cars Land. Guests will also be treated to sightings of Santa and Disney characters turned out in their holiday finest.
If you are looking for other options in the area, there are plenty to choose from including Knott’s Berry Farm holiday celebration Knotts Merry Farm, San Diego Zoo, Santa Catalina Island, Hollywood Walk-of-Fame, WB Studio Tour, Paramount Studio Tour, and many more.
Book Club Brain Play
NEVERMOOR: THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW
AUTHOR: Jessica Townsend
GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy
AGES: 10+
RATING: (1-5 stars) AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor. It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart––an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests––or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: My favorite thing about this book was the magical society. It is very mysterious, so every bit of information intrigued me.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: My favorite character in this book was Jupiter. He is very kind to Morrigan and has the funniest ideas. I adore all of his shenanigans.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, Pages & Co: Tilly and the Book Wanderers by Anna James Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer.
When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets.
You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin
“The point is—as far as the Society is concerned—if you are not honest, and determined, and brave, then it doesn’t matter how talented you are.”
PAGEpuzzle
Epic Events
FASHION WEEK 4 KIDS
Thank
Brain Play
JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE
Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a NASA scientist, invented Super Soaker water guns and Nerf guns. He’s also responsible for over 100 patents, including a thermoelectric energy convertor and a thin film lithium battery. "I was experimenting with some nozzles that I machined, and I shot a stream of water across the bathroom and I thought, 'Geez, maybe I should put this hard science stuff aside and work on something fun like a water gun,’” he told CNN. "I've been an inventor, I think, for all my life. Ever since I was a small kid, I used to tinker and make little toys and things... I built a go-cart, windmills, rockets, and more.”
1 What did the ocean say to the beach? What animal is always at a baseball game? 2
Lobsters pee out of their faces. They have urinerelease nozzles right under their eyes. They urinate in each other's faces as a way of communicating, either when fighting or mating.
An Ostrich’s eyes are bigger than its brain.
Did you know you have mites in your eyelashes? These tiny critters live off the dead skin cells in among the lashes. They are 100% harmless.
Headliners
TRAVEL TO PARADISE
Nicholas heads to Maui to try four epic activities.
Hi!
I’m Nicholas, an Epic Kids columnist. I’m a second-grade CEO, and this month I’m writing about cool things to do in Maui.
Have you been to Hawaii or are you going there for holiday break? I love to travel and try new things, so here are four epic activities to do in paradise.
1. Surf
I went surfing for the first time and it was so much fun! I took a private lesson from Hawaiian Paddle Sports. We started on the sand, where my teacher taught me how to “pop up” on the board. Then, we went into the water. I paddled out, and when my teacher told me to stand, I stood... and rode the wave! I was stoked!
2. Snorkel
hang onto, and every time I went under, I saw awesome sea creatures––even turtles and the Humuhumunukunukuāpua’a, the Hawaiian state fish!
3. Drive to Hana
Hana is a special town on Maui, and you take a winding road to get there. On the way, there are many places to stop. We visited a waterfall from Jurassic Park, we played at a black sand beach, and we even explored dark lava tubes (caves made from old lava!). We used a flashlight to tour the caves. It was very exciting.
4. Swing like Tarzan
We took a boat called “Lani Kai” from the company Maui Snorkeling, and it brought us to a magical reef. After we put on our gear, we jumped in and had floating noodles to
The Grand Wailea Resort has the best pools for kids. There’s a rope swing that you swing on and land into a deep pool. There’s also a lazy river, waterslides, and a beach pool with sand. I loved it!
Join me on my epic journey via Instagram @ creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas. com
Nicholas recently went surfing in Maui.
your own happy notes! New group music lessons for kids are starting this January.
What's Happening
November 2021
LETTERS TO SANTA
WHEN: Nov. 15 through Dec. 11
WHERE: Old Town Scottsdale
WHAT: Parents and children can fill out and submit their letters to Santa online or print their letter at home and “mail it” (no stamp required!) at the Letters to Santa Station at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. Letters will be collected for Santa, who will be onsite at the farmers
market and taking photos with children Sat., Nov. 27, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11. Santa will take the letters back up to the North Pole to read. Children will receive letters back from Santa before Christmas.
INFO: scottsdazzle.com/letters-to-santa
CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS
WHEN: Nov. 16 through Jan. 2, 2022
WHERE: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
WHAT: The entire family will enjoy Desert Ice Skating, Lagoon Lights, the Princess Express Train, along with The Village, Twinkle Town, The Lodge, and Snow Mountain, where you can sled down 120 feet on a four-lane ice slide.
INFO: scottsdaleprincess.com
The Darndest Place You’ll Ever Visit
HARVEST FESTIVAL
WHEN: Nov. 20 through Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix
WHAT: Kids can enjoy pony rides, cake walk, corn box, petting zoo, carnival games, pumpkin golf and bowling, oversized TicTac-Toe, bounce obstacle courses, and more.
INFO: enchantedisland.com
ZOOLIGHTS
WHEN: Nov. 24 through Jan. 15, 2022
WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
WHAT: Experience millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and two music-in-motion light shows. Enjoy the Holiday Safari Animal Presentation nightly at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater. Meet Santa and his elves at Leapin’ Lagoon and take home a commemorative photo.
INFO: phoenixzoo.org
MESA’S
MERRY MAIN STREET
WHEN: Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2022
WHERE: City Plaza, 20 E. Main St., Mesa
WHAT: The festivities include music, food, and fun for everyone, with a nearly four-story tall Christmas tree, with a lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. on opening night. New this year: the 12 foot Mesa Menorah, skating at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Santa’s ELFie stations, and the Polar Express. INFO: merrymainst.com
SCOTTSDAZZLE SING-ALONG AND TREE
LIGHTING CEREMONY
WHEN: Nov. 27, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Scottsdale Waterfront, 7150 E. Camelback Rd, Scottsdale
WHAT: Amble along the Scottsdale Waterfront among beautifully lit holiday décor and sing along to classic Christmas tunes led by MusicaNova Orchestra and local celebrities. Sip on a hot coffee or cocoa, nibble on light bites inspired by the season, and engage in general merriment.
