10-year-old Ariana Dinu the youngest female to successfully complete 102-mile event.
RISING STAR
14-year-old singer/ songwriter Gavin Torel
DVUSD Fall Kindergarten Preview Nights
Nov. 1 -4
Fall 2022 Registration Opens Nov. 1 •
DVUSD Spring Kind g ten Preview Nights March 1-3
Thinking
Registration Now Underway for Next Year
Dates & Times:
www.dvusd.org/kinderevents
Get In Touch:
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 January issue is January 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.
Eighth-grade student Matthew Manion is a gifted self-taught musician and artist.
Presented with a ukulele at age 5, Matthew has since taken up the guitar and is constantly expanding his library of songs. He doesn’t perform for audiences yet, but is an excellent performer and has
played for his teachers and classmates at AmeriSchools.
An equally skilled artist, Matthew has been drawing since he can remember. He works on his techniques and skills through daily practice. In the first contest he entered, his work earned a first-place award in Costa Rica, where he used to live.
Working with his favorite medium, a pencil, he’s recently shifted his focus from drawing animals to people. The 13-year-old is currently working with AmeriSchools’ art club on a school mural. He’s also drawing inspiration from the world around him to create artwork to submit to local competitions.
Among the qualities Matthew is known for is his curiosity; he’s never fearful to ask why or dive deeper into a topic.
“Matthew joined us during his sixth-grade year and, like a puzzle piece, he fit in perfectly with our school and community, displaying kindness, patience, and a positive attitude,” says one of his teachers. “When it comes to academics, Matthew goes above and beyond. He is eager to participate and always does his best and then some.”
Headliners For
RISING STAR
Singer-songwriter Gavin Torel is a rockstar in the making.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
14-year-old singer-songwriter
Gavin Torel, music has always been front and center in his life.
“As far back as I can remember, I think my first words were ‘I want to be a rockstar.' For many years, I begged my parents for a guitar. Finally, when I was 9 they bought me a guitar,” says Gavin.
Along with writing and performing his own songs, Gavin plays guitar, drums, piano/keys, bass, ukulele, and violin.
The multi-talented artist has performed throughout the Valley at venues including Culinary Dropout, Mesa Center of the Arts, First Friday Phoenix, and many others. He was also the 2019 winner of Arizona’s Got Talent Kids.
“My favorite musical experience to date was NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), which took place in Anaheim, California,” says Gavin. We had to drive past Disneyland to get there but the experience at NAMM was far better than Disneyland. At NAMM I got to meet
Spirit Line members reflect on participation.
Submitted by Indigo Cullinan, Leilani Vargas-Flores, Ella Ward, Alex McCaughey, Marcus Martinez Lopez, and Hannah Palmer
TheJournalism Club of Edison School of Innovation recently interviewed members of the Spirit Line to get insight into the group.
Spirit Line is a club similar to cheerleading but with more of an emphasis on dance, rather than tricks and flips. Kindergarten teacher Leticia Clamor, a seasoned dancer and cheerleader, oversees this Edison club.
Co-captain Natalie Razura, an eighth grader, enjoys her position in the Spirit Line. “It’s good to have authority; it’s nice to help as well,” she says.
According to sixth-grader Bristol
Wolfgang, another member of the club, her favorite parts of Spirit Line are the dances and choreography. Bristol’s role on the team is base and her favorite tricks are front limbers. This role is one she enjoys because she isn’t a flyer. She joined Spirit Line because of her previous experience, to have fun, and learn new moves.
Sixth-grader Andres Vera Gomez is also on the team. Andres brings a bright personality and smile to every practice. He joined Spirit Line because he enjoys performing on stage and running and jumping.
According to the Edison Journalism Club, the entire team focuses on excellence as they practice cheer routines for upcoming performances.
some really cool people from around the world and got to perform there.”
Gavin describes his music as a mixture of rock, alternative rock, and indie rock. “I also like to incorporate jazz and classical styles into my music,” says the young performer who’s inspired by instrument innovators including Randy Roads, John Petrucci, Plini, Tim Henson, and Jason Richerson.
He still wants to be a global rockstar.
“My goal for the future is to share my music with others around the world and perform in large venues such as arenas. I currently perform 12+ shows a month and would love to do more,” he says.
His advice to kids with similar aspirations: “Dream big and follow those dreams, practice, and most of all, have fun."
When he’s not performing, Gavin attends Mesa Distance Learning Program and Mesa Community College. To see a list of Gavin’s upcoming shows, visit gavintorel.com.
Top Row (left to right)
Melanie Clamor, Alexia Ruiz-Wallace, Andres Vera Gomez, Amaya Dow, Alexa Sainz
Nicholas encourages kids to do something crafty in the new year ahead.
Hi!I’m Nicholas, your monthly Epic Kids columnist. I’m a secondgrade CEO, and this month I want to better introduce myself and tell you about my business.
When COVID started in 2020, I was in kindergarten. My mom wanted me to do something creative and suggested I start a business. I love getting crafty, so she put crafts on our table and told me to make something. Using a bunch of different items,
I created a neat plane and thought making planes should be my business!
I decided to create DIY Plane Kits––kits where kids can make my planes themselves. Inside the kits are all the things you need to build the planes including a clip that can hold a photo and spinning wheels so your plane can blast off. I chose planes because I love to travel, and I wanted kids to imagine they could go anywhere they want with my craft planes.
Since then, my business went soaring. I have a bunch of DIY kit options for birthdays, holidays, and more––even accessories like a paint-yourown pilot. It makes me happy when people buy my planes especially because $1 of every sale goes to the Triple Heart Foundation, which gives books to NICUs all over the country (I was in the NICU too!).
GOLF CHAMP
Being a CEO is hard work, but I enjoy it. I’ve learned how to speak about my business and gain confidence in front of people. I’ve been on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, E! News, and more...in addition to being featured in magazines like People, Real Simple, and InStyle.
I have exciting news to share with you for the new year. This January, I’m launching a Get Creative campaign encouraging kids, young like me, to do something crafty and different. I’ll be selling super cool hats paired with DIY Mystery Kits. Stay tuned for details via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas.com.
Nicholas is starting the Get Creative campaign encouraging kids to do something crafty.
JJ Brigowatz earns top honor.
Freshman
JJ Brigowatz was named the number one golfer in his division for 2020/2021. JJ competed in the Cactus Christian League along with his teammates at Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. His team took home third place after a challenging season, and JJ finished first place overall.
JJ is looking forward to the upcoming golf season and hopes to help his team bring home a championship.
JJ Brigowatz earned first place in his division.
a third place finish.
The Phoenix Christian team took home
Fit Kids The 20 Burpees Challenge
My name is Linkan Marler and I'm 12 years old. I’ve been working out with my dad for as long as I can remember.
Fitness has taught me to work hard, given me a way to deal with frustration, and has helped me in sports. I want to share the knowledge I’ve received with all of you through a series of monthly fitness challenges. This month's challenge is called “The 20 Burpees Challenge.”
First, let me explain to you how to do a proper burpee.
Step 1: First, bend down and touch the floor with both hands.
Step 2: Then, kick your feet back so you are in a push-up position.
Step 3. Next, do a push-up, making sure your body is straight throughout.
Step 4. After completing the push-up, jump your feet forward, in between your hands.
THE 20 BURPEE CHALLENGE
For this challenge, you must complete the burpees within 20 minutes. Press start on your timer and begin, checking off the boxes as you go.
If you finished the 20 burpees within 20 minutes, congratulations!
Try doing the challenge one to two times a week for the month. You’ll find that when you complete small manageable amounts of exercise, you can do more. You can use the same method for things like homework, chores, or other difficult tasks.
Step 5. Jump up in the air as high as you can. This is one burpee.
Linkan Marler is a 12-year-old fitness enthusiast.
Career Day
MUSIC MAN
Glenn Tallar entertains audiences playing the organ
Glenn Tallar
Profession: Organist
Age: 34
Photos by Ivan Martinez Photography
What do you do for a living?
I am one of two people who are the house musicians at Organ Stop Pizza.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
Lots of practice and lessons! You need to learn how to play the piano, to be able to read music, and then memorize that piece of music. The organ uses the same temperament as the piano. Instead of 88 keys, one organ manual has 61 keys. Once pretty accomplished in playing the piano, transitioning to the organ will be more comfortable. The next two challenges are the pedals and registration. This is where one would need to take coaching lessons. There are so many sounds the organ can make. Unfortunately, if not registered correctly, the organ will not be musical. Next is to adventure into arranging. Unless one is studying classical organ, where music is made for the organ, theatre organists have to learn how to improvise piano sheet music to work on the organ. It’s best to always have coaching help.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
When the dinning room is packed
and the applause as the console is going down for the last song of the set. The musical instrument is now approaching 100 years old, yet this “old” technology still entertains. Knowing this puts a smile on my face.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I would say deep down I always wanted to have a career playing the organ. There were just too few places where I could make a living playing. Fortunately, I lived near a pizza restaurant that still had a pipe organ in it, which is where I was able to work on my craft.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Be sociable! Get to know the people who are interested in your same career. Social media can be a great resource for topics of your interest. Again, lessons are a must!
Glenn plays at Organ Stop Pizza.
Organist
Glenn Tallar
Organ Stop
Pizza's Wurlizter is considered to be the biggest in the world.
Nonprofit notMYkid Opens New Campus in North Scottsdale Giving Back
Community-oriented nonprofit notMYkid just opened The Well, a 13,000-square-foot wellbeing campus in Scottsdale where youth and families can go for ongoing education, counseling, mentoring programs, and more. The new campus is located at 5310 E. Shea Boulevard.
The Well helps meet the physical, emotional, and
social needs of individuals ages 10-24. Trauma-informed, certified providers who are passionate about helping individuals staff the campus with an array of programs for kids, young adults, and caregivers. The campus is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evenings by appointment. Learn more by calling 602-652-0163 or by visiting notMYkid.org.
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council awarded $100,000
grant.
GirlScouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) was named as a Devin Booker Starting Five recipient, being awarded a $100,000 grant, alongside four other Valley nonprofits.
The grant was presented to 60 Girl Scouts and Council staff members while they were attending the WNBA finals game at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The funds will be used to replace the mini-bus that is used to transports the girls to and from educational and character-building activities and experiences.
Due to vandalism and theft of the vehicle, GSACPC had no way to transport girls to programs and events. The lack of transportation often meant that girls would not have an opportunity to participate in activities. As GSACPC resumed its in-person activities these past few months, the lack of transportation was a huge loss for the organization. Funds from the grant will help transports girls to participate in programming activities in topics including financial literacy, sportsmanship, summer camp and career education.
For more information, visit girlscoutsaz.org.
EPIC KIDS REPORTERS PROGRAM
Starting
in January 2022, we’re introducing the Epic Kids Reporters Program, where aspiring young reporters through eighth grade can write for Epic Kids.
Throughout the school year, Epic Kid Reporters cover issues and topics that matter most to them and their peers, including breaking news, current events, sports, entertainment, school clubs, and kid profiles. Their stories will appear in both print and digital editions of Epic Kids.
The resulting news clips are invaluable in growing and developing a portfolio of published work that can help students get scholarships and future educational opportunities.
To be considered for this FREE program, students must be between the ages of 8–14 and have a parent’s approval. Please email hello@epickidsaz.com to get started.
Girl Scouts were presented with a check for $100,000.
Cover story
Ariana is the youngest female athlete to attempt and successfully complete the El Tour de Tucson 102-mile century bike ride.
CYCLING SENSATION
Ten-year-old cyclist completes 102-mile century bike ride.
By Sondra Barr
Hard work, perseverance, and dedication paid off for fifth grader Ariana Dinu. She fulfilled her dream to complete the El Tour de Tucson 102mile century bike ride November 21.
Founded in 1983 by former teacher Richard DeBernadis, the El Tour de Tucson is one of the biggest cycling events in the country with participation topping 7,000.
Ariana is the youngest female athlete to attempt and successfully complete this extremely challenging bike ride in the allotted time of under nine hours. She rode alongside her dad and completed the 102-mile ride in eight hours, 55 minutes, and 11 seconds.
“When I was in the tour lineup, several people asked me if I knew I was in the 102-mile lineup,” says Dinu. “I feel like people sometimes have preconceived notions of what you can or cannot do because you are too young or 'just a girl.' I didn’t let that get in my way.”
A student at Great Hearts Archway in Scottsdale, Ariana has been cycling since she was 4 years old.
“My family and I rode our bikes for fun but we had never participated in a bike tour. I was 6 years old when I saw bikers in my neighborhood practicing for a tour and I knew that was something I wanted to do. I have been training for bike tours with my dad ever since then.”
Soon thereafter, she participated in her first 50-mile 2018 El Tour de Tucson at the age of 7. The youngest female finisher in the 50-mile category, Ariana was awarded the Conquistador trophy. Since then, riding in bike tours and meeting other bicyclists has been one of her favorite things to do.
“When I rode in El Tour de Tucson for the first time, I was told that their longest
and most challenging ride in terms of distance and elevation gains was the 100-mile tour. I knew then that that was going to be my next goal––100-mile century ride by age 10,” she says. “My parents taught me to focus on the target and stood by me through my journey. They said if I put my heart and mind to it I could achieve my dreams.”
To train for the event, Ariana woke up at 5 a.m. most weekend mornings in the summer to bike with her father. They biked around Scottsdale and sometimes all the way to Tempe and back.
“I trained for distance, speed, and elevation gains. I paid attention to my cadence, hydration, and nutrition,” explains Ariana, who added a few miles each ride to get closer to her goal.
The weekend before the tour, she had reached 80 miles per day.
“I will be doing my second metric century bike tour in Tour de Mesa next April,” say Ariana. She also hopes she’ll be able to ride in a tour soon with her little sister, Carina, who’s been joining in on Ariana’s bike practices recently.
Beyond that, Ariana has her sights set on starting to train for triathlons and one day competing in the Ironman Triathlon, which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112mile bicycle ride, and a 26.22-mile run.
“I would like every kid, especially every girl, to know that as long as they focus on the goal and work hard, they can do it. Sometimes it may seem impossible, but you don’t know until you try. Never give up!”
Ariana on stage after receiving her medal
A screen shot from Ariana’s tracking app detailing her 2021 El Tour de Tucson ride.
Eats
SUPER FUN
By Gretchen Pahia
Photos courtesy of ComicX
Where do superheroes grab a bite? Turns out, it’s within this realm.
ComicX brings superhero fans an immersive fantasy dining experience that pairs life-sized statues of comic book superheroes and villains from the last six decades with tasty eats.
Located at Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix, ComicX offers the perfect adventure for a fun family night out.
Inside the 8,000-square-foot theme restaurant, you’re greeted by life-sized likenesses of Batman and Spider-Man, perched above in a city scene ripped out of a comic book. Among the 30 or so realistic-looking statues, get up close to Iron Man, Thor, and The Hulk, while checking out displays devoted to characters like Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Captain America. Look up and you’ll see a fullsized Silver Surfer dangling above.
It’s hard to miss the Harry Potter display, complete with animated paintings and a display case filled with props from the films, while candles float overhead, recreating the dining hall at Hogwarts.
Fans of Star Wars won’t be disappointed either. The second level is devoted to the likes of Boba and Jango Fett, Yoda, and Darth Vader. You’ll also want to check out the patio to spy statues of Blood Raven Space Marine from Warhammer 40K and Po from Kung Fu Panda.
If superheroes weren’t enough to bring you to ComicX, the food is also worth mentioning. There is something for everyone at your table to enjoy––from burgers, to pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more.
At our table, we tried a variety of options to explore several different tasty dishes. One of the yummy appetizers we suggest is the mozzarella tower. This plate of gooey, yummy cheese-filled delights are sure to be a hit.
The burgers are cooked to perfection and juicy, so make sure you have plenty of napkins. All the burgers are at least two Angus beef patties (some have more) that you can customize with bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, and more.
If burgers aren’t your thing, we suggest the ultimate meatball sandwich. Delicious bread packed with meatballs, sauce, and cheese, this dish offers hearty Italian flavor.
Looking for lighter options? There are three salads: the blaze buffalo chicken, little gem Caesar, and the green goddess. There are also entrees such as sticky icky ribs, fish n’ chips, and one of our new favorites, Mr. Fettuccini Alfredo Carbonara. It’s a very delicious and filling pasta dish sure to curb any pasta craving you might have.
Kids’ menu options include tenders of chicken, pocket burgers, grilled cheese, pasta, and more. Save room for dessert! For any fan of Harry Potter, you’ll recognize butter beer. ComicX’s specialty dessert drink is Harry’s Butter Beer and it’s delicious. Other sweet treats include the incredible churro bowl and fluffy s'mores dip.
Holiday Break
Memory Makers
Check out these holiday-themed Valley adventures.
By Gretchen Pahia
Tis the season for making family memories!
Heading into holiday break, there are several spots across the Valley to create special holiday memories.
Great Wolf Lodge greatwolf.com
First, there is Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. It’s the time of year for their annual snowy celebration and Snowland festivities, which immerse guests in a winter wonderland. There are daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, seasonally themed crafts, holiday stories and songs, and Snowland Cabanas at the indoor waterpark! As part of your overnight stay, you can enjoy time in the indoor water park, Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland Bingo, Trivia games, and much more. With several restaurant options on property as well, this is a great spot for fun and staycation adventures.
ZooLights
phoenixzoo.org
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is also a great spot to get into the holiday spirit. Last year, due to the COVID pandemic, the zoo offered a drive-thru option only in order to keep people safe and healthy. This year, the zoo is offering the drivethru option a few nights, as well as going back to their usual walk-through option. ZooLights features thousands of twinkling light displays throughout the entire park. The event runs until Jan. 15, 2022.
World of Illumination worldofillumination.com
Through Jan. 2, 2022, families can hop in the car and check out World of Illumination. This event is
Great Wolf Lodge
one of the largest drive-through animated light shows across the country. The nearly mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and holiday music. This is a must see for any family in the Valley this holiday season. There are two locations in town where you can catch World of Illumination, one location in Glendale, near the Desert Diamond Casino and one is in Tempe at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Arizona Broadway Theatre azbroadway.org
Want to catch a fun, family friendly stage show this season? Look no further than the Arizona Broadway Theatre. Through December 30, Elf the Musical, which is based on the 2003 hit movie, is a hilarious tale of Buddy the Elf. The modern take on this Christmas classic is something for the whole family to check out.
Christmas at the Princess scottsdaleprincess.com
Another great option is Christmas at the Scottsdale Princess. For the 12th consecutive year, the iconic resort transforms into a festive place during its annual holiday event. Running through Jan. 2, 2022, guests can experience a holiday feel all over the resort with experiences such as Desert Ice, Lagoon Lights, and Princess Express Train. New this year is the The Village. Sled down 120 feet of blizzardly bliss on Snow Mountain and conquer the ices as you slide through Alpine Skate Trail. Tickets are available if you’d like to check out Christmas at the Princess, but they’re going fast. If you stay on property overnight, a visit to this Winter Wonderland is included in your stay.
Christmas at the Princess
Arizona Broadway Theatre
ZooLights
World of Illumination
Book Club Brain Play
DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy
AGES: 10+
RATING: (1-5 stars) AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that changes the trajectory of their lives. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for 150 years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshman are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: The science and ocean exploration elements of Daughter of the Deep were my favorite parts! I’ve always been curious about the ocean so I loved reading about it, especially in a school setting.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: My favorite character was Ana, but I also adored her group of friends at Harding-Pencroft Academy.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan, The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes, Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
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 impossible is merely the possible for which we don't yet know the science”
Brain Play just
JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE
What is a pirate’s favorite letter? 1
Maine is the only U.S. state whose name has only
What do you get from a pampered cow?
FAMILY.
If you consider using pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, 50-cent pieces, and dollar coins, there are 293 ways to make change for a dollar!
A shark doesn’t contain any bones in its body. They have cartilage instead, which is more flexible and less dense than bones, allowing sharks to bend their bodies at sharp angles with ease and less energy.
Apples are actually part of the rose family. The rose family, Rosaceae, contains many varieties of fruit including apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, blackberries, as well as almonds and of course, roses. The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is believed to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
is the fastest spinning planet in our solar system rotating on average once in just under 10 hours. 1.
chuckle! Email a joke or far out fact, along with your first name, age, and the school you attend, to hello@epickidsaz.com
ARRRR! 2. Spoiled milk
Brain Play
1. What did the cat say to the dog?
Jamie, 7, Benjamin Franklin Charter School
2. How are false teeth like stars?
Bryon, 11, Phoenix Country Day School
1. “Meow’s it going?” 2. They come out at night.
HOLIDAY WORD SEARCH
Circle words in the puzzle below
7 DAY, 6-NIGHT GETAWAY!
This overnight Camp offers lots of activities; Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Arts & Crafts, Shelter Building, Archery, Hiking, Campfire and S’mores, Capture the Flag, Skit Night, Astronomy, and so much more! Includes: Lodging, Meals, R/T Chartered Bus from Ahwatukee to Camp and from Camp to Ahwatukee, Camp T-shirt, and memories for a lifetime!
WANT TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR?
Join us June 5-11 for the 7 day, 6-night counselor training for teens ages 15-17. You will learn to work with kids ages 7-15 and will learn counselor skills including CPR, Team building and Leadership activities, opportunity to earn Community Service Hours and much more! The cost of the training is $225 If selected, Counselors in Training will be asked to return as Counselors for the camper weeks to put their skills into action at no additional cost!
today at: www.SJYCAZ.com or email : admin@SJYCAZ.com
What's Happening
December 2021
THE NUTCRACKER
WHEN: Various dates in December
WHERE: Ballet Arizona, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
WHAT: Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall 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.
WHERE: Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
WHAT: The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer features all of your favorite characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, and, of course, Rudolph.
INFO: herbergertheater.org/events
The Darndest Place You’ll Ever Visit
THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE
WHEN: Through Dec. 24
WHERE: Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
WHAT: At the magical North Pole passengers will see 12 creatively decorated buildings featuring Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, Naughty Kids Coal Mine, the Antler Inn, Reindeer Flight School, Ice Fishing Hut, Elf School, and Ugly Sweater Factory, among others. Mrs. Claus and acrobatic elves will wave good-bye to Santa Claus as he boards the train for the return trip to Clarkdale.
INFO: verdecanyonrr.com/events/christmas-train
CHRISTMAS AT SCHNEPF FARMS
WHEN: Through Dec. 31
WHERE: Schnepf Farms, 24610 E. Rittenhouse, Queen Creek
WHAT: Experience the wonder of Christmas at Schnepf Farms, a special kind of holiday magic for the entire family. Featuring the Illumination Express train ride, a Christmas carousel, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, hayrides, pictures with Santa, snow globe mini golf, a beer and wine garden, and the world’s largest inflatable Christmas-themed obstacle course.
INFO: schnepfchristmas.com
LIGHTS AT THE FARM
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022
WHERE: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa
WHAT: Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms is Arizona’s largest walk-through synchronized Christmas light show featuring 10 acres of festive light displays. Keep time with popular Christmas songs, guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer. Enjoy delicious food, music, skating, and other family-friendly entertainment.
INFO: lightsatthefarm.com
PHOENIX ZOO LIGHTS
WHEN: Through Jan. 15, 2022
WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
WHAT: Phoenix's most cherished holiday tradition is back with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and the Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures — polar bears, mammoths, peacocks and more, all aglow. This year, the zoo is offering two options – walk through or drive through.
