Now OUT
CHILL OUT Icy fun in the Valley of the Sun
We’ve found the best places for you to chill – literally and figuratively – this holiday season, whether you’re frolicking in the snow, twirling on an ice rink, or exploring an icy wonderland.
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
PHOTO BY MARK GREENWALT
A Carefree Christmas Through Dec. 23, you can find real snow in the Valley at the Carefree Christmas celebration taking place at the Carefree Desert Gardens. A highlight: The Carefree Snow Village, which boasts more than 40 yards of real snow blown in Dec. 9 and 10 (with more dates pending) and a 32-foot alpine slide open to adults and children for just $5. Each weekend, they will also host craft fairs, gingerbread house-building competitions, open-air markets, comedy shows, and concerts. The four-acre gardens will also be adorned with a professional holiday light display. www.christmasincarefree.com. Christmas at the Princess Chilling out at this annual holiday tradition is easy, thanks to a myriad of attractions including S’mores Land, which features activities like roasting marshmallows over a camp fire; taking an icy slide down the newly expanded, four-lane Polar Glide; enjoying a whirl on the Christmas Carousel; or even hopping on Frosty’s Ferris Wheel. Another can’t-miss attraction is the Desert Ice Skating Rink, a 6,000-square-foot real ice skating rink set under the desert stars, open nightly to the public for $20 per person. For an elevated evening experience, opt for a luxury rink-side fire pit table with s’mores and blankets (valet is included). For reservations, pricing and a full list of attractions, call 480.585.2694 or visit www.www.scottsdaleprincess.com. CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink Each holiday season, Central Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets transforms into the Valley’s largest outdoor ice skating rink: CitySkate at CityScape Phoenix. Skate sessions will run through Jan. 7, 2018, and Santa will also make an appearance on select weekend days. General admission is $15 (with discounts for veterans, seniors and children under eight). Guests can also opt for a $30 “fast pass” to skate, which allows them to skip the line. Every Wednesday, guests can also “Skate It Forward” – $5 from every ticket purchased on a Wednesday (and used that day) will go toward select Valley organizations. How cool is that? www.cityskatephx.com. Polar Play Ice Bar Located at OdySea in the Desert, Polar Play is Arizona’s very first ice bar. Dress warm, but you’ll also be provided with a coat and gloves in preparation for entering the “Polar Zone.” As you travel through a portal into the ice bar, all of the walls, the bar itself, and even the benches are made from ice. Special lighting and music further enhance the chilling experience. During your icy adventure, adult beverages are available, and games like shuffleboard, cornhole and checkers add to the fun. While it’s kidfriendly until 7 p.m. daily, afterward it becomes a 21-plus establishment. Entry times are on the hour for a one-hour experience. Admission starts at $15. www.polarplay.com.
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So Scottsdale! December ‘17