The Holiday Season –
Scottsdale Style
By Alison Bailin Batz
W
hat would the holiday season be without a sheet of ice on the roadway and a blanket of snow as far as the eye can see? Are you kidding? It would be great! And it is – right here. When it’s sunny and 70 in the Airpark, it’s perfect for getting out and enjoying the multitude of gathering places for holiday parties and fun. Here is a sampling of the best bets for your festive gatherings.
Octane Raceway
Octane Raceway isn’t your typical spot for holiday parties or holiday fun with friends. Groups can expect an exhilarating, adrenalinefilled experience unlike any restaurant or bar. Crank it up to 45 mph with Octane’s electric go-karts on its 1/3-mile indoor/outdoor track. Off the track, keep the fun going with mini bowling, an arcade and pool tables. When it’s time to fuel up, stop by the newly renovated Brickyard Grill, where fresh dishes from the new menu are prepared in-house and a full-service bar is available. Plus, groups can enjoy private event space, bar packages and a brand new catering menu. Group packages are available for casual and company parties alike. 9119 Talking Stick Way. 602-302-7223. octaneraceway.com.
Polar Play
There is a real winter wonderland in town, thanks to the newly opened Polar Play ice playground and bar, in the OdySea in the Desert. You’ll feel like you’re at the
North Pole, complete with ice decor, ice games and even a visit from Santa and his elves! Frosty fun for the whole family, groups of friends or corporate event, Polar Play is a cool all-ice attraction and brings the ultimate arctic adventure to the desert. Share the polar experience and celebrate your company party or private function. 9500 E Via De Ventura. 877-558-3541. Polarplay.com.
Scotch Library Experience
Need a boys’ night out? Maybe a unique holiday date idea? The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s Scotch Library may be your solution. It features more than 250 whiskies imported from all six whisky regions of Scotland (Speyside, Highland, Islay, Islands, Lowland and Campbeltown), representing nearly half of the distilleries in Scotland. Vintages in the Scotch Library range from 10-year-old varietals to scotch that is more than 40 years old. Assisting guests with selections are Scotch Library Ambassadors, who are experts in the area of single malt and blend whiskies. Not only are the Ambassadors passionate scotch consumers themselves, but they have received extensive training to prepare for their role. Looking for a more advanced tasting experience? As a part of its ongoing Scotch programs, the resort will host a new series of Master Tastings, featuring experts representing leading Scotch producers. The Dec. 8
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Master Tasting at 6:30 p.m. will include light-food pairings and will be led by Dr. Tom Turner, an ambassador for Young’s Market Company. 6902 E. Greenway Parkway. 800-3545892 or 480-624-1000. kierlandresort.com/ fine-dining-at-scottsdale-restaurants/ scotch-library/.
Festive Flicks
The inaugural Festive Flicks this December at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North includes holiday movies, and festive food and beverage under a blanket of Sonoran stars. The movie and game nights join the growing family-friendly holiday programming at the property. Fountain Terrace will be transformed into a festive movie theater and holiday carnival with a game lawn, featuring bocce ball, ladder ball and other sporting games. Sparkling lights will adorn the lawn, and guests will enjoy strolling through an array of food and beverage stations. Options include “make your own” funnel cakes, salted and cinnamon-sugar dusted pretzel knots, giant s’more cupcakes, freshly popped popcorn, classic-movie candies and other delicious treats and drinks. It runs 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16. The holiday movie showings include: “Polar Express” on Dec 2:, “Home Alone” on Dec 9, and “Elf” on Dec 16. The movie and lawn games are complimentary. Snacks and beverages are available at additional cost. Reservations are not required. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive. 480-5155700. fourseasons.com/Scottsdale.