Yay, Christmas Time! Some of the most incredible and exciting days of the year! We get in the holiday spirit at Jungle Roots Dentistry by thinking of all the fantastic things to do in and around Phoenix. This area has oodles of activities for families wanting to spend time together, see terrific shows, and participate in fun projects. Your entire family can experience the excitement of spectacles of lights, cheerful sharing, and melodic sounds. We want to share some of the highlights coming up this festive season!
SPARKLE AND SHINE!
Some light displays and tree-lighting events:
Glendale Glitters is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Downtown Glendale lights up the night with the tree lighting on November 24th, then music, visits with Santa, and a candy cane tree path to follow for shopping both evenings. The light display will stay up until January 1, 2024.
When: November 24th and 25th, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE!
Nearly four million lights! A 200-foot-long tunnel! The tallest floating tree in North America! Find all these things and more at the Valley’s “favorite holiday tradition.”
When: November 22, 2023 – January 14, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 -$35 general admission
Children ages two and under are FREE!
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
Kick off the season with the magic of a street parade, tree lighting, and much more! Downtown Tempe hosts the event once again this year!
When: November 24, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
SANTA STOPS HERE!
Lots of photo ops for the entire family, Santa sightings and festivals, and music at its best! Check out the local holiday fare and soak up what the Phoenix metro area offers this time of year.
Enjoy the 3rd annual progressive holiday walking tour of downtown Phoenix with family-friendly celebrations all day! Experience Phoenix’s arts, history, and culture through performances, food, and fun for the kiddos and grown-ups alike!
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: See the website for times at various locations.
Cost: FREE admission
Hometown Christmas Parade – The True Star
Founded to share the “reason for the season” and support Hope for Hunger Food Bank, this Glendale tradition is now in its 10th year!
When: Saturday, December 9th, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE admission
The Avondale Civic Center Complex turns into a winter extravaganza! Visits from Santa, food, treats, entertainment, and a holiday light show are just some of the activities.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission
Family Fun Holiday Fair and Marketplace
Scottsdale hosts this event for family fun at the Arizona Boardwalk. All can have a white Christmas within the marketplace’s Snow Blizzard, and music, food, bounce houses, and Santa will be there!
When: Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission
JOY TO THE WORLD!
Phoenix brings musical joy to the entire family. Check out these shows to raise your spirits.
The Phoenix Symphony – Handel’s Messiah
A holiday tradition!
When: December 14th at Camelback Bible Church
December 15th at Mesa Arts Center
December 16th and 17th at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
Times: December 14th, 15th, and 16th – 7:30 p.m.
December 17th – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Seat prices vary. See website for details.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical
Herberger Theater is the place for “reindeer games!” Bring the kids for an evening of fun with the floating Sam The Snowman telling the age-old tale, teaching us that we are unique because of what makes us different!
When: November 18th – December 24th 2023
Time: Most shows are at 1:00 p.m. and at 4:00 p.m. Check the website for dates and times.
Cost: Seat prices between $15 – $50. Check the website for specific pricing.
SNOW FOR ALL!
Snowfall in the Desert! Immerse yourself in snowflakes!
“A Living Snowglobe” in the desert! Desert Ridge Marketplace has snowfall every evening!
When: November 22nd – December 31st 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m,
Cost: FREE admission
Snowfall all day long! On Christmas Eve, it will snow every hour, on the hour! It starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.
GET INTO THE ACTION!
Physical activities in the wintertime can be invigorating! Here are some things to involve your entire family while burning excess energy over the holidays.
Skate under the stars at the Plaza at Mesa City Center on 6,000 square feet of real ice!
When: Opens November 24th at 6:00 p.m.
Times: Monday through Friday – 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – noon to 10:00 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours for December 24th and December 31st – noon to 4:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day
Cost: $10 for one-hour sessions (skate rental included).
Glendale Santa Hustle – Jingle All the Way
The Westgate Entertainment District is the spot for going the distance and showing off your running skills! You and your kiddos can participate in one of the three foot races scheduled for that day. Kids get a Santa hat and beard, race bib, finisher medal, and a long-sleeved Santa shirt directly from Santa himself! Adults get a full-zip hoodie, a Santa Hustle embroidered fleece headband, and a finisher medal that jingles and spins just for finishing the race. Sign up, create a group to run, and make it even more fun.
All proceeds from this event go to the Glendale Firefighter Charities.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Times: Kid’s Dash – 7:30 a.m.
Half Marathon – 8:00 a.m.
5K – 8:15 a.m.
Cost: Kid’s Dash – $22.20, including sign-up fee
Half Marathon – $75.19, including sign-up fee
5K – $53.99, including sign-up fee
CHRISTMAS ON THE EXPRESS!
These rail excursions will surely put your entire family in the Christmas mood!
Just like that magical train, the kids can wear their pajamas to meet Santa! The Light Rail car will be the perfect spot for songs and treats. Make memories zooming down Merry Main Street on the Santa Express!
When: December 8th– 9th and December 15th-16th
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE! To help keep the ride free for all, kindly donate to the Mesa Santa Express.
The Grand Canyon Polar Express
The train leaves the station in Williams, AZ, and journeys to “the North Pole!” Enjoy hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies while listening to the story of the Polar Express! Santa and his reindeer will be there, and they have a jingle bell for every girl and boy. Total round-trip time is approximately 90 minutes.
When: Excursions begin November 10th
Time: 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Adult – (ages 16+) $58 – $97 plus taxes and fees
Child – (ages 2-15) $39 – $67 plus taxes and fees
There is also a combo rate for accommodations at the hotel, meals, and the train ride. See website for details.
HANUKKAH
Hanukkah begins the evening of Thursday, December 7th, 2023. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with your family, starting with a handcrafted menorah!
At this family-friendly workshop, create your one-of-a-kind design to cherish for ages to come!
When: Sunday, November 12, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $50
CELEBRATE THE SEASON!
We at Jungle Roots Dentistry wish you the happiest holidays! As your dental home, we strive to make every day a memorable one. We realize the days leading to the end of the year may be stressful, but we encourage you to relax with your family and celebrate the season with the rituals of the past and the new experiences of today! We hope you will try to attend some of the happenings in and around the Phoenix area and make some new memories!
‘Tis the season to show off your best smile!
