PHOENIX (AZFamily) — There’s plenty of holiday-themed activities for the entire family this weekend! Whether you want to sit and enjoy a parade or listen to a stunning performance, there are plenty of events across the Valley to enjoy.
A Christmas Story: The Musical | Peoria
Follow the beloved holiday classic A Christmas Story as Ralphie Parker has his eye on the ultimate Christmas gift — a Red Ryder BB gun. Guests can choose the dinner and show option, which includes soup or salad and an entrée. Matinee dining begins at 12 p.m., and evening dining starts at 5:30 p.m.
If you’re not feeling like dinner, you can choose performance-only tickets. Sip on cocktails in the lobby bar before sitting down and enjoying the performance. Get your tickets today.
- When: Until December 28, varying times
- Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre – 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ
- Price: Ranging from $57 to $170, depending on type of ticket (dinner & show, performance only)
APS Electric Light Parade |Phoenix
It’s one of the biggest events of the holiday season! The parade kicks off at 7 p.m., beginning at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue. It will end at 7th Street and Indian School Road.
Spectators will get to see 100 entries filled with stunning light displays and colorful holiday floats showcasing local organizations and businesses. High school marching bands will also spread joy along the route. Click or tap here to see the full parade route and street closures.
- When: December 6 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue
- Price: Free
Beyond Van Gogh | Scottsdale
Explore over 300 Vincent Van Gogh masterpieces reimagined in a vibrant 360° projection of color and light across 30,000 square feet. Become like Van Gogh himself and create your own art! The installation will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- When: Until January 4
- Where: 4301 N Scottsdale Rd
- Price: Ranging from $21 to $51, depending on day
Elf the Musical Jr. | Anthem
Journey with Buddy the Elf as he travels through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, Sea of Swirly-Twirly Gumdrops before landing in New York City. The Musical Theatre of Anthem will be putting on this show-stopping performance. Get your tickets today.
- When: Dec 4-14
- Where: Musical Theatre of Anthem – 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100
- Price: Reserved seating is $30
Fuelfest at Firebird Motorsports Park | Chandler
If you’re looking for an action-packed event this weekend, head to Firebird for Fuelfest! Featuring drag racing, 700 cars and live action drifting, it’s a car enthusiasts dream! Gates for the event open from 1-8pm.
The drift pits are open access, allowing fans to see these amazing cars up close. FuelFest also features an all new showcase area: Taste of Tokyo, giving fans a Japanese underground car meet vibe with a variety of cars you’re likely to see in the streets of Tokyo. Click or tap here for tickets.
- When: December 6
- Where: Firebird Motorsports Park – 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ
- Price: Tickets begin at $38 per person; kids 12 and under free
Holiday Pops Spectacular with the Phoenix Symphony | Phoenix
Celebrate the holiday season with the Phoenix Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops Spectacular! Hum along to your favorite carols and hymns that will leave you filled with holiday cheer. There will be four performances throughout the weekend. Get your tickets soon!
- When: December 5-7, varying times
- Where: Phoenix Symphony Hall – 75 N 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Price: Ranging between $46 to $175
Magical Flute exhibition at Musical Instrument Museum | Phoenix
Experience the impact of the world’s first wind instrument in The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power, the newest exhibition at the Musical Instrument Museum. Explore over 100 flutes, from the beginning to the modern era. Included with museum admission. Click or tap here to learn more.
- Where: Musical Instrument Museum – 4725 E Mayo Blvd
- Price: Included with museum admission – $10 to $30
Premier Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Phoenix
Step into the magic of the Christmas season with Premier Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker! The timeless classic features breathtaking performances, costumes and a fun-filled time for the whole family. Click or tap here to get your tickets today.
- When: December 6-7
- Where: Orpheum Theatre – 203 W Adams St
- Price: Tickets ranging from $41 to $75
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Herberger Theater | Phoenix
Follow the delightful journey of Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius as they encounter the Abominable Snowman and journey to the land of Misfit Toys, as presented by the Herberger Theater Company! Show times run roughly 70 minutes. Click or tap here to purchase tickets.
- When: December 6-22
- Where: Herberger Theater Center – 222 East Monroe Street
- Price: Tickets range from $35 to $60
Tempe Festival of the Arts | Tempe
The 57th annual Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts returns to downtown Tempe, transforming Mill Avenue into an artist’s paradise! Shop from over 350 artists, enjoy live entertainment, a wine and spirits tasting and more.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Click or tap here for more info.
- When: December 5-7
- Where: Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Drive
- Price: Free
Meet Santa at Butterfly Wonderland | Scottsdale
Step into the enchanting Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland! Get an up-close look at the beautiful butterflies, and there will be a special guest appearance from St. Nick himself! Guests can take photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- When: December 7
- Where: Butterfly Wonderland – 9500 East Vía de Ventura
- Price: Included with admission; tickets ranging from $23-$33
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