Community Corner

Festival season is in high gear as the days grow shorter and cooler. Lots of choices, with fun events for every member of the family.

The Polar Express
Williams Depot
The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children's faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift. Departs nightly at 6:30 p.m. with a second run at 8 p.m. Admission: $14/$19 for children and $29 for adults.
November 13- January 9
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
Williams
800-THE-TRAIN
www.thetrain.com

Scarecrow in the Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Hand crafted scarecrows of all shapes and sizes are on display in the garden. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Garden admission: $7.
Through November 30
2150 N. Alvemon Way
Tucson
520-326-9686
www.tucsonbotanical.org

Birds in the Garden
Desert Botanical Garden
Walk through the garden trails with bird experts providing information on the types of birds that live in the Arizona desert. Bring a hat, proper walking shoes, sunscreen, water and binoculars if available. Select Mondays and Saturdays. Call for details.
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org

Pumpkin Days and Fall Maze
Tolmachoff Farms
Pumpkin patch, corn mazes, train ride, petting zoo, play areas. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $7 entry, $2 for train ride.
Through November 22
Glendale
623-386-1301
www.tolmachoff-farms.com

Nights at North
Heard Museum North
Poet and ASU professor Laura Tohe presents "Oral and Written Literature Among Southwestern Indigenous Writers and Storytellers." 5:30 p.m. Admission: $5-$10.
November 18
32633 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale
480-488-9817
www.heard.org

Paul Taylor Dance Company
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Modern dance company performs a medley of routines on stage at the new Virginia Piper Theater, combining the elements of modern dance with ballet. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $40-$47.
November 18-19
7380 E. Second Street
Scottsdale
480-994-2787
www.ptdc.org and www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org

19th Annual Red Rock Fantasy of Lights
Los Abrigados Resort.
"Lights On" for the 19th Annual Red Rock Fantasy will take place this year at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The event will last through the New Year, ending with "Lights Out" on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Admission is reduced to $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children aged 5-12 and is complimentary for children 4 and under. Blocks of 20 tickets or more are sold at a discounted rate of $4 per person. The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Sedona
Nov. 19 through Jan 2, 2010
928-282-1777 or 800-521-3131
www.redrockfantasy.com

"Alice in Wonderland"
Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center
The classic fairytale is set to music and features Alice, who travels through Wonderland meeting an array of interesting characters. Admission: $10-$15.
Through November 22
33606 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale
480-488-1981
www.desertfoothillstheater.com

Gilbert Days
Downtown Gilbert
Charity roping event at 7 p.m. on the 18th. Carnival and rodeo events for kids and adults beginning at 5 p.m. on November 19 and 20 and at noon on November 21-22. Admission: free, $15 for the November 21 dance.
November 18-22
Gilbert Road between Guadalupe and Elliott
Gilbert
480-380-8399
www.gilbertdays.com

Gilbert Days 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Freestone Park
4:45 p.m. start time for the Fun Run and 4:55 p.m. start for the 5K. Admission: $10-$30.
November 20
1045 E. Juniper Avenue
Gilbert
480-503-6200
www.getsetaz.com

Movies in the Park
Biltmore Fashion Square
The 1967 movie, "The Graduate" is shown on the Center Lawn at Biltmore Fashion Park. The movie is about a recent college graduate who is trapped in an affair with an older woman. Bring blankets and chairs. 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 20
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
602-955-8400
www.shopbiltmore.com

Holiday Craft Market
Tucson Museum of Art
More than 120 artists will be selling jewelry, ceramics, watercolors and more. Live music and beer garden. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free.
140 N. Main Avenue
Tucson
520-624-2333
www.tucsonmuseumofart.org

Holiday Craft Show
Sun Village Community
A variety of treasures await holiday shoppers, including hand-painted ornaments, glassware, original art, flower arrangements and jewelry. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 21
17300 N. Sun Village Parkway
Surprise
623-584-6904 www.sunvillage.org

Ford Ironman Arizona
Tempe Town Lake
Root for Ironman athletes during the 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. The course begins and ends near Tempe Town Lake. Registration for the event is closed, but free for spectators. Race begins at 6:50 a.m.
November 22
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe
480-350-8625
www.ironmanarizona.com

Golf Classic
Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass
The 2009 Golf Classic features a round of golf, lunch, silent auction, and cocktail reception. The event is hosted by Major League Baseball great Luis Gonzalez and benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona. Registration begins at 8 a.m. $600 per person or $2,200 per foursome.
November 23
5692 W. North Loop Road, Chandler
480-940-1500
www.PhoenixZoo.org or www.whilrwindgolf.com

Phoenix Zoo Lights
The 18th annual Zoo Lights will showcase more than 2.5 million lights and hundreds of light sculptures on the grounds of the Zoo. Zoo Member Preview on November 23-24. November 26-January 10. Call for ticket prices and times.
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602.273.1341
www.ironmanarizona.com

ArtFest of Scottsdale
Event features contemporary artists, authors and craftspeople, live music, international foods, and an interactive family area. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking.
November 21-22
7380 E. Second Street,
Scottsdale
480-968-5353
www.888artfest.com

Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
Peoria Sports Complex
The 14th annual festival featuring Native American crafts, metal works, clothing and jewelry. Friday, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 20-22
16101 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria
480-488-2014
www.magicbirdfestivals.com

Thanksgiving Day Classic
Peoria Sports Complex
The 22nd annual event features a 10-mile run, 5k, and one-mile fun run. Awards in the form of pies are presented to the top three male and female finishers in each race. Peoria Pantry will collect clothing and donations for families in need. Event begins at 8 a.m. Admission: $8-35
November 26
16101 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria
602-954-8341
www.arizonaroadracers.com

Mesa Mi Amigo's Turkey Trot
Red Mountain Park
Features a 10-K run, 2-mile run/walk or a 1-mile run/walk. Proceeds benefit the Sequoia School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 8:15 a.m. Admission: $12-$25.
November 26
7745 E. Brown Road
Mesa
602-277-4333
www.raceplaceevents.com

Movies in the Park
Biltmore Fashion Square
The 1968 classic film, "Funny Girl" is shown on the Center Lawn at Biltmore Fashion Park. The movie is about performer and comedienne Fanny Brice. Blankets and chairs are welcome. 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 27
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
602-955-8400
www.shopbiltmore.com

APS Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade
Mill Avenue District
Tree lighting, fireworks and live entertainment. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at Third Street and Mill Avenue and includes floats, bands and marching and equestrian units. Santa Claus arrives at 7 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 28
Mill Avenue and University Drive
Tempe
480-894-8158
www.millavenue.com/APS-Fantasy-of-Lights.aspx

Festival of Lights Kick Off Party
Desert Foothills Park
The 14th annual event features arts, crafts, food and entertainment including inflatables, plus a beer garten and holiday shopping. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 28
1010 Marketplace West SW
Phoenix
480-460-6169
www.folaz.org

Glendale Glitters
Desert Foothills Park
Enjoy 1.5 million lights illuminating 12 blocks of downtown Glendale. The Spectacular Weekends includes entertainment, food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a kids' winter wonderland, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and visits with Santa. Friday and Saturdays only, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 27-the end of December
59th and Glendale Avenues
Glendale
623-930-2299
www.glendaleaz.com

Fall Foliage Finale Festival
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Take in the warm autumn colors of the Arizona desert. The event features walks through the pistachio grove with spiced apple cider, arts and crafts and live music. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $3-$7.50.
November 28-29 37615 U.S. Highway 60
Superior
520-689-2811
www.ag.arizona.edu/bta

Holiday Concert
McClintock High School
The Tempe Symphony performs sounds of the holidays. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
November 30
1830 E. Del Rio Drive
Tempe
480-839-4222
www.tuhsd.k12.az.us/schools/mcclintock.htm

"A Christmas Carol"
Hale Center Theater
The classic tale of how recalling the past changes the future for the bitter Ebeneezer Scrooge. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., plus Saturday matinee, 3 p.m. Admission: $15-$25.
December 3-23
50 W. Page Avenue
Gilbert
480-497-1181
www.haletheaterarizona.com

Las Noches de la Luminarias
Desert Botanical Garden
Experience the unique Southwest holiday tradition as the magic of thousands of hand-lit luminarias light the pathways and cast a soft glow on the Garden's world-renowned plant collection. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission: $20 Adults, $10 children, Under 3 years old are admitted free.
December 3-6, members only
December 10-13, 17-23, 27-30, general public
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org

Movies in the Park
Biltmore Fashion Park
The 1954 movie "White Christmas" is shown on the Center Lawn. A successful song and dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont Inn of their former commending general. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 4
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
602-966-8400
www.shopbiltmore.com

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
The classic television special comes to the stage. Bring the entire family to see how Kris Kringle became the one and only Santa Claus. Fridays, 7 p.m., Saturdays 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays 1:30 p.m. Call for prices.
December 4-20
8355 W. Peoria Avenue
Peoria
623-815-1791
www.theaterworks.org

"Miracle on 34th Street"
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
A classic holiday musical that shows how miracles can happen to those who believe. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $15-$25.
December 4-20
8355 W. Peoria Avenue
Peoria
623-815-1791
www.theaterworks.org

"A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail"
Valley Youth Theater
Celebrate the holidays with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and their friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. Fridays 7:30 pm., Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission: $20
December 4-23
525 N. First Street
Phoenix
602-253-8188, ext. 2
www.vyt.com

VinArte First Friday Wine Tasting Series
Phoenix Art Museum Cafe
Novice wine lovers and expert connoisseurs can sample new and unique wines. Gourmet appetizers are also offered. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $30. Reservations suggested
December 4
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix
602-257-1222
www.phxart.org

Zoo Lights
Reid Park Zoo
Twinkling lights, jingle bells, Santa Claus, and holiday décor, music and refreshments at this Tucson zoo. Thursday through Sunday nights, 6 to 8 p.m. Admission: $4 adults, $1 children (2-14); free with unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, through December 13.
December 4-20
1030 S. Randolph Way
Tucson
520-791-4022
www.tucsonzoo.org

Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Reid Park Soccer Field
A festive event for the whole family. 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. race. Admission: $10 - $30.
December 4-20
1030 S. Randolph Way
Tucson
520-917-7070
www.southernarizonajbrw.kintera.org

15th Annual YMCA Golf Classic
Canoa Hills Golf Club
All proceeds benefit families in Tucson and surrounding communities participating in YMCA programs. 7 a.m. check-in. Greens fees $100 single, $375 for a foursome.
December 5
1401 Calle Urbano
Green Valley
520-294-1449
www.tucsonymca.org

Chandler Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Lighting
Historic Downtown Chandler
Celebrate the holiday season by watching a parade filled with marching bands and dance troupes. Each entry is decorated with colorful holiday lights. After the 7 p.m. parade, see the official lighting of the official Tumbleweed Tree. Admission: Free.
December 5
Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard
Chandler
480-782-2735
www.chandleraz.org

Tempe Festival of the Arts
Mill Avenue District
Ranked as one of the top 20 festivals in the country, more than 250,000 people come to find unique gifts. Food, entertainment and many booths with interesting art. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 4-6
Mill Avenue and University Drive
Tempe
480-355-6075
www.tempefestivalofthearts.com

Runner's Den/Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon and 5K
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza
The 22nd annual event takes runners through Scottsdale and Gainey Ranch. Registration starts at 6 a.m., with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. Admission: $22-$60
December 6
7380 E. Second Street
Scottsdale
480-355-6075
www.raceplaceevents.com

Holiday Pops
Symphony Hall
The Phoenix Symphony and the Phoenix Boys Choir present favorite holiday tunes. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Admission: $26-$76, advance purchase is recommended.
December 4-6
75 N. Second Street
Phoenix
602-495-1999
www.phoenixsymphony.org

Handel's Messiah Sing-a-Long
Symphony Hall
Symphony director leads community musicians, members of the Phoenix Symphony Chorus and the entire audience in song. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $15, advance purchase is recommended.
December 6
75 N. Second Street
Phoenix
602-495-1999
www.phoenixsymphony.org

A Territorial Christmas
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
An afternoon of Christmas customs of the 1880's and 1890's, with old-fashioned games, craft-making, holiday hayrides, and hot apple-cider. 2 p.m. Admission: $5.
December 6
16721 E. Old Spanish Trail (Colossal Cave Mtn. Park)
Tucson
520-647-7121
www.colossalcave.com

Holiday Card to Tucson
Augustine Cathedral
The Tucson Girls Chorus, the Tucson Boys Chorus, the Arizona Choir, and the University of Arizona Community Chorus present a holiday concert at the magnificent Augustine Cathedral in downtown Tucson. Performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m
December 6
192 W. Stone Ave.
Tucson
520-621-2998
www.lqp.arizona.edu

Holiday Lights
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Ride the train past 10,000 lights and a wide array of holiday displays. Santa makes appearances through December 23. No event on December 24, 25, or 31. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly. Admission: Free, train rides are $2 and carousel rides are $1.
December 11-January 2
7301 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale
480-312-2312
www.therailroadpark.com

Las Posadas Procession
Carrillo School in downtown Tucson
The Carrillo School has presented a posada since 1936. School children walk through Barrio Historico neighborhood reenacting the Christmas story. Music and food sales benefit school programs. Food and music at 5:30 p.m., procession starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 11
440 W. Main Ave
Tucson
520-225-1200
www.lapillita.com

Lighting of the Luminarias
Tombstone Courthouse
The Courthouse is ringed with dozens of traditional Mexican luminarias and adorned with other festive decorations to ring in the holiday season. 6 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 12
223 Toughnut St.
Tombstone
520-457-3311
www.azstateparks.com/parks/TOCO/index.html

APS Fantasy Boat Parade
Tempe Town Lake
The boat parade features nearly 50 decorated watercraft that are adorned with thousands of holiday lights. 7 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 12
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe
480-921-2300
www.tempe.gov/lake

Movies in the Park
Biltmore Fashion Park
The 2003 movie "Elf" is showing on the Center Lawn. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 12
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
602-966-8400
www.shopbiltmore.com

Singing Together - A Holiday Tradition
First United Methodist Church
The Sonoran Desert Chorale teams up with Southwest Brass and Organ to perform inspirational holiday classics and favorites. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $12-$15.
December 12
15 E. First Avenue
Mesa
480-305-4538
www.sonorandesertchorale.org

12K's of Christmas
Freestone Park
The 12K's of Christmas race includes a 12K run or a 1.2K sled run. Costumes are encouraged and pets are welcome for the sled run. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and includes a Santa hat and finishers pin. The event includes chorale singers at every K, pet adoption, water stations and snacks, plus a Christmas bazaar for last-minute shopping. Proceeds benefit Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Admission: $25-$35.
December 12
1045 E. Juniper Avenue
Gilbert
480-503-6200
www.12kofchristmas.com

Parade of Lights
Downtown Tucson
The Downtown Tucson Partnership presents a parade of lights, music and merriment through downtown streets, with an appearance by Santa Claus. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Admission: Free.
December 12
1045 E. Juniper Avenue
Tucson
520-837-6504
www.downtowntucson.org

Wild Winter Wonderland
International Wildlife Museum
A night of family fun with winter animal tales by a storyteller, pictures with Santa, craft making, games, holiday movies and music. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $7, $5.50 seniors/students, $2.50 children 4 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free.
December 12
4800 W. Gates Pass Road
Tucson
520-629-0100
www.thewildlifemuseum.org

Bird Walk with Sonoran Audubon
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
The event offers guests a chance to see winter birds that are making their way to the Sonoran Desert. Wear proper walking shoes and bring binoculars and bird books. Meet at the Nature Center. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Admission: $6 per vehicle.
December 12
14805 W. Vineyard Avenue
Goodyear
623-932-3811
www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella

"A Whoville Christmas"
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
Because the mean, green Mr. Grinch does not like Christmas, he and his dog, Max, conspire to steal the holiday from the resident of Whoville. 2 p.m. Call for prices.
December 12
22149 E. Ocotillo Road
Queen Creek
480-987-7469
wwww.qcpac.com

Holiday Art and Music Festival
Mesa Arts Center
Features live local entertainment and art for sale by several local and regional artists. The festival also includes activities for children and artist demonstrations in glassblowing, metals and ceramics. 10 a.m. Admission: Free.
December 12-13
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa
480-644-6500
www.mesaartscenter.com

Sons of Orpheus 12th Annual Holiday
Berger Center for the Performing Arts
This concert, presented with the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, showcases holiday-themed choral music to benefit the Community Food Bank. 7 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of non-perishable food items or a tax deductible monetary contribution.
December 16
1200 W. Speedway
Tucson
www.sonsoforpheus.com

Dennis Rowland's Holiday Jazz
Tempe Center for the Arts
Former Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland brings his rich and deep vocals back for a festive holiday concert. 8 p.m. Admission: $30.
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
December 19
Tempe
480-350-2822
www.tempe.gov/tca

Tucson Symphony Orchestra Pops! Holiday Spectacular
Tucson Music Hall
The TSO Pops! presents popular holiday music. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $24-$62.
December 19
260 S. Church Avenue
Tucson
520-792-9155
www.tucsonsymphony.org

Coyote Dreams: a VERY Arizona Christmas
Arizona Broadway Theater
When Carl Johnson convinces his wife that a warm holiday vacation in Arizona would be a nice change of pace, the couple gets quite an introduction to the state. Complete with accountant bikers, Joe Arpaio groupies, and plenty of music. Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, 12:30 p.m. Admission: $45, includes dinner.
December 19-20
7701 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria
480-595-7346
www.azbradwaytheater.com

Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus
Chandler Center for the Arts
This one-ring, family circus features acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and a lot of audience participation. Performance times vary based on day, please consult website. Admission: $15-$25.
December 26-January 3
250 N. Arizona Avenue
Chandler
480-782-2680
www.chandlercenter.org or www.zoppe.net

Arizona Road Racers 24-Hour Run to the Future
Victory Lane Sports Park
Participants run a series of altering loops around Victory Lane Sports Park for 24 hours. The event starts at 9 a.m. on December 31 and concludes at 9 a.m. on January 1. Admission: $70-$100.
December 31-January 1
22603 N. 43 Avenue
Phoenix
602-954-8341
www.Arizonaroadracers.com

First Night Tucson New Year's Eve
Multiple Downtown Venues
Downtown Tucson Partnership presents an all-ages, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with live music, comedy, movies, and kid's activities. 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission: Adults $12, Kids age 6 to 12 $6, 5 and younger are admitted free.
December 31
520-837-6504
www.downtowntucson.org

Arizona Wind Symphony
Tempe Center for the Arts
The 75-member community concert ensemble performs. 7:30 p.m. Call for prices.
January 13
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe
480-350-2822
www.arizonawindsymphony.org

Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock
Sun Devil Stadium
This event features a one-mile, non-competitive race for children grades K-6. It is a "kid-friendly" version of the P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon. Admission: $25-$30.
January 16
500 E. Veterans Way
Tempe
480-965-2381
www.arizona.competitor.com/kidsrock

P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
The event features a marathon and half marathon. Each race offers wheelchair racing. Live bands, 40 cheerleading squads, post track finish line party. Admission: $100-$125.
January 17
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix
602-542-4581
www.arizona.competitor.com