Cities & Towns

Phoenix Event Calendar - December

December Festivals & Events in the Phoenix Area

By Judy Hedding, About.com Guide

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In a large metropolitan area like Phoenix, you might expect that there is always something going on. You are correct! Phoenix, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and many other communities have recurring events of which they are proud.

These are many of the community events that you can count on year in and year out. All dates, prices, and activities mentioned are subject to change without notice. Check the web site or call to confirm information. The activities in this event calendar are appropriate for families unless otherwise indicated. If the event is free, I'll mention that, too.

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Phoenix Event Calendar for December

Concerts and Shows Scheduled For This Month in the Phoenix Area

Christmas Holiday tree lightings, festivals and events typically begin in mid-November and continue through the end of December and even into January. You can find extensive listings of those activities and events in the Greater Phoenix Christmas Holiday Guide.

2nd Friday in Mesa
Live music, entertainment, art walk, prizes. Each month has a theme. Family friendly. Free admission. On Main Steet between Center and Country Club in Downtown Mesa.
In 2012: 2nd Friday of the month

All Breed Cat Show
Concessions and vendors. Sponsored by the Phoenix Feline Fanciers. Phoenix Convention Center.
In 2011: December 10, 11

Arizona Cardinals Football
The Arizona Cardinals play professional football at University of Phoenix Stadium.
In 2011: Various dates in December

Arizona Derby Dames
All-girl roller derby since 2006. Now playing on a banked track. Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix.
In 2011: December 3

Arizona National Livestock Show
Arizona's largest livestock show. Exhibits and competitions. Held at the Fairgrounds in Central Phoenix.
In 2011: December 28 - January 1, 2012

ArtBridge Thursdays
Artists, crafters and jewelers exhibit and sell items in a family-friendly, festive environment. SouthBridge, Downtown Scottsdale. Free admission.
In 2011: Every Thursday in December

Big Red Pour
The best of both worlds for live music lovers and craft beer enthusiasts. University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale.
In 2011: December ??

Cabela's Kids Kamp
Free programs on topics related to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities for ages 9-13 at Cabela's in Glendale.
In 2011: Every Monday evening (except when store is closed for a holiday)

Centerline Artwerks | First Saturdays
Features live performing artists, local painters, sculptors, dancers and musicians. Just east of Murphy Park at 58th Avenue north of Glendale Avenue, event goers will have the opportunity to watch artists at work as well as tour the historic area. Free to attend. In December, it isn't just First Saturday!
In 2011: December 3, 10, 17

Chanukah/Hanukkah Holiday Events and Activities
Several local Jewish organizations sponsor events and activities in celebration of Chanukah.
In 2011: Various dates in December

Community Cinema
Free movie and post-show discussion, presented by City of Mesa Office of Diversity, City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board, Mesa Arts Center, ITVS Community Cinema and Eight Arizona PBS. Dobson Lecture Hall at Mesa Arts Center. Free.
In 2011: December 15

Cowboy Poetry Gathering
In Wickenburg. Join cowboy poets the first weekend in December for offerings of poems, songs and ideas with a western theme.
In 2011: December 2 - 4

Crossroads of the West Gun Show
At the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.
In 2011: December 2, 3, 4

Desert Botanical Garden Las Noches de las Luminarias
The Desert Botanical Garden glows in the evenings with thousands of luminarias lining the paths.
In 2011: Various dates in December

Downtown Chandler Art Walk
Visit more than 70 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
In 2011: third Friday of the month

Fiesta Bowl Parade
Floats, marching bands, horses and more in the parade. Phoenix.
In 2011: December 31

Fiesta Bowl Block Party
Ring in the New Year with one of the top ten New Year's Eve celebrations in the country. Tempe.
In 2011: December 31

Fiesta Mall Entertainment
Mariachis, magicians, dancers, bands -- several entertainers each Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Center Court at Fiesta Mall in Mesa. Family friendly. Free.
In 2012: Every Saturday and Sunday

First Friday
Visit more than 80 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free. Watch the video.
In 2012: first Friday of the month

First Saturday Public Art Walk Tour
Docent led tours of the Fountain Hills public art collection including more than 70 artworks in parks, plazas and public buildings. Tours are in the morning, take approximately one hour and begin in the Community Center Sculpture Garden. There is a charge for the tour. Reservations required. 480-816-5100.
In 2011: December 3

Friday Night Franks
A unique outdoor cookout experience in the Sonoran desert. Live entertainment, Native American storytelling, horseshoes, wagon rides, and an old fashioned wiener roast featuring a full BBQ menu. Free admission, charge for food and beverages.
In 2011: every Friday night in December

Gilbert Art Walk
Fine art in different mediums, all price ranges. Artists qualify to be part of the event through a jury selection process. All art items are original creations. More than 30 booths. Water Tower Park, Gilbert.
In 2011: December 23

Glendale's Live at the Library
Musical entertainment at the Main Library. Concerts are free. Call 623-930-3573 for more details.
In 2011: December 1