You might think that with all the sunshine around here, we don't really get in the holiday spirit. Not true! You can attend a holiday event nearly every day for six weeks somewhere in the Greater Phoenix area from mid-November through the end of December. Use this guide to help you plan your activities and family fun during the winter holidays.
1. Holiday Parades, Tree Lightings, Holiday Lights and Community Festivals
© Judy Hedding
It is safe to say that every one of our communities in the Phoenix area will be having some sort of activity to celebrate the holiday season. Some cities and towns have their events on a single day. Some have month-long celebrations of lights and festive decorations. Many of these events are free.
2. Holiday Theatre, Music and Dance
© Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Starting in November, you'll have an amazing selection of cultural holiday treats to entertain you. Plays, orchestral performances, choirs, puppet shows, ballet, modern dance, children's theatre, dinner theatre, concerts--you name it, we have it in Phoenix! Some of these are free events, some are very reasonable priced, and some will be the hot tickets in town.
3. More Holiday Happenings
© Judy Hedding
Craft shows, photos with Santa, special programs, special appearances -- all the other holiday activities that are happening around town.
4. 5 Arizona Holiday Gifts For People That Already Have Too Much Stuff
© Judy Hedding
If they don't need more, tools, more toys, more fruit baskets or more socks, here are some ideas for uniquely Arizona gifts for people who just don't need more "stuff" in their lives!
5. My Favorite Gift Cards
© Judy Hedding
Everyplace has gift cards now. Grocery stores, movies, DVD rental places, sporting goods stores, airlines... Here are my favorite gift cards
6. Arizona Stocking Stuffers For Less Than $10
© Judy Hedding
Need a stocking stuffer? Or maybe just a gift for a neighbor or a co-worker? Here are some easy Arizona gift ideas that you can pick up for less than $10. No one will throw these gifts away!
7. Best Last Minute Gifts in Phoenix
© Judy Hedding
Did you procrastinate until it was just a bit too late to order something online? Here are some ideas for lovely last minute gifts, and they are located in your own backyard.
8. Things To Do on Christmas Day in Phoenix
© Judy Hedding
Some people don't celebrate Christmas. Then there are people who would, but they are alone in the area without family. More often the case is that after months of shopping, and about 20 minutes of opening presents, all these people have a question in common--what is there to do in Phoenix on Christmas Day? Here are ten suggestions.
9. Eating Out on Christmas Day
Paul Hawthorne/Getty
Sometimes there's just a lot going on, and having your Christmas dinner out is a viable alternative to help reduce the stress in your life. Or maybe Christmas just isn't your holiday, so you don't have family and friends over, but you like the food! Here are some places in the greater Phoenix area that are open on Christmas Day for your dining pleasure.
10. Volunteer on Christmas Day
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Are you here all by yourself on Christmas? Does your family want to do something worthwhile during their time off from work and school? Do the people at work want to get together and so something nice for others? Here are some places that can always use your time and effort during the holidays and all year long.
