Christmas is a little over a week away, which  means Downtown Phoenix’s holiday event calendar is reaching a crescendo.
If you’re looking for a special holiday date idea or ways to occupy visiting friends and family, Downtown Phoenix offers a unique blend of music, theater, dance, comedy and parties that encapsulate the spirit of the season.
Saturday, Dec. 17 / Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding
Now in its 11th year, the Valley’s own jingle bell rocker Alice Cooper hosts this star-studded event at Comerica Theatre, which includes Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, former Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch, Arizona Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Tubes, a performance from Alice Cooper himself, and much more. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets begin at $38. For more information visit alicecoopersolidrock.com
Saturday, Dec. 17 / Adam Carolla
Popular radio personality and former host of “The Man Show” and “Loveline,” comedian Adam Carolla, returns to Downtown’s historic Orpheum Theatre to offer up his unique takes on the holiday season and to support his recent book release, “In 50 Years We’ll All Be Chicks.” Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced $32.50-$56.45.
Sunday, Dec. 18 / Snow Day
It’s a winter wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. 20 tons of snow will fall on the museum’s front lawn for children to frolic in. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and admission is $11. For more information visit childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Tuesday, Dec. 20 / Great Russian Nutcracker
Comerica Theatre again plays host to the exquisite dancing, music and costumes of the Great Russian Nutcracker. Every year’s performance is different from the last and the 2011 version offers an Act II setting in the “Land of Peace and Harmony,” and sees the introduction of a new character, the Christmas Dove.  Show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $20-$85.
Every Day / Ice Skating at CityScape
The NRG Ice Rink is back at CityScape and nearly double the size of last year’s sheet! Rink hours are as follows:
Through Sunday, Dec. 18 the rink will be open Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 3-11 p.m.
Dec. 19-Jan. 1 the rink will be open daily 3-11 p.m.
Jan. 2-Jan. 11 the rink will be open Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 3-11 p.m.
Rink use is $10, which includes skate rental.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 / Holiday Family Program at Rosson House
Families are invited to historic Ross House Museum at Heritage and Science Park for a day of making holiday decorations and munching on holiday treats. Receive complimentary admission with the donation of any new or slightly used book to benefit local charities. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit rossonhousemuseum.org
With 366 events in 48 days, Downtown Phoenix has something for everyone this holiday season.