The holidays are getting bigger Downtown. Just a few years ago, it would have been tough to name more than five big events for the holidays. This year, it was tough to narrow it down to 10 (download the entire holiday calendar here).
So, in semi-chronological order, here are 10 ideas to amp up your holiday cheer:
1. Ice Skating in the Park – Wow. Our very own Lincoln Center. From now through Jan. 15, the plaza at CityScape will transform into an ice rink. The cost is $10 per person, including skate rentals and the rink is open daily 3-11 p.m.
2. Valley Youth Theatre Presents A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail – Speaking as a lifelong Eeyore, get some tix for this holiday classic or that pesky raincloud might hang over your head. Dec. 3-23.
3. Center Dance Ensemble Presents The Snow Queen – If you’ve got family from out of town, warm them up with this gorgeous retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen tale, set to music by Prokofiev. Herberger Theater, Dec. 4-19. Discounts available for students and seniors.
4. Actors Theatre Company Presents A Christmas Carol – Danger, Will Robinson: After 19 years, ATC is retiring this terrific musical. Herberger Theater, Dec. 4-24.
5. Candlelight Messiah – Played in a candlelit setting (which is a pretty cool idea) the Phoenix Symphony Chorus performs Handel’s “Messiah.” St. Mary’s Basilica, Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
6. Ballet Arizona Presents Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker – This one goes without saying. Ballet Arizona is a local treasure, so go and get swept away by this spectacular production. Symphony Hall, Dec. 10-26.
7. Christmas Mariachi Festival – The world’s top mariachis and the amazing Ballet Folklorico come together for this annual event. US Airways Center, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
8. Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding – For us locals, Alice is a bit of a hero; he’s done great things to boost his hometown. On Dec. 18, you can join Alice and his original band, along with Rob Zombie, Cheech Marin and more for a night of comedy and music to benefit Valley youth. 7 p.m., Comerica Theater (that’s the new name for the Dodge).
9. Snow Day at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix – On Dec. 19, ten tons of snow will fall on the front lawn, with a visit from Frosty the Snowman. You know you want to go. Tickets are $9 each and include museum admission.
10. The Salvation Army Christmas Dinner – A nice reminder about one of the best meanings of the season. These good folks can always use donations, food and volunteers. Dec. 25 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.