12 Holiday Events in Downtown Phoenix for the entire Family
by Taylor Costello
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Allow the boundless engine of downtown businesses to take the wheel for your friends and family this holiday season. Below are seasonal highlights, as well as new traditions, like the returning Winter Wanderland! Get your calendar out and start making plans.
Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 – Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
It’s back! The holiday spirit begins again in earnest with the return of CitySkate, located at its namesake CityScape! Enjoy a stroll around the ice rink at Patriots Park against the picturesque backdrop of holiday lights and Christmas tree, as well as the soon-to-be completed South Central Extension of lightrail.
The ice skating rink operates in 90-minute sessions. Check the CitySkate website for skate times. General admission is $20 per person, while children, ages 8 and under, are $13 per person.
Indoor Market: Friday, Dec. 2 @ 6PM-9PM / Outdoor Mercado: Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 10AM-4PM
The best kind of gift is an (either literally or figuratively) handmade one and that’s exactly what artist collective, XICO, aims to provide at their artist market! With a host of vendors, both in-house and from the local community, providing prints and other unique items perfect for gift-giving. The event is free and open to the public.
Downtown Phoenix Inc. presents PJs in the Park on Dec. 3 at Civic Space Park.
Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 4 @ Various Times
Have new and lasting memories with the family at the latest in the APS Pops series performed at Symphony Hall. The Phoenix Symphony Chorus leads soaring and vibrant renditions of hallmarks of the holiday season, spanning from traditional to contemporary numbers. Prices for seating vary.
Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 5PM
Returning for its tenth year, this decade-old event activates Civic Space Park, under the literal glow of Janet Echelman’s ‘Her Secret is Patience’ public art activation! Presented by Downtown Phoenix Inc., all the staples you’ve come to expect are back, like a photo booth with Santa himself. Valley Coffee Co. will provide fresh coffee, hot cocoa and snacks. Enjoy a screening of the holiday favorite film ‘Elf’ after the DreamWorks short film ‘Merry Madagascar.’ This event is free.
Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 11AM – 7PM
Returning after a successful first year, our Winter Wanderland features live music and performances set against iconic downtown locations from the Herberger Theatre to the Renaissance Hotel! Follow the festivities from location to location for a full day of free holiday entertainment, over-the-top holiday lights and décor, delicious food, drinks and merriment.
When you attend a performance, be sure to get a sticker for your Wanderland Playbill from a Downtown Phoenix Ambassador. Fill your Playbill with six or more stickers to receive a free commemorative DTPHX prize while supplies last.
Phoestivus neighborhood market 2021. Photo: Danny Upshaw
Wednesday, Dec. 14 & Thursday, Dec. 15 @ 5PM-10PM
The biggest holiday market in downtown Phoenix is now at a new location. Now across the street from the Wexford Science Center, at 850 PBC, but providing the same holiday shopping experience with more than 200 small business vendors, food, beverages, music, live art and more.
Check out Marshall Shore’s “Hip Santa,” Phreddie The Yeti and take a photo with the commemorative Phoestivus pole. Entry is free to this family-friendly and pet-friendly event.
There’s more! Here are six shows currently on stage this holiday season: Cinderella @ The Phoenix Theatre, Visits with Santa @ Children’s Museum, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical @ Herberger Theatre, A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail @ Valley Youth Theatre, The Elves & The Shoemaker @ the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, Phoenix Ballet presents The Nutcracker @ Orpheum Theatre