In between decorating the tree, hanging Christmas lights and eating your weight in pie, make some time to gather with friends and family to ring in the holiday season with Downtown Phoenix.
Tree Lighting and CitySkate Grand Opening
CityScape transforms into an urban winter wonderland Saturday, Nov. 29 for the grand opening of CitySkate and official kick off to the holiday season Downtown. Bring the whole family for a tree lighting ceremony, sledding in real snow, photos with Santa, ice skating performances, festive food, live music and more. CitySkate on Central Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets opens at 3 p.m. and the holiday fun lasts until midnight.
While sipping hot cocoa and eating cookies with your loved ones, don’t forget the many families in need this Christmas. Get into the spirit of giving by donating a non-perishable food item benefitting St. Mary’s Food Bank. Collection boxes will be available at the event.

Schedule
Tree lighting: 6 p.m.
Sledding: 3-7 p.m.
Santa photos: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Food vendors with holiday goodies: 3-10 p.m.
Public ice skating: 3-3:20 p.m.; 3:50-5:45 p.m.; 6:25 p.m.-12 a.m.
Looking for some one-on-one time with the big jolly guy? Write a wish list or thank you letter for Santa’s Mailbox – a direct line from CityScape to the North Pole. Or come see him in person. Besides the Downtown holiday kick off Nov. 29, Santa will be dropping by CityScape regularly to make lists, check them twice and find out who’s been naughty or nice.
Santa at CityScape:
Saturday, Nov. 29: 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6: 2-5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20: 9 a.m.-noon
Spirits of the Season
Toast the holidays with Spirits of the Season, a five-week holiday cocktail competition Nov. 29 through Dec. 17. Create a festive happy hour after work or turn a Saturday into a self-guided cocktail tour by sampling holiday-inspired concoctions at your favorite Downtown bars and restaurants. The best part? You decide the winner. Voting begins Nov. 29 and the winner is announced Dec. 18.
PJs in the Park
Cozy up in your favorite warm pajamas Dec. 5 and board Downtown’s version of the Polar Express (the light rail) for a free holiday double feature at Civic Space Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your Christmas spirit for a viewing of Disney’s “The Polar Express” at 6 p.m. followed by “Elf” at 8 p.m. PJs in the Park features festive food, a surprise visit from Santa, photo opportunities (and maybe even presents!)
*Top photo courtesy of CityScape Phoenix.