Out & About
Celebrate the holiday season with these local events and experiences WORLD OF ILLUMINATION COSMIC SLEIGHRIDE When: Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe What: Experience “The world’s largest animated drive-through light show” at World of Illumination. Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. This mile-long journey starts at 6 p.m. and features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music. Info: worldofillumination.com/tempe-arizonadiablo-stadium WORLD OF ILLUMINATION REINDEER ROAD When: Nov. 18 – Jan. 1 Where: Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale What: Embark on a wild holiday adventure, crossing land, sea, and air, where you'll encounter exotic animals, from peacocks to piranhas. Soar through the skies alongside reindeer and race past dinosaurs in a time-forgotten land. Meet the King of the Jungle, brave the Tunnel of Tentacles against sharks and jellyfish, and conclude your journey at Santa's Bazaar, festively decorated by your animal pals. Buckle up starting at 6 p.m. for this mile-long adventure with millions of twinkling lights and holiday tunes. Info: worldofillumination.com/glendalearizona-desert-diamond-casino ZOOLIGHTS When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 14 Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix What: ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo, one of the Valley’s most cherished holiday traditions, is back with millions of twinkling lights, all-new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced
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Santa experience, and a brand new music and light show! Plus, guest entry to ZooLights includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert, the not-to-be-missed dino-mite experience! Info: phoenixzoo.org FANTASY OF LIGHTS STREET PARADE & TREE LIGHTING When: Nov. 24 Where: Mill Avenue, Downtown Tempe What: 'Tis the season to venture into downtown and delight in the enchanting sights, sounds, and aromas of the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event marks the beginning of the holiday magic with a lively street parade, a sparkling tree lighting ceremony, a charming holiday market, exciting live performances, opportunities for Santa photos, and a whole lot more festive fun! Info: downtowntempe.com/events/openingnight-parade BALLET ETUDES PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” When: Nov. 24 – 26 & Dec. 1 - 3 Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler What: Let Clara's magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful costumes paired with Tchaikovsky's original score, Ballet Etudes' “Nutcracker” is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family. Info: chandlercenter.org 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GLENDALE GLITTERS When: Nov. 24 – 25 Where: Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale
What: Enjoy all the traditional Glendale Glitter activities, including music, shopping, delicious food, and a visit from Santa Claus as you wander through Downtown Glendale from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night. Don't miss the grand lighting ceremony on November 24 at 5:45 p.m. in front of the Glendale Civic Center. It's a magical event you won't want to miss! Info: glendaleaz.com LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 30 Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix What: Experience the simplicity and beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminarias, musical performances, entertainment, and holiday delights that line the garden’s iconic trails for a picture-perfect night. Info: dbg.org WINTER WATERLAND When: Nov. 24 – Jan. 7 Where: OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, A100, Scottsdale What: Get ready for the holiday season at OdySea Aquarium! SeaTREK Santa is back, making underwater appearances from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve. Get a digital photo package with SeaTREK Santa for keepsakes or holiday cards. Enjoy the SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt to win prizes by finding hidden images. Kids can send their wish lists to SeaTREK Santa in the Kids Cove (and he’ll write back!). Hop on the OdySea Voyager's saltwater sleigh, featuring rotating festive exhibits full of lights, holiday music, and décor, all while narrated by SeaTREK Santa
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