PUBLISHER
Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR
Joseph J. Airdo
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joseph J. Airdo
Francine Coles
Shannon Severson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Francine Coles
Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES
Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com
As twinkling lights illuminate our desert evenings and the scent of pine fills the air, there’s a magical transformation happening throughout our community. December brings with it a sense of wonder and celebration that transcends the everyday, inviting us to pause, reflect and embrace the joy of the season.
This month’s issue of Images Arizona has been wrapped as our gift to you — a celebration of the magic, artistry and generous spirit that make the holidays truly magnificent. We’ve designed this issue as our own Christmas special in magazine form, filling these pages with stories that traverse the season’s most cherished traditions: snow-covered landscapes, enticing gingerbread villages, treasured Nativities, sparkling gift ideas, luminous New Year’s Eve countdowns — and yes, even a visit from Santa Claus.
Whether you’re curled up by the fire with a cup of cocoa or sharing these pages with loved ones gathered around the tree, we hope this issue becomes part of your holiday traditions — inspiring new adventures, sparking conversations, and reminding you of the extraordinary beauty and creativity that surrounds us in our desert home.
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416
Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221
shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com
As I reflect on this joyous season, my heart overflows with gratitude. I’m thankful for the small but passionate team who brings this magazine to life month after month. I’m grateful for my family and dear friends who support this journey, for our loyal advertisers who believe in our mission, and most of all, for readers like you who welcome Images Arizona into your homes and celebrations. It’s the talented, generous, innovative and creative people throughout our community who make this magazine possible — and make our corner of Arizona truly magical.
From our family to yours, we wish you a season filled with wonder, warmth and treasured moments with those you love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona
GRACE RENEE GALLERY PRESENTS
Come meet David and view his bold, colorful paintings on display in our gallery located in Historic Spanish Village. Wind down from your week while enjoying wine and light appetizers with the artist.
Thursday, February 19
4–7 p.m.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Arizona’s elevated peaks transform into world-class winter sports destinations, where desert dwellers discover champagne powder, groomed slopes and family-friendly snow play just hours from home. From technical skiing to carefree tubing adventures, the state’s mountain regions offer sophisticated winter recreation that rivals destinations anywhere.
Arizona’s largest ski resort, Sunrise Park Resort in Greer, sets the standard for comprehensive winter recreation. Spreading across three mountains and 1,200 acres, the resort accommodates every snow sport preference within one destination. Downhill skiing and snowboarding cover the traditional bases, while cross-country trails wind through pristine White Mountain forests for Nordic enthusiasts. A dedicated tubing hill accessed by magic carpet lift rounds out the offerings, making this the ideal choice for multigenerational groups where different family members gravitate toward different snow activities.
One of America’s oldest continuously operating ski areas, Arizona Snowbowl brings serious mountain credentials to Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. Operating since 1938 at elevations reaching 12,637 feet on Humphreys Peak, Snowbowl offers 61 trails across 777 acres with eight lifts. While the Southwest’s largest beginner terrain welcomes newcomers to mountain sports, advanced skiers find legitimate challenges with more than 3,000 vertical feet available for those willing to hike to earn their turns.
Mount Lemmon’s Ski Valley challenges preconceptions about Arizona geography, operating as the continental United States’ southernmost ski destination when conditions permit. Located more than 9,000 feet above Tucson, this “sky island” phenomenon creates 21 runs across 200 skiable acres in terrain that feels transported from Alpine regions. The dramatic elevation change — from Sonoran Desert cacti to snow-covered pines within an hour’s drive — offers a uniquely Arizona juxtaposition that impresses even well-traveled visitors.
Arizona’s winter sports destinations deliver authentic mountain experiences that satisfy both recreational skiers and serious snow
Pure snow play takes center stage at Flagstaff Snow Park, where Fort Tuthill County Park becomes a winter recreation hub at 7,000 feet elevation. Multiple groomed tubing runs provide reliable thrills, while a dedicated children’s area ensures safe play for younger snow enthusiasts. Outdoor fireplaces and gourmet hot chocolate service elevate the experience beyond basic sledding, creating an atmosphere that rivals European alpine villages. The unlimited tube-use policy removes logistics from the equation, letting families focus entirely on snow day fun.
Williams’ Canyon Coaster Adventure Park represents the evolution of Arizona winter sports, where technology enhances traditional snow play. Four state-of-the-art snowmakers guarantee perfect tubing conditions from mid-November through Easter, while conveyor lifts eliminate the trudge back uphill. Beyond winter activities, the park’s mile-long mountain coaster operates year-round, making this a destination that bridges seasons for families seeking both snow sports and adventure activities.
Arizona’s winter sports destinations deliver authentic mountain experiences that satisfy both recreational skiers and serious snow sport enthusiasts. For Valley residents accustomed to seeking winter recreation elsewhere, these peaks prove that world-class skiing, snowboarding and snow play exist just hours from the desert floor — transforming weekend plans and redefining what it means to live in Arizona.
The Phoenix Theatre Company presents the remarkable true story of Alonzo Fields, chief butler to four U.S. presidents, in an intimate solo play that journeys from the Great Depression to the dawn of the Cold War. $60+. See website for showtimes. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com
Celebrate the season with The Phoenix Theatre Company’s beloved musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic, featuring an original score by Alan Ruch and direction by Matthew Wiener. This joyous production continues a legacy that has inspired Valley audiences for nearly two decades. $60+. See website for showtimes. Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J. Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com
Explore illuminated lantern installations featuring Bugs Aglow, Color of Holidays, Rainforest and Prehistoric Animals themes at this walk-through experience. Handcrafted displays include interactive elements, food court and marketplace with unique treasures. $25+. 6–10 p.m. Wednesdays–Sundays. Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. tianyuculture.us
DEC. 30
Desert Botanical Garden’s signature event invites guests to stroll glowing luminarialit trails, enjoy sparkling lights, live entertainment and festive treats amid the Sonoran Desert’s winter beauty. Experience the immersive Framerate: Desert Pulse installation and honor loved ones with tribute luminaria bags. $45.95. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. dbg.org
Old Town Scottsdale sparkles for the 10th annual Scottsdazzle with a monthlong holiday extravaganza. Stroll illuminated Waterfront canal paths, find dazzling décor, and make memories at the signature 36-foot Scottsdazzle Tree. The celebration includes live entertainment such as holiday harmonies, Western and jazz performances, art walks, seasonal treats, Santa visits, and new highlights like the Tinsel Trail Holiday Windows. Free. See website for schedule of events. scottsdazzle.com
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland for its 16th annual celebration, featuring more than 16 million lights, spectacular new light displays, a 6,000-squarefoot outdoor ice skating rink, fire pits, s’mores land, a Christmas train, photos with Santa, special holiday characters and festive treats across 65 acres. Enjoy holiday shows, themed rides, a fourstory musical tree and magical moments for all ages. See website for prices and hours. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. christmasattheprincess.com
The Phoenix Zoo’s beloved holiday tradition transforms more than two miles of trails into a winter wonderland with millions of dazzling lights, animated animal lanterns, a floating 50-foot LED tree, immersive light shows, Glow Garden and interactive displays. Enjoy the immersive light tunnel, s’mores by the fire, photos with Santa, wildlife
lanterns, holiday treats, carousel rides and more. See website for prices. 5:30–10:30 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. phoenixzoo.org
The Phoenix Zoo’s Savanna Gallery presents a vibrant and imaginative exhibition celebrating the intersection of creativity and conservation. Featuring the work of four talented artists, the exhibit offers bold color palettes, whimsical depictions of animals, and thoughtful reflections on the natural world. This unique blend of artistry and advocacy encourages visitors to rethink our relationship with wildlife while enjoying a joyful, visually captivating experience. $39.95. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Savanna Gallery inside the Savanna Grill, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. phoenixzoo.org
Downtown Glendale marks the 32nd anniversary of its beloved holiday celebration, featuring dazzling light displays, interactive features and picturesque holiday decor. Free. 5–10 p.m. Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale. glendaleaz.gov
Big Ideas Forum presents TechSlam focusing on energy, climate and water challenges. Topics include energy shortage and production issues, global climate tipping point warnings, and worsening water shortages, with time for additional participant-driven discussions on subjects of general interest. Free. 4:30–6 p.m. Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. 305-302-7536; bigideasforum.info
Musical Theatre of Anthem presents the holiday favorite about Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole who journeys to New York City to find his family and rekindle the Christmas spirit. $30. See website for showtimes. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
DEC. 5
Anthem Community Council presents a festive outdoor gathering featuring live music, food trucks, artisan holiday gifts, a free ornament decorating station, and activities for all ages. Free. 5–9 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. anthemcouncil.com
DEC. 6
Experience a dazzling holiday spectacle as local Jeep and UTV enthusiasts illuminate Anthem’s streets with their festively decorated off-road vehicles. This unique community celebration features a 25-mile procession weaving through neighborhood streets, spreading holiday cheer with creative light displays and seasonal decorations. Free. 6 p.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix.
DEC. 6
APS ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
The 38th annual holiday tradition features illuminated floats, marching bands, performance units and balloons
DEC. 12–14
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Phoenix Ballet presents Slawomir Wozniak’s dazzling holiday classic. Featuring professional artists and students from Master Ballet Academy, this festive, family-friendly production brings audiences breathtaking choreography, brilliant costumes and crowd-favorite scenes like the Russian Dance and onstage snowfall. See website for prices and showtimes. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-9968000; phoenixballet.org
traveling a two-mile route through central Phoenix. Families, neighborhood groups and businesses celebrate the season with spectacular lights, sights and sounds. Free. 7 p.m. See website for route and viewing options. phoenix.gov/elp
DEC. 6
Phoenix Children’s Chorus presents a heartwarming holiday concert featuring more than 300 young voices from across the Valley. Enjoy festive melodies ranging from cherished classics to vibrant new arrangements — a celebration of holiday wonder and unity through music. See website for prices. 3 p.m. Phoenix Bible Church, 6060 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. phoenixchildrenschorus.org
Experience the moving re-enactment of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s miraculous appearances to Juan Diego in 1531, brought to life by local performers in authentic period costumes. Following the performance, enjoy light refreshments and fellowship on the mission’s scenic veranda. Free. 4 p.m. Old
Adobe Mission, 3821 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. oldadobemission.org
DEC. 6–7
Ring in the holiday season with traditional music and performances from across the globe at the Musical Instrument Museum’s annual celebration. Experience diverse holiday traditions through live performances, hands-on activities, and cultural demonstrations that showcase how music connects communities worldwide. $20; discounts available for youth. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org
DEC. 10–13
Discover William Henry’s awardwinning fusion of rugged sophistication and artisan mastery. Each meticulously crafted piece — from luxury men’s jewelry to collectible pocketknives — combines precious metals, rare materials and advanced alloys. Experience limited-edition creations designed for
the discerning collector who values both timeless elegance and masculine distinction. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
Embrace the season in perfect comfort and style. Join us for an evening of holiday treats, mulled wine and festive warmth as we celebrate the year’s finest collections. Don your coziest cashmere and discover the perfect gifts for those who appreciate exceptional art and jewelry. A relaxed evening of seasonal celebration awaits. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
The evening begins with a traditional candlelit procession featuring music and prayer, followed by a special bilingual Mass commemorating the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in 1531. Join the community for festive Mexican refreshments and fellowship at the reception following the service. Free. 7 p.m. Old Adobe Mission, 3821 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. oldadobemission.org
DEC. 12–14
Presented by Marlo Johnson Productions, this third annual event transforms Outlets North Phoenix into a festive holiday market featuring 60 juried artists and artisans offering fine art, photography, jewelry, pottery, Native American works, gourmet gifts, and more. Explore local favorites such as alpaca-wool clothing, Homemade Mommy and Me Aprons, Queen Bee Gourmet Honey, and Doug Koepsel Photography. Enjoy live music by regional artists, visits from Santa, and Arizona’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. oakcreekartsandcraftsshow.com
DEC. 12–14
The Lisa Dahl Foundation presents a three-day event in Sedona to help nourish individuals facing critical food insecurity in Arizona and New Mexico. The weekend includes a Mariposa luncheon on Friday honoring the Forgotten People, a 30-year anniversary celebration at Dahl & Di Luca on Saturday, and a Pisa Lisa VOC pizza party sendoff on Sunday. Proceeds support efforts to provide meals and essential resources to underserved Native American communities. lisadahlfoundation.org
Ballet Arizona’s nationally acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker” returns to Symphony Hall with Ib Andersen’s cherished choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by The Phoenix Symphony. Experience the magic of Clara’s adventure, dazzling costumes and breathtaking special effects in an enchanting Valley holiday tradition. $40+; discounts available for seniors, students, military and groups. See website for showtimes. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096; balletaz.org
The Phoenix Children’s Chorus Northwest Valley Choir presents an afternoon of joyful holiday favorites. Featuring talented youth from throughout the community, the family-friendly performance highlights the chorus’s mission to make music accessible and inspiring all season long. See website for prices. 3 p.m. Sandra Day O’Connor High School, 25250 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix. phoenixchildrenschorus.org
Join volunteers, families and groups in honoring veterans during a special ceremony. Remembrance wreaths will be placed on the graves of fallen heroes following the ceremony. See website for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Free. 9 a.m. National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. wreathsacrossamerica.org
13
North Valley Symphony Orchestra presents a festive holiday concert featuring classics like “Let It Snow!,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Russian Christmas” with special guests from the North Valley Chorale. $10; discounts available for youth, seniors, military and students.
7 p.m. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills, Phoenix. northvalleysymphony.org
The Phoenix Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the iconic 1956 recording session at Sun Studio that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Featuring electrifying renditions of rock ‘n’ roll hits, this show captures the energy, talent and camaraderie of four music legends. $60+.
See website for showtimes. Hormel Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com
ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra present a heartwarming concert of festive cheer and timeless melodies featuring choir and orchestra. Enjoy classics such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” a joyful “Hanukkah Medley,” Elgar’s “The Snow,” and “White Christmas.” See website for prices. 3:30 p.m. All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. pmaz.org
Classic and modern vehicles fill this monthly car show, complemented by coffee, food vendors and community fellowship. Free. 8–11 a.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. anthemcarsandcoffee.com
The 53rd annual parade features largerthan-life balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands and community groups on a 1.5-mile march through central Phoenix leading into the College Football Playoff
Semifinal. More than 3,000 participants celebrate Arizona’s community traditions in this beloved holiday event. Free. 10 a.m. See website for route and viewing options. fiestabowl.org
The Anthem Community Council has appointed Dee Nortman as its new director of finance. Nortman — a native Arizonan and University of Arizona alum — serves as a certified public accountant with decades of experience in community management, the nonprofit sector, and financial leadership. In her new role, she will oversee all financial operations for the Council, guiding fiscal strategy, budgeting, and long-term planning to support the organization’s mission of maintaining Anthem as a premier place to live, work, and play. anthemcouncil.com
The Market on 41st, a staple for North Phoenix families and local businesses, this fall announced its transition to a year-round farmers market, operating 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays at The Anthem School, 41020 N. Freedom Way in Anthem. The market operates outdoors October through May and moves indoors June through September. The market supports local farmers, makers, food trucks and small businesses while a portion of proceeds benefit Deer Valley Unified School District and its PTSAs. 424-355-1400; instagram.com/ themarketon41st; themarketon41st.com
Writer Shannon Severson
When then-14-year-old Christian “CJ” Fox took to the track in his beloved sport of motocross in September 2022, a tragic accident changed his life — and the lives of his family and friends forever. He suffered severe injuries to his body and brain and was not expected to survive. After six months in the hospital, he returned to his Anthem home unable to eat, speak or walk.
CJ conquered the odds and has made remarkable progress over the last three years. His fight continues — but it’s an expensive one.
The Grit Like CJ 5K race on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Peoria’s Rio Vista Community Park will raise needed funds for many of CJ’s therapies and treatments that are not covered by health insurance. It is a celebration of his determination and also a space for other families who have endured lifealtering accidents to share their stories.
“Dedication, determination, perseverance and grit are all words to describe Christian,” his mother, Lori, explains. “He went from being told he would never survive or do anything again to breathing on his own, communicating with his eyes, and moving medical mountains each day. He does not give up and wants to show others that God is certainly real and working through him each day.”
Lori says she and her husband, David, hope to use some of the funds raised to purchase a specialized “journey frame” that will allow CJ to stand and walk with assistance.
He went from being told he would never survive or do anything again to breathing on his own, communicating with his eyes, and moving medical mountains each day.
Lori Fox
Lori’s coworker and friend, Emily Claus says the idea came to her on one of her own runs.
“My husband and I have been blessed by the Fox family’s friendship and encouraged by their faith in God,” Claus explains. “I’d been reflecting on how hard Christian had been working, and the word ‘grit’ kept coming to mind — it’s a word I heard his parents use to describe him and it perfectly captured his spirit.
“‘Grit Like CJ 5K’ popped into my head almost immediately. I genuinely believe it was the Lord’s prompting. I pitched the idea to Dave and Lori, and they were on board. Since then, a lot of people have been supportive in getting it up and running. 4Peaks Racing has been an incredible partner.”
The Grit Like CJ 5K is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of CJ’s astounding determination and resilience. The event sends a powerful message of hope and encouragement to anyone facing life-altering challenges.
As participants make their way around the park’s scenic lake and adjacent New River Trail on either a 5K or 1-mile trek, they’ll have the chance to connect with CJ and his family as well as other
families and individuals who are battling back from life-altering accidents and will benefit from the funds raised.
“What we’ve learned through this journey is that all families need help,” Lori says. “We want to serve families with similar struggles. In the hospital, we brought food, sent inspiring messages, prayed for others and helped create a space for other families to share their stories.
“Since Christian has been home, he has donated supplies, equipment and therapy tools to other families who do not receive all they need for their children. Christian wants others battling the same struggles to not give up — to keep going and to find strength in God, for there is a purpose in all of us.”
As the day dawns on the Grit Like CJ 5K, so will the positive inspiration of the Fox family and their many supporters. Ultimately, the race is a testament to the transformative power of community, faith and the indomitable human spirit embodied by CJ. It’s a light that shines brightly for all to see — a light of hope, a message that no one must battle alone and anything is possible with faith and grit.
4peaksracing.com/events/grit-like-cj-2025
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Arizona’s most enchanting holiday experiences await beyond the Valley of the Sun in charming towns and mountain communities where authentic festive traditions transform ordinary December evenings into extraordinary memories.
In Prescott, officially designated “Arizona’s Christmas City” since 1989, Dec. 6 brings the town’s 42nd annual Christmas parade followed by the 70th annual lighting of the historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza — transforming the Victorian-era courthouse into a glowing centerpiece that has drawn families for seven decades.
Flagstaff embraces its winter wonderland identity with dual celebrations: Winter Wonderland at Heritage Square on Dec. 6, featuring hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts and the official tree lighting, followed by nearly 100 illuminated entries parading through historic downtown from 6–8 p.m. Dec. 13, creating a river of light against snow-dusted pines.
Payson delivers an ambitious Dec. 13 holiday trifecta: Winter Wonderland festivities beginning at noon at Green Valley Park with festive inflatables and an ice rink; the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. near the Zane Grey Museum; and an electric light parade at 6 p.m. down historic Main Street, featuring both Santa Claus and Arizona’s legendary Mogollon Monster.
From Prescott’s historic courthouse lighting to Lake Havasu’s floating parade of lights, Arizona’s most enchanting holiday celebrations await beyond the Valley in charming towns where authentic traditions create extraordinary December memories.
Sedona’s red rocks provide a dramatic setting for dual celebrations at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village: a tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5 from 5–7 p.m. featuring refreshments, local entertainment and Santa visits, culminating with the Festival of Lights on Dec. 13 from 3–8 p.m., when 6,000 luminarias create an otherworldly glow against adobe architecture.
Historic Tubac continues this ancient Southwestern tradition during Luminaria Nights on Dec. 5–6 from 5–9 p.m., when thousands of candles guide visitors through the artists’ village alongside live music, local treats and visits with Mrs. Claus.
Wickenburg’s unique Dec. 6 walking celebration invites visitors to meander through shops, restaurants and street markets from 5 p.m., enjoying musical performances before the 7 p.m. Christmas tree lighting at Stone Park. Festivities continue Dec. 12 with the town’s 29th annual Christmas Parade of Lights from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Tucson’s Dec. 6 holiday extravaganza begins with a 4 p.m. festival at Armory Park and culminates with the 30th annual Downtown Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. — Southern Arizona’s largest holiday parade, featuring more than 1,200 participants through the historic downtown core.
Arizona offers extraordinary holiday experiences found nowhere else. Verde Canyon Railroad transforms its Clarkdale depot into a miniature Birds-Eye Village through Dec. 24, where children don eagle wings to soar through tiny houses before boarding “The Magical Christmas Journey.” Williams brings the beloved “Polar Express” to life aboard the Grand Canyon Railway through Dec. 30, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and Santa’s personal gifts.
Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel delivers the ultimate North Pole experience through Dec. 24 with Santa’s Grand Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery and Elf University — an interactive adventure transporting visitors directly to Christmas headquarters.
Arizona’s most unique holiday celebration unfolds on Lake Havasu City’s water during the 39th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Dec. 6 from 7–9 p.m., when decorated vessels glitter through the Bridgewater Channel beneath London Bridge while the nearby resort blazes with more than 500,000 lights through the new year.
From mountain snow to desert luminarias, Arizona’s holiday celebrations offer authentic regional traditions that create lasting memories far beyond the Valley’s borders.
Photographer Cassell Archinuk
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Cassell Archinuk
Photographer Cassell Archinuk chases rare Arizona snowstorms to capture the desert’s most fleeting transformation: snowcovered roads that lead viewers into winter wonder.
The road stretches ahead, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through a landscape transformed. Snow clings to desert vegetation, coating saguaros and ponderosas alike in unexpected white. The familiar Arizona terrain — the one we know in its sun-baked glory — has become something else entirely: ethereal, fleeting, magical.
For photographer Cassell Archinuk, these moments represent both a challenge and an obsession. Since founding Cassy Arch Photography more than a decade ago, she has built her reputation on capturing the Southwest’s diverse beauty through natural light. But winter in Arizona presents a unique opportunity — one that requires careful planning, quick reflexes, and a willingness to chase storms.
“There was one year when I was determined to capture snow in Arizona, and I got lucky,” Archinuk recalls of a morning along the Mogollon Rim. “Early the next morning, I drove up there, about an hour and a half from home, and discovered the most beautiful scenes: snowy, untouched trees and a blanket of fresh snow.”
This month’s photo essay — a sequel to our previously published “See You Down the Road” and “On the Road Again” photo essays — showcases Archinuk’s ability to find wonder in the transient. Unlike the summer editions that preceded it, these images embrace a softer color palette — whites and grays punctuated by the enduring greens of conifers and the rust red of distant cliffs. The compositional element remains constant: roads that lead the eye forward, inviting exploration.
“There’s something about including a road in a photograph — I’ve always loved capturing them,” Archinuk explains. “When a road is flanked by snow-covered trees, it creates such a strong sense of direction. It makes you feel as though you’re headed somewhere, maybe even on an adventure!”
For longtime Arizona residents, these images offer a reminder: Our state’s beauty transcends seasons, revealing new dimensions to those willing to venture out when winter arrives.
There was one year when I was determined to capture snow in Arizona, and I got lucky. Early the next morning, I drove up there, about an hour-and-a-half from home, and discovered the most beautiful scenes: snowy, untouched trees and a blanket of fresh snow. Cassell Archinuk
I hope everyone takes the time to recognize and appreciate the incredible beauty Arizona offers. The state has an amazing variety of landscapes, weather conditions and scenery. You truly have to get out and explore to understand and appreciate the beauty we’re surrounded by! Cassell Archinuk
There’s something about including a road in a photograph — I’ve always loved capturing them. When a road is flanked by snow-covered trees, it creates such a strong sense of direction. It makes you feel as though you’re headed somewhere, maybe even on an adventure! Cassell Archinuk
Cassell Archinuk’s photography journey began more than a decade ago with a smartphone and a sense of wonder at Bryce Canyon National Park. Captivated by the remarkable rock formations, she found herself experimenting with angles and perspectives through her phone’s camera lens — an unexpected discovery for someone who had always been an avid hiker but never considered herself a photography enthusiast.
One year after that Utah trip, Archinuk purchased a Nikon camera and dove deeper into the craft. Through online tutorials, abundant trial and error, and countless hours in the field, she founded Cassy Arch Photography and developed a distinctive approach centered on natural light.
“I am a passionate photographer who loves to capture landscapes, nature and people with gorgeous scenic backgrounds,” Archinuk says. “I love nature and the outdoors as it provides a sense of peace, balance and beauty.”
Her background in cosmetology proved surprisingly advantageous, gifting her with an ability to visualize end results — a crucial skill when composing shots in challenging conditions. This foresight becomes especially valuable when working with the unique lighting of snow-covered landscapes, where bright Arizona sun reflects off white surfaces, dramatically altering a scene’s appearance.
“Light behaves differently on a snow-covered Arizona landscape compared with when there’s no snow,” she explains. “On our bright, sunny days — even when it snows — the light shines and reflects off the snow, altering the entire look of the scene.”
These days, Archinuk’s schedule is busier with weddings and portrait work, making her landscape photography more intentional. She carefully plans outings around golden hour, interesting cloud formations, thunderstorms and — of course — snow.
“I specialize in natural light photography and use that to bring the ‘wow’ factor into a photo,” she adds. “I feel like that is one thing that sets me apart because I understand the surrounding landscapes and how to best use this natural light to accentuate the photos in the best possible way.”
cassyarchphotography.com // thepaintedlens.com
The baby shouldn’t have been comfortable. He was only months old, surrounded by strangers at the Phoenix Zoo’s ZooLights display, the evening air alive with voices and laughter. His mother had warned that he probably wouldn’t want anything to do with Santa Claus. But the moment she placed him in those arms, the child melted into the white fur and closed his eyes, burrowing deeper when she tried to take him back. Something in that embrace — the warmth, the gentleness, the inexplicable rightness of it — told him he was exactly where he belonged.
Andy McKee felt tears spring to his eyes. In that instant, he understood what he had been called to do.
“The smiles on the kids’ faces when they see Santa truly warm your heart,” McKee says. “Seeing their joy and knowing that, for some of these children, this might be all they get for Christmas, makes the experience even more meaningful.”
McKee didn’t seek out this calling. It found him after he married into what he calls “the Santa family” — a community devoted to keeping Christmas alive in the hearts of Valley children. His in-laws had portrayed elves for years, and through them he met veteran Santas who would become his mentors. At first, he wasn’t sure it was for him. Then came Helping Hands for Freedom, the Phoenix Zoo’s
annual Christmas celebration for families of fallen, wounded or deployed veterans.
“That experience showed me what it really meant to bring joy to others,” he says.
Brian Hendrickson’s awakening came differently, but with equal clarity. In 2005, he and his wife Tracey dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus for a toy run through Yuma, riding their Harley-Davidson to collect gifts for children in need.
Hendrickson had decorated his motorcycle with garland and miniature wrapped presents along the windshield. It was their first granddaughter’s first Christmas, and as he rode through town — drivers honking, children jumping and waving from sidewalks — Hendrickson felt something shift. The joy wasn’t just in the children watching; it was in being part of something that transcended the ordinary rhythms of life.
Years later, after retiring from the California Highway Patrol, he found himself with time and a naturally white beard. When a friend suggested he might make a wonderful Santa Claus, Hendrickson realized the call had been there all along, waiting for him to answer.
“The reason I keep returning is probably similar to the generosity and kindness of the original St.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
The modern image of Santa Claus in his iconic red suit was created by Tucson illustrator Haddon Sundblom for CocaCola advertisements beginning in 1931. His warm, grandfatherly portrayal became the standard depiction recognized worldwide today.
Nicholas,” Hendrickson says. “I truly feel uplifted and happy when I can bring a moment of kindness to someone’s busy day. It usually results in a smile, a giggle, and more often than not, a genuine hug or a meaningful handshake.”
Both men are part of a dedicated community serving families throughout the Valley, carrying forward a tradition that stretches back not just decades but centuries — to St. Nicholas himself, the fourth century bishop whose legendary generosity became the foundation for the figure children around the world wait for each December.
The work requires more than most people imagine. There are monthly gatherings where those who’ve answered this calling share wisdom and stories. There’s the careful attention to every detail — the shine of boots, the ring of bells, the props that help parents keep the magic alive long after the visit ends. There’s the profound responsibility of holding children’s deepest wishes, their most earnest hopes.
The greeting matters. “There you are! I’ve been waiting all night to see you” — this is how McKee welcomes each child, borrowed from mentors who understood that every child should feel singular, seen, chosen. The voice must stay warm, like a loving grandfather, never rushed. And a child should never be pressured. “Would you like to come sit with Santa so Mommy and Daddy can get a picture?” McKee asks gently, letting them decide.
Hendrickson has learned that presence speaks as loudly as words. A knowing glance, a gentle gesture, the patience to truly listen — these create the photographs families will treasure, the moments that become family lore.
“We all strive for that million-dollar photo that captures emotions like love, imagination, shyness, laughter or pure goofiness,” Hendrickson explains.
The magic they help create manifests in moments that defy explanation. At ZooLights, a teenager with autism entered Hendrickson’s area, reserved and uncertain. With his brother’s encouragement, the young man eventually presented his handwritten Christmas wish list. By the end of their conversation, the transformation was visible — the teenager’s face lit with happiness. Later, his father returned, tears in his eyes.
“He gave me a giant bear hug, thanked me again, and told me I was the best Santa he had ever met,” Hendrickson recalls.
Last December at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Winter Classic, an annual event where the team turns Chase Field into a winter wonderland for more than 500 students from Title I schools,
Meet two members of a dedicated community who have devoted themselves to preserving something precious in the Valley — the capacity for wonder that lives in every child’s heart.
Hendrickson experienced a moment that was similarly unforgettable. After the event, the team’s CEO approached him, moved by what he’d just seen: a 9-year-old girl dancing on the field behind second base, waving her photograph in the air. She’d just met Santa Claus for the very first time in her life.
“It was a truly humbling experience for me,” Hendrickson says.
The calling also brings them face-to-face with the weight of the world children carry. At Helping Hands for Freedom, McKee asked a little girl what she wanted for Christmas. “A new house,” she replied. He thought she meant a dollhouse, starting to ask the usual questions, until her brother gently corrected him: “No, Santa — a real house.”
While Santa Claus has ancient roots, Mrs. Claus is a relatively modern addition to Christmas lore. She first appeared in an 1849 short story, but didn’t receive her first illustration until 1919, when she graced a holiday postcard — 70 years after her literary debut.
“All I could say in that moment was, ‘Santa will see what he can do,’” McKee recalls. “I followed up by asking what else they’d like, and she said a scooter while her brother asked for a baseball and glove. Helping Hands for Freedom was able to provide those gifts. But as Santa, you have to keep being jolly — even when, deep down, your heart is breaking for these little ones.”
Hendrickson once met a 12-year-old girl at a church event the night after she’d lost her mother. Her wish was achingly simple: to give her mom one last kiss, a hug, and tell her she loved her.
He spoke to her with gentle honesty. Her mother would always be with her, forever in her heart. He asked if she talked to her dolls while playing. When she nodded, he offered her a way to stay connected — to speak to her mother as if she were right there beside her, the way she does when she plays.
“That was a moment I’ll never forget,” Hendrickson says quietly.
When perceptive children ask the inevitable question — “Are you the real Santa?” — both men have learned to answer with truth that deepens rather than diminishes wonder. McKee engages them playfully: “Can you see me? Is my beard real? Are we sitting here having a conversation?” The questions invite them to trust what their hearts already know.
For the especially curious, Hendrickson offers something deeper: “I tell them, sincerely, that I am a proud descendant of the original St. Nicholas, and I honor my ancestor by carrying on his tradition of generosity and kindness.”
He’s also learned to help skeptics of any age understand what Santa Claus truly represents. He tells them a story about a father explaining to his son that Santa isn’t just a person but an idea — the spirit of giving for the joy of giving itself, without expecting thanks or recognition. When you help someone anonymously, when you bring joy to a stranger, when you act with pure generosity, you’re embodying that same spirit.
“Now that you know, you’re part of it,” the father tells his son in Hendrickson’s story. “You have to be Santa Claus too.”
For families wanting to nurture that spirit at home, both men offer wisdom gleaned from years of watching what kindles lasting magic. McKee emphasizes the power of simple rituals: decorating together as a family, watching beloved Christmas movies with hot cocoa, cutting paper snowflakes.
Hendrickson concurs, suggesting additional traditions that bring families together: wearing matching pajamas for photographs, making a family time capsule filled with memories from the year, or
The Hall Brothers — better known today as Hallmark — are credited with creating Christmas wrapping paper in the United States in 1917. Before that, gifts were typically wrapped in plain brown paper or tissue.
his favorite — a ritual involving ribbons and wishes. During December, each family member ties a colored ribbon bow on the Christmas tree while making a wish of goodwill for someone going through difficulty. On Christmas morning, they untie the bows together, sending those wishes out into the world.
The Arizona desert presents its own unique relationship with Christmas tradition. Children sometimes wonder how Santa manages without snow, without chimneys. McKee has an answer ready: “I always tell kids this is where I can defrost a little after traveling through the cold night. Plus, Rudolph and the other reindeer get to graze on ground that isn’t frozen.”
In 2023, Hendrickson arrived at a family’s first Santa celebration to find the energy subdued. Several families had canceled, and the host seemed discouraged. Hendrickson looked at him and asked a simple question: “Do you believe?”
When the man seemed puzzled, he asked again: “Do you believe in Christmas?”
The host said yes.
“Then let’s get in there and have a great family event.”
Inside, Hendrickson tuned his ukulele and led everyone in singing “Jingle Bells.” He shared Christmas trivia, spent time with three delighted toddlers and watched the evening transform.
“The owner followed me out, thanking me for helping save the event — and, with a smile, he said, ‘I believe,’” Hendrickson notes.
That transformation — from doubt to belief, from routine to wonder — is what McKee and Hendrickson have devoted themselves to fostering. As such, Hendrickson gently warns against using the season as a tool for behavior management.
“The spirit of Christmas should never be used to intimidate a child,” he says. “That’s not the true meaning of the season.”
For example, a 10-year-old boy once asked Hendrickson a question weighted with worry: “Am I on the naughty list?” Hendrickson could see the child wasn’t happy with himself, that he’d already passed judgment.
“I didn’t ask why he felt that way,” Hendrickson says. “Instead, I told him that everyone has bad days, but it’s up to each of us to do and be better than we were yesterday. I asked if he could do that going forward.”
The boy nodded, gave him a hug and rejoined his group. Before Hendrickson left, the child’s mother approached to thank him for reinforcing exactly what she’d been trying to tell her son.
This is the work: holding space for children’s hopes and fears, offering gentle wisdom, creating moments where families connect with something larger than the distractions and pressures of modern life. It’s about preserving not just a tradition, but the capacity for wonder itself.
“Christmas can be a stressful time, but even a little kindness can go a long way in making the season brighter for everyone,” McKee says.
Hendrickson’s message echoes the same truth.
“Take a moment to breathe, bow your head, and step back from the holiday hustle and bustle,” he advises. “Use this time to continue cherished family traditions, create new ones, reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while, or speak a kind word to someone who might need it.”
In the end, what these keepers of Christmas offer the North Valley isn’t just a photo opportunity or a seasonal entertainment. They offer something more essential: a reminder that wonder still exists, that generosity creates its own kind of magic, that the spirit of Christmas lives not in a single figure but in every act of kindness we extend to one another.
When a child asks if Santa is real, when they search those eyes for truth, what they’re really asking is whether goodness exists, whether magic is possible, whether someone sees them and cares about their deepest wishes. And in the embrace of these men who’ve devoted themselves to answering that question with their whole hearts, children find the answer they need.
That’s the magic McKee, Hendrickson and countless others keep alive through presence, patience, and an unwavering commitment to honoring every child’s belief in wonder. As the season approaches each year, these men prepare once again to answer their calling. They do it for the baby who burrows into the fur. For the teenager who finally smiles. For the girl experiencing her first Christmas magic. For the boy who needs to know tomorrow can be better than today.
They do it because somewhere, centuries ago, a generous bishop began a tradition of secret kindness that refused to die. Because that tradition needs keepers. Because children need wonder. Because all of us, no matter our age, need to believe that goodness is real, that generosity matters, that magic — the truest kind — still exists in the world.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
This holiday season calls for jewelry that dazzles — whether you’re lighting up the room at festive gatherings or surprising someone special with a gift they’ll treasure forever.
Grace Renee Gallery’s Holiday Jewelry Guide celebrates the sparkle and sophistication that make this time of year magical. Located in Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village, this carefully curated collection features show-stopping pieces perfect for holiday parties, family celebrations and New Year’s Eve glamour — plus thoughtful gifts for every person on your list.
“The holidays are about celebration and creating memorable moments,” says Shelly Spence, gallery owner. “Whether you’re treating yourself to something spectacular to wear to holiday parties or selecting the perfect gift for someone special, we’ve curated pieces that bring joy and sparkle to the season. And don’t forget — we have wonderful options at every price point, including delightful pieces for children and grandchildren.”
Natasha Lazorova, the gallery’s head gemstone expert and client adviser, specializes in helping clients find pieces that shine for every occasion.
“There’s something thrilling about finding jewelry that makes you feel extraordinary,” Lazorova shares. “I work with clients who are shopping for themselves — looking for that perfect pair of earrings to wear to a holiday gala — and those selecting meaningful gifts. The beauty of fine jewelry is that it serves both purposes beautifully. I encourage everyone to schedule an appointment so we can explore pieces that match your holiday plans and your gift list.”
gracereneegallery.com
David Weisz Single Line Stretch: Comfort meets sophistication in this 18-karat yellow gold stretch bracelet, showcasing 5 carats of perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds. $16,335
David Weisz Tennis Bracelet: The ultimate statement in luxury, this 18-karat white gold bracelet features an extraordinary 18 carats of round brilliant-cut white diamonds. $79,200
Alessa Jewelry Elixir Full Pavé Cuff: cuff bracelet in 18-karat white gold showcases white diamonds in a continuous flow of brilliance, balancing bold presence with refined elegance. $16,995
Alex Sepkus White Bracelet: Intricate artistry defines this 18-karat yellow gold bracelet, where white diamonds are set within Sepkus’ signature detailed framework, creating wearable sculpture that sparks conversation. $42,410
Roberto Coin Obelisco Bangle:
Modern architecture meets timeless luxury in this 18-karat white gold bangle, featuring pavé white diamonds arranged in Coin’s iconic geometric pattern. $24,050
“A diamond bracelet catches the light with every gesture — it’s jewelry that performs,” Lazorova says. “Whether you’re reaching for a champagne flute at a holiday toast or simply want something that makes you feel spectacular, these pieces deliver drama.”
Stephen Webster
Thorn Embrace: Webster’s rebellious spirit shines in this 18-karat white gold bracelet, where his signature thorn motif intertwines with brilliant white diamonds. $9,500
“The beauty of these bracelets is their versatility — they transition seamlessly from holiday brunches to evening cocktail parties,” Lazorova explains. “They’re also ideal gifts for someone building their jewelry collection.”
FOPE Vendome: Available in 18-karat rose, white or yellow gold, this flexible bracelet showcases FOPE’s innovative design with a white gold and diamond pave element. $8,120-$9,560, depending on size
Alex Sepkus Box Link: Meticulous detail distinguishes this 18-karat yellow gold bracelet, enhanced with a white diamond accent and Sepkus’ signature textural artistry. $12,000
Roberto Coin Designer Gold Link: Timeless elegance flows through this 18-karat yellow gold bracelet, where alternating
Roberto Coin Love in Verona: Romance inspired this narrow-width 18-karat white gold bangle, where delicate diamond accents add subtle sparkle to the sleek silhouette. $12,300
Mattia Cielo Rugiada Diamanti 4cm: The perfect everyday luxury, this smaller version in 18-karat pink gold with white diamonds offers versatile sophistication for any celebration. $4,700
Alex Sepkus White Hoops: these 18-karat yellow-gold hoops showcase white diamonds in an intricate pattern that catches light from every angle. $14,100
yellow gold creates dramatic contrast, while white diamonds add brilliance to the sculptural scalloped design. $7,670
Alex Sepkus Candy: Whimsy meets luxury in these substantial hoops, where white diamonds nestle within 18-karat yellow gold and Sepkus’ distinctive artistic detailing. $10,095
Organic Roberto Coin Obelisco: Dramatic and distinctive, these
design at its finest — these 18-karat yellow gold hoops feature white diamonds in a contemporary silhouette. $6,500
“Hoops are having an incredible moment — they’re the earring everyone reaches for this season,” Lazorova observes. “The right pair frames your face beautifully and adds instant polish to any holiday outfit.”
“When you want earrings that make an entrance, dangle styles are the answer,” Lazorova says. “They move with you, catching light and drawing eyes to your face — perfect for photographs at holiday parties.”
Stephen Webster Magnipheasant: Nature’s grandeur inspires these tail feather drops in 18-karat white gold, where brilliant white diamonds capture Webster’s distinctive aesthetic vision. $7,400
Alex Sepkus Sticks and Stones: A celebration of natural beauty, these 18-karat yellow gold dangle earrings feature faceted moonstones that shimmer with ethereal luminescence. $31,480
Mattia Cielo NOVELTIES
Spiral: Italian innovation creates magic in these 8-centimeter spiral earrings, where 18-karat yellow gold and white diamonds form a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture. $6,900
Alessa Jewelry Energy Drop: Contemporary elegance flows through these 18-karat rose gold earrings, where white diamonds create a sophisticated cascade of light. $6,495
Alishan Day and Night: ultimate in luxurious contrast — these platinum earrings showcase both a lustrous South Sea white pearl and a dramatic Tahitian black pearl, accented with diamonds. $3700
FOPE Eka Tiny Collection Pendant Earrings: versatility defines these 18-karat rose gold earrings, featuring interchangeable white gold elements, including one pave diamond accent. $15,130
Alex Sepkus Teardrop: Artisanal craftsmanship shines in these 18-karat yellow gold earrings, where white diamonds cascade in Sepkus’ signature intricate style. $14,125
FOPE Love Nest: Innovation meets romance in this 18-karat yellow gold bracelet, featuring three white gold and diamond pave elements
Alex Sepkus Lace Bracelet: masterwork of delicate detail, this 18-karat yellow gold cuff features white diamonds set within an intricate lacelike pattern that took years to perfect. $67,330
Roberto Coin Domino: Contemporary sophistication defined — this 18-karat rose gold bangle showcases pave white diamonds in a geometric pattern that plays with light and shadow. $26,130 Alex Sepkus Orchard: Garden-inspired artistry reaches its pinnacle in this hinged cuff, where white diamonds bloom within 18-karat yellow gold in Sepkus’ mesmerizing signature style. $58,665
“A cuff bracelet is jewelry as art — it makes an immediate impact,” Lazorova explains. “These pieces are perfect for someone who wants to make a bold statement at holiday parties or for giving an unforgettable gift.”
“These rings are designed to be noticed — whether you’re wearing them to a holiday gala or giving one as the ultimate gift,” Lazorova reveals. “Each center stone has been chosen for its exceptional quality and visual impact. These are the pieces that catch the light across the room and spark conversations.”
David Gross Group Tsavorite: Rare and remarkable, this platinum ring showcases a 2.07-carat pear-shaped green tsavorite flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds totaling 0.60 carats. $20,000
David Gross Group Emerald-Cut Sapphire: Museum-quality magnificence — a breathtaking 9.09-carat emerald-cut blue sapphire commands center stage in platinum, flanked by radiant-cut white diamonds. $300,000
Alex Sepkus Lagoon: Colorchanging magic defines this 18-karat yellow gold ring, where a 0.65-carat blue sapphire shifts hue, enhanced by violet sapphires and intricate detailing. $8,925
Stephen Webster No Regrets Deco Haze: Art Deco glamour meets contemporary edge in this 18-karat white gold design, featuring a black opalescent stone within Webster’s architectural framework. $12,390
“When you want to make a truly grand entrance, nothing compares to a diamond necklace,” Lazorova reveals. “These pieces are designed for the season’s most glamorous moments — they’re showstoppers that photograph beautifully and feel absolutely luxurious to wear.”
Alessa Jewelry Rising Pendant: Architectural sophistication meets everyday luxury in this high-polish pyramid pendant, featuring pave diamond accents and bezel-set diamond stations on an adjustable 18-karat yellow gold chain. $2,995
Alex Sepkus Path Necklace: Intricate artistry defines this 18-karat yellow gold necklace, where white diamonds create a winding path of light and shadow in Sepkus’s signature style. $27,690
Mattia Cielo Rugiada Diamanti Collar: Modern Italian design at its most spectacular — this 18-karat yellow gold collar necklace features white diamonds in a continuous flow of brilliance. $9,800
Alessa Jewelry Rising Necklace: Contemporary elegance takes center stage in this adjustable collar-style design, where high-polished and pavé-set pyramid shapes showcase 1.02 carats of white diamonds in 18-karat white gold. $6,995
David Weisz Line Necklace (19.5 carats): The ultimate diamond statement — 19.5 carats of round brilliant-cut white diamonds flow seamlessly in 18-karat white gold. $47,300
At 83, Garrison Keillor wants you to sing — not because it’s easy, but because you remember how.
“My generation, I believe, may be the last that truly knows the words,” Keillor says from his home in New York, his voice carrying that familiar cadence — unhurried, wry, altogether Midwestern. “So I can hum a note and start singing ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,’ and they’ll join in. They may not have sung it since fourth grade, but they still remember.”
On Jan. 18, the beloved storyteller will take the stage in North Scottsdale as part of Arizona Musicfest for an evening built around a deceptively simple proposition: happiness may depend on circumstances, but cheerfulness is a choice.
What unfolds over two hours at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church will be part standup, part memoir, part hymnal — a carefully sequenced performance that moves from sung sonnets and duets to classic poems, jokes, and the iconic “News from Lake Wobegon” monologue, concluding with an unamplified, a cappella sing-along that transforms audience members into co-creators of communal memory.
“I’m very excited about bringing Garrison to Arizona Musicfest,” says Allan Naplan, the concert series’ executive and producing director. “While I knew that Garrison’s celebrity and his signature Midwest sensibility would resonate with so many of our Musicfest patrons, I was equally intrigued by the chance to present an evening that weaves together his prolific humor and insightful essays with songs and communal singing.”
Naplan pauses, warming to his subject.
“Just like his ‘Prairie Home Companion’ broadcasts, I have no doubt he’ll make everyone feel as though we’re gathered in his living room, sharing warm Powdermilk biscuits while he spins a tale of Lake Wobegon.”
Keillor’s relationship with cheerfulness wasn’t always automatic. The architect of Lake Wobegon — that fictional Minnesota town “where the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are above average” — spent decades so consumed by the weekly demands of “A Prairie Home Companion” that life and work blurred into a single, perpetual deadline.
I came to understand that cheerfulness is something you choose. No matter your circumstances, you can choose to be hopeful. When you do, it becomes possible to discover wonder—to find a kind of joy, because there’s something extraordinary in every single day if you’re open to it. Garrison Keillor
Garrison Keillor at 83:
“I’m still working to do good work.” The beloved storyteller brings an evening of cheerfulness, stories and communal song to Arizona Musicfest on Jan. 18.
“She was adamantly opposed to complaining,” Keillor says. “She would remind us that other children would be happy to have what we had.”
He grew up in a fundamentalist family of six children in Minneapolis — no money for extras, but security in abundance. Fiction was forbidden. Comedy wasn’t encouraged. Yet somehow, misbehavior became his education.
“I recall, as a little kid in Minneapolis, sneaking coins from my mother’s change jar in the kitchen, then heading down to a luncheonette to order a cheeseburger — back when a cheeseburger cost 20 cents. The cook brought it out, but when he set the plate down, I saw there was no cheese. So I said, ‘But I wanted cheese.’ And just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder.”
It was his father. He pulled young Garrison away. The boy protested: “But I paid for it.”
“Throughout all those years working on ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ I was so focused on the job that I’m not sure I truly had a life outside of it,” Keillor admits.
But as that chapter closed and he fell in love with his current wife, something shifted.
“I came to understand that cheerfulness is something you choose,” he says. “No matter your circumstances, you can choose to be hopeful. When you do, it becomes possible to discover wonder — to find a kind of joy, because there’s something extraordinary in every single day if you’re open to it.”
That revelation — arrived at through misadventures, wrong turns, and eventually, clarity — now anchors his touring shows and recent writing. His mother, he recalls, believed it wholeheartedly.
His father took him home.
“My mother told him to punish me, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it,” Keillor recalls.
His parents shared the story with his aunts, who found it highly amusing — their nephew had told his father “But I paid for it,” even though he had stolen the money.
“They laughed at the story,” Keillor says. “And that’s when I realized misbehavior could be funny — perhaps even funnier than being dutiful.”
The revelation stuck. By 10th grade, when his English teacher handed him a copy of “The New Yorker,” he’d found his calling.
Experiencing a cappella singing is rare nowadays, and it's deeply moving to me. It's mysterious. There's no piano or organ driving them — just voices singing, often in beautiful harmony: two, three, sometimes even four parts. It's incredibly powerful. Garrison Keillor
“I read A.J. Liebling and thought, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ And that’s what I’ve done,” he says. “It’s what I’m still doing — even more engaged now than when I was young. I’m still working to do good work.”
What Arizona Musicfest audiences will witness is a format honed over hundreds of dates, alternating attention and release, monologue and music, recollection and participation:
A stand-up prologue on cheerfulness, aging and comic inconvenience, using Keillor’s signature slow-burn cadence to prime the room for listening — and singing.
Sung sonnets — musical settings of short verse on prayer, longevity and love — performed with the luminous vocalist Heather Masse, familiar from “A Prairie Home Companion.” Their duets span Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Greg Brown, Mark Knopfler and Ann Reed, selected for narrative heft and companionable lyricism.
Instrumental interludes from Richard Dworsky, Keillor’s longtime music director and pianist,
whose chamber-like responsiveness shapes the evening’s pacing and mood.
An extended medley of classic poems and jokes — literate, playful, warmly democratic. Listeners hear canonical verse alongside kitchen-table humor.
The News from Lake Wobegon, updated but faithful to form: a weekly chronicle interlacing recent indignities and ancient rites with deadpan wonder.
And finally, the closing sing-along — unamplified voices in shared repertoire, ending the evening as communal ritual rather than celebrity showcase.
He may start with “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” perhaps move to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” — even the challenging second verse: “I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps.”
He’ll offer hymns like “How Great Thou Art,” Beatles songs like “In My Life,” Western standards like “Red River Valley” and “I Ride an Old Paint,” and spirituals like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
“Experiencing a cappella singing is rare nowadays, and it’s deeply moving to me,” Keillor says. “It’s mysterious. There’s no piano or organ driving them — just voices singing, often in beautiful harmony: two, three, sometimes even four parts. It’s incredibly powerful.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to have them sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“People don’t sing it at ballgames anymore, at least not that I’ve noticed — maybe an organ will play it, but the crowd doesn’t join in. I think it’s a song that deserves to be sung.”
Keillor’s cultural imprint is double-stranded: a literary voice and a broadcast architecture. “A Prairie Home Companion,” which debuted in 1974, reimagined the live variety format for late 20th century public media — bluegrass and gospel sets, sketch comedy, fake advertisements, and culminating Lake Wobegon monologues — becoming a repository of humor that resisted both irony and partisanship, even as it smuggled in sharp observations about community life.
In print, Keillor produced memoir, novels, story collections, and verse — from “Lake Wobegon Days” to “That Time of Year” to recent projects like “Cheerfulness” and “Brisk Verse” — treating small-town rituals, Protestant eccentricities, and Midwestern stoicism with gentle satire and stylistic polish. The literary Lake Wobegon functions like a map of moral weather, a theater of understatement where potlucks and school board dramas reveal the odd dignity of restraint.
“I’ve always appreciated how Garrison championed a wide array of musical genres — from bluegrass and opera to klezmer and jazz, often in consecutive broadcasts,” Naplan says. “He was not only an exceptional host but also an advocate for each artist and musical style. It’s a spirit that parallels the way Musicfest celebrates such a broad and diverse range of musical offerings.”
Arizona Musicfest’s winter season opens Jan. 8 with Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, followed by Neil Berg’s “The 70s: Long Live Rock N’ Roll” on Jan. 10.
“I’m very excited to present Broadway stars Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis on Jan. 16,” says Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director. “Both are Tony Award-recognized artists who have earned widespread acclaim on stage and television, and I’m thrilled to bring them together for this special concert featuring highlights from their celebrated musical theater careers, along with selections from their personal playlists.”
Following Garrison Keillor’s Jan. 18 performance, the season continues with The Dreamboats on Jan. 31, The Barricade Boys’ “Broadway at the Movies” on Feb. 2, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “The Great American Crooners” on Feb. 9.
“I’ve been eager to present Counterpoint on Feb. 13 for quite some time,” Naplan says. “Musicfest audiences will remember acclaimed classical pianist Conrad Tao from his previous performances as a concerto soloist with our Festival Orchestra.
“When he’s not performing with some of the world’s leading orchestras, Conrad’s collaboration with renowned tap dancer Caleb Teicher has introduced a fresh perspective and new audiences to classical music. By treating tap not just as movement but as an equal instrument in the ensemble, Conrad and Caleb have created something truly exceptional. I believe audiences will be both surprised and delighted by the extraordinary artistry of this unique partnership.”
Two-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone presents “Matters of the Heart” on Feb. 16, followed by The Ten Tenors’ 30th Anniversary World Tour on Feb. 19.
“As always, we look forward to welcoming back our Festival Orchestra from Feb. 22 through March 1,” Naplan concludes. “This superlative ensemble of orchestral all-stars — from some of the nation’s finest organizations — will once again offer a thrilling week of orchestral splendor. Of special note, our Feb. 27 concert, ‘American Portraits,’ is part of Musicfest’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary year.” azmusicfest.org
At 83, Garrison Keillor continues his mission as keeper of communal memory, inviting audiences to sing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” — songs they may not have sung since fourth grade but still remember.
Recent anniversary tours — marking 50 years of “A Prairie Home Companion” — have revived character sketches like Guy Noir and Lives of the Cowboys, spoof ads for Powdermilk Biscuits and the Ketchup Advisory Board, reaffirming the format’s live-wire charm with original cast members and sound-effects wizard Fred Newman.
What endures is technique: a voice that takes time, notices neighbors and puts audience members on the same side of the joke.
For Keillor, storytelling isn’t calculation — it’s discovery.
“When I tell stories to an audience, my goal is always to keep them engaged — I can usually sense if I’m succeeding, or if I’m beginning to lose them,” he says.
But the deeper purpose isn’t merely to hold attention.
“Ultimately, I believe that telling a story is an act of searching — not just for the listener, but for yourself,” Keillor says. “It’s not a cold-blooded technique or a calculated plot designed to impress. You want the story to surprise you, as much as your audience.”
He compares it to walking a tightrope.
Garrison Keillor at 83
“You need to keep moving forward into the unknown, even when it feels precarious and you fear you might lose your balance. That’s where fiction comes in — it’s meant to surprise even the person telling it.”
These days, he’s working on an autobiographical book, mining memory for stories he wishes he’d asked his elders about when they were still alive.
“I regret not inquiring with my parents, aunts and uncles about their childhoods, because once they’re gone, there’s no way to recover those stories,” he says.
He thinks often of his parents’ marriage — begun under scandalous circumstances when his father got his mother pregnant before the wedding.
“The shame of my father getting my mother pregnant before marriage, I think, made them cherish each other all the more for more than 60 years,” Keillor says.
That security — the knowledge of being cared for, of having enough — shaped his understanding of gratitude long before he could articulate it.
Sunday, Jan. 18 // 7:30 p.m. // La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church // 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale // $66+ // 480-422-8449 // azmusicfest.org
“We didn’t have much money, but there was never any worry about having enough to eat or something to wear,” he says.
Keillor hasn’t spent much time in Arizona. He admits the desert has always seemed like unfamiliar territory.
“I come from a prairie state, where there’s typically enough rainfall to keep things fairly lush throughout the summer,” he says. “So deserts — and mountainous regions, for that matter — have never really felt like home.”
He describes himself, without apology, as a small-town Minnesotan — even now, living in New York because his wife prefers it.
“I’ll always be a small-town Minnesotan,” he says.
Yet he’s aware of the generational divide that makes every audience an uncertainty.
“When we step out to meet an audience, we’re never entirely certain what awaits us,” Keillor says. “There comes a point in life when you realize you’re simply out of date.”
He worries about performing for college students, whose generation feels “so far removed” from his own. In New York, he sees school buses arriving from New Jersey, half the children glued to their phones as they enter a city filled with skyscrapers, bustling crowds and flashing lights.
“Yet, they’re focused on texting rather than the world around them,” he says. “I wonder if their environment holds any real attraction compared with the screens in their hands.”
He shrugs philosophically.
“But it’s not something I can change. I come from the rock ‘n’ roll generation — Elvis, Buddy Holly, and the rest. The music young people listen to now is completely foreign to me.”
Still, he shows up. He keeps working. At 83, Paul McCartney is still performing, “doing his best,” Keillor notes — though that’s not something he aspires to emulate.
What he does aspire to: leaving audiences with a sense of how much they carry inside, waiting to be recalled.
“I expect the Arizona audience will know these tunes,” Keillor says. “I want to leave them with a sense of just how much they carry inside, waiting to be recalled.”
garrisonkeillor.com
Serves: 4
For the pork:
This elegant grilled pork tenderloin showcases the marriage of sweet fig preserves with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully over open flame. The high heat of the grill develops a delectable crust while sealing in moisture, resulting in remarkably tender meat infused with rosemary and garlic. In Arizona, our year-round grilling season makes this sophisticated yet approachable dish a welcome addition to any evening — whether entertaining on the patio or crafting an elevated weeknight dinner.
1 medium pork tenderloin (1 to 1 1/4 pounds) Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing
1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the balsamic fig glaze:
1/2 cup fig jam
2 tablespoons honey
2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
Finely chopped fresh rosemary, for garnish
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard, such as Maille
1. Heat grill to medium-high (425 to 450 degrees). If using charcoal, let coals burn until glowing with light ash. Clean grates with a wire brush, then generously grease with oil.
2. Trim any silver skin from the pork tenderloin using a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub tenderloin with olive oil, then season generously with garlic salt and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature while grill preheats.
4. For the balsamic fig glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine fig jam, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic and rosemary. Microwave on high for two minutes to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, for two to three minutes.
Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com
5. Pour half the glaze into a small bowl for basting. Reserve remainder for serving. Strain the reserved sauce for a smooth finish, or leave rustic with bits of garlic and rosemary.
6. Place pork on hot grill with lid down and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, flipping every three to four minutes, until nicely browned and internal temperature reaches 125 to 130 degrees. If meat appears dry between turns, brush lightly with olive oil.
7. Begin brushing with basting glaze, turning and brushing every one to two minutes for a glossy finish. Keep grill lid down between applications and watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Continue cooking and brushing until nicely glazed and internal temperature reaches 140 degrees in the thickest part of the tenderloin. The ideal temperature for pork is 145 degrees, but it will continue cooking after removal from heat. The thinner sections may register higher than 140 degrees; as long as the thickest part reaches 140 degrees before removal, the meat will remain tender and juicy.
9. Transfer pork to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
10. Add any accumulated juices to the reserved fig sauce. Slice into medallions and serve with the reserved glaze drizzled on top. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary, if desired.
