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GERBER INJURY LAW

The Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm Where Everybody Knows Your Name

At Gerber Injury Law, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. We are not just a law firm; we are a ded icated member of the community we serve. Our passion for justice is paralleled by our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in our local community.

How Can Our Lawyers Help You?

Hiring a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to oversee your case can be the best decision you make after an accident. You cannot tru st an insurance company to handle your claim fairly unless you have a lawyer p rotecting your best interests. Insurance companies are more interested in their bo ttom line than your recovery.

“I Remain Committed To The Highest In Client Service.”

– Ken Gerber

Request Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys today!

When you get into an accident, you need professiona ls you trust to see you through to the other side. Insurance companies, cla ims adjusters, and bill collectors may bombard you with phone calls in the aftermath of an accident – all while you are trying to deal with personal injuries and emotional distress. A local lawyer that knows the roads in Surprise is key. Hir ing a Surprise, Arizona trial lawyer can help you successfully resolve your case and obtain the compensation you need to move forward.

At Gerber Injury Law, we have helped clients achieve justice and fair recoveries for their injuries for nearly 30 years. Clients throughout Arizona trust us with their most complex cases.

“You’re more than a client, you’re family.”

-Mgean Gerber

The Heart Of The Holidays

As the year draws to a close and twinkle lights begin to glow across Surprise, we’re reminded of what makes this season so special, the joy of togetherness, the beauty of generosity, and the warmth of community. December invites us to slow down, look around, and appreciate both the big celebrations and the quiet moments that make life meaningful. In this issue, you’ll find Santa’s Secret Workshop, Winter Wonderlands and local gift guides. We spotlight plenty of ideas to make your gatherings a little brighter and your traditions a little sweeter. As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel the spirit of Surprise, a community full of compassion, creativity, and cheer. Whether you’re wrapping presents, hosting loved ones, or simply reflecting on the year gone by, may this issue inspire you to give joyfully and celebrate fully. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with warmth, gratitude, and endless possibility.

SAVANNAH MORELLO, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Savannah Morello | savannah.morello@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kylie Strawn-Badger

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cornelis Hollander, Desert Farm Lights, North Pole Experience

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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MINISO Is Now Open!

District Manager Marlaina Rodriguez, and Store Operations Manager Alicia Gaillyn Wesseler have officially opened their new location here in Surprise. At 10,000 square feet the Surprise MINISO is the largest in the United States and serves as a flagship store featuring brand new, day one product releases.

Photography by Surprise Economic Development

Kohler Bathroom Design

Jet’s Pizza’s delicious Detroit-style pizza is a fantastic addition to Elm Street and the entire Surprise Community. Another incredible new restaurant on our future City Center Downtown Main Street! Bring your family and friends and enjoy some amazing pizza.

Photography by Surprise Economic Development

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESERT FARM LIGHTS

How One Mom Turned a Family Dream into a Holiday Destination

A West Valley

Wonderland

When Shanelle first dreamed up Desert Farm Lights, she wasn’t setting out to create one of Arizona’s most beloved holiday attractions. She was simply a mom looking for a little Christmas magic close to home.

“I was just a mom with three young kids who wanted a quality Christmas experience close to home, something magical we could enjoy together without having to drive 40 miles in any direction,” she says. “When I realized there wasn’t anything like that nearby, we decided to create one ourselves.”

That simple idea quickly turned into something extraordinary. The first year was small, featuring just a couple of bounce houses, approximately 100 illuminated trees, a small light maze, and a handful of food vendors. Still, the response was overwhelming. “The desire for something local and family-friendly was so strong that we sold out every weekend!”

Now heading into its fourth season, Desert Farm Lights has blossomed into a full-fledged holiday destination. What started as a local family event has grown to three times its original size, drawing visitors from across Arizona and beyond. Today, guests can experience an immersive train ride, a horse-drawn wagon ride through a glowing orchard, 150 dazzling trees, and a large Christmas maze, along with real ice skating, private igloo experiences, and more, all right in the heart of the West Valley.

“My husband Jordan and I founded and operate the event together. I manage all the systems and operations, while Jordan leads the setup,” Shanelle explains. “He spends months working 12+ hour days alongside a small crew of people who care about the event just as much as

we do.” Their children also play a part, proudly helping assemble props and decorations. “If you happen to ride the train with them, they’ll proudly point out the pieces they assembled!”

The event’s success has sparked more seasonal fun, including the Desert Fall Festival, which debuted this year. “Our inaugural year was a larger footprint than the very first year of Desert Farm Lights, with more attractions, smoother operations, and, like most firsts, a mix of feedback from the community. But overall, we had a great turnout, and it was a lot of fun.”

During the off-season, the family takes time to recharge. “We value family,” Shanelle says. “During the off-season, we immerse ourselves

in family time because quality family time is sacrificed during our event season.”

Looking ahead, Shanelle’s dream for Desert Farm Lights shines bright: “To be one of the Top 3 Christmas experiences in the nation.”

With its heartfelt beginnings, community spirit, and dazzling displays, Desert Farm Lights isn’t just an event; it’s a West Valley tradition that turns family time into magic.

letter from the PUBLISHER

As the year comes to an end, I find myself filled with the same joy and anticipation that has always made December my favorite month. Christmas has a special kind of magic, one that glows softly through the twinkle of lights, the scent of fresh pine, and the laughter that fills a home when everyone gathers together. For me, Christmas isn’t just a holiday, it’s a feeling. It’s about love, togetherness, and the small, beautiful traditions that bring us closer year after year. I’ve always adored transforming our home into a winter wonderland. Every room sparkles with lights, garlands, and memories. My four daughters help me decorate every corner of the house and their excitement reminds me of what this season is truly about. And I can’t forget my husband, who patiently untangles endless strings of lights, and carries in all the heavy stuff. When the decorating is done, you’ll usually find us in the kitchen, music playing, flour on our hands, and trays of cookies baking in the oven. From chocolate chip and sugar cookies to gingerbread and peanut butter blossoms, baking is one of our favorite ways to spend time together. The smell of fresh cookies and the sound of our favorite Hallmark movies in the background fill our home and my heart. Nothing is more precious to me than time well spent with family and it is the greatest gift I get each year. Christmas, to me, isn’t about the gifts but about gratitude, for love, for family, and for the moments that become memories. As we close out another year, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and the reminder that the simplest things often mean the most. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and may your home be filled with warmth and wonder.

Faith Morello, Publisher

Crafted with Legacy

From cherished traditions to timeless design, Cornelis Hollander celebrates the season with creativity, craftsmanship, and heart.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORNELIS HOLLANDER

Established in 1984 in the heart of Scottsdale, Cornelis Hollander Designs has become a symbol of timeless artistry and innovation in handcrafted jewelry. Founded by Cornelis Hollander, a visionary designer from the Netherlands, the brand is celebrated both nationally and internationally for its bold architecture, meticulous detail, and emotional storytelling through design.

Cornelis began his journey at the prestigious Vrije Academie in Den Haag, where he first discovered his passion for design. His career took him across the world, from London’s historic Hatton Gardens, where he mastered classic goldsmithing techniques, to Johannesburg, where he absorbed new cultural influences and creative inspiration. When he later settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, he brought with him a deep respect for craftsmanship and an unwavering belief that jewelry should evoke feeling. “I don’t design for trends,” Cornelis once said. “I design for emotion. Jewelry should make you feel something: confidence, power, love.”

That same warmth and emotion extend into Cornelis’s personal reflections on the holidays, which for him, are a time of family, memory, and light. “My mom is Swiss and my dad is Dutch, so we did unusual things, like putting candles on a very dry Christmas tree and lighting them,” he recalled. “My favorite memory is a Dutch club

Christmas party where my sisters and I lip-synced a hip-hop version of Santa Baby featuring Snoop Dogg. The music got cut pretty fast, but my family thought it was hilarious that we disrupted the party.”

The Hollander family’s Christmas traditions are rooted in their European heritage. “Christmas Day is Raclette at the table, Swiss style,” Cornelis said. “Everyone melts Raclette cheese to pour over potatoes and grills meat and veggies on a two-layer flat-top. It’s like fondue’s cousin, just with a grill instead of a pot.”

For Cornelis, the season is also a moment of reflection and remembrance. “My dad passed on December 26, 2017, so every Christmas brings me back to those last memories with him. It’s emotional, but grounding and therapeutic.”

He laughs when talking about his signature approach to gifting: “I love gag gifts! I never did the normal gift wrapping. I’d float presents with fishing line, make custom paper, or build odd cardboard shapes to hide what was inside.”

And when it comes to jewelry this holiday season, Cornelis notes a powerful shift: “Men’s jewelry is having a moment. We’re seeing more women buying substantial diamond rings for their husbands and a real appetite for unique, custom men’s pieces.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Cornelis is eager for what’s next: “A much-needed remodel of our jewelry store, new exterior, new showcases, flooring, lighting, everything.”

Whether it’s through artistry or memory, Cornelis Hollander continues to design with heart, proving that true brilliance is born from legacy, creativity, and love.

“I design for emotion. Jewelry should make you feel something: confidence, power, love.”

Santa’s INSIDE SECRET WORKSHOP

Experience the journey into a world where Christmas comes alive.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE

Now in its 17th year, the North Pole Experience continues to capture the hearts of families across the country with an adventure that feels straight out of a storybook. Nestled among the pines of Flagstaff, this immersive holiday attraction invites guests to do more than witness the magic of Christmas; they get to live it. From elf-led

adventures to hands-on workshops and heartwarming moments with Santa himself, it’s no wonder nearly three-quarters of a million guests have already passed through its doors. This year marks a milestone for the beloved experience, as the North Pole Experience (NPX) celebrates welcoming its 750,000th visitor with more than $240,000 in recent upgrades and brand-new interactive features. And true to form, it’s brimming with the kind of warmth and wonder that even the grinchiest heart can’t resist.

The magic begins the moment families board the enchanted trolley, powered by the Aurora Borealis. The glowing ride transports guests through a portal to the North Pole, where towering English oak doors open to reveal Santa’s Grand Workshop. Inside, over half a million pieces of decor, antique toys, and Broadwayquality sets create a 360° experience where every sense is engaged. Twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the scent of warm doughnuts fill the air, setting the stage for what feels like stepping into a live Christmas movie. “It’s a place where generations can experience magic together, hand in hand,” says Scott Pace, Creator and Founder of NPX. “What began as a dream for our own children has grown into a tradition for families across the country. This milestone reminds us why we started, to give people a chance to believe again.”

Each room in the North Pole tells its own story. In the Toy Hall of Fame, visitors walk alongside proud Toy Soldiers as they marvel at Santa’s most iconic creations. The Assembly Room invites children to join the elves in building toys, learning that the greatest part of giving comes from the heart. And when the scent of cocoa fills the air, it’s time for a stop at Mrs. Claus’s Bakery, where families can sip hot chocolate, chat with Mrs. Claus, and enjoy warm Yetti-O mini doughnuts while dancing with bakery elves. At Elf University, the learning never stops. Kids become honorary elves as they discover the secrets of flight that power Santa’s sleigh. In Santa’s Mailroom, letters

from around the world are sorted with care, and each guest gets to write their own wish list before venturing into Area 47, Santa’s top-secret sleigh hangar.

New this year, Santa unveils one of his most exciting upgrades yet: an immersive Sleigh Hangar Sphere Simulation, a 360° panoramic view of Santa’s global flight network. Families will watch as portals ignite and sleighs soar across continents, connecting the magic of the North Pole to children everywhere. As guests exit Santa’s parlor after their private visit, and receive a keepsake gift and complimentary photos, they’re greeted by a breathtaking new centerpiece: The Giving Tree. Standing tall and radiant, it shimmers with ornaments of kindness, ribbons of gratitude, and handwritten wishes from children across the world. It’s a touching reminder of what the season is truly about: love, generosity, and connection.

Voted Arizona’s Best Holiday Experience for Children seven of the last nine years, NPX has become more than a seasonal outing; it’s a cherished family tradition. Guests often arrive in matching pajamas, ready to step through the Magic Portal into a cinematic Christmas world. And with snow-dusted streets, cozy hotels, and festive shops nearby, the city of Flagstaff has become an essential part of the North Pole journey. From grandparents rediscovering the joy of childhood to wide-eyed toddlers meeting Santa for the first time, every visitor leaves with one shared feeling: believing in the magic of Christmas all over again. The North Pole Experience takes place from November 21 to December 24, 2025. Tickets range from $58 to $78, and reservations are strongly recommended, as the event sells out each year. For more details, visit northpoleexperience.com.

holiday gift guide

LOCAL TREASURES AND JOYFUL FINDS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

‘Tis the season to shop local and spread some cheer! Whether you’re shopping for the coffee lover, the hostess with the mostest, or the one who already has everything, this guide is packed with unique finds, local favorites, and festive experiences guaranteed to make your holiday gifting a whole lot more fun.

Jewelry

WEST VALLEY

• V’s Jewelers | 13761 W Bell Rd #205 Surprise, AZ 85374

• Osborne Jewelers | 15350 W. McDowell Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

• Berkshire Diamonds & Design | 15609 W Bell Rd Suite 108 Surprise, AZ 85374

EAST VALLEY

• Cornelius Hollander | 4151 N Marshall Way Scottsdale, AZ 85251

• Molina | 3134 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85016

For the Host

• D’Lux Decor & Creations (Flowers) | 15332 W Bell Rd Surprise, AZ 85374

• Edible Arrangements | 13980 W Bel Rd Surprise 85374

• Hallmark Store | 14515 W Grand Ave Ste 120 Surprise 85374

• Coopers Hawk Wine Tasting | 16470 W Alexandria Way Surprise 85388

• Cerreta Fine Chocolates | 5345 W Glendale Ave Glendale 85301

• Total Wine | 13440 W Prasada Pkwy Surprise 85388

For Her

• As You Wish Pottery Painting | 13276 W Prasada Pkwy Ste 100 Surprise 85388 | astouwishpottery.com

• Nordstrom Rack | 14067 N Prasada Pkwy Surprise 85388 | Nordstromrack.com

• Lavenders Day Spa | 17173 N Litchfield Rd Ste30 Surprise 85374 | lavendersdayspas.com

• Just be YOUtiful (local boutique) | 15332 W Bell Rd Ste135 Surprise 85374 | 623-255-7248

• West Rose Tasting Room | 20940 W Sentinel Rd Ste 108 Buckeye 85396 | westrosetastingroom.com

• Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon | 7934 N Glen Harbor Blvd Glendale 85307 | RainbowRyders.com

• Sedona Jeep Tour | 2900 W State Route 89A Sedona 86336 | sedonajeeptours.com

For Him

• Membership to Shooters World | 13740 W Auto Dr Goodyear 85338 | azshootersworld.com

• Axescape & Ax Throwing | 16630 W Greenway Rd. Ste 309 Surprise 85388

• Spring Training Tickets- Surprise Stadium | 15850 N Bullard Ave Surprise 85374 | surprisestadium.com

• Top Golf | 6101 N 99th Ave Glendale 85305 | topgolf.com

• Finemark Ash Cigar Bar & Lounge | 9380 W Westgate Blvd SteD107 Glendale 85305 | fineashcigars.com

• The Back Nine | 14420 W Elm St Ste 105 Surprise 85374 | thebackninegolf.com

Local Artisan Markets for uniques gifts

• Waddell Farmers Market | 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 9am-1pm | Canyon View High school

• Desert West Market | 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 9am-1pm | Estrella Community College

• Holiday Market Days @ Arrowhead Dream City Church Lot | 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 9am-1pm | 21000 N 75th Ave Glendale 85308

• Park West Farmers Market | 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 9am-1pm | Park West 9744 W Northern Ave Peoria

• Phoenix Winter Wonderland and Craft & Vendor Market | 12/13 & 12/14 10am-4pm | Tangler Outlets Phoenix 6800 N 59th Ave Glendale 85305

Coffee Lover

• Spencer’s Place | 15341 W Waddell Rd B101 Surprise 85379 & 15116 N Cotton Ln Surprise 85355 (inside Team4Kids Building) | soencersplaceaz.com

• Boyer Bakery | 13681 N. Litchfield Rd. STE #136 Surprise 85379 & 15240 N Cotton Ln Ste 100 Surprise, AZ 85388 | theboyerbakery.com

• En Route Coffee | 15605 W Roosevelt St Ste107 Goodyear 85338 | enroutecoffeeaz.com

• New Penny Cafe | 735 N 114th Ave Avondale 85323 | newpennycafe.com

For the Kids

• Fat Cats | 13100 N Prasada Pkwy Surprise 85388

• Uptown Alley | 13525 N Litchfield Surprise 85379

• Player1 Arcade | 17239 N Litchfield Rd Ste40 Surprise 85374

• Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park | 16501 W Northern Ave Litchfield Park 85340

• Musical Surprise | 16846 Bell Rd Ste106 Surprise 85374

• Horseback riding w/Legend Acres | Andretti’s 6263 N 99th Ave Glendale 85305 | legend-acres.com

Fitness Enthusiast

• Club Pilates | 17200 W Peoria Ave Surprise 85388

• Elements Yogat | 14515 W Grand Ave Ste122 Surprise 85374

• Mountainside Fitness | 15455 W Bell Rd Surprise 85374

• EOS | 6750 W Bell Rd Surprise 85374, 13644 W Litchfield Rd Surprise 85379 (Coming Soon) 16860 W Cactus Rd Surprise 85388 & 303

• Savage Bicycles | 13980 W Bell Rd Ste10 Surprise 85374

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 5TH

Surprise Party

Surprise Community Park - 15960 N Bullard Ave, Surprise AZ | 5:00 PM

Get ready for the most magical weekend of the year! Join us for the Annual Surprise Party, the City of Surprise’s largest holiday event! Enjoy Santa’s Workshop, Food Trucks And Local Vendors, Dance Performances, Fireworks Show, and so much more! Bring out your family and friends for a holiday weekend full of laughter, lights, and love.

DECEMBER 20TH

2025 Christmas In The Park

Mark Coronado Park - 15850 N Bullard Ave, Surprise AZ | 6:00 PM

Christmas in the park tradition continues! There will be live entertainment, activities for all ages, pony rides, petting zoo, making Christmas ornaments, scavenger hunt, bounce houses, food trucks, and the opportunity to see the Christmas Story come to life. Along with the fun, families can stroll through the park and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights and holiday displays.

DECEMBER 20TH

Wonderland Weekends At The Wigwam

The Wigwam | 6:00 PM

Get ready to immerse yourself in a magical holiday escape here at The Wigwam. Gather around the fire pits at Wigwam Bar for gooey s’mores and seasonal treats. Then wander into the Organization House where Winter Princesses and Santa’s Elves share a magical Christmas story.

DECEMBER 20TH

Twas The Night Before...

Arizona Financial Theatre | 1:00 PM

It’s the holidays, and this year, things are different. For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” and “Twas The Night Before Christmas” together. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem a father and daughter bring in the holiday spirit in this reimagined Christmas classic.

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DECEMBER 21ST

Breakfast With Santa

8110 W Union Hills Drive Suite 350, Glendale | 10:00 AM

Santa’s making a stop at Red Zone Sports Grill! Join us Sunday, December 21 at 10AM for a magical morning of holiday fun. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, hot cocoa & coffee bar, ornament craft, and photos with Santa!

DECEMBER 29TH

2025 Patriot All America Golf Tournament

Wigwam Golf - 451 N Old Litchfield Rd | 8:00 AM

Proudly hosted by the West Valley Mavericks, this one of a kind experience is part of their continued commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes while supporting the next generation of golfers. The Mavericks remain at the heart of this nationally recognized tournament, blending patriotism, purpose, and community impact into every moment of the event.