2014 Holiday Event & Boutique Guide

boutiqueguide To advertise in our 2014 Holiday Event & Boutique Guide please visit this page.

Find out about more East Valley and Metro Phoenix events on our Events Calendar >> East Valley Events

All Around Great Family Events

Family Fun Day & Holiday Shopping Showcase  (Saturday, November 15th; 9am-3pm) More information here>>PB&J events

Join Us For A FREE Holiday Event For The Entire Family. Live Entertainment, Letters To Santa, Photos, Cookies For Kids Cancer Bake Sale/Fundraiser (You May Donate Online As Well: 100% Of Proceeds Go Directly To Non-Profit), Plus Lots Of Shopping From Great Local Vendors. Inside The Crown Plaza San Marcos Resort In Downtown Chandler. Plenty Of FREE Parking. Bring The Kids And Grandparents. Fun For All. Food Available For Purchase.

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Santa Flyer

Join Petite Party Studio, East Valley Moms Blog, E.L. Hicks Photography & Inspired Sugar as they bring Santa Claus to town…Downtown Gilbert that is!

Santa Claus is making a very special visit to Petite Party Studio on Saturday, December 6th from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm.  His elves will help your kiddos write their wish list to Santa and make reindeer food!

E. L Hicks Photography will be on hand to photograph the kiddos with the Big Man (digital downloand of your photo included).  Plus, enjoy yummy holiday treats from Inspired Sugar!

Sip on delicious hot cocoa form our hot cocoa bar and coffee for the grown ups while you enjoy yummy holiday treats from Inspired Sugar!

We might even sing a Christmas carol or two!

 

Charming Pony Parties Winter FROZENland

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Admission $15 per child , $5 per adult
1 years old and under are free with paid admission
Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
At Gate Ticket Prices $20 per child, $7 adult 
Admission Includes:
Unlimited time playing in the snow, warm hugs & photo opportunities with  Elsa, Anna and Olaf 
Pony Rides, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Mini Petting Zoo
Santa Photo Packages sold separately 
Visit with Santa!
Hot Chocolate and Coffee Truck, food trucks, Vendor boutique and snacks will be onsite for sale
Light Displays Around Town 
STVIt’s a Wonderful SanTan Life!  (SanTan Village Shopping Center) Join us all season long for fun, free holiday activities for the whole family.
Photos with Santa Now—December 24 Click here for hours   Click here for pricing
Horse & Carriage Rides Now–December 27 Tuesday-Saturday Evenings, 6-9pm Pick-up located near Forever 21 Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Claus November 22-December 24 Fridays & Saturdays – 7pm Sundays – 5pm Located in the Children’s Play Area
Christmas Angel Tree November 20-December 22 Located at Santa’s Lane

PZoolights

Phoenix Zoo Lights (Monday, November 24th-Sunday, January 11th; Nightly 5:30pm-10:30pm) ZooLights, powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, is a magical experience guaranteed to illuminate your holiday season. NEW THIS YEAR!

  • Meet Tortuga the Talking Galapagos Tortoise.
  • Enjoy two new Music in Motion shows featuring music from the movie Polar Express and Carol of the Bells by Artic Express.
  • Experience Polar Express in the Zoo’s new 4-D theater with amazing multi-sensory effects including snow, fog and gusts of wind. Guests will feel like they’re aboard the Polar Express themselves! *
  • Watch as an ice sculptor magically makes an animal appear out of a 300 pound block of ice. Dates to be announced.
  • Longer hours – 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
  • Opens to the public on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving
  • Plus:
  • 3.8 million lights
  • 700 sparkling displays
  • Jengo the Talking Giraffe
  • Stingray Bay touch tank *
  • Carousel, camel and wagon rides *
  • Alcoholic beverages available for purchase every Friday and Saturday night

Make ZooLights a family tradition and enjoy one of the largest holiday light shows in the country!

Any Night Ticket: $18 General ($16 online) $16 Member ($14 online) Good for all nights of ZooLights.

Value Ticket: $12 General ($10 online) $10 Member ($8 online) Value Tickets exclude the following dates: Nov 28 ● Dec 6, 12, 13, 18-23, 26-30 ● Jan 3 *Additional fee required.

temple lightsMesa Temple Lights (Friday, November 28th- December 31st; Nightly 5pm-10pm)  Thousands of lights, nativity scene, live entertainment and visitors center at the Mesa Arizona Temple and Visitors Center.  525 E Main Street, Mesa. FREE

 

 

luminariasLas Noches de Las Luminarias (November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-23, 26-30 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.)

Presented by The Arizona Republic

As Desert Botanical Garden celebrates its 37th year of Las Noches de las Luminarias, we invite you to join us for one of Arizona’s best holiday events. For 16 magical nights, the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and the vibrant sounds and sights of 10 entertainment groups. Enjoy dinner at the Garden with family and friends, and stroll each path with a warm cup of cider or cocoa. The Southwest elegance and beauty of the Garden at night will remind you of what the season is all about. General public ticket prices

  • $30 for adults, $12.50 for children (ages 3-12) (children under three are admitted free)
  • Dates: November 2829, December 1213, 19-23, 26-30 

holidayahwatukee07Ahwatukee Festival of Lights  From Thanksgiving until the New Year, Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway is illuminated with more than a million white LED lights.

Our incredible desert landscape is decked out with miniature white lights and with clusters of white strands high amongst the treetops. This signature event in the Ahwatukee Foothills really lights up the community and has become known Vallywide bringing in tour buses and lightlookers. The display can be seen nightly from 6pm-11pm from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Night.

  • Kick off Party:  Don’t make any out of town plans for Thanksgiving this year!
  • With our great November weather, make them come to you! Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Carnival rides, community entertainment, Beer Garden, Marketplace Street Fair and the Harley Parade will keep you and your out of town guests busy all day! And besides….who really wants to leave Phoenix in the winter???
    • Admission is FREE
    • Rides/inflatables from 11am-8pm, $20 all-day wristbands (indiv. tickets avail. for .50)

santa-claus_tim-hacker_featuredMill Avenue Fantasy of Lights Parade Enjoy the beauty of the holiday season amid the glittering lights of Downtown Tempe as the 21st annual parade rolls down the street.

The parade includes as many as 40 units, including floats, balloons, clowns, novelty units, marching bands, and the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade proceeds down Mill Avenue from 3rd Street and turns on 7th Street to proceed through Centerpoint Plaza, where Tempe’s festively decorated holiday tree awaits ceremonial lighting at the conclusion of the parade. 

 

San Tan Valley Loop of Lights  (December 5-25; 6:30-9:30pm; San Tan Valley) The community has joined together in the effort to spread the Christmas spirit to everyone by putting extra effort into our homes with Christmas lights & decorations.  Waverly Subdivision E. Pecan Creek Drive and N. Carolina Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ. 85140

 

boats-on-the-waterMill Avenue Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Saturday, December 13, 2014 Tempe Beach Park,  Tempe Town Lake 5:00 p.m. Event Opens to Public 6:00 p.m. Arrival of Santa Clause to Tempe Beach Park 7:00 p.m. Boat Parade Begins Free Admission for Spectators

SPECTATORS: Light up the night and be dazzled at the Valley’s most unique holiday event—the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Presented by SRP at Tempe Town Lake. Begun in 1999, the Boat Parade will feature as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes. After dark, more than a thousand luminaria will illuminate the sidewalks and paths of Tempe Beach Park, a special display provided by Tempe South Rotary. Special guest, Santa Claus, will hear children’s gift requests in Tempe Beach Park. Bring your camera! Radio Disney presents a main stage filled with live entertainment for families and kids. Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. will offer free Santa photos for families, which will be posted online for download.

Tumbleweed treeTumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade of Lights (Saturday, December 6th 4:30pm-9:00pm) On December 6th, Downtown Chandler is celebrating the holiday season as they turn on the lights of the 75th Tumbleweed Tree!  Along with the Tree Lighting Ceremony is the parade of lights, where numerous community groups deck out their vehicles and floats in the best and brightest holiday décor, creating a lively and fun evening for the whole family.  This event is FREE for the community.

 

ballonglowHoliday Balloon Glow and Gift Bazaar presented by Superstition Springs Lexus (Saturday, December 6th 5pm-9pm) Dazzling hot air balloons will light up the night sky at SanTan Village’s 4th Annual Holiday Balloon Glow presented by Superstition Springs Lexus, creating a magical evening of fun for everyone. Admission is FREE for the entire family!

This is our gift to our incredible community.

Activities include: -Balloon Glow with 18 Hot Air Balloons including special shapes -Tethered Balloon Rides – $25 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under -Horse & Carriage Rides (complimentary) -Live Holiday Music coordinated by the Town of Gilbert -Holiday Bazaar by The Paisley Pumpkin (1pm-9pm) -Kids Zone -Holiday Treats -Skydiver Finale -Santa & Mrs. Claus NE Corner of Williams Field Road & SanTan Village Parkway (south of Dick’s Sporting Goods)

 

Visit Santa

BassSanta’s Wonderland (Saturday, November 15th-December, 24th; Bass Pro Shops, Mesa) The Magic Returns at the Mesa, AZ Bass Pro Shops! Be sure to check out the FREE Crafts, Games, Activities and much more!  Plus get a FREE photo with Santa!

 

Santa’s House   (Thursday, December 11th 5pm-7pm; Saturday, December 13th noon-5pm; Saturday, December 20th noon-5pm) Santa is coming to town and the City of Chandler invites the entire Chandler community to visit Santa’s house in Downtown Chandler! Visit Santa’s House for FREE!

 

Trips to the North Pole

NPX_RockingHorse NPXThe North Pole Experience (Flagstaff;check website for available dates) Take a magical journey to the North Pole to visit Santa & his elves!  You and your family will enjoy the magic of Santa’s 400 year old workshop.  Help his elves make toys, enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus, take a class at Elf School plus so much more!  This is an amazing experience for everyone in the entire family!

 

Pexp

The Polar Express, Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel (Williams, AZ; Check website for available dates)

“All aboard The Polar Express for a journey to the North Pole to see Santa!”

Here is a very special chance for you and the entire family to experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story. Make this a family holiday tradition, and call today to make your reservations (because space is limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas). The ride lasts a little over an hour, with the train leaving each night at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as select days that feature a 3:30 p.m. matinee departure. Book online for 2014 now, or call 1-888-848-3511.

 

Nutcracker Performances

nutcracker teaNutcracker Tea by Ballet Etudes School of Dance November 22, 2014 10:00 am and 11:30 am The Wright House Tickets: $15/person, $13/person for groups of 20+ On Saturday, November 22, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and all of their friends from the classic story of The Nutcracker will welcome you to the beautiful grounds of The Wright House Garden Reception Centre in Mesa posing for photographs and signing autographs.  Explore the “Land of the Sweets” as you savor a light luncheon buffet, decorate cookies, listen in on a storytime, and then sit back and enjoy a beautiful performance of Nutcracker excerpts by Ballet Etudes dancers.

For tickets, email [email protected] or call Diana at 480.371.9200.

 

BEnutcrackerBallet Etudes School of Dance  (November 28-December 7, Chandler Center for the Arts; December 12-14, Mesa Arts Center) Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful and imaginative costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family. Backstage tours are available following most performances. Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off!

 

The Nutcracker at Higley Center for the Performing Arts Don’t miss the excitement and energy the Southwest Youth Ballet brings to this holiday classic. Now in its seventh year, find out what audiences describe as wonderful and delightful. The music of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra enhances the audience’s experience through the full, rich sound each musician brings. Yen-Li Chen, Artistic Director.  December 19th at 7:00pm December 20th at 2:00pm and 6:30pm December 21st at 3:00pm

 

November Holiday Boutiques paisley

The Paisley Pumpkin Holiday Street Fair (Saturdays in November from 10am-6pm at San Tan Village) Located between Harkins Theater and the Children’s Play area, curving around to East St. you’ll find dozen of unique vendors to help find that special gift!

believe Believe Boutique  November 7 & 8 The Believe Boutique is an amazing shopping experience for many families in the East Valley each year. Our event averages about 3000 shoppers and has over 125 vendors participate! The proceeds from your sponsorship directly impact the women at Cornerstone by providing programs for women in all seasons of life. The programs inspire women to grow in their faith and in their roles as women, wives and mothers.

 

briarpatch Briar Patch Boutique November 8 & 9-The Promenade at Fulton Ranch 4950 South Alma School Road Chandler Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday, 9am-4pm (North of Chandler Heights Road on Alma School Road-Outside Shopping!)

 

 

Dayspring 2

30th Annual Dayspring Holiday Boutique
Thurs Nov. 13 – Opening Night 5:30-9pm
Fri Nov. 14 – 9am7pm
Sat Nov. 15 – 9am3pm
 
Location: Dayspring United Methodist Church – 1365 E Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
 
 
 
 Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten will host its 30th annual Holiday Boutique Nov. 13-15, with extended hours and more vendors than ever before. The event kicks off with an opening night event Thurs. Nov. 13 from 5:30-9pm, which will feature a fabulous silent auction and raffle items, and will allow early access to the fabulous shopping.
 
The two-day boutique that follows will feature a courtyard packed with more than 60 vendors selling unique items for children and adults: original clothing and accessories, home and holiday décor, jewelry and much more! Dayspring Holiday Boutique is a great family-friendly place to do some early holiday shopping, while supporting one of the most respected preschool programs in the East Valley.
 
Proceeds from the event will help purchase curriculum and program enrichment materials, and will also benefit the Financial Aid Fund, which allows Dayspring Preschool to reach children in financial need.
Sugarplums Holiday Boutique (Circle G… Higley south of Elliott  2928 E. Robin Lane Gilbert, AZ)
sugarplumsThursday, November 13th 9am-6pm
Friday, November 14th 9am-6pm
Saturday, November 15th 9am-6pmBri Baby Couture will be here along with many other amazing vendors! Come see us and all our NEW items for your little ones! Lots of NEW fabrics! You’ll want to get there early for best selection as some of our items are in limited quantities! This will be a holiday boutique you won’t want to miss! We hope to see YOU there!
 

December Holiday Boutiques

deatley bout

‘Tis the Season Holiday Boutique

Saturday, December 6, 9am-2pm
300 E Chandler Blvd, Chandler 85225
Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Chandler
 
Your one stop shop for all of your holiday shopping needs. Complete your holiday shopping while browsing unique, hand crafted vendors, direct sales and more! This event benefits the Chandler Boys & Girls Club.

Briar Patch Marketplace  December 13th-14th-The Promenade at Fulton Ranch 4950 South Alma School Road Chandler Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday, 9am-4pm (North of Chandler Heights Road on Alma School Road-outside shopping!)