My mom likes to throw these big, informal, everyone-come-on-over get-togethers, especially around Christmas. She’ll set out a bunch of food, while Dad gets the firepit going.
One perennial favorite of her holiday buffets is a delicious hot punch with spiced cranberry and citrus flavors. It tastes like the holidays and makes the house smell amazing. It’s particularly excellent for sipping around the fire on a chilly night.
The recipe makes enough for a crowd without requiring a lot of fuss, so you can focus on decking the halls and whatever else you need to do.
Mom makes it (by the gallon) and serves it in her crockpot to keep it hot all evening. She’ll put a ladle and a stack of festive mugs next to it, so guests can help themselves.
Although the title on her recipe card says “cranberry tea,” the tea part is actually optional. Most of the time, she leaves it out. Then you have an equally delicious hot cranberry punch.
Hot Cranberry Tea (or Punch) Recipe
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup loose black tea (omit for punch)
3 cups sugar
2 cups orange juice
1/2 gallon cranberry juice
1 cup lemon juice (or substitute a 12-ounce can of frozen lemonade and reduce sugar to 2 cups)
10 cups + 6 cups of hot water
Optional: orange and/or lemon slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish).
Wrap the spices and tea in a piece of cheesecloth or place into a tea infuser.
Steep in 10 cups of hot water for 20 minutes.
Add sugar, juices, and 6 more cups of hot water.
If desired, garnish with orange or lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.
Serve hot.
Makes about 7 quarts of punch. (Invite a lot of people over.)
Mesa’s annual holiday celebration, Merry Main Street, includes concerts, an arts and craft market, food trucks, visits from Santa, and – most surprisingly in an Arizona desert city – an outdoor ice skating rink.
O Christmas Market
While there are Merry Main Street activities throughout the downtown, the centerpiece of the celebration is the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and market that takes over Macdonald on the north side of Main Street.
What you’ll find here…
Mesa’s official Christmas tree – this is where you can see Santa Friday and Saturday evenings.
Mesa Christmas Market – 30 local vendors selling handcrafted items, food and gifts in booths set up around the Christmas tree.
Most of the time, you’ll only find an ice rink in Arizona inside a large, air-conditioned building. So, the temporary Winter Wonderland Ice Rink installed for the holidays in Mesa City Plaza is a downright novelty. It’s really fun to watch people skating around there, even if some of them are wearing shorts.
Speaking of Arizonans’ winter apparel (or lack thereof), Winter Wonderland just assumes you don’t own ice skates (and you probably don’t), so they automatically include skate rental in the ticket price.
Free Rides
You can ride the mile stretch of the Light Rail between Country Club and Mesa Drive free on December weekends from 5-10pm.
This weekend (December 13-14), there will also be special decorated “Polar Express” light rail trains with Santa, elves, cookies, and singing on board. Pajama-wearing is encouraged. No tickets are required.
Pioneer Park
The weekly Mesa Feastival Forest in Pioneer Park turns into Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest on Friday and Saturday nights during the holidays. Check their Facebook page for updates on the food truck lineup.
Also in Pioneer Park…
The Mesa Farmers Market and Flea will continue to be held in the park on Saturday mornings – with a few extra festive touches like additional vendors and photos with Santa from 9-11am.
Kiddos can ride the trackless Main Street Express Train there for free during food truck or farmers’ market hours.
Merry Main Street’s little train (at its old City Plaza location).
In past years, you could sometimes hear the choir singing outside the LDS Temple across the street. This year, however, the annual Christmas Lights display and concerts have been suspended due to major renovations of the buildings and grounds, which are scheduled to be completed in 2020.
The Space Between
Like a microcosm of the City of Mesa itself, Merry Main Street is a bit sprawling (although it’s gotten less spread out than in previous years).
Activities are just close enough together that you’re not sure you want to wait for even a free light rail ride, but far enough apart that you have time to regret it as you traverse the vast, vacant expanses of sidewalk between things.
How to Merry Main Street
The the best approach might be to enjoy different parts of Merry Main Street throughout the season, instead of thinking of it as all one event. Stop by the food truck forest before heading over to a performance at the MAC. Have an ice skating night. Do some holiday shopping and take some photos in front of the tree (or in the selfie stations or with Santa).
Why not go multiple times? There’s no admission cost, parking is free, and each time the weather will probably be so nice you could wear shorts to go ice skating.
Big Boy No. 4014 is a 78-year old Union Pacific locomotive that’s currently touring the Southwestern U.S.
It was part of a series of 25 extra-large steam engines built between 1941 and 1944, and it’s one of the only two still in operation.
This particular Big Boy was sitting in a museum in Pomona, California when, in 2013, Union Pacific decided to buy it back, restore it, and get it running in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad earlier this year.
When we heard it was making a stop in Tucson, we decided to stop by there as well.
I think they may have underestimated the number of train enthusiasts in Southern Arizona. We certainly did.
The normally quiet roads surrounding the depot were choked with lines of cars waiting to get in – and then out.
It was cool seeing the train, even though we weren’t able to get in to see the displays inside. One of the rail cars has been turned into kind of a mini museum. The line to get in stretched about half the length of the train, and we were out of time.
I wondered about the stories of the people who had made the trip there. Had they traveled far? Did they have a connection to the Big Boys? Or a passion for all steam locomotives? Or, like us, did they just happen to live in Tucson and think it would be an interesting thing to see?
Whatever their reasons, Big Boy No. 4014 certainly has plenty of fans, and I hope it rolls into town again.
Photo of Big Boy No. 4014 – without the crowds – via Union Pacific.
Enjoy this handpicked list of good stuff going on around the globe! Since we’re approaching the end of the year, this Happenings List is especially packed with holiday craft fairs and concerts, good causes and causes for celebration.
What festivities are you looking forward to this season?
Oct 30 – Nov 2, 11am-5pm
Tlaquepaque Arts + Craft Village, Sedona
26-foot long community mural in the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, which honors friends and family who have passed on. Everyone is encouraged to paint their own tributes and remembrances. Paints and brushes are provided.
Nov 1, 9am- 1pm + Nov 2, 9am- 1pm Smitholator Cookie Shop, Mesa
4-hour class on the fundamentals of baking and decorating sugar cookies with royal icing. (Ages 18+. Teens ages 12-17 may register and participate only if accompanied by a registered adult.) You will go home with sugar cookie and royal icing recipes and 6 seasonal themed cookies you’ve decorated. 6 attendees max. Fee $148
Nov 1-3
Tucson Convention Center, Downtown Tucson
Community-based pop culture convention with a mission statement of “Pop Culture For All!” Full weekend passes: adult (ages 14+) $45 / child (ages 9-13) $10
Nov 2, 10am – 3pm Tempe Plaza Library, Tempe
Annual event to celebrate reading, writing, and a love for books. The festival brings together local authors, publishers, booksellers, panel discussions, youth story times and more!
6. Desert Botanical Garden events
Nov 2-3, 10am – 5pm:Día de los Muertos Celebration. Two-day festival with music, dance, storytelling, Mercado with local and international artists and vendors, and kids’ crafts and face painting. At the end of each day, everyone can participate in a procession through the Garden, concluding with a traditional burning of troubles. Included with admission.
Nov 8-10, 10am – 5pm: Chiles + Chocolate Festival. Showcase for handcrafted Arizona chile and chocolate products with live music and dance performances. Included with admission.
Nov 14, 7-10pm:Garden Mixtape. New event series with local acts and danceable tunes. Tickets $30.
Shemer Art Center, Phoenix Nov 2-3, 10am–4pm
Two-day holiday shopping event to benefit Shemer Art Center, a not-for-profit art education and community center. One-of-a-kind works and demonstrations from 40 Arizona artists, as well as live music, food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, and a sculpture garden tour. Free festival admission / $5 Kids Zone.
Nov 3
Downtown Tucson
Two-mile long procession to both celebrate and mourn of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors. Leading up to the procession are art exhibits, performances, and workshops. Free. (Donations accepted.)
Nov 7-9 Tucson Expo Center, Tucson
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations. Free admission and parking.
Nov 7-14 The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Eight-day showcase of independent, foreign and classic cinema. Film fans can experience hand-selected festival favorites from Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, etc. and meet internationally-renowned artists from the world of independent cinema. Festival pass (for admission to all film screenings) $150.
Nov 9 + 30, Dec 7 + 14 Heritage Marketplace, Downtown Gilbert
70 vendors with items either handmade, baked, brewed, or designed by them personally. As well as local food, coffee, and hands-on activities for kids. Free admission.
Nov 17, 12-3pm Kierland Commons, Scottsdale
Food truck battle to see who makes the best slider with a silent auction and music by Lane Change. The event raises money for the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF). $35 admission includes samples of all sliders and 3 non-alcoholic drink tickets.
Nov 22 – 24, Nov 29 – Dec 1
Cave Creek, Arizona
Self-guided tour of open artist studios in the Cave Creek and Scottsdale area with demonstrations and art for sale. Free admission.
Nov 29 – Dec 21 Downtown Mesa
Mesa’s holiday celebration with the City’s official Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating rink, Christmas Market with handcrafted gifts, visits from Santa, and food trucks.
Nov 29, 5-10pm Kick-off and Tree Lighting.
Free parking in all open lots and on-street parking areas in Downtown Mesa.
Dec 7, 14, + 21 from 7-8:30pm: Canal Concert Series at Soleri Bridge Plaza. Free holiday concerts by local talent, such as the Phoenix Girls Choir, Campanillas del Sol Handbell Ensemble, and The Scottsdale Chorus.
Dec 7, 3-7pm: Sugar Plum Avenue on 5th Avenue. Fairytale village with aerial performances, carriage rides, candy land bounce houses, and a tea party in the street.
Dec 12, 6:30-9pm:Gold Palette Artwalk in the Old Town Arts District. Meet local artists in their own studios and at local galleries, while enjoying strolling carolers and refreshments.
Dec 6-8 Rosson House, Phoenix
See the 1895 Victorian Rosson House, decorated for the holidays. Then have Afternoon Tea in The Bungalow at Heritage Square – includes tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream served on vintage china.
Dec 6, 6-10pm Medlock Plaza parking lot (behind Frances), Phoenix
Award-winning independent craft fair with local handmade original work, as well as live music and food vendors. Free.
Dec 7, 5-9pm Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park, Globe
Ruins decorated with more than 3000 glowing luminaries, food and craft vendors, and cultural entertainment by the Yellow Bird Dance Group and Robert Wilson (Apache Flutist). Free admission.
Donations of non-perishable food will be accepted for the Gila Community Food Bank.
Dec 12 + 19, 5-10pm Phoenix Public Market, Phoenix
Inspired by Christmas markets in Germany and Seinfeld’s secular parody holiday (“a Festivus for the rest of us”), Phoenix’s Phoestivus aims to be an all-inclusive December celebration. Free admission.
Holiday market featuring local food and handcrafted gifts from over 200 vendors.
The event also includes a Phoestivus Pole, Pheats of Strength, the Airing of Grievances, Phoestivus Ale (brewed by Phoenix Ale Brewery), a hipster Santa, and baby goats dressed as reindeer.
Dec 31, 6:30pm Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Special performance featuring Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics, and Broadway and contemporary favorites. Includes a complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets $25-$93
Nov 3, 3:30-7pm
Marbella Country Club, San Juan Capistrano
Fundraiser for kitten rescue in Southern California (The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue). There will be hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, photo booth, wine and cocktail tasting, cash bar, and holiday boutique. You can even adopt a kitten at the event! All ages welcome. Advance tickets: adults $50 / kids $35
Nov 3, 10am – 5pm Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Long Beach
Learn about the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos through art workshops, live performances, gallery tours, an interactive community altar, face painting, storytelling, an art exhibition (De Generación a Generación: A Subconscious Lineage), and food and craft vendors. All ages. Free admission. Parking $10.
Oct 24, 7-9pm:Día de ls Muertos Exhibition reception in the MOLAA Lobby. Meet the artists and get personal insight on the altars and artwork on display!
Oct 30, 3:30-5:30pm:Community Workshop: Virtual Altar Project in the MOLAA Lobby. Drop-in workshop constructing a Día de los Muertos altar with Los Angeles based artist Rosalie López. Bring a photo of a loved one. Ages 10+.
Nov 1, 3:30-5:30pm:Community Workshop and Performance in the MOLAA Lobby. Hands-on art making activities followed by a Folklorico performance. All art supplies will be provided.
Mission San Juan Capistrano, downtown San Juan Capistrano
Dec 8 – Jan 6, 2020
Holiday celebration with 30 days of festive programming and a nightly tree lighting. Tickets $10
Nov 1, 9am: Tickets go on sale.
Nov 18 – Jan 6, 9am-5pm: Serra’s Pantry Food Drive. Drop off a donation of food or hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, etc.), to the Mission Gate House or upon entry for Capistrano Lights.
Dec 7: Capistrano Lights Opening Night. Tickets $13
There will be no Capistrano Lights Program on December 24, 25, or 31.
Dec 19, 2019 – May 3, 2020 Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco
An exhibition exploring housing that is adaptable and sustainable to withstand climate change. It will showcase visionary architects and artists who have created artistically interpretive solutions and prototypes for emergency shelters.
Nov 2, 9am – 3pm Denver Botanic Gardens
Observance of Día de los Muertos with indoor screenings of Disney’s Pixar film Coco. Included with admission to the Gardens.
Dec 6, 6:30pm Foothills Art Center, Golden
Community caroling walk from Foothills Art Center to the Golden Visitors Center. Hot beverages and cookies will be served at the top and bottom of the hill. Free to join the walk. Candles and glow sticks available for purchase for $1 each.
Dec 7-8, 11am-5pm The Cable Center, Denver
Celebration of art and cats that raises funds for non-profits. There will be art, music, presentations by vets and other speakers, kitty yoga, workshops, comedy, a cat cafe and lounge, and a new Snowcats After Dark festival. One-day general admission tickets: humans $20 / cats $10.
Nov 17 Jacksonville
Self-guided tour of artist studios and personal work spaces in 8 buildings with over 70 artists in the CoRK District (Corner of Rosselle + King) participating. See artist demonstrations and purchase original artwork.
Dec 4-8
Ocean Drive and 12th Street, South Beach, Miami
International, curated art fair that focuses on balance and integrity across all disciplines of contemporary art.
Now – Nov 16 Lyndon House Arts Center, Athens
Celebration of Athens-area artists who earn wages working in the service industry when not producing in their studios. Artists in the exhibit include Lucy Calhoun, Toby Cole, Chris Collins, Kayla Cox, Jess Dunlap, Alexei Gural, Anna LeBar, Maximos Salzman, Elinor Saragoussi, Jessica Smith, Vernon Thornsberry, and Robyn Waserman.
Three-course communal dinner along with 3 different wine pairings chosen by the resident sommelier. Learn the origin, history, and flavor profile of each one. To make a reservation, call the Restaurant Coordinator at 706.467.7059.
Nov 13 at 6pm: dinner featuring Flowers Vineyard and Winery.
Dec 11 at 6pm: dinner featuring Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
Now – Jan 12, 2020 The Art Institute of Chicago
The transformative impact of six visionary artists and designers who lived or worked in Mexico between the 1940s and 1970s. The work of Clara Porset, Lola Álvarez Bravo, Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Cynthia Sargent, and Sheila Hicks has never been shown together before. Included with museum admission.
Now – Jan 5, 2020 Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America. The theme of the 2019 edition is #AndOtherSuchStories.
Oct 25 – Dec 1 Heaven Gallery, Chicago
Exhibition of objects that attempt to bridge the space between the world as it is and as we desire it to be and that allow for alternative ways of interpreting our environment.
Nov 12, 2019 – Mar 1, 2020 The Commons (2nd floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art), Chicago
Chicago-based, socially-focused design studio blkHaUS studios brings together Chicago community members and local museums to assess patterns of collecting and take part in dialogues around collecting, archives, and museum practice. At the end of the project, the artists share their findings with representatives from the MCA and other local museums to provide tools for museums to better reflect their communities.
Nov 21 + Dec 19:Adler After Dark. Themed evening event for adults (21+) offering full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, and live entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6–10pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door.
Nov 22, 7pm + Dec 20, 7pm: Doane at Dusk. Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. No tickets are needed.
Nov 22 + 23 Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Two days of free, family-friendly activities lead up to our famous tree-lighting parade to kick off the holiday season – plus special offers from businesses around The Magnificent Mile!
Nov 23: Tree lighting parade on North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
Outside Chicago: If you can’t be at the festival, check if it’ll be on t.v. where you are. It typically airs in 90% of the U.S.
Makimasa Imai, ceramic, Crane shaped container via Society of Arts and Crafts
Now – Nov 10 Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery, Boston
To commemorate the 60-year Sister City pairing of Boston and Kyoto, Japan, more than two dozen artists from Kyoto’s revered Kogei crafts collective Kogei-Kyoto bring exquisite items to the Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery. Featuring both traditional pieces, and innovative new works made with traditional methods, this wide-ranging exhibition marks the first Kogei group show in the US. Pieces from multiple mediums including ceramics, lacquer, woodworking, and fabric dyeing will be on view in this stunning exhibition. Free admission.
44. Griffin Museum of Photography Events
Nov 3, 4-6pm:Yoga, The Secret of Life: Yoga Class with Beryl Bender Birch and Book Talk with Francesco Mastalia. $10 – $50
Nov 17, 1-3pm:Allowed to Grow Old: Unity Farm Sanctuary Tour and Book Reading with Isa Leshko. Join photographer Isa Leshko at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, MA for a reading of stories from Isa’s newly released book, Allowed to Grow Old, and a tour of a very special farm sanctuary. $10 – $40
Nov 15, 7-9pm The New Art Center, Newton
Enjoy a relaxed evening creating art in a maker space guided by a local artist. All materials provided. Tuition includes one drink with beer and wine available for purchase. Registration required. Event is for ages 21+. $40.
Nov 30 + Dec 1, 10am-5pm Old Town Hall, Salem
Organized by the Salem Arts Association, this festive artists’ market in downtown Salem will feature artwork, artisan products, and live music.
Dec 7 + 8, 11am-7pm Industry City Factory Floor, Brooklyn
Two-day celebration of DIY culture, featuring over 150 purveyors of handmade goods, including a wide array of eclectic handmade and vintage vendors from all over the United States, as well as amazing DJs, delicious food, creative cocktails, fantastic prizes, and DIY activities for all ages.
Dec 16, 6:30-8:30pm Brooklyn Museum
Tasting event celebrating the best and most creative potato pancakes to raise funds for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching cooking in underserved communities. Tickets $75
Nov 9-10, 10am-5pm Charlottesville
Central Virginia artisans open their studios to the public for self-guided tours for one weekend every November. For this 25th anniversary, 25 studios will show the work of 46 Virginia artisans. Crafts on display and for sale include pottery, furniture, weaving, fabric design, jewelry, stained glass, wood turning, and quilting. There will also be artisan demonstrations, opportunities to learn about the working processes in each studio, hands-on experiences, and locally-sourced refreshments. Free.
Nov 22-24 Main Street Station, Richmond
Museum-quality show that aims to showcase the finest in contemporary craft. See work in the categories of ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials, contemporary design, innovative use of traditional craft materials, and fiber from over 150 artists from across the country. The event will take place at Main Street Station’s newly renovated train shed. $10 general admission / $90 weekend pass
Nov 22-23 Wirrina Cove Holiday Park, Wirrina Cove, SA
Festival for hearing, playing, and sharing acoustic music from the Bluegrass, “Old Timey,” and other related traditions, including workshops and performances by world-class musicians. Weekend passes: Adults $85 / Youth (ages 13–17) $30
Nov 8-10 Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK
Thousands of skillfully hand-crafted works by new and returning local artists. Saskatchewan-made food products available for purchase. Adult (ages 12+) admission $5.
Nov 16-17 The Pipe Shop Venue, North Vancouver, BC
Market showcasing independent businesses and seeking to connect the community and grow the local economy.
Oct 31 – Nov 2 Meath and Louth counties
A new festival celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with music, film, storytelling, and light installations.
Hoveringham Village Centre, Hoveringham
One-day workshops in Jane Lightfoot’s home studio or nearby locations. Includes instruction and a homemade lunch. Workshop fee: £58 + materials.
Nov 15, 9:45am-4pm: Heirloom Christmas decorations.
Dec 12, 9:45am-4pm: Christmas Table Runner.
Event descriptions are based on information provided by the organizers. I fact check as much as I can and edit them for length and clarity. Of course, things can change and typos can happen, so be safe out there!
See captions for photo credits / sources. Uncredited photos are by Phillip Liebold or Stephanie Liebold.
Escalators may not be what comes to mind when you think of mass transit. However, the Mid-Levels Escalator in Hong Kong moves over 70,000 pedestrians each day from one part of the city to another.
Shelley Street in Hong Kong. CCL photo by Maucaine.
Turns out, it’s the world’s longest covered escalator system. In fact, it’s so large and so widely used that shops, bars, and other businesses have sprung up alongside it to take advantage of the built-in foot traffic.
CCL photo by Rome Picasso 2018 MDUHSYE.
The 800m- (1/2 mile-) series of outdoor escalators and moving walkways connects the Central District’s skyscrapers with the residential area up the hill, known as Mid-Levels.
Lyndhurst Terrace Central-Mid-Levels escalators interior. CCL photo by Tpechncoam.
Just like reversible lanes on a roadway, the direction changes to accommodate the daily commute – one-way escalators moving downhill for the morning rush hours and then uphill the rest of the day.
Hong Kong – Central-Mid-Levels escalators. CCL photo by Deror avi.
It opened in 1993 and is currently undergoing renovations a section at a time.
Sai Ying Pun Centre Street. CCL photo by Rome Picasso 2018 MDUHSYE.
Like a funicular (without any sort of tram car), it’s another clever way to get up a hill!
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