Holiday 2023 Happenings (Nov/Dec)

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This year, it feels like one minute we still had long summer days and the next it was suddenly dark by dinnertime.

Which means it’s the time of year to light candles, line your walk with luminarias, drink hot beverages around a bonfire – celebrate bringing light to the darkness.

There’s plenty of light in this season’s Happenings List. And hot beverages. And maker-focused holiday markets. Oh yeah, and goodies! (Look for the *s.) Plus, other fun stuff I happened to find and thought you’d want to check out.

Not in Arizona? The ANYWHERE section is for you!

I’ve included links to shops and items I’ve found on Etsy, because I like them and because I can earn a little affiliate commission if you buy something. And that helps support this site and keep the Happenings List… happening.

Anyway, read on and let me know where you go!

The Happenings List

– Central Arizona –

 

Indigenous Alaskan artist creates beautiful traditional carving decorated with orcas.
Photo of James Johnson by Ian Tetzner via Heard Museum.

Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael

Now – January 2, 2024 / Heard Museum, Phoenix / Included with admission.

The Early Days exhibition is a survey of Canadian Indigenous art from coast-to-coast-to-coast and from historical to contemporary pieces. Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in collaboration with Indigenous scholars, artists, and traditional knowledge keepers.

 

Ed Mell artwork
3 pieces by Ed Mell.

Shemer Honors Ed Mell: Painter of Iconic Southwestern Landscapes

Now – January 4, 2024 / Shemer Art Center, Phoenix / Free (suggested donation $7 per person).

Exhibition honoring the career of Arizona artist Ed Mell, including some never-seen-before works of art!

 

canal in Scottsdale

Canal Convergence: Public Art Lights Up the Waterfront

November 3 – November 12 / Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale / Free.

Internationally-recognized public art exhibition that illuminates the Scottsdale Waterfront for 10 evenings in November. The immersive event features large-scale, light-based artworks created by local, national, and international artists. There are also educational workshops and activities, art tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, and food trucks!

 

Mural on Grand Ave.
Mural by Lauren Lee that I saw at the Oasis on Grand Avenue. (Not sure whether it’s still there or not.)

Grand Ave Festival PHX: Celebration of Running Against the Grid

November 4, 11am – 7pm / Historic Grand Avenue, Phoenix / Free.

Quirky, artsy community party on Phoenix’s unparalleled Grand Avenue. Everyone is invited to join the festivities, which will include an artisan market, live music, and interactive art experiences, other events showcasing the neighborhood’s artists and businesses.

 

guitars on the wall at Bookmans in Tucson
Guitars at Bookmans, one of the Arizona businesses sponsoring the event.

Arizona Fall Festival: Shop, Eat, Drink + Play Local

November 4, 10am-4pm / Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix / Free.

Local First’s festival of Arizona businesses!

  • Vendors: 200 local businesses/organizations, includingArizona State Parks, Ben’s Bells, Bookmans, Juju + Moxie, and Verde Canyon Railroad, as well as a Mujeres Mercado pop-up of local Latina businesses and a Buy Black Marketplace curated by Archwood Exchange.
  • Food + beverage: Local restaurant food court. Drink in AZ Beverage Garden, serving locally-made wine, beer, and spirits. You’ll find Barrio Brewing, Burgers Amore, Danzeisen Dairy, Four Peaks Brewery, San Tan Brewery, and many more!
  • Entertainment: Live music all day, aerial yoga sessions hourly, silent auction and raffle. Kid Zone with crafts, kite flying, face painting, and a playground.
  • Dogs are allowed!
  • *Free Goodie Bag filled with local surprises to the first 300 attendees.
  • ANYWHERE: Online silent auction, with over 100 local gifts, staycations, and Arizona experience packages.

 

Mural wall in fountain hills
Mural wall in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Holiday Greeting Cards with Sandy Gatlin: Create Cards on Canvas

November 5, 4pm – 7pm / Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery, Fountain Hills / $50 class fee

Workshop on creating greeting cards and bookmarks from your own painting on a canvas sheet.

  • No experience necessary.
  • All supplies included.
  • Class is limited to 6 students.

 

town and country

Early Bird Makers Market

November 18, 10am – 4pm / Shops @ Town + Country, Phoenix / Free.

Annual market, featuring local makers with one-of-a-kind wares, including art, clothing and accessories, furniture, food, and health and beauty products.

  • Live music.
  • Raffle prizes to benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
  • *Free photo with Santa with any donation to Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

Sneak preview these Phoenix-based vendors’ work on Etsy:

 

Old Town Scottsdale during an art fair.

Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza

November 25 – December 31 / Old Town Scottsdale / Price varies by event.

Month-long holiday extravaganza featuring more than 45 events!

  • Vendors: Merry “Merchantile” Market, Gold Palette ArtWalk galleries, Old Town Farmers Market.
  • Food + beverage: Chef’s Table, whisky tastings, Sugar Plum tea party, cookie decorating, wine charcuterie class.
  • Entertainment: Sing-along and tree lighting, dueling piano shows, holiday movie nights, painting party, centerpiece making and cork crafting classes.
  • Find free public parking using Scottsdale’s Old Town Parking Map.
  • *Some Scottsdale shops and restaurants will be offering special Scottsdazzle deals!

 

mixed media flowers in a window display
Part of the Minimum Daily Requirements exhibition with Tempe’s Mill Avenue reflected in the background.

Tempe Festival of the Arts

December 1 – December 3, 10am – 5:30pm / Downtown Tempe / Free.

Well-loved urban fine art festival and community event that showcases over 350 artists from around the country, plus local music, a Kids Block, and many great food options – all located on the streets of historic Mill Avenue!

 

Taliesin West
Taliesin West interior via Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Discovery Days: Wander Taliesin West

December 9, 10am – 4pm / Taliesin West, Scottsdale / Adults $5, youth free with registration

Opportunity to explore a part of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West, at your own pace. There will also be performances and participatory activities like ask-me stations and crafts for all ages!

  • Advance registration is recommended. Tickets are limited.
  • Food and drink will be available for purchase.
  • This is not a formal tour of Taliesin West. You can purchase a tour if you would like to see more of the property.

 

Rosson House in Heritage Square, Phoenix

Heritage Holidays: Historic Phoenix Plaza Gets Festive

December 9, 10am – 3pm / Heritage Square, Phoenix / Free.

First-annual holiday celebration in Phoenix’s Heritage Square!

  • Vendors: Shop the Square museum store.
  • Food + beverage: There are 5 restaurants in the Square, including the renowned Pizzeria Bianco.
  • Entertainment: The Victorian Rosson House Museum will be decorated for the holidays and open for self-guided tours. There will also be a children’s area with lawn games and crafts.
  • ANYWHERE: Select Museum Store merchandise is available online.
  • *ANYWHERE: Sci-Fi Squared! Resources about science fiction history, Heritage Square’s theme this year – like links to online books, exhibits, kids’ activity pages, and the first science fiction film ever made.

 

Phoestivus
Phillip and Quijote at a past Phoestivus Market.

Phoestivus: Holiday Shopping for the Rest of Us

December 14 – December 16 / Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market space (720 North 5th Street), Phoenix / Free.

Holiday market with its own Phoenician traditions! It’s also fundraiser for Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market and Community Food Connections, which supports local growers and businesses. This year, the event will extend to two back-to-back nights and a Saturday morning!

  • December 14 + 15, 5-10pm: 2 nights of Phoestivus
  • December 16, 8am – 1pm: The The Phoestivus Hangover + Farmers Market.
  • Vendors: More than 200 small businesses selling locally grown and produced gifts.
  • Food + beverage: Eating Area with food trucks and tables. Pour the Rest of Us bar area with local beer, wine, spirits and Phoestivus ale.
  • Entertainment: Live music and DJs, hipster Santa, “pheats” of strength, airing of grievances.
  • Dog friendly event that will even have a fur-family photo booth!

 

– Northern Arizona –

Red rocks in Sedona.
Red rocks in Sedona.

Rachmaninoff: A Two-Piano Performance to Rach Your Socks Off!

November 5, 3pm / Sedona Performing Arts Center, Sedona / General admission $45, reserved seats $65

Concert celebrating the 150th birthday of romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Pianists Orion Weiss and Roman Rabinovich perform his two monumental two-piano suites, alongside other works by composers in his orbit.

  • Sedona Performing Arts Center is located on the Red Rock High School campus.

 

Tree with the Grand Canyon in the background.

Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon

November 13, 12:15pm / Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff / Included with admission.

Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture by Science journalist Melissa L. Sevigny on the riveting tale of two pioneering botanists and their historic boat trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1938.

  • Space is limited.
  • Reserve your spot online or call 928-779-4395.

 

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood
Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.

Jerry “Geronimo” Martin Presentation: How much do you know about Geronimo?

November 18, 2pm / Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood / Included with admission.

Presentation by Jerry “Geronimo” Martin. Not only is he the great-great-grandson of the legendary Geronimo, he is also a historian of Geronimo’s birth, life, struggle between the U.S. and Mexican armies, and life as a prisoner of war.

  • Program located at Quail Loop Amphitheater.
  • Celebrating Native American Heritage Month!

 

Via Acker Night.

35th Annual Acker Night: Musicians for Music Ed

December 8, 5-8:30pm / Downtown Prescott / Free. (Donations accepted.)

A night of live music down the festively-lit streets of Downtown Prescott that raises money for music education. It begins with an Opening Ceremony and school choir performance. Over 100 Prescott businesses open their doors to give Acker Night musicians a place to play. Tips go to provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs.

 

Christmas Market via Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Market via Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Village + ChristkindlMarket

December 15-17 / W. Goodwin Street, Downtown Prescott / Free entry.

Traditionally-inspired German Christmas Market with Prescott flavor. West Goodwin Street will be filled with holiday vendors and live music.

  • Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Courthouse.
  • German-style food, Bier Garten, and hot mulled wine.
  • *Prescott Public Library outdoor art: A few blocks from the market, on East Goodwin Street, you’ll find the library’s exterior art collection. It includes several bronze sculptures, a history of words mural, and a nearly 300-foot long timeline of the world (according to artist Fran Wildman in 1975) on the sidewalk!

 

Riordan Mansion Twilight Tour with luminarias
Via Riordan Mansion.

Riordan Mansion Christmastime Evening Walks

December 20-23, 4:30pm / Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff / Free entry.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Riordan Mansion grounds will be open until 6pm. Get a cup of hot apple cider, and enjoy walking along the luminaria-lined pathways.

To see the inside of the mansion, decorated for the holidays and illuminated by Edison bulbs, reserve a special Christmas Twilight Tour. This guided tour begins at 5pm and focuses on historical Christmas traditions.

  • Entry to the grounds and hot cider are included with admission.
  • Twilight Tour tickets are an additional $16/person. Recommended for ages 12+.
  • Tour tickets go on sale 11/15! Space is limited.

 

– Southern Arizona –

 

University of Arizona Museum of Art entrance

Pulse: Weavings and Paintings by Marlowe Katoney: Diné Today

Now – March 23, 2024 / University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Exhibition of approximately thirty weavings and paintings created by Marlowe Katoney. The multidisciplinary artist combines elements from painting with traditional Navajo iconography and designs to create pieces that take inspiration from popular culture, street art, nature, Navajo culture, and his own life.

 

vintage film equipment at the Screening Room

Tucson Film Festival (f.k.a. TFMF or Tucson Film + Music Festival)

November 2 – November 5 / The Screening Room, Tucson / Tickets start at $10.

Festival focused on music-related content, with an emphasis on films and filmmakers with a connection to Arizona and the desert Southwest. It includes both narrative and documentary features, and shorts of all genres including animation, experimental, comedy, drama and world.

 

The Urn before the Procession.

All Souls Procession: “Remembering Together”

November 3 – November 5 / Mercado District and Tucson’s west side, Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)

A uniquely Tucson celebration, which draws on the many cultural traditions of the community, to honor the lives of our loved ones and ancestors. The focal point of the event is a two-mile long procession on blocked-off streets in west Tucson, where all are invited to walk and remember. It ends on the Mercado District Festival Grounds, where there will be performances, art installations, and food vendors. The culmination is the ceremonial burning of collected remembrances in a large metal urn.

The main events are free. Ticket sales for the 3 Dance of the Dead Concerts ($12-30) help to support this huge, volunteer-lead undertaking.

  • Nov. 3: Dance of the Dead Concert. Flow 4 the Soul with In Rave.
  • Nov. 4: Procession of Little Angels with Stories That Soar and Red Herring Puppets.
  • Nov. 4: Dance of the Dead Concert. Session yoga workshop, ancestral cacao Ceremony w/ Ricky Abud and an immersive, sonic, concert experience with Steve Roach with visuals by Noctivision.
  • Nov. 5: Main Procession + Ceremony (Gather at 4pm / depart at 6pm).
  • Grand Finale with Flam Chen and Soriah.
  • ANYWHERE: Watch the Procession livestream November 5 at 6pm MST.

 

Fox theater

Cameron Carpenter: Metropolis (1927): Silent Movie Score Live

November 3, 7:30 pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-55

Concert of world-renowned organist, Cameron Carpenter, playing the Fox’s Wurlitzer organ to accompany the 1927 film, Metropolis.

 

Yellowbird Farm
Vendor Yellowbird Farm at a different event.

Tanque Verde Market: Artisan Market on Tucson’s East Side

November 4, 10am – 2pm / Forty Niner Country Club, Tucson / Free.

Eastside artisan market in a covered pavilion with golf course views.

 

dancer on stage
Photo by Travis Magee via Parsons Dance.

Parsons Dance: Homecoming Performance

November 5, 2pm / Centennial Hall (at UArizona), Tucson / Tickets $39-69.

University of Arizona dancers, Megan Garcia and Christian Blue, take the stage with internationally renowned dance company Parsons Dance. The company is known for their athleticism, stunning ensemble work, and the passion they bring to every performance.

 

Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ on stage during a Creative Mornings talk.

Into the Spider-Verse World Tour: Live in Concert: The Amazing Spider-Music!

November 5, 7pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-68

Screening of the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse with live musicians and a DJ on stage playing the film’s soundtrack, which blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop. Into The Spider-Verse’s score is composed of of boundary-pushing original music that supports its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

 

Proper Shops, Tucson

Karaoke Night Market: Sing + Shop

November 11, 5pm – 8pm / Proper Shops Courtyard, Tucson / Free.

Sing karaoke and shop local artisans on the Proper Shops patio. Meet the makers behind Beautiful Little Things, ENB Jewelry, Tucson Handmade and Unsilenced Pride while you sing under the stars!

 

Sonoran Rosie booth
DAM founder and vendor Sonoran Rosie’s booth at another outdoor market.

Fall 2023 Desert Air Market: DAM Good Time!

November 11, 10am – 4pm / on the corner of 6th Street + 6th Avenue in front of the Firestone Building, Tucson / Free.

Outdoor pop-up market created and run by Tucson artisans. Desert Air Market (DAM) aspires to be a day of joy and connection, where you can shop handcrafted items and meet the people who made them!

  • DJ Rob Moonlite will be spinning vinyl.
  • Part of the proceeds of this market will go to Youth on Their Own, a nonprofit helping teens experiencing homeless to graduate high school.

Sneak preview these vendors’ work on Etsy:

  • Marcy Ellis – Beautiful illustrations weaving together flora and plant goddesses.
  • SonoranRainDesigns – Hand-painted terra cotta pots and macrame plant hangers.

 

Tucson museum of art exterior
Tucson Museum of Art.

Fall Artisans Market: Makers at the Museum

November 17-20 / Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, Tucson / Free.

Street fair with over 100 unique and local artists and artisans with crafts, original artwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles and gift items. Café a la C’Art, the museum’s restaurant, will be open throughout the weekend with outdoor seating on the expanded patio (and some indoor seating, too). The market is organized by TMA’s Museum Store to fundraise for the museum.

  • Enter from 150 N. Main Avenue or the museum parking lot.
  • *Museum is pay-what-you-wish admission during the market.

 

El Molinito in Oro Valley
Nearby restaurant El Molinito in Oro Valley with Pusch Ridge in the background.

Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series

November 19, 4pm / Riverfront Park Grass Amphitheater, Oro Valley (Tucson area) / Free.

Performances by classically-trained musicians at the base of Pusch Ridge on select Sundays. Concerts take place outdoors, on the grass at the community’s largest amphitheater.

  • Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length.
  • Limited seating is provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs.
  • Food will be available for purchase from food trucks onsite.

 

Maynards Market and Hotel Congress
Wide angle view from the front of the MLK Apartments, facing 5th Avenue.

The Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival: Support Black Excellence

November 25, 10am-5pm / 55 N. 5th Avenue, Tucson / Free.

Small business Saturday celebration of Black business resilience with interactive activities, live music, art, dance, vendors, food trucks and information about the thriving Black community in Arizona. All people and ages are invited to come together to share in the family-friendly festivities!

  • Vendors will be in front of the MLK Apartments.
  • Food trucks on 5th Avenue.
  • Entertainment and beer garden on the Hotel Congress patio.

 

Made in Tucson Market sign
Made in Tucson Market (MinT Market).

Made in Tucson Market (MinT): Mint Locally-Made Gifts

November 26 / 4th Avenue District, Tucson / Free.

Market of goods handmade by Tucson artists, many of whom will be there demonstrating their work.

 

Patagonia, Arizona
Landscape in the Sonoita/Patagonia area.

Old World Holiday Market: Mead + Makers

December 2, 4pm – 8pm / The Meading Room, Sonoita / Free.

Evening in Arizona wine country with lights, bonfires, food trucks, live music by Juniper Djinn, and over 20 unique local artisans and makers! Enjoy hot chocolate, hard cider, or mead, while doing some holiday shopping.

  • Kids and pets are welcome!
  • *Tastings are $12.50 for a flight of five. Choose samples from their current offerings of meads, ciders, and fruit wines.
  • ANYWHERE: The Meading Room now ships to select states (2 bottle minimum order). *Full Case Discount (12 bottles or more) offered at checkout!

 

Antigone Books
Antigone Books on 4th Avenue.

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair

December 8 – December 10 / along 4th Ave. from University Blvd. to 8th St., Tucson / Free.

Holiday season edition of historic downtown Tucson’s semiannual street fair! Shop original, handmade art from 350+ artists from around the world, while enjoying live entertainment and more than 40 food vendors. Plus, Fourth Avenue merchants are open during the event.

  • *Free shuttle service from the Pennington Street Garage.
  • You can also park along the streetcar line + take Sun Link in.
  • Proceeds are used to support Fourth Avenue’s events and infrastructure.

 

Downtown Tucson at Christmas
I don’t have a Winterhaven photo, so here’s Downtown Tucson decorated for the holidays.

Winterhaven Festival of Lights: Walk in a Winter(haven) Wonderland!

December 9 – December 25, 6-10pm / Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)

Neighborhood with elaborate holiday light displays. While the Festival is free to attend, organizers request that everyone bring a donation of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

  • You can see the lights on foot, on a hayride wagon, a bus trolley, or a pedal-powered group bike! Ride reservations are recommended.
  • No drive-thru dates for 2023.
  • This event is one the most important for the Food Bank!

– Anywhere –

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
One of the items in the Arizona Fall Festival auction is a year membership to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix!

Arizona Fall Festival Online Silent Auction

Now – November 5, 5pm MST / Free to browse.

Over 100 local gifts, staycations, and Arizona experience packages up for auction to support Local First’s mission of creating a sustainable and inclusive economy for Arizonans.

  • Note: You can bid from anywhere, but there are some items (especially experiences, memberships, gift cards, etc.) that you can only enjoy in Arizona.

 

"Hope in a Hogan" by Ryan Singer
“Hope in a Hogan” by Ryan Singer.

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk: The Art of Ryan Singer

November 4, 11am MST / Free.

Artist talk with Ryan Singer, a Diné (Navajo) artist-painter, who is known for creating artwork based on his Navajo heritage and incorporating pop culture elements, including science fiction imagery. He weaves stories of his childhood memories with nostalgic iconography and has been drawing Star Wars characters since 1977.

 

Very large skeleton on the finale stage.
An oversized Día de los Muertos puppet at the Procession finale.

All Souls Procession Livestream: Be there in spirit.

November 5, 6pm MST / Free.

Community members walk to honor the lives of loved ones and ancestors. (More about this tradition under “Southern Arizona.”) Portions of the procession and finale will be livestreamed for those who can’t be there in person.

 

Via Being Human Festival

Being Human Festival Online Events

November 9 – November 18 / Free.

The Being Human festival of the humanities has several virtual events on its program, in addition to the in-person ones held in cities across the UK.

  • Nov. 12, 11am or Nov. 15, 1:30pm GMT: Encounters with Sound. Online film screening and Q+A looking at the relationship between touch, movement, and how we experience the world through sound. This event will be held on Zoom. Registration (booking) required.
  • Nov. 15, 7pm GMT: Diasporic Snapshot. Online discussion about stories of the diasporic experience that can be seen through photographs, hosted by poet and spoken word performer Shaniece Martin. To be a part of the conversation, find a photo that represents diaspora to you and share why you chose it. For ages 16+. Registration (booking) required.
  • Nov. 18, 7:30pm GMT: Writing Under Fire: Poetry and Prose from Ukraine and the Black Country. Transcultural panel discussion led by the University of Wolverhampton on the importance of arts and literature in times of crisis, helping us to work through war trauma while creating a sense of hope for a brighter future. It will include readings from Ukrainian poets and writers, and reflections by writers from the Black Country (a region in England’s Midlands – where Wolverhampton is located – which is known for its historical production of coal and iron.) Hybrid event, available online via Zoom. Registration (booking) required.

 

Gammage
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium in Tempe.

Wright Virtual Visits: The Wright Stuff

November 9 + December 7, 1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific time / Free.

Behind-the-scenes looks at Frank Lloyd Wright-designed public sites with insider tips for visitors. Those who are streaming live on Facebook will be able to ask questions, and recordings of each event will be available to watch afterward.

Goodies to enjoy anywhere:

All the Etsy links from above…

Early Bird Makers Market vendors:

Desert Air Market vendors:

  • Marcy Ellis – Beautiful illustrations weaving together flora and plant goddesses.
  • SonoranRainDesigns – Hand-painted terra cotta pots and macrame plant hangers.

P.S. Photos are by me unless the caption says otherwise.

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