City of Scottsdale’s Annual Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza Kicks Off Nov. 26
Old Town Scottsdale Brims with Spirited Holiday Events and Activities throughout the Season
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The city of Scottsdale is pleased to announce the return of Scottsdazzle — Old Town’s signature month-long holiday extravaganza encompassing a multitude of activities and events designed to spread holiday spirit to residents and visitors. The event officially begins Saturday, Nov. 26 with the city’s most dazzling kickoff event — the Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Scottsdale Waterfront, where the Scottsdazzle tree will be officially lit and remain aglow throughout the season.
“We are thrilled to work with so many of the area’s small businesses to present some incredible new events for this year’s Scottsdazzle celebration,” said Karen Churchard, director of tourism and events for the city of Scottsdale. “Long-time Scottsdazzle attendees can expect their favorite activities in addition to a new lineup of fun things to do this season.”
Since the debut of this holiday spectacular, the event has continued to grow and evolve to include more events each year. In addition to returning favorites, many new events serve as collaborations with Old Town’s merchants, restaurants, and art galleries. With so much to do, there is something for everyone including craft workshops, wine tastings, dining events, family-friendly activities, traditional holiday celebrations and so much more.
During Scottsdazzle, Old Town is rife with holiday spirit through incredible whimsical décor and sparkling lights twinkling throughout the streets, turning the area into a true winter wonderland. Local businesses also get into the spirit by offering visitors and residents special holiday deals to dine, drink and shop their way through the season. Taking place at various locations around Old Town through December 31, this year’s exciting lineup of Scottsdazzle activities and events include:
Scottsdazzle Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 26; 7 p.m.
This signature celebration sets Scottsdale aglow with its beautifully lit tree and holiday décor, including multiple areas for photo opportunities and selfies. Guests are invited to sip hot coffee or cocoa, nibble holiday-themed light bites and engage in seasonal merriment sure to put them in the mood for a very happy holiday.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 26
Shop small, shop Scottsdale! Supporting small businesses is good for the soul — and for the community! Find the perfect unique gift at any of the dozens of locally owned and operated boutiques, galleries and retailers throughout Old Town. Or visit one of Scottsdale’s many restaurants, wineries, bars and dining establishments for a true taste of local fare and libations. Many of these businesses offer Scottsdazzle specials and sales throughout the season.
Meet Santa at the Market/Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
Saturday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Santa: 9 a.m.-noon)
Scottsdale’s beloved farmers market gets into the holiday spirit with a very special guest — Santa! Throughout Scottsdazzle, Santa will visit the market to spread some holiday cheer. Children can sit with Santa and receive a printed photo to cherish for years! Many market vendors offer special items throughout the season so shoppers can check of their holiday lists while they pick up delicious local produce, artisans breads and other delicious items.
Prancer’s Puzzle Rides
Nov. 26 through Dec. 31; Various times
Prancer’s Puzzle Rides are totally unique golf-cart driven seasonal scavenger hunts around Old Town that leave guests full of holiday cheer! These special events can be booked all throughout Scottsdazzle.
Holly Jolly Trolley
Saturday, Dec 3; Various times
All aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley! Guests will be treated – and transported – to short holiday performances at various locations throughout Old Town. Holly Jolley participants can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and nibble on sweet treats as they fill up on holiday cheer with loved ones. Meet the Singing Cowboy and his trusty steed Dusty as they delight guests with popular holiday tunes; take in a magical vignette of Beauty and the Beast (holiday-style!) by the performers at Greasepaint Theater; let the Dicken’s Christmas Carolers warm the heart with classic carols; and so much more! Perfect for the young and young at heart. Ticket price includes 60-minute trolley ride, refreshments, treats, and a holiday surprise to take home.
Scottsdazzle Stroll and Canal Concerts
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17; 6-9 p.m.
Guests are invited to stroll into the holiday spirit and enjoy some beautiful live musical performances of the season’s classic sounds. This sprawling celebration features public art installations, holiday décor and the beautiful 40-foot Scottsdazzle Tree that lights up the night with a dazzling array of colorful ornaments. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, sweet seasonal treats from local food vendors, and plenty of magical photo backdrops as they amble along the Scottsdale Waterfront.
Holiday Celebration at the Chef’s Table
Tuesday, Dec. 6; 6 p.m.
Enjoy a perfect evening welcoming the holiday season by joining Chef Marcellino at his beautiful and cozy chef’s table! With the wood burning oven aglow, delight in the exceptional wines hand-picked by Chef from his native hometown. Three divine courses that present one of his artistic antipasti, followed by his award winning, handcrafted pasta, flows seamlessly to a main course. It all ends with Chef’s luscious homemade biscotti and palate cleansed with his house made limoncello. Registration required; cost is $120 per person.
Gold Palette ArtWalk
Thursday, Dec. 9; 6:30-9 p.m.
The Scottsdale Arts District gets into the spirit of the season with a Scottsdazzle-themed ArtWalk featuring holiday and seasonal artwork by locally and nationally renowned artists. Enjoy hot cocoa and classic holiday music from stroller carolers.
Miracle of Roses Pageant at Old Adobe Mission
Saturday, Dec. 10; 4-6 p.m.
The annual Miracle of Roses Pageant celebrates the appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City from December 9 through December 12, 1531 (referred to as the “Miracle of Roses”) and honors Our Lady Guadalupe. The event features a performance reenacting the events of December 12, 1531 with light refreshments immediately following.
Holiday Painting Party
Saturday, Dec. 11; 2-5 p.m.
Hosted in partnership with The Brush Bar, guests are invited to use their holly jolly spirit to get creative with a special painting party happening on the Marshall Way Bridge. Participants will receive an individual supply kit with everything needed to create a 16-by-20-inch holiday-themed work of art. Put it under the tree or make a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special! Registration required; cost is $40 per person.
Whiskey Tasting at the North Pole
Thursday, Dec. 15; 6-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday festivities with a whiskey tasting at Porters Western Saloon’s new Christmas pop up bar, The North Pole. Head upstairs to be transported into a winter wonderland and enjoy four different bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Accompanied by light snacks, the tasting selections will include Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blanton's Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, and W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon. Cost is $80; this is a 21 and over event. Registration required.
Live Nativity at the Old Adobe Mission
Saturday, Dec. 17; 6-8 p.m.
The Old Adobe Mission pays homage to the birth of Christ with a live nativity scene featuring real performers and animals reenacting the holy manger scene. This live nativity exhibition, featuring art objects representing the birth of Jesus.
Merry Make & Take
Sunday, Dec. 18; 3-4 p.m.
Crafting Goddesses hosts this fun craft event during which participants can create a unique holiday ornament for a keepsake or to gift to a friend or loved one. Materials and guided tutorial are included. Cost is $19; spaces are limited, and reservations are required.
The city of Scottsdale’s “elves” are busy putting the final touches on this year’s Scottsdazzle event. Complete details and registration for each event listed as well as additional events and activities are available at scottsdazzle.com.
About Scottsdazzle: Developed by city of Scottsdale officials in 2015 as a way to bring the community together in a fun and magical way, Scottsdazzle serves as the area’s signature holiday event beginning in November through the end of the year and offering something for everyone when it comes to celebrating, shopping, dining and more. For more, visit scottsdazzle.com.
