Holiday Calendar (11/7)

Saturday, Nov. 8

Holiday Gift Boutique: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. A variety of local vendors will spotlight a variety of items, Booster juice will provide free smoothies and local vendors have donated raffle prizes. All proceeds from booth sales will benefit the Heart to Honduras outreach ministry. (480) 759-6200 or e-mail Greg Battle at gbattle@mountainpark.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Hope's Treasures Holiday Boutique: 4 to 8:30 p.m. tonight (preview night), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Road, Chandler. Features quality handcrafted items. (480) 899-7255.

Friday, Nov. 14

Seventh Annual Holiday Shoppe: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Enjoy holiday shopping amongst beautiful, unique, all hand-crafted items. Presented by Arizona Women's Experience. (480) 491-2210 or www.azcc.org.

Sunday, Nov. 16

Holiday Fragrance Festival: 9 to 11 a.m. (private) continuing until 5 p.m. (public), Nordstrom, Chandler Fashion Center, Level 1, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. The private part of the event is $10, which is redeemable for product that day. (480) 855-2500, ext. 1071.

Childsplay presents The Velveteen Rabbit:  4 p.m. preview today, runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 21, Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Recommended for ages three and older. (480) 350-2822 or www.Childsplayaz.org.

Thursday, Nov. 20

Holly Jolly Christmas: today through Dec. 25, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. (480) 325-6700 or visit www.BroadwayPalmWest.com.

24th Annual Holiday Boutique: 6 to 9 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Road, Tempe. Features more than 50 vendors specializing in unique homemade and handcrafted gifts, a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the preschool and kindergarten. A portion of the proceeds will provide financial aid for families in need. (480) 839-9097.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Holiday Boutique: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Get a start on holiday shopping while enjoying holiday entertainment, a wide variety of vendor booths, food and a visit with Santa starting at 11 a.m. Vendor applications being accepted. www.arcaz.net.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday concerts: 4 and 8 p.m., Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. A special ticket offer is available for a four-pack of reserved tickets for $99, plus applicable fees. Reserved tickets are $49.50 and $39.50. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Florence Crittenden Center from the 4 p.m. performance and the Sojourner Center from 8 p.m. performance. Tickets: www.livenation.com, box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. www.trans-siberian.com.

Monday, Nov. 24

Visions of Sugarplums Holiday Lunch: 9:30 a.m., Westin Kierland Resort, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale. The 28th annual holiday event and luncheon of the Auxiliary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale includes the luncheon, a silent auction, handmade gifts, a live auction, homemade baked goods, Designer Decor from top interior designers, vintage treasures and a professional fashion show by Dilliard's. Proceeds directly support Angels for Kids, the annual giving campaign of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Tickets start at $85. Judy, (480) 585-9177.

Thursday, Nov. 27

Thanksgiving at The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa: 5594 W. Wild Horse Blvd., Chandler. Three dining options: 1) Champagne Brunch in Ko'Sin restaurant, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $72 for adults, $65 for seniors, $36 for children 12 and younger, free for children under four. 2) Three Course Traditional Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner in Ko'Sin restaurant, 5 to 9 p.m., $50 for adults, $45 for seniors, $35 for children 12 and younger. Ko'Sin's a la Carte menu will be available upon request. 3) Elaborate Four-Course Thanksgiving Dinner at Kai, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., pricing begins at $125 per person and increases based on wine pairings. Kai's dress code excludes shorts, hats and discourages denim. Reservations: (602) 385-5726.

ZooLights: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 10, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. A larger than life lighted orangutan will greet you at the entrance while other primate light displays swing through the trees above your head! When the sun goes down and the animals go to sleep, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into one of the largest holiday lighting events in the southwest with 2.5 million lights and more than 400 light sculptures from small stars to life size giraffe, elephants and orangutans. Gate admission: $9, $7 for Zoo members. ZooLights Plaza Package: $20, $15 for Zoo members (advance purchase only). Children two and under are free. www.phoenixzoo.org or (602) 273-1341.

Friday, Nov. 28

Las Noches de las Luminarias: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. today through Sunday, Dec. 4 to 7, 11 to 14 and 16 to 23, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Thousands of hand-lit luminarias will light the Garden's paths, and there will be a wide variety of entertainment, delicious cuisine prepared by Fabulous Food Catering, exquisite wines to sample, and warm cocoa or cider. Shop for distinctive holiday gifts in the Garden's gift and plant shops. www.dbg.org or (480) 481-8188.

Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold: today through Dec. 21, Theater 4301, Galleria Corporate Center, 4343 N Scottsdale Road. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Friday, Nov. 29

Teddy Bear Tea: noon and 3 p.m. Fridays to Sundays today through Dec. 14, Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road, Tea Lobby. Features a charming Victorian-style tea, complete with a visit from Mr. Ted E. Bear, story time, holiday carols and Teddy Bear dance. Weekend seating to also include Club Bar location. $35 per adult, $25 per child. Reservations: (602) 522-6644.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Y OPAS (Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors) Third Annual Holiday Lights Tour: 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., starting at the Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. See holiday lights then return to the Y for hot chocolate and cookies. Reservations and ride requests to and from the YMCA are requested by Nov. 25 to (602) 212-6088.

Friday, Dec. 5

Valley Youth Theatre presents A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail: today through Dec. 23, 525 N. First St. (602) 253-8188, ext. 4, or www.VYT.com.

23rd Anniversary Poinsettia Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday and Dec. 12 to 14, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Road. Features 20,000 poinsettias in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes on display. Food and crafty Christmas gifts will be available for purchase. Free admission and parking. Fridays are Senior Day (free foil with poinsettias for seniors). (602) 437-0700 or www.gardenpro.net.

Phoenix Center Artists Annual Holiday Art Sale: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. 3rd St. Enjoy shopping for fine art gifts from students. Features artwork in ceramics, photography, jewelry, and metals. Free parking and entrance. (602) 262- 4627.

Holiday Open House and Museums: 5:30 to 9 p.m., Heritage & Science Park, 115 N. 6th St. Enjoy holiday light display. Step Back in Time Rosson House historic home tours offered. Free. (602) 261-8948.

Phoenix Symphony Christmas Pops: 8 p.m. tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. $26 to $76. (602) 495-1999 or www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Saturday, Dec. 6

‘Joy to the Herd' Holiday Party: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Shamrock Farms, 40034 W. Clayton, Stanfield. Enjoy 15 tons of snow and visits with Santa and the farm's lovable spokescow, Roxie, as well as chef demonstrations, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee, holiday crafts and face painting. The last tour will be at 1 p.m. Tickets, $10 per person, include all activities. Lunch is available for purchase. Reservations required to (602) 477-2462 or RoxieTour@shamrockfoods.com. Information, directions: www.shamrockfarmstour.com.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Historic Heritage Square, 115 N. 6th St. Join Santa for cookies, cocoa and storytelling. Admission charged. Reservations: (602) 261-8949.

21st Annual Messiah Choir presents Handel's Messiah: 6:30 p.m., South Mountain Community College Performance Hall, 7050 S. 24th St. General seating tickets, $10, are available at Showup.com. (602) 243-8353.

19th Annual Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting:  4:30 p.m., Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 s. Arizona Ave., Chandler. The parade begins at 7 p.m. and travels north on Arizona Avenue from Chicago Street to Buffalo Street, the route then turns east to Arizona Place, then proceeds south to its conclusion at Boston Street. The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in the park immediately following the parade at approximately 7:45 p.m. (480) 782-2735.

22nd annual APS Electric Light Parade: 7 p.m., starts on Central Avenue just north of Montebello Avenue, moves south on Central to Camelback Road, east to Seventh Street and south to Indian School Road. The theme is "Preserving a Family  Holiday Tradition," and the parade will feature illuminated floats, marching bands, performance units and helium balloons. (602) 534-FEST (3378).

Sunday, Dec. 7

Chandler Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert: 3 and 6 p.m., Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes. The program will feature orchestral and choral selections in the holiday spirit and the ever popular Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Proceeds will be divided between the Symphony and Neighbors Who Care. Donation tickets, $10, may be obtained by calling (480) 895-9001.

Monday, Dec. 8

Cocktails and Caroling: 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road, lobby. A festive evening of song and entertainment includes a champagne toast and holiday carols with Nicole Pesce and Jeffrey Hattrick. $30. Reservations: (602) 522-6644.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Phoenix Symphony presents Handel's Messiah: today through Dec. 21. The nearest performance is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. www.phoenixsymphony.org or (602) 495-1999.

Thursday, Dec. 11

The Snow Queen: today through Dec. 20, Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St. Presented by Phoenix Center Youth Theater. Adapted by Lynn Brittney from the lovable folktale by Hans Christian Anderson. $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Show time is 7 p.m., with two additional Saturday afternoon performances Dec. 13 and 20 at 12:30 p.m. (602) 262-4627.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Phoenix Children's Chorus Holiday Concert and Silent Auction: Concerts at 2 and 7 p.m., silent auction and pre-concert reception at 1 and 6 p.m., Camelback Bible Church 3900 E. Stanford. Sonoran Brass Quintet & Desert Bells International are guest artists. Advance tickets are $17.50 and $10 (all tickets $20 at the door). (602) 534-3788.

Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding: Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Join Alice and friends as they celebrate the holidays with a fun-filled mix of music, comedy, dancing and unique performances. All proceeds will benefit Solid Rock, a nonprofit whose goal is to honor Christ by helping to meet the spiritual, economical, physical and special needs of teens and children within the community. Visit www.alicepudding.com for ticket information and concert updates.

Monday, Dec. 15

Phoenix Boys Choir presents Carols From Around The World: tonight through Dec. 21. Celebrate the holidays with traditional American holiday music and carols from countries around the world. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 Del Webb Blvd.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St.; and 5 p.m. Dec. 21, Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. $25 preferred seating, $20 general admission, $18 for seniors, $10 for youth. All seats $30 at the door. (602) 264-5328, ext. 21 or www.phoenixboyschoir.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

E Women Network annual Holiday Tea: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ritz Carlton, 2401 E. Camelback Road. The event is open to non-members for $75 and is an opportunity for businesswomen to network and meet other business owners in the area. (480) 429-6997.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Y OPAS (Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors) Holiday Party: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Lunch and holiday entertainment for Y OPAS seniors and volunteers. RSVP to (602) 212-6088 and let them know if you need transportation.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Phoenix Chorale presents Home for the Holidays: tonight through Dec. 21. Featuring the The Sonoran Brass Quintet and the Phoenix Chorale perform music to celebrate the holiday season. www.phoenixchorale.org or (602) 253-2224.

Friday, Dec. 19

Ahwatukee Foothills Ballet presents The Nutcracker: 2 and 7 p.m. today and tomorrow, Desert Vista High School Fine Arts Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd St. Ahwatukee Foothills resident Kendall Glover, 9, plays Clara, and Santa Claus will make a special appearance following both 2 p.m. performances. Assigned seating tickets, $12 to $25, are available at Kimberly Lewis School of Dance, 3820 E. Ray Road, Suite 8, or by e-mailing ahwatukeenutcracker@yahoo.com or calling (480) 706-6040. Information: http://afnutcracker.com.

Cookies and Photos with Santa: 4 to 7 p.m., Historic McCullough-Price House, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler. Enjoy cookies, create a holiday ornament, visit with Santa and have your photo taken. All ages welcome. Free, photos are $5. Registration not required. (480) 782-2876.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Teddy Bear Tea in the Grand Ballroom: noon and 3 p.m. today through Tuesday, Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road. This magical holiday tradition includes story time with Mrs. Claus, a visit from the Teddy Bear, puppet show, balloons and a visit from Santa Claus. $35 per adult, $25 per child. Reservations: (602) 522-6644.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker: 7:30 p.m., Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Features spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers. Special ticket offer: four-pack of reserved tickets $60 plus applicable fees. Reserved tickets, $28 to $85, available at www.livenation.com and the box office. To charge by phone call (480) 784-4444.

Friday, Dec. 26

Holidays at The Heard: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Dec. 31, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Included in general museum admission. www.heard.org.

Swim with Santa in the heated indoor wave pool: 1 to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Kiwanis Recreation Center, 6111 All-America Way, Tempe. The whole family is invited to relax with and thank Santa for their holiday gifts. Free prizes. $6 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 2 to 12 ($4 and $2 in advance). Children under the age of 8 must have an adult with them at all times while in the water. (480) 350-5201 or www.tempe.gov/kiwanis.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Phoenix Symphony New Year's Eve Concert: 7 p.m., Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St. "The World's Longest Running Phantom," Franc D'Ambrosio, joins the Symphony to perform some of Broadway's biggest hits, concluding the evening with a New Year's tradition," Auld Lang Syne." Tickets, $26 to $76, include a complimentary glass of champagne. (602) 495-1999 or www.phoenixsymphony.org.

New Year's Eve Gala: 8 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road. Features overnight accommodations; New Year's Eve dinner for two, including champagne toast, party hats and favors, balloons and live entertainment; overnight parking; and New Year's Day breakfast for two. $450 per room (single or double occupancy). www.ritzcarlton.com or (602) 522-6644. All rates are based upon availability.