November kicks off the city of Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle, the annual holiday event that brings the joy of the season to life. Beginning with Scottsdazzle’s signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 25 and featuring more than 40 other events and activities for all ages and interests through the end of the year, Scottsdazzle is truly a magical way to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Scottsdazzle officially “lights up” Saturday, Nov. 25 with the family friendly Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Taking place at the Scottsdale Waterfront, this event is sure to get everyone into a festive mood. During the event, guests are encouraged to sing along to classic and modern holiday tunes and watch in awe as Scottsdazzle’s signature tree is set aglow with the help of Jolly Old St. Nick! The tree, along with a plethora of festive outdoor holiday décor, keeps Old Town merry and bright through the remainder of the holidays.
After that, Scottsdazzle spreads it magic to all areas of Old Town. The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market transforms into a festive holiday marketplace where guests can visit and take pictures with Santa Claus as they peruse the many aisles lined with vendor booths, which will be stocked with holiday gifts and provisions.
Scottsdazzle Stroll is another signature event that Scottsdazzlers return for year after year. On Saturdays throughout December (2, 9 and 16 from 6-9 p.m.) guests can enjoy the transformation of Old Town into a winter wonderland. As they stroll along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is illuminated with holiday lights and décor as well as the stunning 40-foot Scottsdazzle Tree, they can enjoy musical entertainment and warm up with hot cocoa, coffee and sweet seasonal treats from local food vendors.
On Thursday, Dec. 9 from 6:30-9 p.m., art enthusiasts can explore the streets of the Scottsdale Arts District for a special Scottsdazzle themed Gold Palette ArtWalk presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association. The district will be alive with the sounds of strolling carolers and guests can sip on hot cocoa as they stroll through the participating member galleries. Many of these galleries will be featuring holiday themed exhibitions and offering refreshments.
New this year is the Ultimate Family Play Date & Concert, hosted by the Scottsdale Public Library in partnership with the Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library. Taking place at the Scottsdale Civic Center Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., this event welcomes the whole family to a winter-themed play date extravaganza with interactive art, science, sports and more fun activities followed by a family-friendly concert for all ages.
Also on Dec. 9, as well as on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Marshall Way Bridge, Master Magician Craig Davis reveals the magic of the season through entertaining and interactive performances designed for all ages that will leave guests believing in more than just Santa Claus!
The popular Sugar Plum Tea Parties are a whimsical way to ring in the season. With two seatings on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., guests can sip and snack on holiday-themed treats while enjoying whimsical winter-themed fun and entertainment.
That same weekend, there are two opportunities to participate in the holiday-coded Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunt. These events encourage guests to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town to solve puzzles and riddles leading them from clue to clue, culminating in one final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Don’t forget to dress up in holiday attire!
There are a number of additional events, both returning and new, scheduled for this year’s Scottsdazzle extravaganza including favorites like the Miracle of Roses and Live Nativity at Old Adobe Mission, seasonal crafting events at local businesses such as The Merchantile and Cactus Flowers, holiday movie nights and much more.
Holiday revelers can also enjoy a variety of events presented in partnership with local Old Town favorites such as Porter’s Western Saloon, which levels up the term “Christmas spirit” with over-the-top lighting and décor as well as fun trivia nights and whiskey tasting events; Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, where merry and bright dueling piano events will be taking place; Greasepaint Theater, which will be performing at Marshall Way Bridge; LDV Winery Tasting Room, which hosts popular cork crafting classes; Yuletide Yoga presented by Vikara Events and so much more.
The city of Scottsdale welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy all that Scottsdazzle has to offer and wishes everyone a safe and bright holiday season! For complete details and registration for specific events, visit scottsdazzle.com.
