If the “reason for the season” is an important part of your holiday celebration, then this article is for you. With so many holiday activities available in the greater Phoenix area, it can be hard to find the activities that celebrate the Christmas story in a fun and unique way the whole family will enjoy. Here a few local Phoenix Advent activities to consider to remember the real reason for Christmas.
Follow the Star to Cross of Christ
When: December 1st from 5:30-8:30 pm
Where: 39808 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy Phoenix, AZ 85086
Cost: FREE but register for Tickets here
You can also bring a toy donation for children living in Foster Care.
Join us for this FREE event as we walk through Bethlehem the night of Jesus’ birth. Families and friends of all ages are welcome to experience live re-enactments, petting zoo, food, music and crafts. We are excited to celebrate with you.
FOR KING + COUNTRY’s A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2023 Tour Experience
When: December 8th at 7pm
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale
Cost: $18-$200+
Tickets
A Night in Bethlehem
When: December 8th from 6-8:30 pm
Where: St. Luke Lutheran Church, 807 N Stapley Drive, Mesa
Cost: Free
All ages are encouraged to tour the town of Bethlehem and experience what life was really like on the night that Jesus was born. Stroll the marketplace and assemble a craft or visit the live stable animals. There will be something for everyone.
Dream City Church presents “Celebration of Christmas”
When: December 7-10th & December 12th-17th
Where: Dream City Church Phoenix Campus, 13613 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix
Cost: Free seating available on first come basis and tickets from $12-$40
Join us as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and experience the joy and wonder that only the Celebration of Christmas can deliver. Get ready to be captivated by an all-new first act, showcasing a Broadway-style performance featuring live animals, a full orchestra, a breathtaking live nativity scene, awe-inspiring silk artists, and aerial acrobatic stunts that will leave you in awe.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
When: December 20-23
Where: Mesa Arts Center
Cost: $45-55
In the early years of his young adult life C S Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning.
Here we find him at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.
There are also many advent activities you can do at home with your kids. One of our favorites is to get a chocolate advent calendar from Trader Joes and let the kids eat a piece of chocolate while we read an advent devotional from one of our favorites. We have enjoyed “Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas” by Sarah Young and “25 days of the Christmas Story: An Advent Family Experience” by Dr. Josh & Christi Straub.
The “25 Days of Christmas Story” includes a story about a character from the Bible with a character trait and life lesson to take home. It also includes a family activity with a family time question to discuss together. Even if you can’t make it to one the local family Advent events around town, you can gather at your kitchen table or snuggle up together on the couch to celebrate the reason for the season together.
