By Dave McMinn
Santa loves North Phoenix. Maybe it’s the abundance of families. Maybe it’s the proximity to the North Pole. Maybe it’s the aviation support facilities at Deer Valley Airport. It’s tough to know exactly what makes our part of town so popular with the Big Guy in Red (he doesn’t do many interviews), but we’re always glad to have him!
With schedules only getting busier in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it may prove difficult to track down Santa Claus with your toy requests. Luckily, he’s got quite an extensive pre-Christmas tour schedule. Here’s a listing of scheduled appearances by Santa in North Phoenix:
Outlets at Anthem
4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086
outletsanthem.com
(623) 465-9500
The Outlets at Anthem, home of Arizona’s tallest Christmas tree, features two Santa-themed events this year. All the good little girls and boys have lots of opportunities to get some face time with Santa.
Breakfast with Santa
A $5 admission gets you breakfast with Kris Kringle himself, including pancakes, sausage, and milk. Then join in for storytime, kid’s activities, live entertainment, goody bags, and more! All proceeds benefit the Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities.
Santa Schedule
Saturday, December 1 • 8:30am-10am
Santa’s Cottage
Come Explore Santa’s Cottage, where wishes are whispered and holiday dreams begin. Experience the magic of Christmas with crafts, holiday stories, and a visit with Santa himself. Photos with Santa Claus available for purchase.
Santa Schedule
Every day through Christmas Eve. Hours vary by day.
Deer Valley Airport
702 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027
deervalleyairportrestaurant.com
(623) 582-5454
Santa Fly-ins
Because of his great respect for the aviation industry, Santa has scheduled eight fly-ins at Deer Valley Airport. The jolly old elf will arrive via helicopter on weekends throughout December. Mr. Claus will be available for photos (bring your own camera), and families can dine before or after at the legendary Deer Valley Restaurant, where kids eat free on Santa days. Details available at deervalleyairportrestaurant.com.
Santa Schedule
Saturday, December 15 • 10am & 3pm*
Sunday, December 16 • 10am & 3pm*
Saturday, December 22 • 10am & 3pm**
Sunday, December 23 • 10am & 3pm**
(The elves say that the 3pm visit is usually less crowded)
*Helicopter services provided by Phoenix Police Department
**Helicopter services provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department
Happy Valley Towne Center
2501 W. Happy Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027
shophvtc.com/winter
(602) 553-2706
Winter Wonderland
The home of Walmart, Lowe’s, and Starbucks is hosting their first Winter Wonderland event. Step into a holiday celebration filled with music, games, crafts, mini train rides, snow, and more! You’re invited to snap free photos with Santa Claus after his festive firetruck arrival (Bring your own camera). Just follow the snowfall to the parking lot near Dollar Tree.
Santa Schedule
Friday, December 7 • 5pm-7pm
Elevate Coffee Company
(Located at The Shops at Norterra)
2460 W. Happy Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85085
norterrashopping.com/events/santa-saturdays
(602) 341-5480
Santa Saturdays
Father Christmas LOVES a good cuppa’ Joe. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll find him hanging out at Elevate every Saturday, now through Christmas. Stop by for a FREE photo with Santa, plus gifts for the kids! While you’re there, treat yourself to a world-class latte, hot chocolate, caramel apple cider, or fruit smoothie.
Santa Schedule
Saturday, December 1 • 11am-1pm
Saturday, December 8 • 11am-1pm
Saturday, December 15 • 11am-1pm
Saturday, December 22 • 11am-1pm
Shops at Norterra
2460 W. Happy Valley Rd.,
Phoenix, AZ 85085
norterrashopping.com
(623) 582-9599
Cruisin’ With Santa
Holiday Car Show
This holiday-themed show on Main Street features live music, free food samples, free kids crafts, free holiday gift wrapping, and free photos with Santa (plus a free gift for the kids). St. Nick pulls in at 6 p.m. in a holiday red corvette. Sit on his lap and tell him about that ’57 Chevy you’ve
been wanting!
Santa Schedule
Friday, December 14 • 6pm-8pm
