By Molly Cerreta Smith
The City of Scottsdale’s holiday spectacular, Scottsdazzle, is underway! With so many events, there are multiple ways to celebrate the season all month long with food, drinks, crafts, activities, scavenger hunts, and more. Check out the line-up of some of Scottsdazzle’s most popular happenings, as well as some new ones debuting this month.
Calling all kids! Santa is waiting to receive those letters! Parents can have their children submit wish lists online, so they can visit the Letters to Santa station at the Old Town Farmers Market on Saturday, December 4 and December 11. (Santa himself will be there to snap selfies with little ones as parents shop for last minute gifts and provisions for the holidays).
For those that love to raise a glass in celebration of the season, Scottsdazzle’s “Wine Dazzle” events are just the thing. Participating wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars throughout Old Town, including Carlson Creek, LDV Winery, Kazimierz and Su Vino Winery, are featuring fun events such as crafting, bottling, pairing and “challenge” tastings while enjoying delicious local wines.
Scottsdazzle Stroll takes place Saturdays, December 4, 11 and 18 along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is alive with the sounds of the season. Guests can peruse the area while listening to live holiday music, checking out stunning public art installations, and enjoying holiday décor. (A selfie in front of the city’s all new 40-foot Scottsdazzle tree is a must!). Local vendors will be offering hot cocoa, coffee, and sweet holiday treats during the strolls.
The Scottsdale Gallery Association’s Scottsdazzle themed ArtWalk on Thursday, December 9, encourages art lovers to shop their favorite local art galleries for the perfect gift while enjoying artist receptions and refreshments at individual galleries as well as strolling carolers throughout Scottsdale’s Arts District. (And maybe even a Santa spotting, too!)
On Sunday, December 12, Old Adobe Mission hosts the traditional Miracle of Roses Pageant, which features a performance reenacting the appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City; this event also serves to honor Our Lady Guadalupe. The Mission also hosts a live Nativity exhibition featuring real performers and animals reenacting the holy manger scene and art objects representing the birth of Jesus on Saturday, December 18.
Artistic types can enjoy two Holly Jolly Painting Parties — one on Saturday, December 18 and one Sunday, December 19, on Marshall Bridge. Each event includes all supplies needed to create a fun holiday masterpiece. Taking place during that weekend, the Sparkle and Spin Scavenger Hunt returns — encouraging guests to explore Old Town on their bikes, uncovering clues and solving puzzles and riddles along the way.
For those that need to unwind and de-stress from the hectic holiday season can find their Zen during two Yuletide Yoga events held on Marshall Bridge. Hosted by CorePower Yoga on Saturday, December 18 and CA Yoga Barre on Sunday, December 19, these classes encourage attendees to stay present and mindful of the joy of the season.
New this year, the City of Scottsdale is encouraging residents and visitors to support small businesses (and earn some holiday cheer in return!) with the Shop Scottsdale Holiday Giveaway.
Through Saturday, December 25, small business supporters have a chance to win one of five $250 AMEX gift cards just by shopping. With each $25 qualifying purchase, shoppers have a chance to win big. Qualifying purchases can be made at small businesses in Scottsdale including in-store, online delivery, takeout and gift cards. Shoppers must submit their receipts online to be entered; winners will be notified on Monday, January 10, 2022.
Visit scottsdazzle.com for all things Scottsdazzle.
