Compiled by Chelsea Flood
Embrace the holidays desert-style with these upcoming Tempe events:
Catch snowflakes at the first snowfall of winter at Tempe Marketplace. Get in the spirit of the holiday season with a free professional ice skating performance, the lighting of a 60-foot tree and the first, magical snowfall of the season on Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 6-8 p.m. There’s free ice skating Nov. 24-26 and snow falls every night at 7 and 8 p.m.
Information: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe tempemarketplace.com/events/special-events/
Experience a Tempe Christmas tradition by visiting the Petersen House Museum this holiday season. Celebrating turn-of-the-century style with a Danish flair in honor of Niels Petersen, this beautiful Queen Anne Victorian house will be festively decorated for the season. Enjoy refreshments and activities on the grounds, and learn about the history through free house tours.
Information: Saturdays and Sundays: Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1414 W. Southern Ave, Tempe
Visit the historic Hackett House Gift Shop during the Tempe Festival of the Arts to see beautiful
decorations and gifts from around the world from Dec. 1-2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Holiday Boutique benefit Tempe Sister Cities.
Information: 95 W. Fourth St., Tempe or hacketthouse.org/events/
Sample teas in Victorian cups and nibble on homemade biscuits and scones in the lovely Hackett House, one of Tempe’s oldest historic buildings, on Saturday Dec. 9 from 1-3 p.m. Need treats for a holiday gathering? Take some home with you. Tickets are on sale for $35 and registration is required.
Information: 95 W. Fourth St., Tempe. hacketthouse.org/events/
The annual Fantasy of Lights boat parade celebrates the start of the holiday season on Dec. 9 from 4-9 p.m. The festival also includes a fireworks display while Santa makes his big debut. Take free selfies with the jolly ol’ elf after the finale. Bring your camera to capture the festive entertainment.
Information: Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway at Mill Avenue or downtowntempe.com/ events/boat-parade
Join Temple Emanuel and the Yad B’ Yad Children’s Center for a free, lively Pre-Hanukkah Story and Song Time at Changing Hands Bookstore, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. Hear stories, sing songs, and spin the dreidel.
Information: or 480-730-0205
Snap free photos with Santa and get merry with holiday-themed music, dancing, games and prizes at the Santa Soiree at Tempe Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Information: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
tempemarketplace.com/events/special-events/ Free photos with Santa: Bring Your Own Camera and get free photos with Santa at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, Saturday, Dec. 16. Information: 480-345-6461 or pollacktempecinemas.com
