Scottsdazzle Brings Holiday Spirit to City of Scottsdale
Annual Month-Long Holiday Extravaganza Begins November 27
Scottsdazzle, the City of Scottsdale’s popular holiday extravaganza that brings a variety of festive activities and fun events to residents and visitors alike, kicks off Saturday, November 27 with the signature Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony, during which an all new “dazzling” holiday tree will be unveiled, bringing even more beauty and light to the season! Activities and events take place at various locations around Old Town through December 31.
“We’re so proud that Scottsdazzle has become such a well-received event for our beloved community,” said Karen Churchard, Director of Tourism and Events for the city of Scottsdale. “With each year, we strive to present new and different ways for families, friends, neighbors and loved ones to get involved in any or all of the Scottsdazzle activities as they celebrate the season. Each event is intended to encourage our residents to get into the festive spirit in a meaningful way.”
Throughout Scottsdazzle, Old Town will be alive with holiday spirit through seasonal décor and sparkling lights twinkling throughout the streets. Local retailers and restaurants also join in on the festivities, offering guests incentives to dine, drink and shop throughout the season.
Scottsdazzle’s 2021 current event lineup includes:
Scottsdazzle Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 27 | 7:00 p.m.
Taking place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, this signature seasonal celebration serves as the kickoff to more than a month of festivities. Amble along the Scottsdale Waterfront among beautifully lit holiday décor and sing along to classic Christmas tunes led by MusicaNova Orchestra and local celebrities. Sip on a hot coffee or cocoa, nibble on light bites inspired by the season, and engage in general merriment sure to put you in the mood for a very happy holiday indeed.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 27
Shop small, shop Scottsdale! Old Town is home to a vibrant small business community with dozens of locally owned and operated boutiques, galleries, and retailers. If you’d rather sip and savor than shop, our many restaurants are ready to welcome you with the finest in local fare. With specials and sales for Scottsdazzle patrons, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list, all while supporting your local economy!
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
Saturday, November 27, December 4 and 11 | 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scottsdale’s beloved farmers market continues with a festive twist and a special holiday guest! This year, Santa will be joining the wide array of farmers and vendors to make for a very special Saturday morning. Children can make their wish list at the Letters to Santa station, and then get a picture with jolly Ol’ St. Nick himself, with a printed photo to take home as a festive memento! Be sure to visit all the local merchants and artisans to see their unique crafts and creations. You just may find gifts for everyone on your list! Market takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; photos with Santa and the Letter to Santa Station available from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Letters to Santa
Online at Scottsdazzle.com
Santa has his list and is checking it twice! Children that want to send their wish lists to Santa can do it in one of two ways:
- Parents and children can fill out and submit their letters to Santa online November 15 through December 11
- Print their letter at home and “mail it” (no stamp required!) at the Letters to Santa Station at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. Letters will be collected for Santa, who will be onsite at the farmers market and taking photos with children Saturday November 27, December 4 and December 11. Santa will take the letters back up to the North Pole to read as he, Mrs. Claus and the elves prepare for the big day. Children will receive letters back from Santa before Christmas!
Prancer’s Puzzle Rides
All month long
What happens when you combine a Scottsdale scavenger hunt, a jolly golf cart driver, and lots of holiday cheer? Prancer’s Puzzle Rides! Book these special seasonal rides all month long for fun with friends or family. Two uniquely fun and festive rides are available:
- Hijacked by Elves — Santa’s Naughty and Nice list has been stolen by a mischievous elf! Participants will use clues to track down the elf and bring him to the justice center during this family friendly adventure. Cart drivers provided. Up to 10 participants; ages 5 and up.
- Jingle Bar Hop — This two-hour “portable pub” adventure invites guests to visit local bars and try mystery drinks while solving a puzzle with clues tied to local art and architecture. Cart drivers provided. Up to 10 participants; 21 and over only.
Wine Dazzle
Select Dates in November and December
Raise a glass to holiday cheer! Several Old Town wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars are getting into the holiday spirit this Scottsdazzle with an all-new event series! Wine lovers are invited to explore all the ways these Old Town establishments are “tis-ing the season.” Participating wineries include Carlson Creek, LDV Winery, Kazimierz, Su Vino and Wine Girl. Registration required. Cost varies.
Merry Make & Takes
Wednesday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 4, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 11, 3:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 18, 4:00 p.m.; Thursday, December 23, 5:30 p.m.
Join us at The Merchantile of Scottsdale for five crafting events led by Crafting Goddesses! Each event includes all the pre-packaged supplies and guided tutorial needed to create beautiful holiday cards and keepsakes. Register as a group, a couple, or come yourself and make new friends! Registration required. Cost varies by class.
Festive Floral Workshops
Thursday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, December 9, 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 11, 11:00 a.m.; Saturday, December 18, 11:00 a.m.; Tuesday, December 21, 6:00 p.m.
Get in touch with nature while creating a stunning floral work of art to serve as a seasonal centerpiece for a holiday table or to hang on a door. Guests will team up with the florists at Flower Bar to create and bring home a beautiful winter-themed arrangement to display. Each workshop will give attendees the guidance and materials needed to construct their very own wreath or centerpiece. Registration required; space is limited. Cost varies by class.
Scottsdazzle Stroll—Saturdays in Old Town
Saturday, December 4, 11 and 18 |6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Come stroll along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront surrounded by the sounds of the season! Live music anchors this sprawling celebration filled with public art installations, holiday décor and a brand new 40-foot Scottsdazzle Tree that lights up the night with dazzling holiday spirit. Warm up with hot cocoa, coffee, and sweet seasonal treats from local food vendors, then wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland!
Ho-Ho-Hoedown
Two times on Sunday, December 5 — noon to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m-5:00 p.m.
Guests are invited to wrangle up a cowboy-style Christmas during this festive event, which tips its hat to Scottsdale’s Western roots. Featuring festive décor, live performances from a country western band and delicious “vittles” from the Mission Restaurant including chimichurri skirt steak tacos on small flour tortillas with “cowboy” pinto beans, cotija, cilantro and red fresno.
Gold Palette ArtWalk
Thursday, December 9 | 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Take a holiday stroll through Scottsdale’s Art District while perusing the city’s finest works of art. Soak in the beauty with all your senses as you’re surrounded by the sounds and smells of the season, including classic holiday carols and hot cocoa. Featuring Old Town’s finest art galleries, this holiday-themed ArtWalk can be enjoyed by everyone from aficionados to aspiring art-fans and everyone in between.
Miracle of Roses Pageant at Old Adobe Mission
Sunday, December 12 | 4:00 p.m.
The annual Miracle of Roses Pageant celebrates the appearances of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City from December 9 through December 12, 1531, referred to as the “Miracle of Roses,” and honors Our Lady Guadalupe. The event features a performance reenacting the events of December 12, 1531 with light refreshments immediately following.
Yuletide Yoga Classes
Saturday, December 18, 8:00 a.m.; Sunday, December 19, 8:00 p.m.
‘Tis the season for serenity! Guests are invited to stave off seasonal stress with a Zen session on Marshall Way Bridge hosted by CorePower Yoga on Saturday and CA Yoga Barre on Sunday. Registration required. Cost is $10 per person.
Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunts
Saturday, December 18, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, December 19, 9:30 a.m.
Get ready for a holiday head-scratcher! Bring your bike for this seasonal scavenger hunt to discover Old Town in a way you never have before. Puzzles and riddles lead participants from clue to clue, all culminating in one final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Add to this fun and festive adventure by decorating your bike and/or dressing in your best (or worst) holiday attire. Registration required; cost is $18 per person.
Holly-Jolly Painting Parties
Saturday, December 18, 1:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 19, 1:00 p.m.
Hosted in partnership with The Brush Bar, guests are invited to use their holly jolly spirit to get creative with a special painting party happening on the Marshall Way Bridge. Participants will receive an individual supply kit with everything needed to create a 16x20-inch holiday-themed work of art. Put it under the tree for yourself or make a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special! Registration required; cost is $40 per person.
Live Nativity at the Old Adobe Mission
Saturday, December 18 | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
The Old Adobe Mission pays homage to the birth of Christ with a live nativity scene featuring real performers and animals reenacting the holy manger scene. This live nativity exhibition, featuring art objects representing the birth of Jesus, a special reminder of the true reason for the season.
Wonderland Whiskey Tasting
Tuesday, December 7 and 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Whiskey lovers are invited to select from two seasonal tasting events during which a brand ambassador at Second Story Liquor Bar and Restaurant will guide guests through a wonderland of whiskey where they will develop a new appreciation for America's Native Spirit. These “spirited” tasting events are sure to have you feeling merry and bright. This event includes a four-whiskey tasting menu featuring a welcome barrel-aged cocktail, Makers Mark Barrel Select, 1792 Full Proof Barrel Select, Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel Select and Knob Creek Bourbon for $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity) or a five-whiskey tasting menu with welcome barrel aged cocktail, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blanton’s Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Sazerac Rye and Weller Special Reserve for $125 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
Holiday Lights at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park
Nightly through December 23 | 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Hop on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays! No trip to the park is complete without a spin on the historic Charros Carousel or a cup of hot cocoa from Hartley’s General Store. Be sure to stop by to see Santa and his elves through December 23rd. This year the Railroad Park’s annual tradition of Holiday Lights returns with a modified format featuring limited capacity and one-and-a-half hour blocks at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. nightly. Tickets available beginning Monday, November 1 at 8:00 a.m.
As the big event draws nearer, the city of Scottsdale’s “elves” will continue working hard to present more complete details and additional events and activities. Scottsdazzle.com is the hub for the latest updates on events, the place to register for activities, and more. The city of Scottsdale remains diligent on safety procedures surrounding COVID-19 and invites guests to practice social distancing and personal health protocols as they participate in this merry season!
About Scottsdazzle: Developed by city of Scottsdale officials in 2015 as a way to bring the community together in a fun and magical way, Scottsdazzle serves as the area’s signature holiday event spanning two months and offering something for everyone when it comes to celebrating, shopping, dining, and more. For more, visit scottsdazzle.com.
