The Festival of Lights

Ten years ago Chandler Boulevard was dim, dark and drab during the holiday season. The white light holiday display originally started by Del Webb Corporation was put to rest and only the glow of streetlights lit up the areas. Seeing a need to resurrect the light display, a group of homeowners from Club West and the Foothills formed, "The Festival of Lights", a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. Since 1996, Chandler Boulevard has been aglow with holiday white lights.

From Thanksgiving until the New Year, Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway is illuminated with more than a million white lights. Our incredible desert landscape is decked out with miniature white lights and with clusters of white strands high amongst the treetops. This signature event in the Ahwatukee Foothills really lights up the community! Even tour buses have been known to detour to our area to see the spectacular display. The display can be seen nightly from 5:30pm to 11pm starting November 26th until January 1, 2006.

For more information visit: http://www.festivaloflightsaz.org/

2006 Hayrides and Luminary Hike

When:
Saturday, December 16
Saturday, December 23
5:30pm-8:30pm*
*Last cart departs at 8pm

Where: Depart from Altadena Middle School (view map)

How much: Tickets are $5 each, 3 and under ride free.
Tickets can be purchased at the hayride or pre-purchased at Russ Lyon (Desert Foothills & Chandler), ACE Hardware (Desert Foothills & Chandler), and all 3 Ahwatukee Safeway stores beginning in November.

$1 Discount: Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Every Kid Counts program for a $1 discount. Limit one toy/discount per person.
We may not have snow, but we have big strong horses with horse drawn hay-arranged carts! In keeping with the Ahwatukee Foothills tradition, the Festival of Lights will be providing the community hayrides for its tenth year!

Gather up your family and friends and head on a round trip hayride with an unforgettable luminary walk in the mix. Horse drawn hay carts depart from Altadena Middle School and head north up Desert Foothills Parkway. Guests can disembark at Telegraph Pass to partake in a luminary hike then jump back on a wagon to return to the school. The luminaries hike features nearly 500 amazing candle lit luminaries. Local entertainment groups provide a festive holiday atmosphere along the way. Some nights even local Boy & Girl Scout Troops will sell some holiday goodies including hot chocolate and glow stick necklaces to make the ride experience the best it can be! While on the hay carts, you'll enjoy the white light holiday splendor known as "Deck the Walls". Rumor has it you may even break into a Holiday Carol or two!

The Festival of Lights will team up with Every Kid Counts for a Christmas donation of toys. Please bring an unwrapped toy to any of the evenings and earn a $1 discount. More importantly, you are helping those who are not as fortunate as you during the holiday season!

For more information visit: http://www.festivaloflightsaz.org/events-hayride.php

Zoolights

US Airways Presents ZOOLIGHTS
November 23 – January 7
Patterns of Light in the Night!

6 – 10 pm nightly
Closed December 25th

Member Preview Nights: November 20 – 22
Tickets go on sale October 1.

The magic begins after the animals at the Zoo go to sleep! This year it's all about patterns you'll see in the night. Light and color allows us to create masterpieces of art. Patterns of light and color in nature are all around us—zebra stripes; rainbows; irridescence on animals and fish; a shadow; ice; and you'll see patterns on you!

Jengo is back at ZooLights, plus wagon rides, carousel rides, music, kettle korn, hot chocolate and a new and totally different dancing tree show!

For details or to purchase tickets call 602-914-4333 or visit http://www.phoenixzoo.org/.

Santa’s – A Christmas Theme Park

Santa's Will Be Returning November 23, 2006!

Experience a holiday extravaganza like never before, as one of the largest holiday-themed entertainment parks makes its debut in the Valley – SANTA’S – A CHRISTMAS THEME PARK!

From November 23, 2006 through January 7, 2007, Santa and his crew will park their sleigh at the Firebird Raceway, where visitors can experience a magical world of glittering lights, breathtaking rides, delicious food and engaging performances.

For more information call: 1-888-PHX-SANTAS
Or visit: http://www.visitsantas.com/index.asp

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights

December 15th through January 6th (excluding Dec. 24th, 25th & 31st) from 6:30 – 9:00pm each night. Arizona's most unique holiday event, take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and featuring a variety of holiday displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will begin at 6:30 P.M. and includes a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Santa will be at the park through the 23rd.

For more information, please call 480.312.2312

The Nutcracker

Dec 09-27, 2006
Symphony Hall

Experience our world premiere presentation of Ib Andersen’s new The Nutcracker! New scenery, new costumes, and new choreography are being created to enhance the magic and fun of this classic holiday ballet.

This special story about a little girl, dancing snowflakes, a handsome prince, and beauty beyond imagination will feature over 150 local children and The Phoenix Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s famous musical score.

Clara’s story about one wondrous night is the perfect holiday celebration for everyone
who is — or ever was — a child on Christmas Eve.

For more information visit: http://www.balletaz.org