Monday, November 30, 2015

6th Annual Christmas at the Princess


December 1 through December 31 
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort 
Scottsdale
All is merry and bright and full of delight as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland in the desert during its 6th annual Christmas at the Princess festival, November 19, 2015 – January 3, 2016. The enchanting AAA Five Diamond resort glistens with holiday splendor featuring a four-story musical tree, Desert Ice Skating Rink, magical snowfalls, 2.8 million Lagoon Lights, three new holiday characters and nightly visits from the jolly ol’ St. Nick himself. Here are a few highlights of the six-week celebration:
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – Thursday, November 19, 2015
Pre-show family holiday entertainment begins in The Plaza 5:30 p.m.; the tree lighting ceremony is at 6:45 p.m. The Desert Ice Skating Rink, Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train open that evening. Self-parking is complimentary the night of the tree lighting.
New Princess Holiday Character Appearances
The Princess is introducing its new cast of delightful holiday friends who are visiting from the North Pole: Christmas Princess Noel, Peppermint the Penguin and Selfie Elfie.  
o Christmas Princess Noel – Princess Noel is one of Santa’s shining stars who lights the North Pole and is bringing her enchanting charm to the Princess to light the resort’s millions of holiday lights. As the reigning president of the Magical Princess Association, she is authorized to induct little princesses, as well as little princes into the Honorary Prince Association, by showing them how to waive, curtsy and bow. She loves joyful music and can be met in the resort’s Enchanted Plaza nightly.
o Peppermint the Penguin – Peppermint is Christmas Princess Noel’s best friend and he has so much fun skating at the rink or teaching friends how to walk like a penguin. Named after the candy he can’t get enough of, he loves peppermint bark and peppermint mochas and has been known to hand out peppermint candies. 
o Selfie Elfie - Selfie is one of Santa’s more ornery elves. Being the mischievous elf that he is, when he heard that Santa, Princess Noel & Peppermint are headed to Christmas at the Princess, he secretly jumped on the sleigh too. Selfie is very energetic and always looking for fun. He can’t get enough of cameras and loves photo-bombing and taking selfies. He is also on the look-out to find his cousin, the Elf on the Shelf. Selfie can be spotted most often by the Princess Express Train Depot.
Desert Ice Skating Rink
Made with real ice and surrounded by picturesque saguaros, skaters experience magical snowfalls in the warmth of Arizona. The rink is open to the public nightly, November 19, 2015 through January 3, 2016. The price per session is $15 per person and $5 for skate rental. For the ultimate experience, luxury rink-side fire pit tables with s’mores, cocktails, hot cocoa and blankets are available for evening sessions. For reservations and price information, please call (480) 513-6014.
Lagoon Lights 
With 2.8 million LED lights illuminating the resort’s majestic lagoons, visitors enter the resort in a walk-through Christmas ornament, then can stroll or ride the Princess Express Train through a lit fantasy land to see graceful swans floating on the water, a buccaneer pirate ship, 14-foot poinsettias, a teddy bear, toy soldiers, a fishing Santa, leaping arches mimicking a water show, Nessie the 30-foot Loch Ness Monster and a candy cane forest.
Throughout the resort, 200 trees are wrapped in lights, many draped with icicles and snowflakes. Visitors will also see a 20-foot snowman, elves peeking around trees, as well as a family of four singing trees and five singing reindeer. 
New for 2015 is a 3-D whale, five skating penguins and a 17-foot long infinity tunnel with ever-changing colors from special RGB LED bulbs, capable of 256 million color combinations. Guests will also see glowing butterflies and hibiscus in Ironwood Circle near the East Pool and lit reindeer in the forest lawn by Bourbon Steak.  
Princess Express Train
Guests board the Princess Express Train nightly for a complimentary ride around the Lagoon Lights. The train depot is located near La Hacienda Trellis and overnight hotel guests receive an express pass to board.
Enchanted Plaza: Musical Tree & Animated Holiday Light Show
Specially-designed for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the resort’s Christmas tree has 70,000 LED lights that “twinkle and dance” to 14 holiday songs in Princess Plaza, appropriately named Enchanted Plaza for the holidays. The musical tree plays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. nightly throughout the season while the lit palm trees lining the plaza are synchronized to complement the tree’s music. During the day, this stunning four-story tree is a visual experience, with dozens of glistening snowflakes and a five-foot snowflake tree topper.            
Add to that, a high-definition, one-of-a-kind animated video show features five delightful holiday scenes set to music and projected against the resort’s façade. This five-minute show plays promptly at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly in the Enchanted Plaza from November 20, 2015 – January 3, 2016.
New Christmas Petting Zoo
This year, the resort adds the Christmas Petting Zoo, open from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. during the entirety of the festival, featuring sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and an alpaca. This is located on the west side of the property and is complimentary.
New S’mores Land & Christmas Carousel
Near the petting zoo is S’mores Land, a Christmas campfire area with seven fire pits where families can roast s’mores with packaged s’mores kits available from Kringle’s Kup. Here, families can also ride the Christmas Carousel, where dozens of galloping horses glitter ‘round and ‘round. It is open evenings and rides are complimentary.
Menorah Lighting
A nightly menorah lighting with latkes and applesauce takes place in the resort lobby through Hanukkah, 5:30 p.m., December 6-14. The Lagoon Lights also features a 25-foot menorah and 4-foot dreidel.
The Ice Den Scottsdale Presents Magical Moments on Ice
Guests will enjoy watching skaters of all ages from the Ice Den showcasing their talents to holiday music at the Princess’ Desert Ice Rink. The shows feature members of the Coyotes Skating Club of Arizona who currently compete from regional to international levels. The performances are choreographed by the Ice Den skating staff and are sanctioned by the Coyotes Skating Club and U.S. Figure Skating. Performances are the evenings of November 19 & 24 and December 1, 8, 15 and 19, 2015. 
Arizona Coyotes Fan Nights at Desert Ice
For hockey fans, the Arizona Coyotes’ mascot Howler and the Paw Patrol mix and mingle with skaters on select evenings at Desert Ice throughout the Christmas at the Princess season. Plus, when fans wear an Arizona Coyotes licensed logoed apparel on these fan nights, they will receive half-off parking admission, photos with Santa and skating. Please visit the resort’s web site for dates.
Nativity Garden Light Show
The resort’s Fragrance Garden becomes the Nativity Garden, where an 88-foot narrated Nativity light and music show tells the story of Christmas. Seating is provided for the 10-minute program. Shows begin at 5 p.m. and occur every 10 minutes until 9 p.m., nightly throughout the festival.
Photos with Santa in Santa’s Workshop 
Santa spends time in his workshop at La Hacienda Plaza, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesday – Sundays, November 19 - December 22, 2015 (with added dates) where the young and young-at-heart can have their photo taken with Kris Kringle. Photos are $10 and are available for immediate pick-up.
Kringle’s Korner & Holiday Shopping
Kringle’s Korner Holiday Shoppe is a charming boutique offering wintery wear such as hats, scarves, mittens and pajamas, along with seasonal décor, hand-painted collectible ornaments, keepsake snow globes, Princess Express train whistles, blinking novelty items, Selfie Elfie and Elf on the Shelf toys and gourmet chocolates. The resort is the perfect place for holiday shopping with unique items in the men’s Maverick store, Anna J women’s boutique or health and beauty items at Well & Being Spa’s Community Market. Complimentary gift wrapping is available on orders of $200 or more. 
Let It Glow at Well & Being Spa
Sparkling over at the spa, the "Let It Glow" spa day package offers a choice of either a 60-Minute NovoGlow facial or a new, 60-minute Java body scrub, plus a spa lunch, glass of wine and full use of the spa facilities for the day, including the exercise classes, rooftop pool and waterfall grotto. The price is $159 plus taxes and gratuity.
Fairmont Tree of Hope 
During the festival, purchase a holiday ornament for $20 from the Tree of Hope in Well & Being Spa’s lobby and receive $20 off any a la carte spa or wellness treatment of your choice.  100 percent of proceeds benefits Cox Charities throughout the Valley of the Sun.
Toys for Tots
The tree lighting ceremony kicks off the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ toy drive for Toys for Tots with the Scottsdale Fire Department. The resort is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots November 19 - December 20, 2015. Local residents can pull right up to the Toys for Tots box at the front drive/porte-cochere, where a bellman is happy to assist with their donation.
Admission & Parking
“Christmas at the Princess” is open to the public. Admission is complimentary for hotel guests. Admission/parking for non-hotel guests is $30 for self-parking with up to 10 people per vehicle or $40 for valet after 4 p.m. without dining. Valet/admission for local residents is complimentary when dining at any of the resort restaurants (Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Ironwood American Kitchen or Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar) with a $75 spend. The light shows, rides on the Princess Express Train and the Christmas Carousel are complimentary. Skating, photos with Santa, shopping and dining are priced separately. 
Value Nights
Many nights throughout the festival are “Value Nights” with half-off self-parking admission.  Please check the resort’s web site for the specific list of dates.
Magic Memories Holiday Package Benefitting Cox Charities/Boys & Girls Clubs
The Magic Memories package includes overnight accommodations, a skating session with skate rental for two adults and two children, express VIP access to the Princess Express Train and complimentary one-day admission to Well & Being Spa for two adults. The best part is $10 from each package will benefit the Boys & Girls Club through Cox Charities. Prices start from $274 per night, plus taxes and a $29 resort fee. Second rooms on this package may be booked at 50 percent off, not including the amenities listed above. This package is based upon availability November 19, 2015 – January 3, 2016.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale. For more detailed information on “Christmas at the Princess,” please call (480) 585-4848, toll-free (866) 540-4495 or visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights / Scottsdale

Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park


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 December 23. 
Train rides are $4 and carousel rides are $2 each with children 
under three riding free with a paying adult. 
The park is located at 7301 E. Indian Bend Road.
December 11, 2015 – January 2, 2016
 (excluding December 24, 25, and 31), 
6:30p.m. – 9:00p.m.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

POLAR EXPRESS

November 06, 2015 — January 03, 2016

Experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Depot in Williams, AZ for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the “North Pole.” Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children’s faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift. Make this a family holiday tradition.
Call today to make your reservations because space is limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas! Please check website for specific dates the Polar Express is offered and to make reservatiions

Friday, November 27, 2015

A Warm Winter’s Glow

Arizona’s Holiday Light Displays


Experience comfort and joy at several spectacular light presentations around Arizona.

Twinkling stars in an indigo sky make an Arizona evening magical year-round. But travelers will feel a special glow during the winter holidays from the state’s many brilliant light displays and the events that surround them.

Luminarias: A Southwest holiday icon

Spanish colonists brought luminarias to Arizona. While stores stock strings of plastic ones, only the real thing – a lighted candle nestled in sand inside a paper bag – will do for proper holiday celebrations.
  • Phoenix 
LuminariasLas Noches de las Luminarias at the sprawling Desert Botanical Garden casts serene light on the garden’s renowned desert plant collection, entertainment areas and a temporary skating rink.
  • Sedona
You can help the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village light the 6,000 luminarias that glow during its Festival of Lights. Dozens of local music groups perform.
  • Tubac
Resident artists of Tubac add their own artful light creations to the hundreds of luminarias set out for Luminaria Nights-Fiesta de Navidad.
  • Tucson
Tucson Botanical Gardens is aglow during Luminaria Nights with candles along paths and lights strung around plants. The former mid-20th-century homestead is transformed into a shimmering backdrop for holiday music and refreshments.

Communities: Hometown holidays

Neighborhoods get into the spirit with glowing expressions.
  • Glendale
Twelve blocks of historic downtown light up for the big Glendale Glitters festival. Additional highlights include visits with Santa, live entertainment and – for the finale in January – a spectacular tethered hot air balloon glow.
  • Lake Havasu City
London Bridge and the nearby London Bridge Resort and English Village shine brightly with lights that dance on the waters of the channel. The magical sight sets the stage for an annual boat parade and other community gatherings.
  • Mesa
The Arizona Temple offers a bright gift on its beautiful grounds. Impressive Christmas light displays highlight life-sized religious scenes. Church choir performances and an exhibit of mangers from around the world add to the nightly festivities.
  • Phoenix
White lights enhance the silhouettes of saguaros, ocotillos and other native plants during the Festival of Lights events by the community of Ahwatukee. Drive along Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway to enjoy the glow.
  • Prescott
“Arizona's Official Christmas City” celebrates the holiday season with many events and activities. Among these, is the lighting of the historic Courthouse Plaza with a million lights. This annual celebration also includes a festive and elaborate parade through downtown Prescott along with carols and other festivities.

SOURCE:http://www.visitarizona.com/experience-and-share/featured-article/a-warm-winters-glow-arizonas-holiday-light-displays

    Wednesday, November 25, 2015

    Rawhide Snowy Christmas


                            Nov 26-JAN 3 | 5:00PM


    Location:
    Rawhide Western Town

    Parking:

    No charge for parking

    Details:

    Join us for our 3rd annual Rawhide's Snowy Christmas from November 26th to January 3rd! The kiddos can drop off letters for Ol' Saint Nick himself and even have their photo taken with him. Stroll through Rawhide, watch the snow fall, get your shopping done & marvel at the holiday lights.
    Rawhide Snowy Christmas Schedule*
    6:00pm   Santa Arrival
    6:15pm   Tree Lighting Ceremony
    7:00pm   Snow at Rawhide
    8:30pm   Snow at Rawhide

    Tuesday, November 24, 2015

    Phoenix Zoo Lights





    November 23 through January 10, 2016
    5:30 – 10:30 p.m. nightly

    Animal viewing is limited during ZooLights.
    ZooLights, powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, is a magical experience guaranteed to illuminate your holiday season.
    WATCH FOR!
    • Several new 3-D light sculptures featuring stingrays, flowers, humming bird and tiger
    • Search for the new 2-D butterflies and lion cubs
    • Enjoy two new Music in Motion shows featuring music from the movie Polar Express and Winter Palace by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
    • Watch as an ice sculptor magically makes an animal appear out of a 300 pound block of ice every Thursday during ZooLights starting Thursday, November 26.
    • Longer hours – 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
    • Opens to the public on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving.
    Plus:
    • Millions of lights
    • Hundreds of sparkling displays
    • Jengo the Talking Giraffe returns with his pal Tortuga the talking tortoise
    • Stingray Bay touch tank *
    • Carousel and camel rides*
    Make ZooLights a family tradition and enjoy one of the largest holiday light shows in the country!

    Monday, November 23, 2015

    Glendale Glitters..

    Holiday lighting spectacular kicks off Nov. 27
    Glendale Glitters 2014Glendale’s award-winning holiday lighting event has become a family tradition across the Valley and Arizona.

    The stunning display of 1.5 million lights will illuminate sixteen blocks of Historic Downtown Glendale, making it the largest free holiday light display in Arizona.


    Free admission makes this award-winning festival, now in its 22nd year, one of the best-loved events for Arizona families year after year. In fact, the event was named azcentral.com’s Critics’ Choice for the Best Kid Event in the state in 2012. Visitors of all ages will delight in holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s snow field and petting zoo, shopping and, of course, visits with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick.
    The always entertaining stage show will feature a special guest to help flip on the lights on opening night.

    The glittering magic of Glendale’s holiday display remains lit nightly through Jan. 9, from 5-11 p.m. each evening. Historic Downtown Glendale is located at 58th and Glendale avenues. For more information on additional holiday festivals, call the Special Event Hotline at 623-930-2299, or visit www.glendaleaz.com/events.
    Glendale Glitters Holiday Tree
    PARKING: For 11-12 and 18-19, free parking is available throughout the downtown area. Event attendees will also have the option of paying for preferred parking in the two downtown garages, located at City Hall, at 59th and Glendale avenues and the Bank of America Building, at 58th Avenue and Glenn Drive. Both garages should be accessed from 59th Avenue, heading east on Glenn Drive.

    PLEASE NOTE: Handicapped parking is available at no charge in the two parking garages, with either handicapped placard of license plate. Suttle service is not available during the December Weekend events.

    Each December Holiday Lighting weekend
    takes on a theme of its own

    Full entertainment lineup for Glendale Glitters 2014 weekends
    Nov. 27-28
    5-10 p.m. 
    Glendale Glitters Opening WeekendThe stage show begins at 5:30 p.m. and a special guest will help flip the switch Friday at 6 p.m. giving us all the first glimpse of 1.5 million lights which cover 16 blocks of downtown Glendale.
    Dec. 4-5
    6-10 p.m.
    Jingle Bell Rockin' NightsJoin us each night for live music on the Jingle Bell stage. Come wearing your Ugly Sweater and enter to win a Tanger Gift Card. Contests will be held each night at 6:45 p.m.
    Dec. 11-12
    6-10 p.m.
    Winter Wonderland WeekendGrab the whole family and come take a glide on the ice for great winter skating fun. We'll also show two movie classics: 'Polar Express', Friday at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. And on Saturday, 'Frozen' will run at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
    Dec. 18-19
    6-10 p.m.
    Spirit of Giving WeekendJoin us this weekend to support a charity. 

    Info about horse & carriage rides in historic downtown Glendale
    Rides will run nightly during our non event nights, Nov. 30 through Jan. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. (depending on weather and demand). The carriage ride line forms at 58th Avenue & Glenn. Rides cost $25 per carriage (up to 6 people) and take you through six blocks of historic downtown. Carriage rides will not be available during our event nights. For more information, AZ Classic Carriages, katebeckett@yahoo.com.

    source:https://www.glendaleaz.com/glitters/index.cfm

    Sunday, November 22, 2015

    New Location

         
         We have switched from 4th Thursday of the month to 4th Wednesday of the month

    Saturday, November 21, 2015

    No Politics Holidays

    Growing up in Chicago and during the holidays being from an Italian Family ...lol
    There was always 2 rules when it came time for the holidays and Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinners   All were to be peaceful to each other and NO Politics at dinner table..lol......
    We will honor that tradition here also

    Well this next week of the holiday we will not have any political posts or comments other than posted property notices

    We will use this week and post different events coming in the Valley for the Holidays, From parades to christmas light shows, holiday events etc

    So if you are here full time or just for the winter ..Check out these must see events for the holiday