26 DECEMBER 2020 By Robin Sewell T he holidays may look a little different this year, given that some family-favorite traditions such as light parades and trips to the North Pole have been canceled. Before you start feeling like the Grinch stole your holiday, I have some fun and festive ideas that will make your days merry and bright. About an hour and a half north of Phoenix is a town that lights up during the holiday season. In 1989, Governor Rose Mofford proclaimed Prescott as Christmas City, an honor this historic community takes seriously. On December 11, lights, music and action are the themes for one of Prescott’s most cherished events, the Acker Night Musical Showcase. The backdrop is an illuminated Courthouse Plaza where dozens of entertainers from different genres come together to raise money to provide scholarships, instruments and lessons to Prescott youth. Not far from Christmas City is the Valley of Lights at Fain Park in Prescott Valley. Enjoy a one-mile drive through more than one million lights, including animated displays, all from the comfort of your car. The Snowflake Tunnel and Western Village are cool, and they also celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Bring some hot chocolate and enjoy the show. The further north you drive, the more likely you are to see snow. A little over two hours north of Phoenix is “Arizona’s Official Winter Wonderland,” Flagstaff. The city’s downtown receives an annual average of 100 inches of snow, and coupled with Flagstaff being home to the state’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, and Snowbowl Ski Resort, what could be more ideal for winter recreation? Flagstaff’s charming downtown sidewalks will be lined with more than 1,500 luminarias for the holidays. Browse through the open shops and restaurants that offer deals on warm and toasty drinks. Roaming bands of carolers will be around, and rumor has it even Santa might be making an appearance. If you have never experienced the American Southwest holiday tradition of luminaria strolls, you are in for a beautiful treat. Instead of thinking about last year’s traditions, why not look at this year as a time to create something new. Maybe get takeout from that neighborhood restaurant you’ve wanted to try. Or pick up a bottle of Arizona wine or craft beer and have a Zoom or social distance get-together. If you have some time off and are staying in town rather than traveling, you could visit a new Arizona community or locally owned shop. This year in particular there are a lot of local charities that could use some help. Every year, my daughter and I adopt a family through UMOM. There are many ways to give back, from the local hospitals to the food banks, so this could be the year to add a tradition that creates picture-perfect moments and memories. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone; we wish you a holiday filled with good health and happiness both on and off an Arizona highway, from my family to yours. In with the old and new traditions this season Robin Sewell is the host and executive producer of Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Prescott: “Arizona’s Christmas City” PHOTO COURTESY OF LONE TREE PRODUCTIONS

Join the merriment and cheer as we celebrate the season with our 5 th annual Scottsdazzle holiday extravaganza! Enjoy a month-long holiday celebration with unique events, stunning décor, dining, shopping, and more — all reimagined this year with safety in mind. Stay up-to-date on all the fun and festivities by following us at: SCOTTSDAZZLE.COM Scottsdazzle oldtownscottsdaleaz @oldtownscottsdale_az N O V 2 7 – J A N 1 , 202 1 DEC 4 – 6 Holiday Movie Nights * Civic Center - East Lawn DEC 9 Seasonal Charcuterie Teach & Taste * Schmooze DEC 10 Gold Palette ArtWalk Scottsdale Arts District DEC 12 Santa Wine Around Various Locations; See Website DEC 12 – 13 Festive Food Demonstration * Merry Make & Take * The Dazzle of Historic Old Town * Civic Center DEC 19 – 20 Holly-Jolly Painting Party * Yuletide Yoga * Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunt * Marshall Way Bridge DEC 21 Sun Salutations Yoga * Soleri Plaza *Ticketed event and/or registration required.