42 DECEMBER 2023 F rom dazzling light displays to uniquely Southwest celebrations, there’s no shortage of activities in the Grand Canyon state this December. Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is one of the most creative ways to enjoy the season. While you stroll the garden pathways and the sculpture garden listening to music, thousands of luminarias will light your way, making for a magical evening under the stars. If you find yourself craving chestnuts roasting on an open fire, head over to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Every year, the resort is transformed into a winter wonderland. Lace up your skates for a spin around the rink, jump on a train for a ride around the resort or head into the sky on the ferris wheel. There’s a carousel, a slippery slide, hot chocolate and s’mores. It’s something my family looks forward to every year. Mesa is a town that loves to be merry. The festivities take place on “Merry Main Street,” with a four-story Christmas tree, an ice-skating rink, and Jack Frost’s food truck forest. Check out the Christmas lights at the local church on the Temple grounds. Mesa will hold a menorah lighting ceremony on the first night of Hanukkah and a sundown market with crafts and activities for kids and families. The city’s official menorah is a modern 12-foot candelabrum that will be lit each night of Hanukkah. If you head south to Tucson, you’ll find the annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights, an event you can enjoy on foot or drive through. Four-legged family members are welcome! Celebrate Hanukkah at the annual lighting of Tucson’s tallest menorah at El Presidio Park, where visitors enjoy a spectacular light show by Cirque Roots, munch on holiday treats, and take home their own menorah. If you are looking for a different kind of entertainment, the Gaslight Theatre hosts a holiday show called “A Small Town Christmas,” which runs through January. Prescott, Arizona is known as the official Christmas City. Experience a holiday procession and light show at the courthouse. The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is home to a gingerbread village display, or you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage through town. The Frontier Christmas Presentation at the Sharlot Hall Museum teaches visitors about historic traditions. Further north in Williams, get ready to be transported to the North Pole. The enchanting journey departs from the Williams Depot and takes guests through the moonlight forest, where they glimpse some of Santa’s helpers. Come dressed in your favorite holiday pajamas and enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies as you read the story of the Polar Express on your way to Santa’s village. The man in red might even make an appearance. No matter where you go in Arizona, there are plenty of places to explore the sparkling wonders of holiday lights, savor seasonal treats and immerse yourself in the distinctive festivities that make December in Arizona truly magical. Embracing the festive spirit in Arizona Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Christmas at the Princess. Mesa’s Hanukkah menorah. 3118 N 42ND ST | PHOENIX $1,900,000 | 5 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 3,395 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 3611 N 60TH ST | SCOTTSDALE $1,700,000 | 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 3,104 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 5301 N KASBA CIR | PARADISE VALLEY $5,750,000 | 5 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | 5,474 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270  5324 E MARIPOSA ST | PHOENIX $6,000,000 | 5 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 5,992 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 3900 S CLUBHOUSE CIR | FLAGSTAFF $4,500,000 | 6 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | 6,429 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270