DECEMBER 2023 6 WHAT’S HAPPENING, ARCADIA? espresso and an in-house cheesemaker; Pink Dolphin, with Mexican and Peruvian- inspired dishes and drinks; the lobby bar, and théa Mediterranean Rooftop. globalambassadorhotel.com Kimpton Palomar Phoenix (2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix) has transformed into the Saguaro Summit Ski Lodge . This winter- themed pop-up transports patrons to “classic alpine luxury with a modern twist.” The Ski Lodge boasts rustic charm, faux fur throws, vintage ski décor, a special menu of winter-themed cocktails (hot toddy, anyone?) and sharable bites and is open from 4-11 p.m. daily. hotelpalomar-phoenix.com The Arizona Biltmore (2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix) is hosting Champagne and Caviar events throughout December. Guests will find a curated menu featuring Petrossian Caviar, premium vodka brands, and a rotating selection of champagnes. On December 6, the featured brand is Moet, 13-19 is Dom Perignon, 20-26 is Laurent Perrier, and 27-January 3 is Veuve Clicquot. A small lunch menu is included. arizonabiltmore.com Renowned Phoenix artist Gino Belassen is hosting a Solo Show exhibit called “Essentials” from December 1-31 at Belhaus (5538 N 7th St., Phoenix), a contemporary art gallery in the Uptown neighborhood. The opening reception takes place on December 1 at 6 p.m. belhaus.co The 32nd annual ZooLights event is here! Ongoing until January 14, 2024, families will find four million twinkling lights and a music-in-motion light show. Check out the zoo’s brand-new Wildlife Lanterns, the Glow Garden, photo booths, hot cocoa, s’mores and snacks, and of course, take photos with Santa! There will be a sensory-friendly night on December 4. Zoolights is open nightly from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. General admission is $30. phoenixzoo.org The Foster Alliance , previously known as Arizona Helping Hands, is hosting various events to collect gifts for foster kids. On December 8, there will be a free benefit concert at Scottsdale Quarter. On December 14-16, The Foster Alliance will host the Holiday Joy Fest, where foster families can visit the resource center and pick out gifts for the children in their care. Visit the website to find gift ideas and more information. thefosteralliance.org/holidaytoydrive The Fill the Bus Toy Drive is happening on December 3 from 12-3 p.m. at Wine Girl (4205 N. Scottsdale Road). This good deed comes with drinks attached. The third annual toy drive will offer donators a mimosa bar, photo ops, wine tastings, games and giveaways. Guests can grab a bite to eat, something to sip and even do some shopping while also giving back to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, the event’s beneficiary. winegirl.com Nourish Phoenix (501 S. 9th Ave., Phoenix) is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive until December 8. Families can “adopt” a child or family to make their gift wishes come true. Donations of gift cards, toys and kids clothing are preferred. The organization’s Winter and Holiday Food Donation Drives run until December 31. Donate blankets, socks, jackets, gloves, scarves, pillows, canned gravy, stuffing, canned fruit/vegetables, bread mixes, rice, soups, instant potatoes and dessert mixes. Drop-offs are accepted Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. nourishphx.org The 17th annual Ton of Toys and Food Drive + Distribution event will happen from December 14-17 at the Walmart Supercenter, 5250 W. Indian School Road. This year’s goal is to collect at least 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food, 2,000 pounds of toys and 200 bikes. The drive will benefit UMOM New Day Centers, the Who I Am Foundation, Mindful Wellness, and St. Mary’s Food Bank. criscoskids.org On December 5, Barro’s Pizza will host the 11th annual Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight benefiting St. Mary’s Food Bank. From open to close at 47 locations across the Valley, the restaurant will donate 100 percent of proceeds from all sales to help those in Arizona facing hard times during the holidays. In the last decade, the pizza chain has raised a total of more than $2.5 million for St. Mary’s through the annual event. barrospizza.com with a packing party on December 10 to load supplies, drop them off, and help with decorating. For more information, email arcadialuminaries@gmail.com. John Hoban wrote a song called Merry Christmas with You , in appreciation for beating cancer, and is sharing it with the community. The song can be downloaded for free, but donations are welcome, with proceeds going to St. Vincent de Paul to help provide food and shelter to families in need. heartsourcemusic.com A Charity Garage Sale will be held in the Hilker neighborhood on 51st St. and Lafayette on December 10, from 8:30-11 a.m. Those looking to donate can bring their items to the sale, and the proceeds will go toward the Arizona Human Society. Items that don’t sell will be donated to Goodwill. For more, email slayton9679@gmail.com. Dance Theater West (3925 E. Indian School Road) is holding an open house and holiday classes from December 9-14. Dancers age 3-10 can join in various ballet, tap and jazz classes – family members are encouraged to join in. Classes are free, but registration is required. dancetheaterwest.com The Global Ambassador (4360 E. Camelback Road) opens its doors on December 6. Hospitality leader Sam Fox crafted each aspect of the 141-room hotel to reflect his travels. The hotel boasts five original restaurants: Le Âme, a Parisian steakhouse; Le Market, with pastries, Lee Sepanek and his family would like to let the community know that after 35 years, the Christmas House (4415 E. Calle Tuberia) is closing up shop, as Lee has retired from his business. From all of us at Arcadia News: Thank you for the memories! Arcadia Boy Scout Troop 6 is having their annual drive-thru wreath sale at Prince of Peace (3641 N. 56th St., Phoenix) on December 2 and 3 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. or while supplies last. Proceeds from this fundraiser help Troop 6 fund backpacking trips, camp outings and community service projects. Wreaths – and other holiday greenery and decorations – start at $30. Arcadia City Church (3313 N. 40th St.) is hosting an abridged version of A Christmas Carol on December 22-24. Friday’s play is at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m. The community is welcome to this free event. arcadiacitychurch.com Paul Komidina and Kristina Spellman are debuting the Arcadia Luminary Experience , a display that will light up Lafayette in between 44th St.-68th St., and Arcadia Dr. from Camelback to Indian School. The event will happen on Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m., but the duo is looking for volunteers to help Lee Sepanek and his family would like espresso and an in-house cheesemaker; BRIEFS HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVES 4144 E. Indian School Road | teepeemexicanfood.com | 602-956-0178 HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE TEEPEE FAMILY CLOSE 5:00 PM XMAS EVE | CLOSED XMAS DAY | OPEN NEW YEARS ORDER YOUR TAMALES FOR THE HOLIDAYS $35 PER DOZEN Open Sun-Mon-Tues 11am-9pm Wed-Thurs 11am-9:30pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm • Dine in • Patio Service • Sat-Sun Brunch menu with drink specials • Happy Hour Specials • Pickup Orders Try our full catering service: 602-300-7133 Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support!

7 DECEMBER 2023 WHAT’S HAPPENING, ARCADIA? FRIDAY 12/1 Rock the Rooftop 7 p.m. at the W Hotel, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. This second annual concert will feature up- and-coming artists, including Chris Lane, Josh Ross, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Make-A-Wish Arizona and Riot Gives Back. General admission is $40; VIP packages start at $100. rocktherooftopfest.com SATURDAY 12/2 Phoenix Electric Light Parade 7 p.m., starting at Central and Montebello Aves. For more than three decades, the APS Light Parade has delighted the public with a two-mile-long illuminated event featuring musicians, marching bands, trucks, floats, balloons and performances. This year’s theme is “It’s Electric!” Afterward, children can take pictures with Santa, participate in workshops, and engage in other fun holiday activities. phoenix.gov Storytime and Holiday Party 2-4 p.m. at the SOCA Gallery, 4160 N. Scottsdale Road. Author and illustrator Patty Gannon invites kids of all ages to SOCA Gallery to celebrate the release of her latest book, Desdemona . Patty will read to attendees while they color their thoughts about the story. Snacks and refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 480-946-2333. This event is free. socagallery.com Dirt Expo 9 a.m. at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Outdoorsmen and women are invited to the ninth annual Dirt Expo, showcasing off-road, UTV, overland and motorcycle product and service vendors. Visitors can check out free educational seminars and classes, and toy haulers and trailers will be on display. Giveaways, food and drinks will be available. Tickets start at $20 for general admission. thedirtexpo.com Merry Merchantile Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. This year, the Merchantile is bringing together over 80 local businesses, artisans, and vendors to the Civic Center. There will be immersive workshops – for grownups and kids – in collaboration with Scottsdazzle. Live music, yummy treats, giveaways and a kids’ play area will also be available. This event is free. merchantilemarket.com SUNDAY 12/3 Sit. Stay. Brunch. 10 a.m. at the Scottsdale Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale. Benefiting the Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, the 15th annual holiday champagne brunch and auction is back. This event raises funds needed to support services and programs for pets and people in the community. Guests can enjoy drinks and brunch, take photos in the photo booth, hang out with adoptable pets and participate in the silent auction. Tickets start at $175. lostourhome.org Holiday Pops 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Symphony, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with festive music? Phoenix Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops concert features hymns and carols from various traditions. Vocalists Andrea Ross and Dane Suarez, along with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus, will sing all the classics – it might be hard not to sing along. Tickets start at $34-$110. phoenixsymphony.org SATURDAY 12/2 – SUNDAY 12/3 Spirits of Mexico 11 a.m. at Heritage Square, 113 N. 6th St., Phoenix. An event held to connect attendees with Mexico’s culture, flavors, and traditions. There will be agave spirits, tequila, mescal and sotol tastings and live entertainment, including a Mariachi band, Ballet Folklorico, and fine art from Mata Ortiz pottery. Tickets include an engraved shot glass, 10 sample tickets, activities and an optional cooking class. Admission is $50. imexliveevents.com SATURDAY 12/9 Mimosas and Monet 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. Calling all painters, beginners and experts alike. Hermosa Inn welcomes Carrie Curran Art Studios for a morning of art and mimosas. Carrie will teach and guide guests with an acrylic on canvas painting of Monet’s Mosaic Desert Sunset. Enjoy a mimosa and snack on pastries while creating your masterpiece. Registration is $120. hermosainn.com Fuelfest 1-8 p.m. at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Fuelfest boasts all things auto, with more than 600 custom, exotic, rare, and exclusive cars and trucks. There will also be car exhibits, drag racing, drift exhibits, ride-a-longs, food, drinks and live music. A portion of proceeds benefits Reach Out Worldwide, the nonprofit founded by actor Paul Walker. Tickets start at $35, with VIP packages available. fuelfest.com Wreath Workshop 10 a.m. at Dig It Gardens, 3015 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Looking for something new to deck out the front door? Make it yourself at the Dig It Wreath Workshop! Instructors will be on hand, guiding attendees in constructing a wreath with Echeveria and Haworthia succulents. Drinks and snacks will also be provided. Attendance is $75 per person and includes all materials. digphx.com SUNDAY 12/10 Indian and Young Artists Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the S’edav Va’aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. The 46th annual Indian Art Market at features over 100 artisan booths, traditional Native American performances, demonstrations, authentic foods and hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy. The museum and park will also be open during this event. Admission is $5. phoenix.gov WEDNESDAY 12/13 Willy Wonka Dinner 6:30 p.m. at Match Market & Bar, 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Fans of that whimsical candy maker are invited to watch the film at Match Market – with a themed meal to complement your favorite parts. Each course is named after scenes or props (Bucket Family Dinner, The Testing Room, etc.), and guests will, of course, be given some sweets. Tickets are $70. matchphx.com Rock the Rooftop at the W Hotel in Scottsdale. EVENTS for t hat someone special! ORDER A SPECIAL GIFT Good things are worth waiting for! The all-new 2024 GT63 arrives next year and we are now taking orders. This dream car offers, from performance and class-leading technology to luxury and comfort. Call me and let’s see what Team Tino can do for you. Wishing everyone a very safe and Happy New Year. tinoferrulli@gmail.com 4725 North Scottsdale Road • Scottsdale, AZ Tino Ferrulli