32 DECEMBER 2025 By Alex Gross A rizona’s New Year’s Eve traditions are as diverse and unique as its residents, spanning from electronic music festivals to family-friendly holiday exhibits. No matter what type of fun you’re looking for, every Arcadian can find a way to ring in the new year in style. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS/ MIDNIGHT DISCO The Global Ambassador 4360 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix globalambassadorhotel.com Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Global Ambassador, where indulgence meets festive flair. On December 31, guests can choose from elegant dining experiences at thea from 4:30 to 7 p.m., which includes a sparkling-wine greeting and access to the Lobby Bar’s countdown festivities. Live music, DJ performances and access to the Midnight Disco party, plus a VIP experience, are also available. BARTER & SHAKE NYE EXPERIENCE Locations vary bartershake.com Barter & Shake is ringing in the new year with immersive, ticketed celebrations across its Phoenix concepts, each running from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on December 31. Guests can expect themed environments, specialty cocktails, curated food pairings, and a midnight champagne toast topped off with a caviar bump. Platform 18, Grey Hen, and both UnderTow locations will each offer their own distinct two-hour experience, from Prohibition-era elegance to moody apothecary vibes to nautical tiki escapism. Prices start at $129. MOULIN ROUGE FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix foundrehotels.com FOUND:RE is being transformed into a Moulin Rouge-themed New Year’s Eve bash on December 31. Find high-energy entertainment, DJs, and Parisian-style sparkle beginning at 9 p.m. Guests can choose from all-inclusive general admission or VIP ticket packages that includes unlimited drinks and access to the exclusive Absinthe Den. HAPPY NOON YEAR Children’s Museum of Phoenix 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix childrensmuseumofphoenix.org For families who might not stay awake long enough to watch the midnight ball drop, head to the Children’s Museum for some sparkling cider and holiday-themed arts and crafts. Whether you choose to join in the morning or afternoon, you’ll be home by dinner time! NYE AT THE NASH The Nash 110 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix thenash.org This independent music venue in downtown Phoenix is the heartbeat of Arizona’s jazz scene, and their New Year’s Eve concert is a display of local talent. For $65, attendees will receive a treat bag, champagne toast and an opportunity to hear Phoenix musicians play some uplifting tunes. NYE AT PRADO Omni Scottsdale Resort 4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale omnihotels.com Ring in 2026 in style at Prado’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31, featuring seatings from 5-6 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. Guests can check out live music, a midnight champagne toast, and a five-course prix fixe dinner. Menu highlights include tuna crudo and Albarino-brined quail, braised Australian bison short rib, and a triple chocolate torte with champagne and berries. POSH PHOENIX Caesars Republic Scottsdale 4747 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com This 21+ event includes prepaid drinks, complimentary snacks and party favors, three DJs, three areas to mingle and dance, an LED screen for the countdown and lots of fun. Ticket prices vary. CHAMPAGNE TOAST WITH THE SYMPHONY Symphony Hall 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix phoenixsymphony.org The Phoenix Symphony invites you to ring in the New Year on December 31 with its “New Year’s Eve – All American Dance Party” concert at Symphony Hall. Under the baton of Stuart Chafetz, this performance promises joy and a complimentary champagne toast to welcome 2026. CHIC NEW YEAR’S EVE W Scottsdale 4428 N. Buckboard Tr., Scottsdale marriott.com This celebration spans the great ballroom, mingle, and social lounges at the W Scottsdale. Hosted by VIP Nightlife and Phoenix Nightlife, the event runs from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and features top DJs, two floors of music and themed décor. There will be drinks, light bites from 9:30 to 11 p.m., and festive party favors. VIP access includes premium drink tickets, an exclusive lounge, and upgraded amenities. NYELECTRIC Canopy by Hilton 108 E. University Dr., Tempe hilton.com Guests are invited to enjoy cabana spaces, a roaring fire pit, seats at a custom wraparound bar that features retractable climate-controlled glass walls, areas to mix and mingle, multiple DJs, party favors, casino games and more at NYElectric. Plus, this party takes place on the rooftop, offering unobstructed views of the city and the perfect place to see fireworks. THE GREAT PINECONE DROP The Weatherford Hotel 23 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff flagstaffarizona.org For the past two decades, the Weatherford has been dropping the giant pinecone from the third floor of their hotel. There are a few options for celebrating, starting with a kid-friendly visit to Charly’s restaurant, which will host a meal and sparkling cider for those who want to celebrate early. Flagstaff encourages families to gather and watch as the pinecone drops at noon, 10 p.m., and midnight. The Downtown Business Alliance even offers a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. For grown-ups, the Zane Grey Ballroom, bar, and balcony will offer a VIP celebration with drinks, snacks, dancing and more. TUCSON TACO DROP Downtown Tucson 41 E. Congress St., Tucson downtowntucson.org Perhaps the most eccentric of Arizona’s New Year’s Eve traditions, the great taco drop in Tucson has developed a cult following that only grows every year. If a giant plastic taco falling from a crane isn’t enough to draw your attention, then make sure to show up for the silent disco, food trucks, fireworks and live music. DECADENCE Phoenix Raceway 7602 E. Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale decadencearizona.com Decadence Arizona 2025 is set to light up Phoenix Raceway on December 30- 31 with an electrifying lineup of music. Headliners include Zedd, Kaskade, GRiZ (NYE Countdown Set), FISHER, Adventure Club, Meduza, Green Velvet, Hayden James, Chase & Status, and Subtronics. Known as Arizona’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, the event transforms the desert into a pulsating playground of music, lights, and immersive production. Two-day GA passes typically start around $180, with higher tiers available for those seeking an elevated New Years’ experience. BYE BYE !�!� � GET READY TO RING IN !�!�! Decadence Arizona at the Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.

ADVENT SERVICES Sunday Mornings 8:00am | 9:30am | 11:00am CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES December 24th 4:00pm | 6:00pm LOCATION 3330 East Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 KIDS Childcare for Birth - 6th Grade in every service MORE INFO Visit our website at arcadia@redemptionaz.com AT REDEMPTION ARCADIA During Advent, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. As he cried out with his fi rst breath, the world would be forever changed. Yet that change was secured not by the trough he was laid in, but by the tree he was willfully nailed to. While Jesus’ birth was necessary, it was the cross that ushered in the new creation and the Kingdom of God. It was his fi nal breath that secured his work. Therefore, our focus this Advent season is not merely this infant Jesus, but the infi nite consequences of his saving act. As 1 Timothy 1:15 reminds us, ‘The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ In other words, the cross is the reason for the season. And so, as we stand between the birth of Jesus and his second coming, we wait for the Kingdom of God which has begun and is yet to fully arrive. The cross is the pivot point of history, come behold the wondrous cross with us this Advent season. Gospel-Centered Church Serving Arcadia & Central Phoenix