GetOut Magazine

Holiday events guide
In case you hadnt noticed (a near impossibility, given that the department stores have been playing carols and promoting Christmas since the day after Halloween), the holiday season is upon us. As the song says, its the hap-hap-happiest time of the year, the most wonderful season of all.

Not in the mood yet? Legions of East Valley groups are all set to help you banish your bah-humbugs and get into the spirit. You will find lights aglow, gingerbread cookies galore, opportunities for charity, carols and parades and a busy Santa Claus running from one event to the next.

Rest assured that he, like you, will survive the holiday season and be ready to do it all again next year. So get out there and have a holly, jolly Christmas.

EVENTS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PARADA DE LOS CERROS
Fountain Hills, Thursday
Fountain Hills boasts the states only Thanksgiving Day parade. It also happens to be the only Thanksgiving Day parade west of the Mississippi. 9 a.m. Begins at El Lago and Saguaro boulevards. Free. .

VALLEY OF LIGHTS
Fain Park, Thursday through Saturday
A drive up to chilly Prescott Valley will yield the dazzling sight of lights brightening the night sky. 6 p.m. to midnight nightly. Second and Fifth streets, Prescott Valley. Free; donations accepted. .

SPIRIT OF GIVING AND PROJECT H.E.A.R.T.
Fiesta Mall, Friday through Dec. 22
The malls annual giving tree, upon which the names and gift wishes of needy children are placed, will run through Dec. 22. Project H.E.A.R.T., which runs through Dec. 10, allows shoppers to send postcards to soldiers stationed overseas. Mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 1445 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. .

ARIZONA TEMPLE CHRISTMAS
Arizona Temple, Friday through Jan. 3
Stroll the beautiful grounds of the Arizona Temple during the 22nd annual Christmas festival. The event features more than 600,000 twinkling lights and yuletide displays. Also, local choirs will perform festive holiday tunes at 7 p.m. daily. Event hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Arizona Temple, 525 E. Main St., Mesa. Free. .

COWBOY CHRISTMAS
Rockin R Ranch, Friday through Dec. 31
This tourist hot spot presents an old West spin on Christmas with gold panning, gunfights, wagon rides, a tasty barbecue spread and appearances by Santa himself. 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily. 6136 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. $13-$23. .

14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAYS OUT WEST ARTS & CRAFTS FEST
Tramonto Marketplace, Friday through Dec. 1
Sponsors of the festival invite you to walk off those Thanksgiving pounds while completing your Christmas shopping. More than 100 booths will feature paintings, prints, photography, jewelry, specialty food and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3350 W. Carefree Highway, Carefree. Free admission and parking. .

AHWATUKEE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Desert Foothills Park, Saturday
A daylong celebration featuring games, childrens arts and crafts activities, a chili cook-off, a Harley-Davidson exhibit and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus will kick off Ahwatukee Foothills seventh annual Festival of Lights. After the event, folks can enjoy the more than 1 million lights that line Chandler Boulevard between 25th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway, Ahwatukee Foothills. Free. .

FANTASY OF LIGHTS
Downtown Tempe, Saturday through Jan. 5
Tempes Mill Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland during the eighth annual Fantasy of Lights. The event kicks off Saturday with a daylong celebration that includes carnival rides from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Tempes light parade at 6 p.m., the tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. and fireworks over A Mountain at 7:15 p.m. Fantasy on Ice, Arizonas only outdoor ice skating rink, also opens that day. Mill Avenue, north of University Drive, Tempe. Free. .

POWER RANCH WINDMILL LIGHTING
Power Ranch, Saturday
Power Ranch puts a twist on the traditional tree-lighting as it illuminates a 30-foot-tall landmark windmill with 500 lights. 7 p.m. Northwest corner of Power and Queen Creek roads, Gilbert. Admission is free with donation of a canned food item for St. Marys Food Bank. Ext. 7.

FANTASY ON ICE
Tempe Beach Park, Saturday through Jan. 5
Whether youre new to the ice or a seasoned pro, youre sure to enjoy Tempes outdoor ice skating rink the only facility of its kind in Arizona. The rink can accommodate 150 people per one-hour session. Hours for Nov. 30 through Dec. 22: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Hours for Dec. 23 through Jan. 5: noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. (Closed Christmas Day.) Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. $5-$7; skate rental is an additional $3. .

ZOOLIGHTS
Phoenix Zoo, Dec. 1-Jan. 5
More than 2 million lights will illuminate the paths around the Zoos main lake and Arizona Trail as you enjoy festive music and animated animal displays. 6 to 10 p.m. nightly (closed Christmas Day). 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $4-$7. .

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE
Hilton Scottsdale Resort, Dec. 4-8
This is the second year for this Merv Griffin-backed event, which benefits Childhelp USA. Included will be a tree-lighting ceremony, performance by Fred Travalena, gospel music and live auction of three trees. Holiday party and auction, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 4. Bidding for the silent-auction trees will continue until Dec. 8. 6333 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. .

MESAS MERRY MAIN STREET
Downtown Mesa, Dec. 6
One of the East Valleys biggest holiday celebrations will feature an award-winning lights display, a visit from Santa, musical entertainment, a gingerbread house contest and more than 50 tons of snow perfect for snowball fights and snow angel-making. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Main Street between Country Club Drive and Centennial Way, Mesa. Free. (480) 644-EVENT.

APACHE JUNCTION HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE
Downtown Apache Junction, Dec. 6
The parade which runs along Apache Trail from Phelps Drive to Rennick Street will be preceded by childrens arts and crafts activities and a special visit from Santa. Childrens activities kick off at 5 p.m.; parade starts at 6:30. Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, 567 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. Free. .

TOUR DE NOEL 2002
The Phoenician, Dec. 6-8
A progressive home tour is the centerpiece of this annual event, which raises money for interior-design education. Tours begin and end at The Phoenician and may include a meal as well. Home tours without food are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 6; the lunch tour is 11 a.m. Dec. 7; the dinner tour is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7; and the brunch tour is 11 a.m. Dec. 8. 6000 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $40-$125. .

CHRISTMAS NATIVITY DISPLAY
Downtown Mesa, Dec. 6-8
Enjoy festive performances from local choirs while you browse hundreds of nativities from around the globe during this 10th annual event. Noon to 9 p.m. First Avenue and Center Street, Mesa. Free. .

LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS Desert Botanical Garden, Dec. 6-7
The gardens paths will be illuminated by more than 7,000 festive luminarias during this 25th annual celebration. Entertainment including a bell choir and an American Indian flutist will dazzles guests at stops along the paths. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $4-$14. .

MADRIGAL FEASTE
Mesa Community College, Dec. 6-7
This seven-course gourmet dinner will be enjoyed in a dining hall decked out to resemble Middle Ages-era England. Jugglers, musicians and vocalists guide the evenings festivities. Proceeds benefit Music Department scholarships. 7 p.m. 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. $40. .

TUMBLEWEED TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND PARADE OF LIGHTS
Downtown Chandler, Dec. 7
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive parade along Chandlers main drag, Arizona Avenue, from Chicago Street to Buffalo Street. The evening will also feature the lighting of Chandlers famous Tumbleweed Christmas Tree. The tree-lighting ceremony will include holiday music, childrens crafts and tasty holiday eats. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m., and the tree-lighting ceremony runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. .

FESTIVAL OF TREES
J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Dec. 7
This black-tie dinner will raise money for the Foundation for Burns and Trauma with the auction of decorated trees and wreaths. 6 to 11:30 p.m. 14500 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale. $150. .

A HOLIDAY MASTERPIECE OPEN HOUSE
Vision Gallery, Dec. 7
This Vision Gallery and Chandler Cultural Foundation event will benefit the gallerys Kitz Art Program, a program for XXX, and will feature a tree auction with trees decorated by artists represented by the gallery, plus fine-art ornaments, live entertainment and refreshments. 2 to 6 p.m. 80 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. Free. .

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Lantana Grille, Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Santa comes to the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort Saturday mornings for photos, gingerbread cookie decorating, ornament making and an elaborate breakfast. 8 and 10:30 a.m. 7677 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. $20.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 4 to 12. .

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Sirrine House Museum, Dec. 13
The Emerson Bell Ringers will entertain museumgoers as they tour Mesas historical gem by candlelight. The museum will also host several 19th century-themed craft activities for children, including ornament making. 6:30 to 9 p.m. 160 N. Center St., Mesa. Free. .

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
Goldfield Ghost Town, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21
This authentic 1890s ghost town will be all gussied up for Christmas as it presents its annual holiday festival featuring thousands of lights, carriage and train rides, carolers and visits from Old St. Nick. 5 to 9 p.m. 4650 E. Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction. Free. .

HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2002
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Dec. 13-Jan. 4
More than 100,000 lights will adorn the park's trees and holiday displays, turning the grounds into a (desert) winter wonderland. Opening-night festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony, entertainment, snow and a visit from Santa. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly; closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve. Free. .

TEMPES SNOW DAY AND FANTASY OF LIGHTS BOAT PARADE
Tempe Beach Park, Dec. 14
Youngsters can frolic in more than 25 tons of snow, enjoy carnival rides and pose for pictures with Santa during Tempes annual Snow Day. Be sure to stay for the citys Holiday Boat Parade. Snow Day begins at 10 a.m.; Boat Parade launches at 7:30 p.m. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Free. .

NAUTICAL PARADE OF LIGHTS
Canyon Lake, Dec. 14
Dozens of pontoon boats, houseboats and jet boats adorned with festive lights and Christmas decorations will cruise the lake during this colorful celebration. Enjoy the view from the shore or participate in the parade by riding the 100-foot double-decker stern-wheeler, Dolly Steamboat. 6:30 p.m. Canyon Lake is located along the Apache Trail (Highway 88), 14 miles northeast of Apache Junction. Call for prices. .

CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS: A CAREFREE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Town Center Amphitheater, Dec. 19
An old-fashioned hometown Christmas is the theme of the town of Carefrees holiday celebration. Expect piano and organ music, tree-lighting, choral groups, refreshments and Santa. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 101 Easy Street. Free. .

DECK THE HALLS
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Dec. 24
The evening begins with storytelling by Mrs. Claus, followed by a singalong and milk and cookies for all. Then Santa arrives with goodie bags and for photos with guests. Following a complimentary eggnog reception, guests may enjoy a four-course dinner at Acacia, the resorts award-winning contemporary steakhouse. 5 to 10 p.m. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale. Events free; dinner $55 per person. Childrens menu also available. .

THEATER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

'PUPPY A CHRISTMAS TAIL'
Desert Stages, now through Dec. 22
Scottsdale director/actor Gerry Cullity wrote this musical about six pups who escape the dog pound, only to face Manhattans dog-eat-dog mean streets during the holidays. 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 8473 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale. $12. .

'WHITE CHRISTMAS REVUE'
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, now through Dec. 25
The East Valleys premier dinner theater presents its first Christmas show, jampacked with holiday songs. The festivities can be seen and heard with a feast or without one. Lunch and dinner shows available; call for times. 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. $22-$41. .

'SANTALAND DIARIES'
Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Friday through Dec. 1
A department store elf finds it hard to get into the Christmas spirit, what with screaming children and demanding parents making a fuss over Mr. Claus. Craig Bentley stars in David Sedaris spoof of jolly Christmas traditions. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. $40. .

'BABES IN TOYLAND'
Fountain Hills Community Theater, Dec. 6-22
For the second year, Fountain Hills Community Theater stages this century-old musical as its holiday treat. This year, however, the volunteer theaters adult wing and youth program join forces for composer Victor Herberts visit to a fantasy toyland. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. $10-$15. .

'BABES IN TOYLAND'
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Dec. 6-23
With its famous March of the Toys, this fairy-tale musical has been a holiday favorite since its Broadway bow in 1903. Gil Berry directs this matinee dinner theater. Noon Dec. 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 21, 22 and 23. 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. $10-$13. .

'ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE MUSICAL'
First Southern Baptist Church, Dec. 6-8
From Philip Van Doren Sterns story The Greatest Gift comes this musical about a family man who finds out just how much he is loved just in time for Christmas. Keith Matney directs. 7 p.m. 5230 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. .

'THE VELVETEEN RABBIT'
Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Dec. 7-22
For thousands of local children (and parents), Childsplays yearly tender treatment of Margery Williams tale of a boy and his velveteen bunny starts the holiday season in earnest. Directed by David Saar. 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. $15-$19. .

DANCE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BALLET ETUDES THE NUTCRACKER
Chandler Center for the Arts, Friday through Dec. 8
A Valley tradition for 16 years, the family-friendly show of youthful dancers features timeless music and enchanting costumes and special effects. More than 9,000 people have seen it to date, with many of them returning time and time again. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Dec. 6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Dec. 1; 2 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. $9-$15. .

'THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES'
Shadow Mountain High School, Dec. 6-7
Dance Motion Performing Company presents the delightful story of 12 princesses whose shoes mysteriously seem to dance by themselves every night. The ballet troupe of more than 80 dancers is made up of youths ages 7-19. This years holiday performances are benefits for the Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless children. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7. 2902 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix. $6-$9. .

BALLET & FRIENDS THE NUTCRACKER
Paradise Valley High School, Dec. 7-8
Ballet & Friends is a nonprofit organization that has become the largest single-site contributor in Arizona for the U.S. Marine Corps. Toys for Tots program. In this benefit, guest artist Slawomir Wozniak performs an accomplished cast of other highly trained ballet dancers under the artistic direction of Nina Marlow. 2 and 7:30 p.m. 3950 E. Bell Road, Phoenix. Admission is a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program. .

'SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS'
Chandler Center for the Arts, Dec. 14-15
The Christian Dance Company and 100 other entertainers perform a festive variety show to benefit Paz de Cristo Community Center and the East Valley Childrens Crisis Center. Holiday selections include music, dance, acrobatics and traditional holiday entertainment, including Christmas carols and a special version of the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. $12-$15. .

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Marcos de Niza High School, Dec. 21
Studio One Performing Arts Center, whose dancers range from 2 to 40, presents its annual holiday dance extravaganza. The theatrical production incorporates many forms of dance, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop and tap. Pieces include Emmanuel and Ave Maria, as well as several numbers choreographed to contemporary Christmas music. 2 and 7 p.m. 6000 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe. $8-$10. .

CONCERTS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MEADOWLARKS 'SOLSTICE LIVE!'
Kerr Cultural Center, Dec. 1
Get a little Irish in your life during the holiday season. Guitarist Rick Cyge and flutist/pennywhistle player Lynn Trombetta join drummer Step Raptis and percussionist/violinist Allen Ames for a concert of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic-inspired melodies and holiday favorites. 3 p.m. 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $13. .

TEMPE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 2
Dr. Richard E. Strange leads the orchestra, pianist Walter Cosand and the Arizona Mormon Choir in a program of holiday-flavored favorites. Included are Vaughan Williams "Fantasia on Greensleeves"; Brittens Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra, narrated by Carl White; Gershwins Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra"; Hansons Song of Democracy; and Handels Suddenly There Was With the Angel ... 7:30 p.m. Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard, Tempe. Free. .

'CHRISTMAS FROM A CELTIC TABLE'
Kerr Cultural Center, Dec. 6
Mary Curtin narrates a program that includes soprano Margaret OCarroll, considered one of the finest singers in Irish music today, and accompanist Christine Parker, in an evening that presents a feast of songs, poetry, mythology and fantasy from the Emerald Isle. 8 p.m. 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $17-$20. .

CPR ORCHESTRAs 'CHRISTMAS CON SABOR'
Red River Music Hall, Dec. 7
CPR, also known as Chicano Power Revival Orchestra, performs an energy-filled Latin version of The Nutcracker, using its unique blend of folk, rock, jazz and south-of-the-border sound. Joining CPR will be Primavera Folklorico Dance Troupe and flamenco guitarist Gabriel Francisco Romo. 7:30 p.m. 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $8-$22. .

MUSICA DOLCE AND THE PHOENIX CHAMBER SINGERS
Kerr Cultural Center, Dec. 7
Theres something about Christmas that brings out the yearning for the old days. Listen to holiday music of the truly old days carols such as Holly and the Ivy and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, sung in the British Isles and Europe from medieval to the early Baroque era. The concert, which ends with the traditional Wassail, is presented by the Phoenix Early Music Society. 8 p.m. 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $17-$19. .

PIONEER PEPPER AND THE SUNSET PIONEERS
Red River Music Hall, Dec. 8
Experience A Cowboy Christmas as Pioneer Pepper and his musical friends sing about cowpokes riding home across the range for Christmas dinner at the bunkhouse, and other trailside tunes. The singing cowboys will also liven up the proceedings with tall tales and heartwarming yarns as they return us to those glorious days of yesteryear in the now-vanished West. 7:30 p.m. 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $8-$22. .

ASU HOLIDAY CONCERT
Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 8
The University Symphony Orchestra, Choral Union and Concert Choir perform selections from Messiah, Richmond's Hanukkah Festival Overture, Stephenson's Holiday Fanfare Medley and Courtney's A Musicological Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas. 2:30 p.m. Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard, Tempe. $5-$8. .

PHOENIX SYMPHONYS 'MESSIAH'
Various venues, Dec. 11-15
The performance features the full Handel oratorio, which has thrilled listeners since 1742. Part I presents the story of the Nativity through evocative solos, and the second, more familiar part, ends with the joyous Hallelujah! chorus. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Our Lady of Joy Parish, 36811 N. Pima Road, Carefree; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Camelback Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5902 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $22. .

ARIZONA ARTS CHORALE
St. Joan of Arc Church, Dec. 13
St. Anthony on the Desert Church, Dec. 15
The choir, which has performed with various symphonies and such stellar conductors as Doc Severinsen and Hermann Michael, performs some of the most glorious music of the season, including popular carols and classical choral works. 8 p.m. Dec. 13, 3801 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix; 3 p.m. Dec. 15, 12990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. $12-$15. .

'COME TO THE MANGER'
Scottsdale Bible Church, Dec. 13-15
More than 200 vocalists, musicians and dancers make this re-creation of the first Christmas come alive as wise men visit the newborn Jesus. The event also includes an audience singalong of Christmas carols. 7 p.m. Dec. 13-14; 6 p.m. Dec. 15; 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Dec. 15. 7601 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Call for free tickets. .

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Camelback Bible Church, Dec. 13
St. Anthony on the Desert, Dec. 21
This 50-singer choir is one of the most popular in town, and youll hear why when listening to its renditions of popular and sacred Christmas classics. For these special concerts, the choir will be joined by a brass section and bells. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Phoenix; 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 12990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. $10-$15. .

MESA SYMPHONYS 'A SEASON CELEBRATION'
Mesa Amphitheatre, Dec. 14
Bring the whole family and a blanket or lawn chairs to this delightful outdoor concert. The orchestras special guests include musician Mike Carotty and soprano Deater ONeill, who will perform songs such as Silver Bells and Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year. The orchestra will perform Sleigh Ride, Ill Be Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Little Drummer Boy and other holiday favorites. There will even be entertainment during intermission, thanks to the East Valley Childrens Theater. 2 p.m. 201 N. Center St., Mesa. Free. .

SCOTTSDALE SYMPHONYS 'MESSIAH SING-ALONG'
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Dec. 15
For the past 27 years, the Scottsdale Symphonys annual Messiah Sing-Along has become one of the Valleys most popular events. If youre no Pavarotti or Callas, have no fear. Your voice will be blending with those of several Valley chorales and soloists. Just bring your music books or lyric sheets and join in the joyful noise. 2:30 p.m. 7655 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Free, but donations are accepted. .

PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR
Various venues, Dec. 17-22
The Grammy-winning choir will perform holiday favorites complemented by carols from the British Isles. Under the direction of artistic director Georg Stangelberger, the choir sings O Come All Ye Faithful, The Wassail Song Chanukah O Chanukah and the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, among others. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Velda Rose United Methodist Church, 5540 E. Main St., Mesa; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $8-$25. .

SCOTTSDALE MASTER CHORALE
Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center, Dec. 18
The Chorales Classical Holidays in the Desert features selections from Handels Messiah, Leontovichs Carol of the Bells, Pages Wexford Carol with piano and flute, Mozarts Magnificat and Elgars The Snow, as well as contemporary holiday selections. 7:30 p.m. 9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale. $5. .

'A WEE BIT OF CHRISTMAS'
Kerr Cultural Center, Dec. 19
Join Rich Bailey and Celtic Breeze for a seasonal celebration that includes favorite Christmas and Yuletide songs from Ireland, Scotland and the United States. A special treat for the entire family, even non-Irish families. 7:30 p.m. 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $12-$14. .

PHOENIX BACH CHOIRS 'CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS'
Various venues, Dec. 20-23
The choir, temporarily homeless after the fire at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (its home venue), still continues its Christmas tradition of beautiful music in welcoming churches. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 800 W. Ray Road, Chandler; 3 p.m. Dec. 22, St. Anthony on the Desert, 12900 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. $15-$22. .

'THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS'
Red Mountain High School, Dec. 20-21
One of Utahs favorite holiday traditions takes to the road this year. The Forgotten Carols is a theatrical presentation in song and dance that tells the story of a young nurse who sees Christmas as a meaningless distraction until a patient named John teaches her its importance by telling her long-forgotten Christmas stories. 7:30 p.m. 7301 E. Brown Road, Mesa. $10-$15. or www.deseretbook.com.

SALT RIVER BRASS
Chandler Center for the Arts, Dec. 22
The big brass band celebrates the holidays with Festival of Light, a concert featuring holiday music from around the world. Included are O Holy Night and Greensleeves; traditional Hanukkah songs; folk melodies of Germany, England and Wales; Tchaikovskys Nutcracker Suite; and Leroy Andersons Christmas Festival. 3 p.m. 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $10-$12. .

WINDHAM HILL WINTER SOLSTICE CONCERT
Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Dec. 27-28
Every December for the past 10 years, a trio of Windham Hill Records most outstanding artists perform at the Scottsdale Center. This year well be treated to Philip Aaberg, piano; Lisa Lynne, harp; and Sean Harkness, guitar all Windham Hill recording artists. Theyll perform solo and together. 8 p.m. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. $32. .

PHOENIX * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Six events worth driving to Phoenix for

KEITH LOCKHART AND THE BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA
America West Arena, Dec. 1
Theres no such thing as attending only one Boston Pops concert. Youll have to see more and more and more, especially now that the energetic orchestra is led by the photogenic Keith Lockhart, who has been known to enter the stage on a skateboard, wearing a Santa suit. This year, the festivities will include soprano Kathleen Brett, and during many popular holiday favorites, the audience will be encouraged to sing along with her and the acclaimed orchestra. 7 p.m. 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $15-$100. .

FIESTA OF LIGHT ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
Downtown Phoenix, Dec. 7
The parade, which is in its 15th year, will transform downtown Phoenix into a holiday winter wonderland. Sleighn Down Central, the theme of this years parade, will consist of floats lined with dazzling electric lights and an appearance by Santa. There will also be a holiday run and walk before the parade. 7 p.m. Saturday. Central Avenue, from Missouri to Thomas streets, Phoenix. Free. .

'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'
Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center, starts Dec. 7-22
The granddaddy of secular Valley Christmas productions is Actors Theatres lavish treatment of Charles Dickens classic about one Ebenezer Scrooge, a skinflint London businessman. Kim Bennett is in the lead for director Matthew Wiener. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. $30-$46; half-price for children 3-12. .

BALLET ARIZONAS THE NUTCRACKER
Symphony Hall, Dec. 12-27
This Valley holiday favorite showcases choreography by Ib Andersen, the companys artistic director, as well as Tchaikovskys magical music. Dont miss some of the most lavish sets and costumes around (many new this year); special effects include a tree that grows and snowfall on stage. For added fun, 150 local children have been cast as mice, angels and Mother Gingers Kids. 2 p.m. Dec. 14-15, 21-22, 24, 26-27; 6 p.m. Dec. 15, 22; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 18-21, 23, 26. 225 E. Adams St., Phoenix. $9.50-$48. .

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, WITH THE ROCKETTES
Dodge Theatre, Dec. 13-29
You dont have to go to New York to see the wildest Christmas show ever, complete with dancing teddy bears, parading wooden soldiers and the high-kicking Rockettes. Snowmen will shimmy, reindeer fly, elves rap and a good time will be had by all even the Rockettes themselves. 11 a.m. Dec. 14, 21, 28; 1 p.m. Dec. 15, 18-19, 22-24, 26, 29; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, 20-21, 27-28; 4 p.m. Dec. 15, 22-23, 26, 29; 5 p.m. Dec. 14, 27-28; 7 p.m. Dec. 17-19, 22-23, 26; 8 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28. 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $19.75-$59.50. .

CHRISTMAS MARIACHI FESTIVAL
America West Arena, Dec. 14
Back for the 11th year, this 3 1/2-hour show features some of the worlds finest mariachi bands, including Mariachi Vargas, from Mexico City, as well as soloists Anna Gabriel and Antonio Aguilar, Jr. Bringing even more color to the event will be more than 100 folklorico dancers dressed in traditional costumes. 7 p.m. 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $25-$65. .