Fun activities to do with the whole family over Thanksgiving weekend
Nov 26, 2015, 1:00 PM
(KTAR Photo)
When — and if — you are finished digesting the copious amounts of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving dinner, there is still a whole lot of (non-shopping) fun to be had the rest of the weekend.
As the holiday season gets underway, there is so much to do around the Valley. From ice skating to light shows to plays, there is something to match everyone’s tastes.
Get out any enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!
If you are looking for something to do, here are just a few events that are fun for the whole family:
Arizona International Auto Show
If cars are your thing, the Phoenix Convention Center is the place to be this weekend. The annual event gives car experts and novices alike the chance to gaze upon the newest 2016 models and more. Hope you like that new car smell.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Holiday Ice Skating at CitySkate
Time to lace up those skates and hit the ice for a spin at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. For just $12, you can get the icy experience of a lifetime, including skates! Outdoor ice skating in Arizona — always a fun event. Don’t have time to make it out this weekend? No worries! The winter wonderland will stay in the Valley until Jan. 11.
- Saturday – Sunday: 3 pm – 11 pm
Let it Snow!
Snow? In the desert? That’s exactly what is going on every night from Monday up until New Year’s Eve at Tempe Marketplace, Desert Ridge Marketplace and Westgate Entertainment District. Flakes of white snow will fall from the sky then disappear without a trace. The best part? Not having to shovel it out of your driveway. (Score!)
- Thursday – New Year’s Eve: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade
For the 23rd year in a row, the streets of the Mill Avenue District will light up for the celebration of “Star Light, Star Bright.” The event begins with the Opening Night Parade, a celebration of floats, marching bands and balloons, before culminating in the arrival of none other than the man himself: Santa Claus.
- Saturday: 6 p.m.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at the annual CityScape Holiday Tree Lighting. In addition to the lighting of the tree and the introduction of Santa Claus, the NRG Ice Rink will make its grand opening. The kids will love meeting Anna, Elsa and Olaf, the stars of “Frozen,” in person. There will be holiday music, entertainment and refreshments and the event is free! (Although it will cost you $12 for rink admission and skate rental).
- Saturday: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Take your holiday spirit to the skies in “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” a show that combines acrobatics, musicals and holiday spectaculars all in one. Pack up the family and head down to the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix for a night that you will never forget.
- Friday: 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.