Artsy performances and tours
You will need to schedule these advance and purchase tickets.
Nutcracker
Quentissential holiday ballet performed at the premiere Phoenix Symphony Hall in downtown with live orchestra. Buy tickets soon, they go out fast. Learn more here
Dec 6 7:30p, Dec 7 2:00p and 7:30p, Dec 8 1:00pm
Jazz at Mesa Arts Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) spreads holiday cheer on its annual Big Band Holidays tour. Jazz at Lincoln Center rising star vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee join the JLCO to bring Yuletide greetings. Under the music direction of JLCO trombonist, Chris Crenshaw, the evening will feature soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation and entertaining storytelling.
Dec 8 7:30p
Kimberly Akimbo at Gammage
Have not seen this musical but it is at the Gammage and this will be your only opportunity to go inside Gammage building.
Dec 6 7:30p, Dec 7 2:00p and 7:30p, Dec 8 1:00pm
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's second residence, the same architect who designed the Gammage building. Frankie loves combining nature with architecture so this building feels like it arose out of the ground itself. It is a UNESCO heritage site.
Tours: 9a-Noon. Advanced tickets required.
Low committal
Can do this anytime, no advance scheduling required
Heard Museum
A visceral experience into the history of Native Americans, pop culture does not do it justice. Each item in the gift shop is unique and is handmade by a Native American. This is the best place to get Arizona souvenirs
Opening hours: 10a-4p. Expect to spend at least 3 hours here.
Arcosanti
Experimental town slightly outside of Phoenix full of interesting buildings. Artists now go there for residency. They also manufacture bells which are featured all around Arizona including at the sky harbor airport.
Public hours: 9a-5p. Cafe is open from 8:30a-2:30p.
Steinway & Sons
There is only one store in Arizona and exactly one employee Mr. Henry at the store who is employed directly by Steinway & Sons in New York. Henry will give you a wonderful tour of the store and you'll have the opportunity to look at $500k grand pianos.
Tues-Sat: 10a to 6p
Desert Botanical Garden
One of the most relaxing places in Arizona, just walk around some plants, sit anywhere, work anywhere. They have a nice cafe and in winter they have extended hours where they iluminate the paths with nice lights. Would recommend.
Thur-Sunday: 8a to 9p
Phoenix Zoo Lights
In winter they install lights in the Phoenix zoo and all animals are tucked away. Looks pretty and you can grab a hot chocolate and walk around.
5:30p to 10:30p
Organ Stop Pizza
This restaurant has the largest theater pipe organ in the world' 8,000-pound rotating hydraulic elevator to sit 10 feet above the 700-seat dining room. The organ has 1,074 keys, buttons, and switches linked to a series of xylophones, glockenspiels, gongs, and cymbals to create the sound of a full orchestra.'. You can go in at any time and grab a pizza and watch a performance.
Fri-Sat: 3p to 9p, Sun: 3p to 8:30p
Brunch places
Please don't go to Dennys
El Chorro
In Paradise Valley, the most premiere place in Arizona. They do good eggs benedict and you have a view of the mountains. Reservations required
Sunday Brunch: 9a to 2p, Dinner (Wed to Sun): 5p
théa
Rooftop mediterranean restaurant inside the global ambassadar hotel. Great views, delicious food.
12p to 10p
Joes Farm Grill
Quintssential American dining experience. Its always busy but you'll get an American experience.
7:30a to 9p
Olive Mill
An olive producing farm that also has a great cafe with local products. Highly recommend.
Sunday Brunch: 8a to 5p, Breakfast: 8a to 11a, Lunch/Dinner: 11a to 9p