Happy December! From holiday celebrations and New Year’s soirees to marketplaces, concerts and comedy shows, and everything in between, we have the lowdown on the best events in town so you can make the most of your month. 

Friday, December 1

Craig Robinson

Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Darryl on the runaway hit show The Office, come see this actor and comedian in a whole new light during his stand-up tour. (Copper Blues Live // 7 p.m. // $30+)

YACHT

Electropop pioneers YACHT, made up of Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, returned to recording and released their first album since 2015 this year, so be sure to catch the fun and futuristic duo’s return to the stage, too. (Valley Bar // 8 p.m. // $15)

Friday, December 6

MOTH GRANDSLAM @ The Pressroom

Join for a night of storytelling and watch the first-ever Moth Grandslam champion be crowned as talented local wordsmiths compete for this new title. (The Pressroom // 7 p.m. // $25)

Sat, December 7

Alex Cameron

The delightfully sleazy Australian art rocker cut his teeth on a US circuit with The Killers a few years ago, and after gaining even more fans and releasing incredible new music, Cameron is back on the road for his headlining tour. (Valley Bar // 7 p.m. // $15)

Jared and the Mill

Hometown heroes Jared and the Mill want to give back to the city they love so much and the fans who have supported them by inviting everyone to celebrate with them at their fifth annual Holiday Extravaganza concert. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Christmas and local music! (Crescent Ballroom // 4:30 p.m. // $18)

JOHNNY CUPCAKES X CRUMBLE COOKIES Pop Up Shop

Grab some cookies with a side of adorable merch at this pop-up shop with Johnny Cupcakes, the world’s first t-shirt bakery. Grab a sweet treat for yourself and get some holiday shopping done! (Crumbl Cookies // 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. // FREE)

Scottsdale Wine Fest

Your ticket includes access to tons of wine samples, the opportunity to win cool prizes, and more as you stroll through town sampling the best vino these vendors and wineries have to offer. (Wasted Grain // 2-6 p.m. // $20+)

PJs in the Park

Get cozy with this free holiday movie screening! Grab your PJs and blankets, sip on some hot chocolate, and settle in for a double feature of The Polar Express and Elf. (Civic Space Park // 5:30 p.m. // FREE)

Sunday, December 8

Om-Lit: A Sunday Brunch Party

Voted the #1 brunch in South Florida, this boozy culinary celebration has now arrived in Phoenix and features a live DJ and entertainment, bloody mary and mimosa specials, a delectable brunch menu, and more surprises. (Copper Blues Live // 11 a.m. // FREE to attend, food and drink prices vary)

Monday, December 9

Local Natives

Local Natives continue their tour to celebrate the release of their excellent 2019 release, Violet Street, with a stop in Phoenix before they hit the spring festival circuit next year. (Marquee Theatre // 8 p.m. // $20+)

Tuesday, December 10

Home Alone Trivia

Get in the holiday spirit by testing your knowledge of this iconic Christmas movie! Grab a few friends and form a team or sign up on your own – this is a great way to meet new people and partake in some friendly competition. (Growler USA Phoenix // 7-9 p.m. // FREE)

Wednesday, December 11

Holiday Lights Run 2019

Walk or run through this tour of holiday lights, where you’ll be rewarded with cookies and cocoa at the finish line. Don’t forget to don your ugly sweater to be entered into a raffle. (Tortoise & Hare Sports // 6-8 p.m. // $10)

Snoop Dogg

The legendary Snoop Dogg comes to town this month – don’t miss your chance to see him IRL, as his fun live show is sure to be a great mid-week pick-me-up. (The Van Buren // 8 p.m. // $59.75+)

Thursday, December 12

Ariana Grande

Ariana’s reign on the pop world remains supreme as she brings her high energy live show to Phoenix in support of her latest album thank u, next. (Talking Stick Resort Arena // 7:30 p.m. // $80+)

Movies After Dark

 Looking for a cheap date or a fun night out with friends? Desert Ridge Marketplace is screening different movies for free on their outdoor screen at District Stage! This screening features Christmas classic The Grinch. (Desert Ridge Marketplace // 6:30 p.m. // FREE)

Friday, December 13

BLINK 180TRUE / WEEZERTON

Calling all 90s babies – get down to cover bands Blink 180True and Weezertron as they play your favorite 90s rock hits by, you guessed it, Blink 182 and Weezer. They’ll also be joined by special surprise guests. (The Rebel Lounge // 7:30 p.m. // $15+)

Nick Offerman

Funnyman Nick Offerman, of Parks & Recreation fame, brings his All Rise tour to town, promising “an evening of deliberative talking and light dance that will compel you to chuckle whilst enjoining you to brandish a better side of humanity than the one to which we have grown accustomed.” (Celebrity Theatre // 8 p.m. // $49.50+)

Sat, December 14

Phoenix Santarchy 2019 (Santacon)

Join the OG Santacon for the ultimate day of drinking and merriment. Grab your best Santa outfit, a toy to donate to Toys for Tots, and come thirsty as you festively crawl through local bars. (Downtown Phoenix // 6 p.m. // FREE to attend)

3rd Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl®

Grab drinks from local bars in your 16oz Bad Santa Stadium Cup, and enjoy a Santa Hat for online orders only while supplies last, a wristband for entry and drink/food specials, no cover and drink specials at participating bars, and more! (Scottsdale Area Bars // 12-8 p.m. // $15-$20)

Sunday, December 15

Holiday Jazz & Wine at the Garden

The Kim Weston Jazz Trio will serenade you and your friends as you walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden. You can also enjoy happy hour prices on wine, beer, and sake, or stroll over to Hotko Bread Co. or The Fig and the Knife for a bite to eat. (Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix // 4-7 p.m. // $7-$10)

Tuesday, December 17

Speed Dating at Helio Basin Brewing Co.

Put down your phone and look up! The love of your life (or maybe your new BFF) could be right in front of you at Fray’s latest speed dating event. In addition to enjoying the lovely company of all your fellow speed daters, you’ll enjoy food, drinks, extended happy hour and the opportunity to win great raffle prizes. This is a 21+ event. (Helio Basin Brewing Co. // 7 p.m. // $15)

Sunday, December 22

Witchcrafted Yuletide Market

Grab a drink from the full bar – including festive spiked cocoa – and browse vendors like Crimson Sage Apothecary, Moon Goddess Market, Shop Eternal Noir, Bad Craft, Alchemy of Avalon Gilded Sun Studio, Vision Quest Metaphysical Bookstore and so many more. After you’ve worked up an appetite from shopping, enjoy food from Frank’s Kitchen. (Luke-Greenway American Legion Post 1 Arizona // 3-9 p.m. // FREE)

Sunday, December 29

Spin Session Sundays at The Bees Knees

Put a twist on your usual drinking experience and enjoy this “bartender’s choice” style session featuring creative off the menu cocktails crafted by award-winning tastemaker Chris Ortega. Paired with bar bites and live music, you’re sure to find something to love at this new spin on happy hour. (The Bees Knees // 6 p.m. // FREE to attend)

Tuesday, December 31

2020 Flannel Ball Downtown Phoenix New Year’s Eve Party

If you’re looking for a more low-key New Year’s celebration, this is where you need to be. Not too fancy or too chill, you’ll wear comfy flannel as you partake in things like Super Beer Pong, Tarot Readings, Flannel and Jeans Cornhole, Jumbo Jenga, Flannel Ball Royalty a Midnight Pinata Drop and so much more. (Roosevelt Row Welcome Center // 8 p.m. // $10)

Intergalactic 2020 New Year’s Eve Celebration

This New Year’s Eve party is out of this world. Grab your best retrofuturist attire and enjoy a block party or an intimate indoor soiree, all with space-age flair. (The Clarendon Hotel // 7 p.m. // $20+)

What is on your holiday to-do list this December? Show off all the fun you have this month by tagging #FrayLife #PHXFray in your social posts!