It’s (almost) the weekend and Phoenix has a lot to offer us. Along with several art shows and performances on our list — including The Moth, Phoenix Art Museum and The Nutcracker — we’ve mixed in a wine class, 21+ event and Italian date night to satisfy any weekend needs. Get in your shopping for the holiday season, and don’t forget to have fun. All descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.

12.8

CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink

Following a hiatus in 2020, Downtown Phoenix’s most popular, real outdoor ice-skating rink has a new look and location this year due to Valley Metro Light Rail construction along Central Avenue. Located at Patriot’s Park in the center of CityScape Phoenix, the CitySkate rink is different in design and size than in years past, but will still offer freshly-surfaced ice, twinkling holiday lights and festive décor — all set within the heart of the city. $18. Patriot’s Park: 11 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ; reddevelopment.com/cityskate // @cityscapephx

MATCH Guide to Wine Class

Don’t miss this monthly class. They will discuss wine and offer wine tasting samples accompanied by light fare. Bottles of the wine sampled will be available for purchase with a 15% off discount. November will focus on Northern Spain with Chris Jeffers of Vino750. 7 p.m. $25. FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel: 1100 N Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ; foundrehotels.com // @foundrephx

The Moth – Phoenix Storyslam

Open to anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. Tell a story, or just enjoy the show. December Theme: WISDOM: Prepare a five-minute story about lessons born of experience. Advice from elders, gurus, and sages. Knowledge gleaned from hard knocks or fortune cookies. Mistakes and successes, Confucius or Dr. Phil. 8 p.m. $15. Crescent Ballroom: 308 N 2nd Ave. Phoenix, AZ; crescentphx.com // @crescentphx

12.9

Italian Date Night: Hand-made Pasta & Tiramisu

In this intimate and exclusive culinary experience, you will learn how to execute an indulgent Italian dinner consisting of fresh hand-made pasta paired with chicken and classic Pomodoro sauce from scratch. You will also learn how to make tiramisu to round out the meal on a sweet note. Once you master the basics of fresh pasta making in this class, you will be equipped to try different shapes and forms with your newfound knowledge and tips and tricks bestowed by Chef Rodolfo. 6:30 p.m. $69. Chef Rodolfo’s Place: 15258 N Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ; takeachef.com // @culinarybrigadechef

Oscar Muñoz – Invisibilia

“Oscar Muñoz: Invisibilia” is the first mid-career survey of Colombian artist Oscar Muñoz’s work in the United States. This exhibition will introduce U.S. audiences to a broad scope of his evolving practice. Beginning with his early, stark charcoal drawings from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The exhibition will also include approximately 50 exemplary works from his most evocative series created during the late 1980s, 1990s and 2000s to the present day, including site-specific work, to trace the evolution of his practice. $23. Phoenix Art Museum, Katz Wing for Modern Art: 1625 N Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ; phxart.org/art/exhibitions // @phxart

12.10

The Great Soiree

A vintage evening of live music, tap dancing dames, burlesque, songstresses, feather fan dancers, flamenco and more in homage to the roaring ’20s with a modern day twist. 8 p.m. $45+. Hotel San Carlos: 202 N Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ; hotelsancarlos.com // @hotelsancarlosphx

Last Night In Soho

A young girl, passionate about fashion design, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters her idol, a dazzling wannabe singer. But 1960s London is not what it seems, and time seems to be falling apart with shady consequences. 6 p.m. $11. FilmBar: 815 N 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ; thefilmbarphx.com // @thefilmbarphx

The Nutcracker 2021 – Ballet Arizona

Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. 7:30 p.m. $35+. Symphony Hall: 75 N 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ; phoenixsymphony.org // @symphonyhallphx 

12.11

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Light up the night and be dazzled at the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade – the Valley’s most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and a spectacular fireworks show. This event is free and family-friendly. 4-9 p.m. Free. Tempe Beach Park: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy. Tempe, AZ; downtowntempe.com/events/boat-parade //@downtowntempe

Lucky Buck Music Festival + 1-Year Anniversary Party

Guests can enjoy back to back live music with local bands starting at 3 p.m., including Fayuca, Rio Grande, The Hourglass Cats, the Jake Grantham Band, and more, along with Saturday Funday specials like five cans or bottles for the price of four from 2-7 p.m. Tasty eats like the Medianoche Sandwich and the Chicken Tikka Masala Crunchwrap will be available from the hot food trailer from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. This event is 21+ only. Free. 2-10 p.m. Luckys Indoor Outdoor: 817 N 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ; luckysphx.com // @luckysphx

12.11-12.12

Phoenix Festival for the Arts

Phoenix Festival of the Arts is excited to return home to Hance Park with an arts and culture celebration perfect for the whole family. Phoenix Center for the Arts is proud to present the ninth annual event, voted Best of Phoenix 2020 Best Arts Festival by Phoenix New Times, featuring more than 150 art vendors and cultural organizations. It’s a perfect time to connect with the local art community and celebrate the season. 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Free. Margaret T. Hance Park: 1202 N 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ; phoenixfestivalofthearts.org // @phoenixfestivalofthearts

12.12

The Arizona Winds “The Joy of the Season”

The Arizona Winds, one of the oldest and most highly acclaimed performing groups in Greater  Phoenix, has brought its unique brand of musical entertainment back to life following its nearly 18-month pandemic-generated hiatus. The 46-year-old musical organization will host a regular season of five new and exciting community concerts, with “The Joy of the Season” as its second. 3 p.m. Free. The Vista Center for the Arts: 15660 N Parkview Pl. Surprise, AZ; thevistaaz.com // @thevistaaz

Jolly Old St. Nick’s Family Festival

Enjoy options for reindeer rides, shopping, yummy food and treats, face painting, craft activities and mini photos with Santa. Tickets include reindeer food bags, letters to Santa and raffle tickets (check in at registration upon arrival). Fun for all ages. 12-4 p.m. Various prices. Paseo Verde Park: 7561 W Greenway Rd. Peoria, AZ ; azcentral.eventsabout.com // @paloverdeparkneighborhood

Ongoing

Chihuly in the Desert

Experience our newest Taliesin West walking tour: “In A New Light” — the paired artistry of Frank Lloyd Wright and internationally celebrated contemporary artist Dale Chihuly. These two masters, both inspired by light, color, and the natural world, can be seen side-by-side at Taliesin West, Wright’s desert home and laboratory, in Scottsdale. “In A New Light” is a 90-minute guided experience for guests visiting Taliesin West. Various times. $49. Desert Botanical Garden: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy. Phoenix, AZ; franklloydwright.org/chihulyinthedesert // @dbgphx

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