Many Of Our Favorite Events End The Year In December
Editor’s Note: We begin with two notes to our hunters then move to the many Christmas celebrations in the Valley. Room does not allow for all the wonders ahead, but here are a few of our favorites that are not covered in other sections of the paper. Be sure to check your own community for its holiday events; there are many!
December 4: QuailFest
Get ready for a top-notch event that’s all about the popular bird with the topknot.
If you’re a fan of Arizona’s quail, the fifth annual QuailFest is the place to be from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 in Pioneer Hall at the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association in Sonoita, Ariz.
The free event, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Southern Arizona Chapter of Quail Forever, will feature representatives from more than a dozen organizations, including hunting groups, conservation organizations, land management and wildlife management agencies, working dog clubs, birding groups, researchers, and more.
Hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as assorted quail “swag,” will be available for purchase.
The Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association is located at 3142 S. Highway 83, Sonoita, AZ, 85637.
As a reminder, the general quail season runs through Feb. 12, 2023. The season for Mearns’ quail, primarily found on oak-grassland or pine-grassland savannas in the southeastern corner of the state, opens Dec. 2.
December 2: Recommendations To Commission
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2023 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey, population management hunts, and limited entry seasons, as well as for 2024 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.
The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on the hunt guidelines approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
All questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt can be emailed to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov. The public also is invited to call any of the department’s regional offices statewide and ask to speak with a game management biologist. The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for its consideration during a public meeting Dec. 2 at department headquarters (5000 W. Carefree Highway) in Phoenix. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission.
To learn more about the hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines processes, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.
Through January 1: Second Dove Season
While the bigger white-winged doves, prized during the traditional 15-day season in September, have long since migrated to Mexico, the more acrobatic mourning doves remain abundant and widespread. The second season is a long one, lasting a whopping 45 days and running through Jan. 1, 2023.
December 5: Fishing Coordinator Job Opening
We have reposted the job opening for the Full Time Fishing R3 Coordinator position. It closes Monday, Dec. 5. Please share with your networks so we can find the best candidate to move the FishAZ Network partnership and HAHWG forward. This is a great opportunity for the right person. Lots of exciting things are coming up. ~ Best, Doug Burt, AZGFD
Apply online at:https://www.azstatejobs.gov/jobs/program-project-specialist-2-phoenix-arizona-united-states-28b4140c-4f29-430b-8953-928558fa232d
And Now The Christmas Events (By City) —
Chandler
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sat, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Dr. A. J. Chandler Park, 3 S Arizona Ave
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays — pumpkin pie, peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, and of course, the City of Chandler’s Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Every December, Mayor and City Council invite you to celebrate the holidays in Downtown Chandler. Behold the iconic Tumbleweed Tree, visit with the jolly man himself, Santa, and enjoy musical performances and glowing pageantry of lights. It’s an evening of merriment the whole family can enjoy. Parade of Lights starts at 6:45 p.m.
Tree Lighting takes place at 8 p.m.https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/tumbleweed-tree-lighting-ceremony
Glendale
“A Northwest Valley Walk Through Christmas”
Fri, Dec 16, 6:00 p.m.
Northwest Valley Baptist Church • Glendale, Ariz.
“Glendale Glitters 2022”
The excitement of Glendale Glitters includes the Murphy Park lights and displays, performances in the amphitheater, the Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and additional events held by the downtown merchants.Free Parking all season long is available at the City Hall Parking Garage and the Bank of America Parking Garage.
Mesa
Nativity Displays: Celebrate the original Christmas story by visiting the Mesa Temple International Nativity Display — with more than 100 nativities from around the world. We invite you to explore the Christmas story as you witness inspiring works of art depicting Christ’s birth. Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, 455 E. Main St. (just west of the temple grounds on the corner of LeSueur and Main Street).
Phoenix
Celebration of Christmas — “The Brightest Star”:This Broadway-style musical theater performance features a full live orchestra and state-of-the-art technology with incredible special effects. Culminating in a beautiful nativity with a majestic kings’ procession, this year’s show includes exciting new dance numbers, professional acrobatic silk artists, awe-inspiring aerial stunts, and so much more! At Dream City Church 13613 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85022 Dec. 8 through 18.
The Nutcracker
December 10-24, 2021
with The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall, Choreography: Ib Andersen,
Music: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky. 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. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!
Queen Creek
Holiday Festival and Parade
Sat, Dec 3, 2 – 7 p.m.,
21802 S Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, Ariz.
40th Annual Queen Creek Holiday Festival and Parade Saturday, December 3rd 2PM – 7PM Town Center Join us for the 40th annual Queen Creek Holiday Festival and Parade! Benefitting the Kiwanis Club.
Scottsdale
5th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl® – Scottsdale
Sat, Dec 10, 12:00, Riot House • Scottsdale, Ariz.
Starts at $14.00
Christmas at the Farm 2022!
Sun, Dec 25, 12:00, Hunkapi Farms • Scottsdale, Ariz.
Holiday Light Display
Murphy Park and surrounding areas, through January 7, 2023, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. each evening.
Tempe
Through January 15, 2023: upcoming Events in Tempe: More information on each event may be found at Tempetourism.com
ZooLights
November 23, 2022 through January 15, 2023 | Phoenix Zoo
Las Noches de las Luminarias
December 1-31, 2022 | Desert Botanical Garden
