The Valley
Vestar, one of the leading privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, invites the community to celebrate the spirit of the season at Tempe Marketplace, Scottsdale Quarter, and Desert Ridge Marketplace’s annual Tree Lighting events. In partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund, these FREE community programs combine the magic of the season with a meaningful cause, supporting life-saving programs for Arizona children.
Each celebration will feature visits with Santa, live performances, festive décor, seasonal treats, raffles valued at over $1,500 benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund with special ambassador appearances, as well as interactive holiday activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy a full evening of family-friendly entertainment leading up to the grand tree lighting, where hundreds of twinkling lights will kick off the holiday season.
Tree Lighting Event Details
- Desert Ridge Marketplace – Monday, Nov. 24 | VIP Experience: 6-9 p.m. | Tree Lighting: 7:30 p.m.
- Tempe Marketplace – Wednesday, Nov. 26 | VIP Experience: 6-8:30 p.m. | Tree Lighting: 7 p.m.
- Scottsdale Quarter – Saturday, Nov. 29 | 2–8 p.m. | Tree Lighting: 6 p.m.
New This Year: VIP Tree Lighting Experience
For the first time, Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace will offer an exclusive VIP experience, with all proceeds benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund, a critical source of funding for the hospital’s areas of greatest need.
Guests can reserve an elevated holiday experience that includes:
- Reserved viewing area for the tree lighting
- Private cozy hut seating
- Private Santa photos
- S’mores & hot chocolate bar
- One complimentary cocktail per adult
- Light-up toys, swag bags, live entertainment, and more
Limited VIP Experience Tickets Available
Reserve a spot while supplies last
VIP Pricing
- Adults: $30 | Children (12 and under): $10 | Children under 3: Free
“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for our annual Holiday Tree LightingCelebrations and new VIP Experiences,” said Rachel Forman, Vice President of Marketing at Vestar. “Partnering with Phoenix Children’s allows us to spread holiday cheer while supporting programs that make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Arizona. It’s a wonderful way for families to celebrate the season and give back at the same time.”
Desert Ridge Marketplace (21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix), Tempe Marketplace (2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe), and Scottsdale Quarter (15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale) each offer more information at the respective websites: shopdesertridge.com, tempemarketplace.com, and scottsdalequarter.com
Prescott
Pine Ridge Marketplace is excited to ring in the holiday season with its second annual tree lighting on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the shopping center. Happening at 3250 Gateway Blvd., the special evening will include live entertainment, a parade and plentiful activities for the whole family to enjoy in partnership with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
“The tree lighting ceremony was truly a fan-favorite last year for guests and families to get into the holiday spirit,” said Anji Rude, creative director at Pine Ridge Marketplace. “The event is intended to unite the Prescott community and share the seasonal joy.”
The holiday tree lighting event will feature a parade by the Prescott Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Granite Mountain Marines posting the colors. The parade will also feature live performances from the Prescott High School Marching Band, Abia Judd Carolers and dance studio Lessons by Lexe.
The parade will conclude with an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and they will be available for holiday photos with guests after the event. Hot chocolate and other refreshments will be provided by Starting Point Church. Jim Thomas, founder of ESPIRE Sports at Pine Ridge, will be the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
The tree lighting ceremony and parade is the first to kick off the seasonal events at Pine Ridge, and kids and families will have plenty more chances to meet Santa and take photos Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Performances from local musicians, Pine Ridge’s Holiday Artisan Market and a Nutcracker showcase from Lessons by Lexe will also take place at the shopping center.
Holiday events are listed as follows:
Santa Photo Hours:
- Nov. 28-30: 3- 7 p.m.
- Dec. 5-7: 3-7 p.m.
- Dec. 12-14: 3-7 p.m.
- Dec. 18-21: 3-7 p.m.
- Dec. 22-24: 12-7 p.m.
Violinist Kevin Cobis from Prescott Pops Orchestra:
- Dec. 5: 4-7 p.m.
- Dec. 19: 4- 7 p.m.
Lessons by Lexe 6th Annual Nutcracker Snowglobe Experience Dates:
- Dec. 19-20: 6-8 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children
Holiday Artisan Market:
- Dec. 20-21: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with over 80 artisans
Jolly Jams featuring Travis Crow and Friends:
This year, guests are welcome to bring their own cameras and take photos with Santa at no cost. Feel free to capture special holiday memories with your family and friends during your visit.
To learn more about the event and Pine Ridge Marketplace, visit pineridgemarketplace.com/events.
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