Christmas events coming to the West Valley arts scene

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

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The cookies are baked, the parades haven’t started yet, friends and family are in from out of town, you’re in between wrapping gifts, and you’re looking for a night out with Christmas vibes.

The West Valley’s got ya covered.

PEORIA

Get into the spirit of the season with “In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular” over two nights – Sunday, Dec. 8 and again on Monday, Dec. 9 – as part of the concert series at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane.

The show pays homage to the classic Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas specials with timeless songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and more.

While you’re at Arizona Broadway Theatre, check out the Christmas Tenors. On Sunday and Monday, Dec. 15-16, world-class tenors Matthew Holter, Alberto Ranjel, Chach Snook and Dennis Tamblyn present an evening of beloved Christmas classics.

Also in Peoria, Theater Works, at 10580 N. 83rd Drive, will stage the classic “A Christmas Carol” from Dec. 6 through Dec. 22. Theater Works adapts the haunting story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s discovery of kindness, compassion and redemption with Louis Farber returning to his ariZoni nominated role.

SUN CITY WEST

Get into the holiday spirit with “An Inspired Christmas” starring the cast and band of the concert experience December ’63, which recreates the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The special Christmas production includes holiday tunes sprinkled with a taste of The Four Seasons.

The show starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Palm Ridge Rec Center, 13800 W. Deer Valley Drive.

Also in Sun City West, Ghostlight Theatre, at 13541 W. Camino Del Sol, brings “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” to the stage.

From Dec. 12 through Dec. 22, the production takes audiences to Hopewood Falls, Vermont, where singles in adorable sweaters converge to look for love. Can disguises help royalty and movie stars find the down-to-earth connections they crave? Will evil city slickers destroy charming inns and Christmas tree farms?

GOODYEAR

In the Southwest Valley, look for Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet – with a twist. Triad Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker Fantasy,” a tale inspired by the holiday classic.

The show runs Dec. 19-22 at PebbleCreek Renaissance Theatre, 16222 W. Clubhouse Drive.

WICKENBURG

A short drive northwest of Surprise and Sun City West features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra direct from New York City at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at the Del Webb Center for Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, in Wickenburg.

The orchestra’s Big Band Holidays concert showcases acclaimed vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Tucson native Robbie Lee with music directed by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trombonist and arranger Chris Crenshaw.

The Christmas Tenors – Matthew Holter, Alberto Ranjel, Chach Snook and Dennis Tamblyn – will present Christmas classics at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria Dec. 15-16.

(Photo provided by Khris Dodge Entertainment)