Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.
What a month to be in the Valley.
Christmas lights are everywhere, you’ve got cookies to bake (and to eat!), presents to wrap, and plans to make for family and friends coming to town, or even just plans for you and your sweetie.
We’ve taken the time to compile what’s going on where around the West Valley. If the Christmas spirit has really got a hold of you, think of adding each of these to your local Christmas to-do Bingo cards and catch as many as you can.
The annual Surprise Party returns to the West Valley city over Dec. 5-6.
(Photo provided by the City of Surprise)
Surprise
Surprise Party
5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 5-6
The city’s largest annual event draws more than 12,000 attendees over two nights each December. Held at the Surprise Community Park (16089 N. Bullard Ave.), this free, family-friendly celebration features a foam snow party, food trucks, vendor village, kid zone and photo opportunities with Santa. Also includes live music, performances, light shows, fireworks, a holiday tree lighting ceremony and a hot air balloon glow.
Phoenix
APS Electric Light Parade
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Now in its 38th year, the theme of this year’s APS Electric Light Parade is Let It Glow. Parade entries set out from North Phoenix Baptist Church (5757 N. Central Ave.) and go southbound on Central (the actual route begins at Montebello). Entries head south on Central until reaching Camelback Road at which point, they turn east and head up to 7th Street. At 7th Street, entries turn south and continue down 7th Street until they reach Indian School Road which is the end of the route. The route is approximately 2.3 miles long and takes about 60 minutes to reach the end.
Avondale residents delight in the fake snow flurries during the 2024 WinterFest celebration.
(Photo provided by City of Avondale)
Avondale
WinterFest
5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Bring the family and make some memories at this free event located at the Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive. The West Valley city turns into a winter wonderland with a visit from Santa, activities and entertainment, the premiere of the holiday light show, annual tree lighting, food, and sweet treats.
The annual Christmas Village returns to Goodyear on Dec. 6.
(Photo provided by City of Goodyear)
Goodyear
Goodyear Christmas Village
4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
A festive night market at Goodyear Ballpark (15461 W. Festival Way) wrapped in lights, cheer, and community spirit. Look for a food truck court, live performances, a petting zoo, bounce houses, kids and adult games, a mocktail bar and more.
Sun City
Holiday Celebration
4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
The annual RCSC Holiday Celebration returns to the Bell Recreation Center, 16820 N. 99th Ave.
The Sun City Poms perform at a Litchfield Park Christmas parade.
(Photo provided by City of Litchfield Park)
Litchfield Park
Christmas in the Park
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
The West Valley city’s annual event takes place at Litchfield Square Park, at 279 N. La Loma Ave., on the second Saturday in December and is now in its 38th year.
The annual Christmas in the Park will return to Beardsley Park in Sun City West on Dec. 13.
(Photo provided by The Recreation Centers of Sun City West)
Sun City West
Christmas in the Park
9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 13
Annual free event returns to Beardsley Park (12755 W. Beardsley Road) and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. While this is a free event, tickets are required and it is available to only Sun City West residents, who can pick up the free tickets in person at the R.H. Johnson box office or print them online at suncitywest.com/tickets.
The Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale takes place Dec. 13.
(Photo provided by Hometown Christmas Parade)
Glendale
Hometown Christmas Parade
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Staging will be located at 51st Avenue south of Glendale Avenue. The route proceeds west on Glendale to 58th Avenue where it turns south to the de-staging area. All proceeds benefit Hope for Hunger, a Glendale-based food bank that brings help and hope to local families in need.
Peoria
Peoria Holiday Festival
5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
A West Valley staple that’s been going on more than 30 years, the Peoria Holiday Festival returns to Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park at 83rd Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets.
The Glow on Monroe Electric Light Parade takes place Dec. 13.
(Photo provided by City of Buckeye)
Buckeye
Glow on Monroe Electric Light Parade
6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
The free event lights up Monroe Avenue from 2nd Street to Apache Road with decked out displays of holiday lights on historic fire trucks, horse drawn carriages and other vintage vehicles. Local school marching bands are also part of the parade, and stick around after the parade to get your picture taken with Santa.
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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