It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Valley. With tons to experience and see, let us help you narrow down your must-do activities at some of the most magical resorts in town.
Omni Montelucia
Spanish Feasts, Dec. 15, 18 and 22
Experience the holidays the Spanish way at Omni Montelucia. A breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15 and 22 will serve a full feast including traditional Spanish holiday sweets like pestinos, turron, marzipan and polvorones. Children will be able to decorate cookies with Santa and make their own Moravian Star ornament. $55 per adult, $30 per child ages 6-12. On Dec. 18 Chef Marcos Seville will cook up a traditional Spanish holiday feast in a live demo format for the Chef’s Kitchen Dinner Series. $120 per guest. For reservations, call 480.627.3111. More holiday info here.
The Phoenician
Christmas Camp, Dec. 7-15
In partnership with Karen Schaler, author and screenwriter of movie and book Christmas Camp, The Phoenician is letting guests experience the story in real life. By booking the Christmas Camp Room Package, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of festive offerings. The nine days of Christmas Camp will present daily fun like a reception and book signing with Schaler; mixology, culinary and decor classes; spa treatments and Drybar holiday hair magic; and a gift activity for charity, all inspired by the Christmas Camp story. More holiday info here.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Christmas at the Princess, through Dec. 31
Visit Christmas at the Princess any day of the week for a winter wonderland. The annual event transforms the entire resort into a holiday playground, with something for everyone. Enjoy desert ice skating, rink-side fire pits, LED light shows, a Princess Express Train, Build-a-Bear workshop, Santa’s secret headquarters, S’mores Land, 4 million twinkling lights, a four-story tree and more. Admission starts at $55 and includes parking and up to six attraction wristbands per vehicle. Additional fees for select attractions. More holiday info here.
Arizona Biltmore
Holiday Dining, Dec. 15 and 31
On Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. enjoy a decadent holiday breakfast buffet at the Arizona Biltmore with a special visit from Santa! $40++ per person. Reservations required. To reserve your seat email or call 602-954-2572. Then, spend New Year’s Eve at Wright’s. Begin the night with a 45-minute History Tour followed by a spectacular four-course dinner with wine pairings. 5 p.m. seating for $175++, or 8 p.m. seating for $225++. Reserve your spot online or call 602-955-6600. For some extra r&r Spa Biltmore is offering Holiday Treatment Specials from $99 through Dec. 22. Details here. More holiday info here.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party, Dec. 21
Don your most atrocious threads to win some cool prizes! Rico’s Bar & Backyard is hosting this ugly party on Dec. 21, complete with happy hour specials from 5 to 7 p.m.; a DJ, snow and an ugly sweater contest from 7 to 9 p.m.; and reverse happy hour specials from 10 p.m. to midnight. The event (and the holiday cheer) is all free. For more info, call 602.997.5850. More holiday info here.
Hotel Kimpton Palomar Phoenix
Miracle Pop-Up Bar by Blue Hound, through Dec. 30
The hotel’s signature restaurant Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails has completely transformed into an over-the-top Christmas-themed bar. Expect plenty of tongue-in-cheek decor, holiday-inspired cocktails and eats, Christmas cards as menus, thousands of twinkling lights, ceilings hung with icicles and more. More holiday info here.
