THINGS TO DO AROUND ARIZONA
Santa’s Workshop Arts & Craft Festival
You think Santa has only one workshop, the one inconveniently located at the North Pole? Nope. For this workshop, Santa takes advantage of talented locals who make all sorts of arts and crafts. Shoppers will find artwork, holiday decorations and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24-25. Tyson Wells Showgrounds, 121 Kuehn Road, Quartzsite. Free. 360-635-1367, QuartzsiteSantas Workshop.com.
Made in Tucson Market
Tucson artists will be on hand for this event, which gives attendees the chance to learn about their work and purchase unique items. The event strives to build community among Tucson artists and makers, the residents of Tucson and the Historic Fourth Avenue businesses.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25. Historic Fourth Avenue district, Tucson. fourthavenue.org.
Luminaria Nights
Tucson Botanical Gardens will light up with over 2,500 candle-lit luminarias and more than 20 Korean lanterns, turning the gardens into a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy musical performances each night, and sample seasonal food and drink at Cafe Botanica as well as at some of Tucson’s most popular food trucks.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. $18, $9 for children. tucsonbotanical.org.
Daddy Daughter Fishing Day
Fathers are invited to spend time fishing with their daughters at this event south of Tucson. It’s billed as a daddy/daughter event, but the family is welcome to participate.
Details: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 1. Sahuarita Lake, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Sahuarita. entire
Riordan Mansion Holiday Tours
Riordan Mansion is decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours include the folklore and traditions of Christmas past and present. Reservations are recommended.
Details: Thursdays-Mondays from Dec. 1-Jan. 6. Tours start on the hour from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. $10, $5 for ages 7-13, free for age 6 and younger. azstate parks.com/riordan-mansion.
Christmas in Cottonwood
Head to Cottonwood for a holidaythemed day starting with the 64th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade, which begins at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Lights, Presents and Bows, Oh My” and promises plenty of great floats and entertainment. After the parade, stay for the 25th annual Chocolate Walk. Merchants, shops, tasting rooms and restaurants will participate in this sweet event, which will allow ticket holders to sample handcrafted chocolate goodies.
Details: 11 a.m. parade, 3-7 p.m. Chocolate Walk, Saturday, Dec. 1. Parade begins at Verde Valley Fairgrounds parking lot and ends at Main and Cactus streets. The Chocolate Walk takes places on Main Street in Old Town. Parade is free; Chocolate Walk is $25 per person. oldtown.org/chocolate.html, cottonwoodchamberaz.org.