Good morning, Scottsdale.

Most grocery stores in Arizona will run on reduced hours on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day; customers are advised to call ahead (confirm details) to plan ahead for holiday shopping.

Starfish Scottsdale, a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant from a southern California group, will open in early 2026 at the corner of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura + the menu features Thai spicy beef with basil and lobster macadamia nut sushi roll along with a house-made cocktail menu.

The 71st annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show returns Feb.

12–22 at WestWorld with nearly 2,000 horses competing for over $1 million, interactive exhibits, over 250 vendors at a shopping expo, and special events including the West Coast Sport Horse Championships and $3,000 scholarships for high school riders.

North Scottsdale United Methodist Church (11735 N.

Scottsdale Road) invites residents to worship with three Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 3 p.m. service suits families and the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. candlelight services feature choirs, soloists and music.

The nonprofit Duet Partners in Health and Aging is hosting a *free* Zoom writing workshop for family caregivers from Feb.

4 to March 4 from 2-3:30 p.m. Interested participants should register early as space is limited.

At Cherokee Elementary, 10-year-old Logan Treadwell (living with type 1 diabetes) shares her story with classmates to help them understand the condition while enjoying sports, reading and time with her dog Pilot.

Chaparral High School hosted its 2025 Future Ready Conference that brought more than 480 CTE students together for workshops on professional skills, business, hospitality, and engineering + volunteer-led career sessions from Scottsdale Rotary.

The event ended with a networking reception connecting students with industry professionals.

During open enrollment, Scottsdale families can review health plans to ensure pediatric care covers routine and unexpected needs through in-network providers.

Rising premiums and fewer insurers make it essential to confirm that hospitals and specialists, like those at Phoenix Children's (PCCN), are included.

Arizona Army veteran Nick Jones joins a trial approved by the FDA at the Scottsdale Research Institute testing whole psilocybin mushrooms in group therapy sessions for police, fire personnel & veterans to treat trauma, as researchers gather data on safety & efficacy.

A local guide lists holiday light displays across metro Phoenix, including Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale) which offers 10 million lights, ice skating, and festive treats from Nov.

21 to Jan. 3. Families can choose from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events to celebrate the season.

Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Virginia G. Piper Theater — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant sounds of maestro José Hernández and his mariachi band in a night of passionate performances.

Christmas Dinner Celebration

11am-9pm — La Fogata — $72 Adults, $36 Children — Savor a festive three-course Christmas dinner with seasonal chef-crafted dishes and delightful desserts.

Aloft Live! Featuring Eddie Unplugged

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy a laid-back evening with live acoustic music and cocktails in Old Town Scottsdale.

Keyboard Conversations: Chopin — The Romantic

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Virginia G. Piper Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the romantic brilliance of Chopin through lively polonaises, enchanting nocturnes, and more.

The Sound of Simon & Garfunkel

3-6 p.m. — Virginia G. Piper Theater — Cost details not provided — Experience a nostalgia-filled afternoon of Simon & Garfunkel classics followed by dinner in Old Town.

Arizona Balloon Classic

4-9 p.m. — Wild Horse Pass Stadium — Prices vary — Experience breathtaking balloon ascensions and dazzling evening glows amidst food, music, and family fun.

Songs from Film - A Revue

2:00-3:30 p.m. — ASU Kerr — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy an intimate revue of songs and musings from iconic musicals and unforgettable cinema classics.