Free Holiday Events in Downtown Phoenix for the Whole Family

by Elizabeth Montgomery

PJs in the Park event presented by Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Whether you’re in need of a unique gift or some local love this holiday season, Downtown Phoenix has a free event for you.  

From free movie nights and trivia, to visits with Santa and live holiday performances, we’ve got your guide to an all-inclusive list of holiday events in DTPHX. 

Jazz in the Park @ CityScape 

Swing by Patriots Park at CityScape in Downtown Phoenix, Monday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 8, to enjoy jazz by a variety of local musicians. The live performances run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Grab lunch and enjoy the sounds of local musicians on CityScape’s brand-new patio renovated by Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Clean & Green Team. 

Performance Lineup: 

Details: Cityscape, 1 E Washington St.  

Hanukkah Celebration @ Crescent Ballroom 

This free event features a very special Hanukkah music set by Rick Naimark on piano and vocals. Doors and music begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, with a Menorah lighting around 6:15 p.m. and Jewish trivia to follow. First place trivia team gets $100 in gift cards from the Little Pickle Deli. Also, enjoy jelly donuts, Latkes, and brisket tacos, and wash it all down with Brooklyn Lager. 

Details: Crescent Ballroom, 308 N 2nd Ave. 

Movie Night & Holiday Market @ GenuWine 

There’s wine on tap and two free events happening at GenuWine. First up is a screening of “Home Alone” on Friday, Dec. 8, beginning at 7 p.m. 

Then, pick up some unique gifts from local vendors at GenuWine’s free holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 – 4 p.m. 

Details: GenuWine Arizona Wine Bar, 888 N 1st Ave, Ste 101.

DTPHX Winter Wanderland & PJs in the Park 

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Downtown Phoenix will transform into a Winter Wanderland. Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Winter Wanderland is a free, walkable event that features live music and performances set against iconic Downtown locations, including Chase Field, Herberger Theater Center, Arizona Center, Renaissance Hotel, and more. Follow the festivities from location to location for a full day of holiday entertainment, delicious food, drinks, and merriment.  

Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s beloved PJs in the Park event is back and part of the DTPHX Winter Wanderland experience. Put on your coziest pajamas and enjoy holiday movies under the stars at Civic Space Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. with a screening of the holiday favorite “Merry Madagascar” followed by a feature presentation of “Elf.” Be sure to bring your camera or cell phone for a free photo with Santa and enjoy fresh tamales from My Comadre’s Kitchen, bowls and wraps from Soul Farmacy, and hot cocoa from Urban Grounds Coffee Co. Yard games will also be available to play while you wait for the movie to start. 

Details: Downtown Phoenix Inc., 1 E. Washington St. 

Chanukah Celebration @ Arizona Center 

Enjoy lively music, latkes, doughnuts, entertainment, crafts for kids, and the lighting of a giant Menorah at Arizona Center on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. It’s a wonderful event for everyone and all ages. 

Details: Arizona Center, 455 N 3rd St. 

Phoestivus in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo: Danny Upshaw)

Phoestivus 

The biggest holiday market in Downtown Phoenix is back for all of your holiday shopping needs. Phoestivus takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, and Friday, Dec. 15, from 5 – 10 p.m., and during the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. It’s taking place on the south side of the Wexford Science Center, at 850 PBC. Support local this holiday season with more than 200 small business vendors, food, beverages, music, live art and more. Say hi to our DTPHX Ambassadors when you see them there!  

Details: Phoestivus, 720 N 5th St. 

Phoestivus Ugly Sweater Ride 

It’s that time of year to wear your favorite sweater and join Phoenix Spokes People for a community social-paced bike ride. Starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, enjoy a seven- to nine-mile ride starting and finishing at Phoestivus. Charge your lights and join the fun. 

Details: Wexford Science + Technology, 850 N 5th St. 

Indigenous Holiday Pop-up Market @ Chaokia PHX 

This curated event will showcase a lineup of the finest Indigenous gifts, goods, and products for your loved ones. Hosted by Chaokia PHX on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 4 – 9 p.m. shop with and support local Indigenous communities by visiting their vending booths and shopping. 

Details: CahokiaPhx SocialTech + ArtSpace, 707 N 3rd St. 

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