Happy Tuesday, Glendale. In today’s edition: The Nutcracker, Hometown Christmas Parade, Art at Anthem, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Major West Valley move: Walmart bought a nearly 1.28 million-square-foot Glendale warehouse for $152 million, the second-largest industrial sale on record. It will be the first tenant at the Luke Field logistics park — read the full story.

Early renter help encouraged: Despite lower rents, Phoenix eviction filings have stayed near record highs in 2025, with 84,000 so far, 4 percent below 2024’s record, as officials cite job instability and underused assistance — see what’s driving evictions.

Digital infrastructure’s desert dilemma: Arizona ranks seventh nationwide with 164 data centers, mostly around Maricopa County. The industry powers cloud and AI growth but raises drought-driven concerns over water use and high energy consumption — read the full fact brief.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Adopt an angel at Arrowhead Towne Center
• Celebrate Glendale’s 12th Hometown Christmas Parade
• Motorcycle run benefiting Toys for Tots
• Sleigh the season at Santa Hustle Arizona
• Embrace your inner witch at Yule Market
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Economic boost for Phoenix: China Airlines has launched Phoenix’s first nonstop link to Asia, flying PHX to Taipei on an Airbus A350 three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight takes 15 hours and 20 minutes, arrives at 1:35 pm and departs at 4 pm, and the inaugural run sold out. Get flight times and details.

A quirk of winter light: Phoenix hits its earliest sunset in early December, about 5:20 p.m., even though the shortest day is the Dec. 21 solstice. Blame Earth’s tilt and slightly oval orbit, which make the solar day run a tad long, sliding the daylight window later, so sunsets inch later even before the solstice. Learn why this happens.

Winter sips, unlocked: Glendale nights call for dark, cozy pours. The video‑gamey taproom at 8-Bit Aleworks pours Black Mage stout and winter seasonals like Figgy Pudding and Mayan Chocolossus. Low‑key vibe, high reward, ideal for leveling up your cold‑weather beer game.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🚌 Chandler Bus Tour @ Chandler Fashion Center | Tuesday (12/09) at 8:00am – Hop aboard for a behind-the-scenes look at Chandler’s booming growth, from buildout projects to new developments and the companies reshaping the city’s future. With land running out, this tour offers a rare peek at how leaders plan to innovate and expand. A must for anyone curious about where Chandler is headed next.

🩰 The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars in Phoenix, AZ! @ Orpheum Theatre | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:00pm – Yes, Phoenix, we’ve all seen The Nutcracker, but not with all-new hand-painted sets, 200 costumes, and stars from 12 countries. Tchaikovsky’s Snowflakes, Sugar Plum, and Flowers sparkle again. Two acts, one intermission, bring the kids, or just your inner child.

🏛️ Maie’s Museum: History & Collections with Ann Marshall, PhD @ Heard Museum | Wednesday (12/10) at 10:00am – Take a civilized dive into the Heard’s origin story with Dr. Ann Marshall, who’s spilling nearly a century of history, art, and inside stories. Snack on Maie-style finger foods and tea, then follow her on an optional tour. All that for twenty bucks.

📘 In Person Orientation @ East Valley Center | Friday (12/12) at 9:00am – Get the rundown on essential services, programs, and resources with this quick, informative orientation session. It’s a simple, guided way to get your questions answered and feel more confident navigating what’s available. Just show up ready to learn—everything else is covered.

🎨 3rd Annual Art at Anthem @ Outlets North Phoenix | Friday (12/12) at 10:00am – Trade the mall chaos for the 3rd Annual Art at Anthem, where Outlets North Phoenix turns into a holiday market with 60 juried artists, live music, and the tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree in Arizona. Alpaca-soft sweaters, award-winning local honey, and gift ideas, not panic buys.

This weekend

🧸 Toys 4 Tots Run @ VFW Post 1433 | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Warm up the bikes and roll out with the Toys 4 Tots Run, a charity cruise ending at Vacay Cowboys on 35th Ave in Phoenix. Your entry is one unwrapped toy, then stick around for raffles, food, and entertainment. Good deeds, louder pipes, happier kids.

⛄ Phoenix Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market @ Tanger Outlets, Phoenix | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Nothing says winter in Phoenix like buying holiday gifts in a T-shirt, hot cocoa in one hand, artisan candle in the other. This pop-up market stacks local makers, seasonal treats, and giftable treasures, so you can shop small, avoid mall chaos, and feel smugly festive.

🎄 12th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale Arizona @ Downtown Glendale | Saturday (12/13) at 11:00am – If you like your holidays with tinsel, tubas, and neighbors you actually know, downtown Glendale’s 12th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade delivers. Old-school floats, church choirs, and community pride roll by, so bring canned goods for Hope for Hunger, because Santa appreciates practical gifts.

🎤 Sandra Bassett Christmas Special (R&B/Motown/Jazz) @ Westside Blues & Jazz | Saturday (12/13) at 7:30pm – This Christmas set wraps R&B warmth, Motown groove, and jazzy sparkle around your favorite tunes, courtesy of Sandra Bassett. Expect big vocals, a cozy room, and grown-folks cheer. Two-drink minimum, gratuity added, so the only math is counting encores.

☘️ Spotlight on Irish Music at MIM @ Musical Instrument Museum | Sunday (12/14) at 12:00pm – Think your knees still remember a jig? Hit MIM for an Irish step workshop, then settle in for a curator chat with fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada and the Irish Christmas in America crew, a tidy mix of cardio, culture, and craic.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/9 Light in the Window @ Herberger Theater Center – 12:10 pm
• 12/10 SCC Jazz and Pop Vocal Workshop with Dennis Rowland @ The Nash – 7 pm
• 12/11 Claus & Effect: “A Tropical Holiday” @ Herberger Theater Center – 7 pm
• 12/13 Merriment in Melrose @ Lyceum Park – 2 pm
• 12/13 Cozy Day Party @ Egyptian Motor Hotel – 3 pm
• 12/13 Bashment 4 Jamaica @ The Pemberton – 8 pm
• 12/14 Brunch Collect @ The Rebel Lounge – 7 pm
• 12/19 Dead Things @ Starlite Lounge – 7 pm
• 12/21 F.A.T. (Fred, Alan & Terry) Christmas @ Westside Blues & Jazz – 3 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Mark Markham (Realty ONE Group)

On a corner lot near parks, schools, and medical hubs, this two-story stunner plays the hits. Tile floors and soaring ceilings meet transom light and arched passageways. The crisp kitchen showcases white cabinetry, a tile backsplash, granite counters, stainless steel, and an island for quick bites. Primary suite adds a balcony, walk-in closet, and spa-style bath.

Out back, travertine pavers frame a covered patio, grassy play zone, and sparkling pool. A flexible loft handles office duty. Curb appeal, a two-car garage, and easy access cap the package.

Take a peek inside →