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Happy Friday, East Valley. In today’s edition: ZooLights, Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and Holiday Market, Tetra String Quartet holiday celebration, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Mall dining gets a spark: Edo Japanese Grill, a Canadian teppanyaki-inspired fast-casual brand, is now open in Palm Court at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The flagship marks its second U.S. location amid a rapid Arizona rollout — get all the details.
Backlash to constant overflights: Mesa residents decry rising air traffic noise at Falcon Field, citing health and home value concerns. A 1,600-signature petition and a Dec. 11 community meeting highlighted landing fees — read the full story.
Shared vision for Tempe learners: After two years of collaboration, Tempe’s school districts, the city, and ASU unite through Thrive in Tempe, a campaign and portal connecting families to programs and services to strengthen education — see how partners support students.
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.
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🫶 We got your back
New dessert destination alert: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opens in Gilbert’s SanTan Village on Dec. 18 with free scoops from 7 to 11 p.m. The first 50 in line snag swag. There’s also a giveaway for a year of weekly Signature scoops. Enter by downloading the app, joining Splendid Rewards, and scanning at the event. Get all the details.
East Valley rehab expansion: Banner Health just opened a physical therapy clinic in Gilbert, focusing on sports medicine. It is at 355 E. Germann Rd., open weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and offers hand therapy, concussion rehab, and high-tech wearable sensors for return-to-sport testing. Banner also operates a major sports medicine center in Scottsdale. See services and hours.
Fresh hair, zero fuss: Overdue for a clean cut, craving lived-in dimension, or ready for humidity-proof shine? Salon Joshua delivers precision cuts, balayage, and Brazilian Blowouts, plus easy online booking for schedules that don’t sit still. Effortless, polished, and tailored to you.
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.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
Today
🖼️ Terra Forma Exhibition @ Tempe Center for the Arts | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Trade a night of errands for Terra Forma’s free reception at Tempe Center for the Arts on Dec 12. Meet the artists, snag complimentary nibbles, and watch clay misbehave in the best way, from finely made vessels to sculptural installations, video, and a short performance.
🎻 Performances at the Museum: Tetra String Quartet Holiday Celebration @ Tempe History Museum | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Holiday mood calls for strings and civic pride. Tetra String Quartet hosts a free concert in the museum’s Community Room with a reception on both ends and a silent auction. Gorgeous music, a look at their Play Out! work, and no wrapping required.
This weekend
🧸 Toy Drive + Vendor Show December Coffee & Crawlers @ Desert Rat Off-Road Centers | Saturday (12/13) at 8:00am – Skip the mall and head into Desert Rat Off Road in Tempe for the biggest Coffee & Crawlers of the year, a Christmas vendor show and toy drive celebrating 50 years. Bring an unwrapped toy for raffle tickets, sip coffee, meet Santa, and help kids.
🚤 Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade + Holiday Market @ Tempe Beach Park | Saturday (12/13) at 4:00pm – Tempe Town Lake is lighting up with the boat parade, a holiday market, eats, sips, and top-tier people watching. Come early to shop and let the kids charm Santa. Stay for twinkling boats, fireworks, and, yes, clear bags.
🎅 Holiday Extravaganza with Santa Claus @ Mrs. Potts Tea Party | Saturday (12/13) at 5:00pm – This family-friendly event brings together Santa, holiday characters, crafts, and gingerbread decorating in a festive two-hour program. It’s a lively and engaging way for kids to enjoy hands-on holiday activities and seasonal fun.
🐱 Holiday Kitten Yoga @ Lost Our Home Pet Rescue | Sunday (12/14) at 9:00am – Roll out your mat at Lost Our Home for kitten yoga, soothing sound healing, and complimentary tea, because winter in Tempe demands priorities. Come for the stretch, stay for the purrs, support the rescue, and maybe leave with a new roommate. Tickets vanish fast.
🎄 Spirit of Christmas by Christian Dance Company @ Chandler Center for the Arts | Sunday (12/14) at 12:00pm – This high-energy holiday variety show packs in over 100 performers, from dancers and singers to a champion hoop dancer—and yes, even a horse and carriage on stage. Hosted by Mark Hart, it’s a long-standing East Valley tradition that blends spectacle, heart, and just the right amount of glitter. Whether you’re craving family-friendly entertainment or just want a mega-dose of Christmas spirit, this show fires on all cylinders and then some.
🦒 ZooLights @ Phoenix Zoo | Sunday (12/14) at 5:30pm – The Valley’s favorite glowing tradition returns with new light displays, colorful lanterns, and festive activities along the zoo’s nighttime paths. The zoo has hinted that a fan-favorite feature may be returning, so keep an eye on their updates. It’s a great option for families, date nights, and anyone who enjoys holiday lights and seasonal strolls.
Next week
🎁 Chandler for the Holidays: Santa’s Workshop @ Downtown Library | Monday (12/15) at 11:00am – Need a holiday win that isn’t another mall photo op? At Santa’s Workshop at The Makery, the under-five crowd plays elf, cranking out gifts on the Glowforge, 3D printer, and Cricut, materials while they last. You get proud-parent points, they get glitter, noise, and naps.
📸 Family Memories: Pictures in Front of the Tumbleweed Tree @ Dr. A.J. Chandler Park | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – If your holiday card still stars the dog in antlers, upgrade to our iconic Chandler Tumbleweed Tree backdrop. A professional will snap free family photos. Download the shots, post, print, and brag, with hometown charm and none of the mall-portrait awkwardness.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ Price is right – East Valley edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: David Larchez (Compass)
Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop and sculptural rock outcrops, this 7.4-acre playground serves privacy with a side of resort vibes. The main residence brings 4 bedrooms and 7 baths, a long gated drive, and parking for 13 cars for the full motorcade. Outside goes full send with two pickleball courts, a sparkling pool, putting green, yoga zone, and a covered pavilion built for lingering.
Panoramic vistas land a nightly sunset show, mountains turning technicolor as the day fades. Natural beauty, modern comfort, zero compromise.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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