Happy Friday, Glendale. In today’s edition: Holiday music at MIM, sensory Santa session, the Nutcracker ballet, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Civic arts hub selected: Arizona Theatre Matters named Glendale Main Library auditorium the flagship venue for the Glendale International Fringe Festival, running February 12-28, 2027, with headline programming, community events, and accessibility services planned — see how to get involved.

Retail giant expands footprint: Walmart bought a 1.28 million-square-foot building in Glendale for $152,161,730, the second-largest industrial sale on record in Phoenix, and will be tenant at 140-acre Luke Field complex — get all the details.

Lantern magic for animal lovers: On Saturday, Dec. 6, Tianyu Lights Festival will host Twinkle Tail Night at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, dog-friendly and donating $1 per ticket to PACC911, with adoption perks through Jan. 4, 2026 — see times, tickets, and perks.

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

• Participants unwind through immersive dome yoga sessions
• Motorcycle ride benefiting Toys for Tots
• Join Glendale’s 12th Hometown Christmas Parade
• Shop 90 vendors at Witchcrafted Yule Market
• Sleigh the season at Santa Hustle
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Public input sought on transit: Peoria is scrapping WeRide for a new Uber/Lyft partnership offering citywide rides with up to a $15 discount, with riders paying the first $1-$2. Officials say it’s far cheaper than WeRide’s $142-per-person cost and won’t require advance scheduling. Launch could come as early as January or February, with accessibility and safety details still being finalized. See how to share feedback.

Holiday light spectaculars return: World of Illumination is now lighting up Tempe Diablo Stadium with Rocking Christmas and Glendale’s Desert Diamond Casino with Cosmic Sleigh Ride. Both drive-thru shows feature music-synced tunnels and giant holiday scenes. Each ride lasts 20 to 30 minutes, one ticket covers a whole car, and the shows run nightly through Jan. 4 with tickets from about $40. See locations and ticket info.

Arizona taps, close to home: At Hopsology Taproom & Wine Bar, 21 taps pour Arizona brews, from seasonal IPAs to crisp lagers, alongside a smart wine lineup. A low-key spot for catching up and comparing pours, with homebrewing classes to kick-start that first batch.

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 that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity 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 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

🏍️ Nitro Circus @ Desert Diamond Arena | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Think you’ve seen it all? Travis Pastrana’s Nitro Circus rolls in with world class FMX, BMX, skate, and scooter daredevils launching into first ever showdowns, a riot of big air and bigger nerves that you’ll watch with a grin, a flinch, and grateful insurance.

🎷 First Friday: The Monce/Schmidt Hardbop Quintet @ The Nash | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – First Friday means you pregame at The Nash, 21+, let the Monce/Schmidt Hardbop Quintet light a fire under your week, then brave Roosevelt Row with a smile. High-energy hard bop, cold drinks, real musicianship, and free admission, because occasionally Phoenix gets it gloriously right.

This weekend

🎄 Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM @ Musical Instrument Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 9:00am – Think you’ve heard every holiday playlist? MIM is serving the real deal with traditional music and performances from around the globe, a welcome break from the mall Mariah loop. It’s included with admission, free for members, and blessedly stocked with culture, not tinsel.

🛍️ 3rd Annual Curious Nature’s Curious Christmas Holiday Market @ Curious Nature | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Knock out your gift list at this third annual holiday market packed with vendors, good food, and, for the bold, tattoos. Free to wander, easy to linger, and far more festive than doomscrolling. RSVP so they save you a spot, and maybe some fudge.

🧵 Macrame Wall Hanging Workshop @ Sunshine Craft Co | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Macramé is knotting up your downtime with a full two-hour wall hanging workshop, throwback vibes without the shag carpet. Expect clear guidance, mellow company, and a finished piece you will actually display, not hide in the garage with the elliptical.

🏃 2025 Phoenix Run Run Rudolph 1/2 & 10K / 5K / Kids Dash @ Rio Vista Community Park | Sunday (12/7) at 8:00am – Take a break from cookie sampling and trot the New River Trail for the half marathon, 10K, 5K, or kids dash at Rio Vista Park. Flat paths your knees will tolerate, festive vibes, a medal and Dri-Fit shirt. Traveling? Go virtual and collect the swag.

🎅 Sensory Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center @ Arrowhead Towne Center | Sunday (12/7) at 9:30am – Prefer your holiday magic without the mall madness? Arrowhead Towne Center hosts a sensory-friendly Santa session with lower lights, less noise, and fewer crowds, Sunday, Dec. 7, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., by reservation. Get a calm photo, then grab coffee, Sephora, or a brisk exit.

🏺 Holiday Edition Pottery Workshop @ The 1227 Taproom | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Kick off the season with a beginner-friendly pottery workshop that is inclusive, hands-on, and gloriously low pressure. You will squish some clay, make something endearingly giftable, and leave with that smug holiday glow, minus the mall, the crowds, and the questionable eggnog.

Next week

🎄 Annual Holiday Celebration and Mixer @ Thirsty Lion | Monday (12/8) at 5:00pm – Mix, mingle, and toast the season with the Greater Phoenix Chamber and Valley Young Professionals over bites, brews, and big holiday energy. Expect complimentary apps, a cash bar, and plenty of relaxed networking that doesn’t feel like networking. Stick around—you might snag a door prize and some new connections to close out the year strong.

💃 A Drag Queen Christmas @ Arizona Financial Theatre | Monday (12/8) at 7:30pm – Serve some holiday sparkle with the longest-running drag tour in America, hosted by the fabulous Nina West. Expect big talent, bigger wigs, and a cast of queens ready to sleigh the stage all night long. With iconic performances, a 20-minute intermission to cool down, and optional VIP meet-and-greets, this is the most festive way to live your merriest, gayest Monday.

🎭 The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars in Phoenix, AZ! @ Orpheum Theatre | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:00pm – Whether you know every Sugar Plum trill or just hum along at the mall, this reinvented Nutcracker brings international ballet stars, hand-painted sets, and 200 costumes to Phoenix. Two acts with an intermission, family friendly, Tchaikovsky included. Consider it culture, without the mall parking.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Nitro Circus @ Desert Diamond Arena – 7 pm
• 12/6 ‘Tis the Season: Holidays @ Musical Instrument Museum – 9 am
• 12/6 Jim Martinez – A Charlie Brown Christmas @ The Nash – 7 pm
• 12/8 The Nash Vocal Ensembles – A Holiday Vocal Jazz Affair @ The Nash – 7 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
• 12/12 Sugar Thieves @ Westside Blues & Jazz – 7:30 pm
• 12/13 Cozy Day Party @ Egyptian Motor Hotel – 3 pm
• 12/13 101.1 The Bounce Holiday Jam @ PHX Arena – 7:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Glendale 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: Tara M Talley (Taylor Morrison (MLS Only))

The Acadia model flexes 4,517 square feet, five bedrooms, and 3.5 baths in Stonehaven Voyage, backing to open space. A dramatic foyer sets the tone, then an airy great room, chef’s kitchen, and formal dining connect seamlessly. Main level primary suite has dual vanities, two walk-in closets, and a walk-in shower, with a second shower in bath two.

Game room up top, private study below, plus a three-car split garage for toys and tools. Pool included, premium location, and the community’s largest plan. Built by America’s Most Trusted Homebuilder, MLS 6951086, ready in January.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →