Happy Tuesday, Scottsdale. In today’s edition: Aritzia boutique opening, Merry Merchantile Market, Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Aritzia grows U.S. presence: Aritzia, the Vancouver-based design house, opened a boutique at Scottsdale Fashion Square on December 6. The store features personalized styling, a lounge, and brands like Wilfred and The Super Puff — get all the details.

New chapter for Cognite: Cognite has relocated its global headquarters from Oslo to Tempe, citing Arizona’s tech talent. The industrial AI firm expects to create more than 100 jobs in metro Phoenix — get all the details.

Housing insecurity intensifies: Eviction filings in Maricopa County remain near record levels in 2025 despite slightly lower rents, with 84,000 filings so far, just 4% below 2024’s record, driven largely by job losses — read the full story.

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

• Celebrate a chic winter party evening
• Wander glistening holiday butterfly gardens
• Meet Santa at free holiday fair
• Shop, sip, and celebrate local makers
• Join a festive symphonic sing-along
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Living legends bring anthems: Nelly and Ludacris, with special guest Ja Rule, will co-headline Friday night at the 2026 Coors Light Birds Nest during WM Phoenix Open week. The concert series runs Feb. 4 to 7, with their set on Feb. 6. Tickets go on sale Dec. 9 at 10 a.m., and the event is 21 and up. Get ticket and lineup details.

Dignitaries to join festivities: Save the date. Mesa’s Asian Festival returns to Mesa Community College Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2026, celebrating Lunar New Year with lion dances, Taiko, cultural performances, crafts, and more than 50 food vendors. China Airlines will sponsor round-trip tickets at its festival booth and will fly nonstop Phoenix to Taipei three days weekly. Get all the festival details.

Cozy pint weather: Whether your winter mood is roasty, chocolatey, or simply “bring me something dark,” Fate Brewing Company keeps the taps fresh with cold‑night sippers. Their award‑winning Candy Bar Milk Stout returns each October…perfect for an easy Scottsdale nightcap with friends.

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

✂️ Ribbon Cutting – Native Ceuticals Northeast Valley @ Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce | Wednesday (12/10) at 8:45am – Celebrate the grand opening of Native Ceuticals with early-morning networking, complimentary refreshments, and a peek into their plant-based wellness philosophy. It’s a chance to meet the team, mix with local pros, and support a new business rooted in holistic, seed-to-shelf care.

🔥 Community Welding Workshop @ The Walter Hive | Thursday (12/11) at 5:00pm – Channel your inner metal artist as instructors walk you through welding basics and help you craft a one-of-a-kind piece to take home. Beginners and seasoned makers are equally welcome—just be ready to spark, create, and maybe discover a new favorite hobby. Spaces are limited, so snag a spot early.

🎨 Gold Palette ArtWalk @ Wilde Meyer Gallery | Thursday (12/11) at 6:30pm – Nothing beats a Thursday night art stroll in Old Town, especially when the ArtWalk goes Gold Palette with a “Showtime” theme tied to Canal Convergence. Expect extended gallery hours, live music, complimentary sips and bites, and your neighbor dispensing strong opinions about sculpture.

🍸 Mom Mixer: Holiday Edition @ 50 Shades of Rosé | Friday (12/12) at 5:00pm – Moms, it’s your night to ditch the chaos, add a little sparkle, and strut into the Grinch Pop-Up Bar like the festive queens you are. Expect laughs, cocktails, and a well-earned break from the daily grind. Limited spots mean RSVP fast—self-care looks a lot like this.

🎭 Mainstage Improv Comedy Show @ The Bridge Improv Theater | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Six quick-witted improvisers are spinning games, scenes, and stories out of thin air. No script, no safety net, just laughs and the kind of mischief you cannot stream. It is across from Rito’s at Mesa Riverview, so parking is easy, and fun is easier.

This weekend

🛍️ Merry Merchantile Market on December 13 & 14, 2025 @ Scottsdale Civic Center | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Holiday shopping without the mall meltdown? The Scottsdale Civic Center turns into a two-day market with nearly 200 local makers, good eats, music, and drinks, plus hat bars, permanent jewelry, and DIY ornaments. Free entry, free parking, pet friendly, with kids crafts, Santa, and princesses.

📚 The Croak and Dagger Book Discussion Group @ The Poisoned Pen Bookstore (Virtual) | Saturday (12/13) at 10:30am – Dive into winter chills with a discussion of The Christmas Killer, a snowy, small-village mystery where the body count climbs as fast as the blizzards. Join live or on Zoom for a cozy-but-creepy book chat perfect for crime fiction fans.

🍫 City of Scottsdale Announces Chocolate Wonderland Event Dec. 13 @ Marshall Way Bridge | Saturday (12/13) at 12:00pm – Trade holiday stress for truffles at a hands-on chocolate workshop on the Marshall Way Bridge with Sue Berliner from Old Town’s b Naked Chocolates. Roll, dip, and coat your own treats, enjoy a tasting, and leave with gift-ready sweets, if they make it home. $35.

⛵ Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade + Holiday Market @ Tempe Beach Park | Saturday (12/13) at 4:00pm – Tempe Town Lake goes full twinkle with decked-out boats, entertainment, a holiday market, and food and drink at Tempe Beach Park. Shop local, write Santa, snap the obligatory pic with the big guy, then stay for fireworks. Clear bags only, festive attitudes encouraged.

🍻 Breathe & Bond with Brews @ Hundred Mile Brewing Company | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Slow down, sip something tasty, and unwind with friends during this laid-back blend of mindfulness and craft beer. It’s equal parts deep breaths and good brews—aka the perfect Sunday reset.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/11 Matt Friend @ Tempe Improv – 7:30 pm
• 12/12 Tetra String Quartet Holiday Celebration @ Tempe History Museum – 7 pm
• 12/13 Rita Rudner @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – 7:30 pm
• 12/19 Jam Festivus Celebration @ Pho Cao – 7 pm
• 12/20 Christmas Bar Crawl @ Boondocks – 4 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

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5-bed, 4.5-bath new build in Arcadia Lite with clean lines, Camelback views, and no HOA. The chef’s kitchen flexes modern cabinetry, endless counters, and a family-size breakfast bar. An open Great Room with a gas fireplace looks out to a resort-style backyard.

Primary suite sits downstairs with a sleek spa bath and private patio. Backyard brings the heat, pool, spa, plus firepit. Minutes to Old Town Scottsdale dining, shopping, and nightlife, with a layout that suits vacation or short-term rental.

Take a peek inside →