December’s A Wonderful Month Full Of Wonders Now through January 15, 2022 (Select Nights)
The wonder of wandering through the Phoenix Zoo Lights is a magical part of the Christmas season. From 5:30-10:30 p.m. experience the thrill of incredible lighting throughout the part. Tickets are $20/person, $16/member, and children two and under are free. December 3 The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will accept applications for limited-entry permit-tag seasons through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. These new big game hunting opportunities give hunters a chance to draw an additional elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer permit-tag, while generating revenue to support wildlife conservation efforts across the state. To apply, visit https://limitedhuntentry.azgfd.com/. Those who are drawn will be contacted during the week of December 6. December 3-5
From 10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. the Tempe Festival of Arts has a 50+ year history in Tempe (one of the oldest festivals in the Southwest) and takes place twice a year. Guests can enjoy artists from around the country, local music, a Kids Block and many great food options — all located on the streets of historic Mill Avenue. Admission is free December 3-31 (Select Days)
From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Desert Botanical Garden shines bright during the holiday season! Enjoy live music performances, entertainment and thousands of dazzling hand-lit luminarias at the Garden with family and friends. For 44 years, the Garden’s trails sparkle during this iconic holiday tradition, and it will remind you of what the season is all about. 
This year, the event will shine extra bright with the inclusion of the stunning Chihuly in the Desert exhibition at night. On Tuesday, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice), a silent night at Luminaria will be held. This night only, walk the luminaria-lit trails of the Garden for an evening of self-reflection and rejuvenation (no live or recorded music). You can also reserve a private space; contact Ali Reese at areese@dbg.org to inquire about availability. For other information, contact@dbg.org. December 10 The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2022 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2023 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for its consideration during a public meeting Dec. 10 in Yuma. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission. December 12 The new twice-monthly event series in the heart of Tempe is “Second Sundays on Mill”. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a local market featuring Arizona-made arts and crafts, baked goods unique gifts, and more. Enjoy street performances, live music from local musicians, community programming, fitness classes, and outdoor games. This event is family friendly and is surrounded by delicious eats and treats from local restaurants — a great way to “mill around” on a Sunday afternoon. This event will run through April 2022. December 12 And 26 Bring family and friends to Butterfly Wonderland, a seasonal holiday experience:”Christmas in the Rainforest”. This features an abundance of butterflies from the rainforests of Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia. See Butterfly Wonderland decked in festive decor and enjoy live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Butterfly Conservatory by violinist Jonathan Levingston. There is a special seasonal scavenger hunt sheet for kids and a chance to pose for a professional holiday themed photo with the Magic Memories photographer. There are also great ideas for gifts in the gift shop. Butterfly Wonderland is open all year from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Information: (480) 800-3000 and info@butterflywonderland.com. Wednesdays, March through May 2022 Each Wednesday AZFISHBOOK will be hosting Casting Meet-ups at Road Runner Park. This is a free event. Come out and practice your casting, get a few casting tips from casting instructors or just hang out with other anglers and swap fishing stories. For more information, call (623) 229-8335 or contact trailrunneraz@gmail.com.
