Christmas 2023 in Arizona: Valley chefs celebrate Kwanzaa 2023: 'Know where you come from'
Arizona roads and airports will be busy ahead of Christmas, as more than 2 million Arizonans were expected to travel for the holiday, according to AAA.
The state also was expected to see rain and snow starting Friday, according to the National Weather Service forecast. The weather is sure to impact some holiday travelers this weekend.
Here's a guide on everything happening in the state and across the U.S., from travel updates and weather forecasts to what stores are open for last-minute shopping.
Metro Phoenix chefs celebrate Kwanzaa 2023
For many Black Americans, Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate history, culture and heritage with food and family traditions. Kwanzaa celebrations began in the 1960s following the American Civil Rights movement as a way for Black Americans to honor their African roots.
Celebrated for seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year, every day of Kwanzaa represents one of the holiday's principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (working together), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). The seven principles correspond to a colored candle on the kinara. The sixth day of Kwanzaa is typically celebrated with a banquet, known as karamu.
Three metro Phoenix chefs and restaurateurs shared their Kwanzaa traditions, how they've evolved over time and how they plan to celebrate this year.
— Endia Fontanez
AZ Lottery provides shoes for those in need
The Arizona Lottery partnered with nonprofit Soles 2 Souls to provide $25,000 that would be used to buy shoes for families and individuals in need during the holiday season.
The year round charity nonprofit used a portion of the funds from the Arizona Lottery to buy new shoes for 30 families at a local Valley shelter.
Soles 2 Souls was founded by two Phoenix teenagers who have given several hundred pairs of shoes to people experiencing homelessness and children in foster care, according to a news release.
The Arizona Lottery said they transferred $318 million in 2023 to "important programs and services that would otherwise rely on tax dollars for their funding."
— Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Dry, chilly, tranquil weather forecast for the Valley
Valley residents saw sunny skies and a slightly colder-than-average Monday with a high of 63 degrees and a nighttime low of 42 degrees.
Mostly clear skies lingered into Monday night that saw calm wind and no precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service issued a high pollution advisory for Monday in Phoenix.
Conditions in the Valley would remain dry and tranquil for the start of the workweek before a gradual warming trend.
Flagstaff on Monday saw sunny, but dry and cold conditions with a daily high of 44 degrees and a nighttime low of 15 degrees.
Tucson would sit below the average temperature for the year with a sunny high of 62 degrees, a nighttime low of 34 degrees and a light wind calming by dark.
— Rey Covarrubias Jr.
What to know about fireworks in Arizona
Arizona has new firework regulations that will go into effect on Tuesday December 26th. Here’s what to know.
People may use legal fireworks from May 4- May 6, June 24- July 26 and Dec, 26- Jan. 4.
Those selling legal fireworks may sell them from April 25- May 6, May 20- July 6 and Dec.10- Jan.3. Fireworks may not be sold to anyone under 16.
The law states the sale and use of non legal fireworks are prohibited, except if they are authorized by a local fire department permit.
Cities or towns within counties that have more than 500,000 residents can prohibit the sale and use of legal fireworks on days except the dates listed above. They may also not prohibit the sale and use of legal fireworks two days before Diwali through the third day of Diwali.
On all days, cities can ban the use of fireworks between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for December 31st from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and July 4th from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Pop-its, party poppers, glow worms, snakes, toy smoke devices and sparklers are permitted for sale and use at all times according to the law.
— Abigail Celaya
These areas of United States could see a white Christmas
Dreams of a white Christmas are being shattered for most of us, as the nation could see its least-snowy Christmas Day in modern recordkeeping. But a last-minute snowstorm will likely make those dreams come true for some folks.
“Some people will get their dream, their wish, and get a white Christmas right at the last minute,” said Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting at Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research. “But most of the country will have a brown Christmas.”
How brown? As of Friday Dec. 22, only 13.2% of the contiguous U.S. was snow-covered, according to the National Weather Service. If that figure holds or declines, the country would have the least snow cover on Christmas Day since accurate records began 20 years ago.
— Olivia Munson
These restaurants will be open on Christmas
Amid a flurry of visits to family and friends, the unveiling of treasures under the tree, hanging stockings and celebrating every kind of festivity in between, take the time to feed your holiday spirit without lifting a finger.
From indulgent brunches to dinners and specials, spend Christmas Day dining at restaurants around metro Phoenix.
All menus available Dec. 25 only. Reservations are strongly recommended for each restaurant and are even required for many.
Here are some of the best restaurant menus being served Christmas Day in metro Phoenix.
— Georgann Yara
How, where, do I dispose of my Christmas tree?
There’s nothing like having a real Christmas tree and its natural scent spreading through a home.
But after all the presents have been opened, you might be wondering how you can dispose of the tree. Should you wait for bulk trash pickup or is there a way to get rid of it more quickly?
The Arizona Republic created a city-by-city guide as to how, and where, you can properly dispose of your Christmas tree in metro Phoenix.
— Elena Santa Cruz
Chignahuapan: Artisian ornaments made in Mexico
The town of Chignahuapan located in the Sierra Norte of the east-central state of Puebla, Mexico, has been home to artisan hand-blown glass ornaments since 1965.
Ornament making began in Chignahuapan after Rafael Mendez brought the trade to the town and opened up the first workshops. 60 years later there are hundreds of shops and workshops that produce and sell handmade ornaments year-round. Chignahuapan makes and sells ornaments year-round, but tourism and purchases pick up during the holiday season (October to December).
In addition to handmade Christmas ornaments everywhere, at night the town is illuminated by thousands of colorful lights.
The town received the designation of "pueblo mágico" or magical town and has been apart of the "Pueblo Mágico" program since 2012 because it is the site of "symbols and legends ... with a history that in many cases has been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show national identity in each of its corners," according to the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico.
— Abigail Celaya
Christmas Eve fog prompts ground stop for incoming flights
Incoming flights to Sky Harbor International Airport were issued a ground stop by the Federal Aviation Administration Sunday morning because of low visibility due to fog.
The ground stop was lifted just before 10 a.m., according to a Sky Harbor spokesperson.
The FAA call only affected aircraft that had not yet taken off from other airports, the Sky Harbor spokesperson said. Planes still took off from Sky Harbor, and those that were already in the air were permitted to land.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued dense fog advisory early Sunday for most of southwest Arizona. Just before 8:30 a.m., it was expanded to include downtown Phoenix and the East Valley. The weather service said in a post on X that Phoenix Sky Harbor reported visibility as low as a quarter mile.
The fog advisory was expected to be in effect through 11 a.m.
— Elena Santa Cruz
Arizona’s best holiday lights in 2023
There is an abundance of Christmas lights displays in metro Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
Whether you’re looking for a spot close to home or are willing to make a trek, options in the Valley include Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, which has skating, pictures with Santa, a holiday boutique and petting zoo.
There’s also Glendale Glitters, Phoenix Zoolights and two locations of World of Illumination, among other options. Finding the brightest and biggest light displays in metro Phoenix is easy with our comprehensive guide.
And you don't have to limit yourself to the Valley. Flagstaff has the North Pole Experience, with a trolley ride, baked goodies and a picture with Santa. Or visit Tucson for the Winterhaven Festival of Lights and Tohono Chul Holiday Nights. Here's our roundup of the best Christmas 2023 events in Arizona.
— Dina Kaur
Want to see some fantastic Christmas light displays in the Valley?
Across the Valley are some beautiful Christmas light displays sure to inspire awe for the whole family.
Not sure where to go?
Don’t worry. The Arizona Republic has you covered with its holiday lights map. Check out the best locations to visit.
— Shelby Slade
These areas of US could see a white Christmas
Dreams of a white Christmas are being shattered for most of us, as the nation could see its least-snowy Christmas Day in modern record-keeping. But a last-minute snowstorm will likely make those dreams come true for some folks.
“Some people will get their dream, their wish, and get a white Christmas right at the last minute,” said Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting at Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research. “But most of the country will have a brown Christmas.”
How brown? As of Dec. 22, only 13.2% of the contiguous U.S. was snow-covered, according to the National Weather Service. If that figure holds or declines, the country would have the least snow cover on Christmas Day since accurate records began 20 years ago.
— Olivia Munson
Looking for a family-friendly Christmas movie to stream? Here are 100 to try
There's nothing quite like cozying up by the fire to watch a good movie, and the holiday season is the perfect time to do just that.
But with Christmas just a couple of days away, there might not be enough time to find (or watch) every Christmas movie.
Put on your favorite pajamas and grab some gingerbread cookies. Here is a list of family-friendly films available on various streaming services for you to watch this winter.
— Olivia Munson
Metro Phoenix under high pollution advisory starting Christmas Eve
A high pollution advisory will take effect in Maricopa County over the holiday weekend. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends residents limit their outdoor activity on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day due to higher concentrations of smoke and dust in the air.
Smoke particulates will likely accumulate past federal health standards due to “stagnant conditions,” department meteorologist Brody Droppleman said in a forecast statement.
Residents should be especially mindful from midnight to 9 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight, when Droppleman said air quality was more likely to dip due to people using their fireplaces. Smoke concentrations were forecast to return to moderate levels by Tuesday.
— Nick Sullivan
Fewer shoppers at other shopping centers in metro Phoenix
While many malls and shopping plazas saw long waits for stores and parking, Park West was a calm place in the storm for shoppers.
There was no wait for shoppers to enter the plaza and plenty of parking in the main lot available. Shoppers roamed around free from crowds in the plaza, at Northern and 95th avenues in Peoria.
Marlaine Makowski said she came out to Park West to go holiday shopping with her friend.
“We just discussed we weren’t going to get on Bell Road because it’s bumper-to-bumper traffic and it’s nice here (at Park West),” Makowski said. “We came over here to get lunch and then we are going to walk to Victoria Secret.”
— Abigail Celaya
Tanger Outlets packed as shoppers seek last-minute gifts
For holiday shoppers making their way to the Tanger Outlets in Glendale on Saturday morning, getting into the mall was not easy. The line to enter the parking lot was backed up to the Loop 101 exit at Glendale Avenue. Shoppers could be seen trying to avoid the traffic by parking at The Bass Pro Shop, or Westgate and then walking over to the mall. Amid that hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers, several independent vendors on the outskirts of the outlets were selling food. Dianna’s Daisy Hot Dogs was among them.
Zhane Jones said the family has been selling all beef hot dogs and hot links all week long. “It’s been very busy here at Tanger Outlets,” Jones said. “It’s already very busy in general, but when it comes to the holiday season, it’s super busy, especially after Black Friday.” Jones said the family has been selling food since 10 a.m. and arriving early for parking is always the best option. “We’ve been here at Tanger Outlets for about two or three years now,” Jones said. “We are here every Saturday and Sunday, so if you’re ever at Tanger Outlets and you’re hungry, we definitely always have a meal here for you.”
— Abigail Celaya
Sky Harbor Airport seeing minor flight delays
A swath of American and Southwest airlines flights are facing minor delays at Sky Harbor Saturday afternoon. In contrast to this time last year, when countless Southwest travelers were left stranded as the airline indefinitely delayed and canceled its flights, the airport has not reported any cancelations. Most delays are less than an hour as of noon.
Other airlines are also reporting minor delays, amounting to roughly 90 delays in total. Travelers can check their flight status at skyharbor.com.
— Nick Sullivan
Shoppers hit Roosevelt Row market despite drizzle
The Slacker Holiday Gift Market was in full swing on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix on Saturday morning. The fifth annual market brings local artisans and shops together for the final two Saturdays of December for last-minute shoppers.
Erin Clephas-Schulz, who just started her shop Slow Impact Goods in November, was selling sustainable goods that are also accessible. She said she likes to focus on clothing that is sustainable and colorful.
"We just started at 10 a.m. and especially given the rain it's been decently busy so far," she said.
Samantha Diaz runs Hola Chica, which sells candles, incense and trays. She said she uses scents that are less common and sells items with a minimalistic aesthetic.
"It was pretty busy. Then it started raining and everyone kind of scattered. So hopefully they come back. We did this last year and it was very busy," she added.
The Slacker Holiday Gift Market continues until 5 p.m. on Roosevelt Street between Central Avenue and Third Street.
— Shelby Slade
Still trying to go out of town for the holiday? Try these spots
You don’t have to leave Arizona to get that dreamy frosty Christmas that you imagined. There are plenty of locations that offer cold weather and holiday cheer to get you in the spirit.
From Williams, which has the potential for a white Christmas as well as Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park and is near Grand Canyon National Park, to Greer where you can rent a dreamy creekside cabin, here's our of the best places to go for Christmas in Arizona.
— Dina Kaur
Saturday is expected to be the busiest travel day before Christmas
AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told The Arizona Republic that the busiest days this year travel-wise will be on Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28.
"Traffic will be elevated during that whole period between Christmas and New Year's. The worst times to be driving are between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., so we really advise starting any trip in the morning," Paredes said.
Luckily, the Arizona Department of Transportation has paused its weekly improvement projects on state highways, meaning no scheduled major closures will take place through New Year's weekend.
— Kye Graves
Rain expected to continue Saturday
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has forecast rainfall in the morning for Phoenix residents on Saturday.
The day is expected to remain mostly cloudy. The weather service also noted the likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall, with the possibility of a thunderstorm before 10 a.m.
The weather service advised travelers to expect longer commutes, road closures, and travel issues on roadways and at the airport.
"We still could see some impacts on the roads (on Saturday)," said National Weather Service Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno.
— Aidan Wohl
Flash-flood warnings for Quartzsite and La Paz Valley
The National Weather Service in Phoenix said a flash flood warning is in place for Quartzsite and La Paz Valley until 10 p.m. This flood has potential exposure for a population of 1,795 people and two schools.
The weather service advises people who are exposed to the flash flood to move immediately to higher ground and to avoid walking or driving through the floodwaters.
— Aidan Wohl
When are grocery stores open for Christmas?
Before you head out the door to try to find that last-minute item at your local grocery store, check the grocery store's holiday hours: They could be closed.
Most grocery stores across Arizona will adjust their hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Here's a guide to some of the biggest grocery retailers, including Walmart, Fry's/Kroger, Target, Costco and more, and whether they will be open during the 2023 holiday season or if they will have limited hours.
— Raphael Romero Ruiz
St. Vincent de Paul hosting free Christmas meals
St. Vincent de Paul is gearing up for its annual Christmas meals event, where it plans on dishing out more than 7,000 plates to homeless and low-income individuals in metro Phoenix.
The meal services are scheduled for Christmas Day across the Valley at the organization's free congregate dining halls:
Phoenix Dining Room (Champions for the Homeless): 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at 1075 W. Jackson St.
Phoenix Family Dining Room: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 420 W. Watkins St. in Phoenix. Must have someone under the age of 18 accompanying.
Mesa Dining Room: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 67 W. Broadway Road.
Sunnyslope Dining Room: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 9227 N. 10th Ave. in Phoenix.
— Kye Graves
Heavy rain grounds flights at Sky Harbor on Friday
Holiday travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport faced longer than usual waits for their flights on Friday, Dec. 22, as a storm that brought widespread rain into the Valley forced a ground delay and a ground stop at the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop due to thunderstorms at 4:28 p.m. Arizona time, and it will remain in effect until at least 5:45 p.m., according to the FAA's National Airspace System Status website. During a ground stop, planes cannot land or take off.
Flights at Sky Harbor were also affected by a ground delay, in effect through 12:29 a.m. Saturday, that is delaying flights by an average of 58 minutes. The FAA cited rain and low clouds that could pose a risk to aircraft for the ground delay.
"Due to weather, the FAA has spaced out inbound flights for safety reasons, causing delays," Sky Harbor staff stated on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a post that said a family was told their flight had a two-hour delay.
— Michael Salerno
How airlines have prepared for 2023 holiday travel
Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are working to prevent them, especially during the busy end-of-year travel period. AAA is forecasting that 115.2 million Americans will travel for Christmas and New Year's in 2023. This includes 7.5 million who intend to fly, a record number.
Some airlines are refining their operations and infrastructure to better cope with issues out of their control, like severe weather, as well as to prevent computer glitches and other malfunctions within their control.
Here’s what to know before your flight.
— Michael Salerno
Will Arizona have a white Christmas?
To many people in Phoenix, the real holiday miracle would be a white Christmas, but it is far more likely in other parts of Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service, some of the places with good chances of snow on the groundon Monday are Flagstaff, Grand Canyon Village and Williams. With storms moving into the state this week, rain is anticipated to spread across metro Phoenix, with snow in the higher country as Christmas nears.
— Caralin Nunes
Arizona gas prices are rising again. Here’s where gas is cheapest
Officials say it may be the end of the road for falling gas prices this year, as both Arizona and the countrywide average tacked on to their totals.
On Thursday, AAA reported that Arizona residents were paying about $3.27 at the pump this week, a 2-cent increase from the week before.
It marks the first increase in the average price for the resource across the state since Sept. 29. Prices spiked by 4 cents that day, bringing Arizona's mean cost for a gallon of gas to $4.69, the seventh highest in the U.S. at the time.
Here is where gas is cheapest.
— Kye Graves
Christmas light show in Mesa rained out
Lights at the Farm at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, a large light display, was closed on Friday due to rain.
According to a Facebook post, anyone with tickets for Friday could redeem them on another day before Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Lights at the Farm features 2 million LED lights in its displays and hosts other events.
— Shelby Slade
No freeway closures planned for metro Phoenix
No freeway closures were scheduled throughout the Phoenix area this weekend, as the Arizona Department of Transportation will pause its full-closure improvement projects over Christmas and New Year's weekends.
Instead, the department is urging drivers to stay up to date on the current forecast ― which calls for rain throughout the state along with snow above certain elevations ― as well as watching out for existing restrictions and work zones.
ADOT advised drivers to allow extra time and to plan alternate routes. Drivers were asked to be prepared to slow down and merge safely when venturing through work zones.
Travel and roadway conditions can be checked at az511.gov.
— Kye Graves
Will weather disrupt travel across the United States?
Christmas is almost here, and millions of Americans will be traveling by vehicle or plane over the next few days. But how will the weather impact your holiday plans?
Folks in the central and western U.S. could see some travel delays because of weather in the days leading up to Christmas, forecasters say.
"The bulk of the rain and snow that could pose travel headaches through Christmas Eve (Sunday) will be in the central and Western states," said Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce. He added that much of the East Coast will stay dry during this time, with high pressure in control.
— Doyle Rice
Storm system brings flood watch along with rain, snow to Arizona
A storm brought widespread rain to the Valley on Friday, just a day after Phoenix broke a daily heat record.
Phoenix and lower desert areas were under a flood watch by the National Weather Service from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday.
There was a 100% chance of rain forecast for Phoenix throughout Friday with a high temperature of 62 degrees. The rain was not expected to let up on Saturday as chances of rain remained high at 90% with a high temperature of 61 degrees.
— Abigail Celaya
Busy travel days predicted for Arizona. Here’s what to know
With Christmas just days away, AAA forecasts that nearly 2.2 million Arizonans will travel for the holidays.
Following the busy Thanksgiving season, which saw more than 1 million Arizonans and 55.4 million Americans travel 50 or more miles to celebrate Turkey Day, AAA anticipates this Christmas and New Year's to be one of the busiest periods they've tracked in over 20 years.
AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told The Arizona Republic that the busiest days this year travel-wise will be on Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28.
“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” Senior Vice President of AAA Travel Paula Twidale said in a statement. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”
— Kye Graves
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Christmas 2023 in Arizona: Live updates on travel, weather and news
