Missed the early-bird ticket sale? This Scottsdale holiday tradition is still a must! Just don't miss the s’mores by the fire and unlimited hot cocoa:)☕️
🎄 Scottsdale's Christmas at the Princess Is Back
🚪 ALMA Reopens With a New Southwest Steakhouse Concept in North Scottsdale
🧩 Let's play SCRMBLD!
🎴 Red Rock Collectors invite the Valley to Scottsdale Sports & TCG Expo
Christmas at the Princess returns for its 17th season, running Nov. 20, 2026 through Jan. 2, 2027.
The celebration features more than 17 million lights across the resort's 65 acres, a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, fire pits for roasting s'mores, and nightly character appearances, including Saint Nicholas. Guests can also explore Chateau Champagne, a romantic candlelit experience for adults 21 and older, or unwind in one of 10 climate-controlled VIP Igloos with heated patios. The Christmas Shoppe also features its “A Very Beary Christmas” theme, with exclusive ornaments, festive gifts, and holiday keepsakes.
Now in its 17th year, Christmas at the Princess has become one of Scottsdale's popular holiday traditions, with its lagoon light display earning a Newsweek Readers' Choice Award for Best Christmas Lights Display. General admission starts at $35, and visitors looking to enjoy more of the attractions without rushing can consider a two-night stay at the resort, which offers VIP Express Wristbands to reduce wait times.
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale.
🚪 Opening
ALMA Reopens With a New Southwest Steakhouse Concept in North Scottsdale
40 oz wood-fired porterhouse, fire-roasted chiles, charred spring onions, and Alma steak sauce
Located at 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road in North Scottsdale, the revamped destination features a Southwest steakhouse, a tequila-and-mezcal lounge, and a rooftop bar called Copper Club. Adding an unexpected twist, the property also houses Barbwire Western Couture, offering Western-inspired clothing, jewelry, boots, hats, and accessories.
Led by Executive Chef Sheila Bryson, ALMA’s menu highlights premium steaks, wood-fired cooking, and Southwestern flavors inspired by Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Northern Mexico. The restaurant takes over the former Preston’s Steakhouse space, which closed in 2025, following an extensive renovation that included major infrastructure upgrades and a complete interior rebuild.
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🧩Game
Hey there! Monday mornings can be a bit of a drag, right? Maybe this will help—tap to play! Last Monday's average was 1:57.
📰 Other News & Events
Arizona BBQ Shack celebrated 7 years of great local music and BBQs yesterday, Nov. 1. From their award-winning ribs to slow-smoked brisket, enjoy a hands-on BBQ experience at their location at 8471 East McDonald Drive in Scottsdale. Also accepting Thanksgiving orders now.
Red Rock Collectors invite the Valley to Scottsdale Sports & TCG Expo, Arizona’s top trading card show. Taking place at Scottsdale Stadium on November 21, explore vintage & modern sports slabs, TCG, and custom collectibles from over 125 vendors. Donate some unopened, non-perishable food items and receive an extra raffle ticket! Free admission and parking.
Got extra Halloween candies to share? Backpacks 4 Kids AZ collects sweet treats to pack Christmas stockings for kids in need. Drop them off at 6819 N. 21st Ave., Unit N, Phoenix, AZ 85015 during pantry hours: Tuesday, 11am-12:30pm; Wednesday, 6pm-7:30pm; Thursday, 6pm-7:30pm.
Scottsdale Quarter’s Fall Concert Series wraps up on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a live performance by Thatgirlband from 5 to 7 p.m. The free outdoor concert will be held under the palm trees, and attendees can bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the evening.
Hondo Rodeo Fest returns to Phoenix’s Chase Field Nov. 13–15, transforming the baseball stadium into a rodeo arena with professional competitions, a $1 million prize purse, and country concerts featuring Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, and more.
The 11th Annual Scottsdale Italian Festival returns to Scottsdale Civic Center on November 7–8, 2026. Presented by the Italian Association of Arizona, this year’s theme, “La Strada del Vino,” will highlight Italian cuisine, culture and entertainment. The festival runs 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, with pre-sale tickets starting at $15.
Hope this rundown helps you start your Monday off right! Thanks for reading Desert Rundown! 🌵
— Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
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