Just because we haven’t had snow doesn’t mean we don’t see our share of flurries.
The weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas are nothing but a giant flurry — of holiday parties, gift-hunting expeditions, seasonal experiences for the kids, baking, wrapping and plan-plan-planning for all those family get-togethers.
Amid all the chaos, finding moments to be still and savor the season is a must. Las Noches de las Luminarias, over at Desert Botanical Garden, is one such opportunity.
The garden’s trails are lined with more than 8,000 softly glowing luminarias for the 35-year-old event, which doesn’t require you to do anything but “ooh” and “aah” at all the twinkly lights.
You can also sit and take in live music from more than 10 acts stationed along the trails, including blues band Big Nick & the Gila Monsters, flamenco guitarist Chris Burton Jácome, the Sonoran Jazz Quartet and Native American group the Duncan Family. Handbell ensembles also perform.
Go hungry, and you’ll find two options: a fancy dining hall buffet with a chef-attended carving station (Meal tickets are $17.50 for adults and $9.50 for children; it’s recommended that you buy them in advance), and The Patio Cafe on Ullman Terrace, offering pork green chili ($6.50), butternut squash soup ($5), pumpkin cinnamon spice tiramisu ($5) and churros ($2).
A tranquil way to take in the sights and sounds of the season, it makes a welcome breather.
DETAILS >> 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 16-23 and Dec. 26-30. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 3-12. (480) 481-8188 or DBG.org
Contact writer: (480) 898-6818 or azajac@evtrib.com
btbeme posted at 3:49 pm on Sat, Dec 15, 2012.
Attended this year after a two year hiatus. And what a disappointment! Far, far too loud - amplified jazz, country, and steel drum bands competing with each other, so loud that it was nearly impossible to hear the carolers. At no time was there ever fewer than two bands that you could hear in any corner of the Gardens.
Far from the fun and tranquil events of the past. Until they figure out that loudly amplified music is out of place at this event we will not return.
Loved the event in the past... strolling peacefully, listening to the various artists in intimate settings along the paths, hot chocolate by the fire listening to the carolers or the barbershop quartet... Where did all of that go?