Holiday Cheer Officially Kicks Off This Weekend

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I’ll be in Prescott enjoying the day with the family and eating entirely too much pumpkin pie. I had to go to Costco to snag one the other day and it was a process 😂. Well worth it though!

Enjoy time with your loved ones. I share a lot of fun events happening below!

Scottsdale's holiday season launches with two major tree lighting celebrations happening this weekend!

Friday, November 29th brings The Santa Social at Scottsdale Quarter from 2-8pm. This family celebration packs in photos with Santa, face painting, caricature artists, Christmas character appearances, hot chocolate and crafts. The evening wraps up with their annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:45pm followed by a screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." They're also running a $5 raffle supporting Phoenix Children's with prizes up to $1,500 including a stay at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

The weekend continues with Scottsdazzle's Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular at the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank. This signature event features live jazz from The New Guard Big Band, complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the lighting of a 36-foot Scottsdazzle tree. New this year is the "Scottsdazzle Toyland" with magical crafting activities and wish list letter writing.

Phoenix Magazine named Scottsdazzle as the best community event in their 2025 Arizona Travel Awards, so you know it's worth checking out.

Old Town Scottsdale is getting another hotel option with the AC Hotel Scottsdale Old Town opening in early February. Located right by Scottsdale Rd and Indian School, this will be the sixth AC Hotel in Arizona (part of Marriott's brand roster) and will feature 168 rooms including 18 two-bedroom suites.

The hotel will have a rooftop pool, rooftop bar and restaurant, plus a three-story underground parking garage. This adds to the growing hotel landscape in Old Town, giving visitors even more options to stay right in the heart of all the action.

Trimlight Phoenix is giving away a free permanent Trimlight lighting system (holiday lighting) to one Valley family this holiday season, and they want your help finding them.

If you know someone who's had a challenging year, goes above and beyond for others, or simply deserves something special, you can nominate them to receive a full professional installation for the front of their home. The winner gets a lighting system that works for the holidays and every celebration after.

Last year, Trimlight surprised Kim, a retired special needs teacher in Phoenix, with a complete installation. This year could be someone you know.

Nominations close Monday, December 1 at midnight (AZ time). The winner will be announced Friday, December 5. Just fill out the short form, share why this family deserves it, and include a photo or video if you can.

Submit Your Nomination Here

Manor Scottsdale is redefining apartment living in North Scottsdale, and right now they're offering two months free on new leases with pricing starting at $1,637.

These aren't your typical apartments. We're talking oversized windows with sweeping mountain views, modern kitchens with premium finishes, and private balconies that make Arizona's indoor-outdoor lifestyle effortless. They've got studio, one, two, and three-bedroom residences with spacious layouts and walk-in closets can fit a big wardrobe.

The amenities are impressive. There's a 6,000-square-foot pool deck with hot tub, fire pits, and cabanas overlooking the riverfront. The fitness center includes CLMBR, rowing machines, TRX training, plus dedicated yoga and spin studios with Echelon equipment. And here's something you don't see everywhere: an on-site spa with massage services, nail care, cold plunge, and a sauna overlooking the pool.

You're right in the heart of North Scottsdale near TPC Scottsdale, luxury shopping, and some of the Valley's best restaurants. Everything you need is within a mile.

Schedule a Tour

The Local Donut on near Osborn and Hayden has been making a name for itself in Scottsdale's donut scene. What I love about this place is that they keep things simple but execute it perfectly.

They're open 6am–12pm weekdays and 6am–2pm weekends, which makes them perfect for that morning coffee run or weekend treat pickup. The fact that they close by midday tells you everything you need to know about freshness and quality.

Plus, they just brought back online ordering through their website, so you can order ahead and grab your favorites without the wait. Perfect for those busy mornings when you want fresh donuts but need to keep moving.

I love Marcellino for date night! Celebrating 23 years in business, Marcellino Ristorante brings authentic Italian cuisine with handmade fresh pastas and Mediterranean seafood that feels like a genuine taste of Italy right here in Scottsdale.

What makes this place special is the European service style and warm atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and actually enjoy each other's company. Chef Marcellino is passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and you can taste that care in every dish.

The restaurant respects that dining should be a joyful experience, so they take their time with each table. You can linger over wine and conversation without feeling rushed. Plus, they have live music on Thursdays and Saturdays if you're looking for something extra special.

Did you hear Medik8 is having a Black Friday Sale? Grab your skin saviors at 30% off, plus some free gifts to pamper yourself!*

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Wednesday, November 26

🦃 Thanksgiving Eve Celebration | Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Thursday, November 27

🦃 A Royal Thanksgiving - T. Cook's Prix-Fixe | Royal Palms Resort & Spa | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🦃 A Royal Thanksgiving - Resort Buffet | Royal Palms Resort & Spa | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🦃 Thanksgiving Breakfast Buffet | Hotel Valley Ho | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM

🦃 Thanksgiving Dinner | Hotel Valley Ho | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🦃 Turkey Day Feast | Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

🦃 Thanksgiving- A Thankful Harvest | Weft & Warp Art Bar and Kitchen | Check link for times

Friday, November 28

🎄 Miracle Bar at BLVD | BLVD Kitchen & Bar Scottsdale | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

🤠 Million Dollar Breakaway | WestWorld of Scottsdale | Check link for schedule (multiple days)

Saturday, November 29

🎅 The Santa Social | Scottsdale Quarter | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🎄 Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular | Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, November 30

🎨 Beyond Van Gogh - The Immersive Experience | Check site for Scottsdale location | Check link for times

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $6.9M!This one was designed by Award-winning architect C.P. Drewett.

Here’s the link if you want to check it out.

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