😲 The best holiday lights in Arrowhead! 🎄

The holiday season is here and in full swing. Every year there seems to be more & more events and cool things to go see. That is why I’m very excited to share two resources I’ve created to keep you up to speed on the best events and the holiday light displays you need to see.

In this edition:

In past years I tried to get as many spots on the map as I could, but last year, as much as I want to show off the light displays in Arrowhead Ranch, there were just too many good ones!!

This year, the map contains the best of the best holiday light displays, and they do not disappoint!

Get all the details on these light displays, plus a google map of all locations at ArrowheadHolidayLightsMap.com

Be sure to share the map with your friends & family!! If you know of a display worthy of being on the map, please share the details.

One of the several empty bix box store spaces here in Arrowhead has been filled with a new tenant. PartyZona is now open, in the space formerly occupied by Party City. If you’re in need of party supplies or balloons, stop by PartyZona at 8026 W. Bell Road, next door to Trader Joe’s.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following closures as part of the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) widening project.

Iced Tea lovers, you’ll need to check out the grand opening of the newest HTeaO location at 5254 W. Bell Road. You can stop by on December 6th and choose from their 28 flavors of iced tea!!

You can read my review of the location they opened at WestGate earlier this year.

Flower Child, the popular Sam Fox Concepts chain, is gearing up for a new location in Peoria, bringing its fresh bowls, salads, and healthy comfort food to the Trailhead shopping center at 83rd Ave & Happy Valley Road. The restaurant is known for its bright atmosphere and menu that works for many dietary needs. Locals can look forward to a new spot for quick, feel good meals. (link)

The new tenant for the space formerly occupied by Bottega Ristorante, Pizzicata Pizzeria Ristorante, has announced their opening date. You can head in and see this new restaurant starting on December 9th! See their post on Instagram.

Nick and J.D. are back after Thanksgiving and diving into all things Arrowhead — from Christmas lights and local events to new restaurants and neighborhood updates.

In this episode: ✨ Arrowhead Holiday Lights Map J.D.’s legendary, hand-curated holiday lights map is almost ready! Featuring the Top 10–12 can’t-miss displays across Arrowhead, plus optional outer-loop stops. Perfect for family bike rides, cocoa cruises, and holiday sightseeing. 🔗 ArrowheadHolidayLightsMap.com

🎄 Holiday Events Across the Valley From Desert Farm Lights to World of Illumination to Candy Cane Lane in Peoria — tons of festive things to do, including free options. A full events list is coming to EverythingArrowhead.com.

🍗 Chick-fil-A at Trailhead Begins Construction It’s official! Chick-fil-A has broken ground at 83rd & Happy Valley, joining McDonald’s, Sparrow, Genuine Ramen Bar, and the upcoming Flower Child. Estimated timeline: 4–6 months.

🥤 HTeaO Grand Opening (52nd & Bell) 47 flavors of iced tea, gallon jugs, soft opening soon, grand opening this Saturday. A great Starbucks alternative.

🎉 PartyZona Opens in Former Party City Space A new independent party supply shop at 83rd & Bell — great news after the big chains closed.

🥾 Arrowhead Hiking Club Recap Great turnout for the post-Thanksgiving hike — 11 hikers, perfect weather, and even a trail-leading “chug” (Chihuahua/pug). All trails are beginner-friendly and go-at-your-own-pace. 🔗 ArrowheadHikingClub.com

🏡 Phase 1 HOA President Joining Soon Nick bumped into Tommy Cramer, Phase 1 HOA President for 10+ years, and he’ll be a guest on the podcast to answer common questions and clear up recurring confusion.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with everything happening around Glendale and Arrowhead. 🗓️ Hiking details & community events at EverythingArrowhead.com

Got more questions for city leaders? Drop them in the comments or email [email protected].

Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.

In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.

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The holidays are in full swing, and that means a full line up of fun & exciting holiday themed events are happening all across the Valley.

I’ve created a curated list of local & valleywide events you may be interested in this holiday season. See all the details here.

[Downtown Glendale] Glendale Glitters is happening nightly through December 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the magic. Stroll through the charming streets of Downtown Glendale, explore unique shops, and indulge in festive treats while taking in the dazzling lights and joyful atmosphere.

In addition to the ongoing lights, Santa Claus will be at Santa’s Village every Friday and Saturday, beginning December 5 through December 20. Starting at 6 p.m. families can visit Santa at 5836 W Palmaire Ave, with photos available for $5. (link)

Looking for something fun to do this weekend here in the NW Valley? Check out the Weekend Lineup on our Instagram.

[Phoenix] 38th Annual APS Electric Light Parade is being held on December 6th in Central Phoenix. This annual tradition is worth the trip!!

Parade date and time: December 6, 2025​​  The parade starts at 7:00 p.m. and its run-time varies.

Starting location: Central Ave. and Montebello Ave.
Ending location: 7th St​​. and Indian School Rd. 

Lighted floats and balloons make their way to Seventh Street and Indian School Road in this annual Valley tradition. 7 p.m. Begins at N. Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., Phoenix, 602-534-FEST.

[Glendale] Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center. Now through December 24th.

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 7 and is located on the lower level near JCPenney. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

[Glendale] Pet Nights with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center. December 8th Times: 4-7PM

Bring your pets, big and small, and watch as they strike a pose with Santa! Our skilled photographers will be on hand to capture the magic of the moment, creating timeless memories for you and your beloved companions.

[Glendale] The Arrowhead Farmers Market is hosting their market at its new location every Saturday from 9am-1pm, at Dream City Church, 21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308

Have an event you’d like listing here? Please send me the details!

We had a great turn out for the post-Thanksgiving hike up Sunrise Summit Trail this past Saturday.

If the 8 pound dog Chopper can make it to the top, so can you!!! Join us on our next hike on Saturday, December 13th as we head east of Arrowhead and take on the Desert Tortoise & Dixie Mountain Loop trails near Norterra. It is a beautiful trail and area of the desert that many never see.

Get the details & all of our upcoming hikes at ArrowheadHikingClub.com

This group is for everyone of all skill levels, seasoned backpacker to beginner, we’d love to have you join us.

Last week’s trivia question was ‘What was the original name of the Central Arizona Project?’

As popular as Fred The Canal was, the correct answer was: Granite Reef

The main canal of the Central Arizona Project was originally called the Granite Reef Aqueduct.

This was the project’s early name during planning and engineering stages, referring to the canal’s path beginning near the Granite Reef Diversion Dam on the Salt River.
When the system was finalized and branded under the broader CAP program, the Granite Reef Aqueduct became known simply as the Central Arizona Project Canal (or CAP Canal).

HOME OF THE WEEK: The average home price in Arrowhead is $684k, so what can you get in the least expensive home in the area, priced at $390k?

It is actually more than you’d think. See all the info & pics here.

Meet Kaia!

Kaia was found as a stray. She was taken to Arizona Humane due to a growth in her ear. After assessing Arizona Humane felt they could not take on her medical. Well, we had no problem helping her! Kaia was picked up and taken to her foster home. She needed to see a vet ASAP! We needed to know what to do for her ear and we noticed the other ear was also infected. After getting some antibiotics and pain medication we set up a time to get her ear looked at. She would need to be sedated for this. She would not let anyone near her ears. This didn't happen overnight. This was years of ear infections that went untreated.

Kaia had a procedure that removed her entire ear canal and her ear. This was the only way we could stop the infections. It was a tough recovery. She wouldn't take her medication and because there was already infection in her ear she struggled. Two doctors visits and a stay at the emergency vet FINALLY fixed this little lady! Well we thought we were all done! Kaia's other ear started acting up just as she finished healing. We scheduled her for another procedure. She is now had both ears done. The good news is she will never have another ear infection. She is now hearing impaired. She can hear some tones but that is it. They also removed her ears. Kaia doesn't let that stop her! She is moving on and feeling good!

She is a total love bug! She likes to chew on her bones. Chill in her dog bed and watch a little TV with her foster parents. She walks on a leash. She is good with other dogs and cats. She actually loves to play with cat toys HA HA! She is such a good dog!

Kaia spayed, UTD on vaccines, microchipped, and 4DX (tick/heartworm test) negative.

Kaia is approximately 4 years old and weigh 48 pounds.

Learn more about Kaia and the other available pets at Paw Posse Animal Rescue.

An amazing image from Bruce Donaldson of last night’s full moon rising over Lake Pleasant

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