Tie a Holiday Bow Around the Arts
Looking for holiday gift ideas? Forget boxes and bows. This year, consider a gift of culture. Here are some ideas that will not only enrich the life of the receiver and but also support the community at the same time.
ASU Gammage
If you love Broadway and live theater, Gammage should be on your wish list – and it might be on the list of those you’re buying for, too. The upcoming months are filled with performances theater lovers won’t want to miss: “The Addams Family,” “War Horse” and more.
Give a season, or give a show. Or join the ASU Gammage VIP Club for a wide range of benefits. Information
Ballet Arizona
Start a “Nutcracker” tradition with your family. This holiday classic can become a family favorite each year. Great seats are still available. Information
Prep your children for the performance – or follow the performance – on Sun., Dec. 2, at El Chorro for The Nutcracker Family Festival. Children will enjoy arts and crafts, educational opportunities, a holiday brunch and special performances from the School of Ballet Arizona and Ballet Arizona. Tickets
Desert Botanical Garden
Right now, enjoy an evening stroll through the twinkle-lights of Las Noches De Las Luminarias. Trails are lit by more than 8,000 luminaria bags and thousands of white lights. Entertainment is staged along the trails. Las Noches De Las Luminarias opens Nov. 30. Ticket information
Consider the gift of a membership to the world-class Desert Botanical Garden. One- and two-year memberships are available at different price points, from $65 to $2,500. Details
The Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is one of the Valley’s first cultural attractions, and one of its best. The museum hosts a world-class collection of Indian arts and cultures. It’s a place to explore the Southwest culture, dine and shop.
Spend a day with your children at the Heard. They will enjoy hands-on galleries with interactive fun. And be sure to visit the gift shop, where you will find one-of-a-kind Southwestern works of art.
Or give a membership to a friend or relative. More
The Musical Instrument Museum
So much happens at The Musical Instrument Museum on a daily basis, it’s hard to know where to start. One thing is certain: There is something for everyone, young and old, at MIM.
Get into the spirit of the season with holiday music. Holiday concerts range from the Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Creole Christmas. See schedule.
If you have teens, especially girl teens, take them to see the Taylor Swift Exhibit, now open. All things Taylor Swift are on display in the Artist Gallery.
Or donate to MIM as your gift to someone you don’t know. From a sponsoring a child’s school tour to donating an object for the collection, your generosity will enrich the community. And you’ll feel good too.
The Phoenix Symphony
Music, Maestro! Music is the perfect gift for any occasion. Buying a Phoenix Symphony gift certificate is just a click away.
Gift certificates can be purchased in $25, $50 and $100 increments on the website. Buy a gift certificate online.
To purchase a gift certificate for any other amount, please call Patron Services at 602-495-1999. View events
Phoenix Art Museum
Remember how much you enjoyed the King Tut or Monet exhibitions when they were here? Or the Mary Peck photos of Bhutan last spring? The scheduled lineup of exhibitions will be equally as compelling.
It would be hard to find a more-welcome gift than that of a membership to Phoenix Art Museum. Members receive exclusive benefits and discounts to venues and events throughout the Valley.
Or consider giving a gift to the community through the museum’s Grant Match Campaign. For every dollar you donate, an anonymous donor will match the amount.
Giving the Arts
The possibilities are endless. This year, think outside the wrapped box. Enjoy a Childsplay performance at Tempe Center for the Arts with your children. Spend an afternoon at Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Take the kids to see “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” at Valley Youth Theatre. If they love it, sign them up for a class.
More Options
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Photo at top by Rosalie O'Connor
