Christmas in Wickenburg BRING CHRISTMAS HOME FROM HISTORIC WICKENBURG WICKENBURG , AZ (2009) - During the holidays, a glow extends from Wickenburg, just 50 miles northwest of Phoenix. Part of this illumination comes from the festive lighting displays in the historic district. Some originates from within the lighted window displays from local businesses, gift shops, and antique stores. The majority of this luminosity, however, seems to derive from the people who reside there. Discover unique, one-of-a-kind gift items. Enjoy the hometown and Real West atmosphere Wickenburg has to offer. Get in the Christmas spirit by joining holiday revelers by staying in historic guest ranches, or taking in entertainment at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, Exhibits at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, or walking Historic Vulture Mine, and the Hassayampa River Preserve. Plan a romantic getaway and stay in one of our guest ranches, motels, or B&Bs. Visit our unique shops of western distinction, where you'll find saddles, cowboy boots, spurs, clothing, beautiful furniture and more! Experience Wickenburg , a Real Western community founded in 1863 and bask in some of that seasonal glow. Wickenburg has a variety of events for the holiday, as well as a great selection of merchants to help you with your gift list. "Bring Christmas Home from Wickenburg!" Holiday Events Wickenburg Tour of Homes & Holiday Market - November 7 This 29th annual tour of homes sponsored by Las Senoras de Socorro to benefit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, brings residents and visitors a unique peek into beautiful homes in Wickenburg. Admission includes entrance into the museum and the Holiday Market at the community center. Refreshments and lunch tickets are also available. Desert Caballeros Western Museum - November 7and runs through September 12, 2010. New Exhibit: Snapshots of Early 20th Century Arizona: A Postcard Legacy Featuring memorabilia from Dr. Jeremy Rowe's private collection. A Special "Holiday Train " exhibit is open from December 2, 2009 to January 10, 2010. The collection features a variety of electric trains and settings, truly is an annual treat for kids and adults. Gem & Art Fair "Way Out Wickenburg Way" - Nov. 28-29 This 9th annual gem and art fair brings vendors from all over the southwest with beautiful gems and unique stones for sale, along with a variety of unique artwork in this media. Held at the Wickenburg Community Center, 160 N. Valentine Street, 9am - 5pm - Free admission Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Nov. 28 Bask in the glow of Wickenburg's annual lighting of the community Christmas Tree at 6:30 pm, in the park next to the Public Library in historic downtown. Elves Night Out - December 2 This annual 5-7pm shopping event sponsored by the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, brings residents and visitors guided by luminarias to enjoy the evening strolling around downtown while they try to find that unique gift to purchase. A Celtic Yuletide with Michael Londra - December 2 An evening of holiday songs, dance and music from Michael Londra's homeland of Ireland. 7:30 pm at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Art. Community Advent - December 3 Held each year by local churches, this year's event is at 6:30 p.m. and hosted by Mount Hope Assembly of God Church Musica Dolce - December 4 The Friends of Music organization sponsor this Baroque ensemble featuring Christmas Music. Held at the Wickenburg Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Cowboy Christmas Poets Gathering – December 4-5 Join cowboy poets on Friday evening for Cowboy Cocktails at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, and then get ready for lots of action on Saturday. Cowboy dutch oven breakfast from 7am-9am, and free day sessions with cowboy poets throughout the day at the Wickenburg Community Center. Tickets for the featured show on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. held at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts are $20 in advance and $25 at the door to see cowboy humorist Baxter Black, and cowboy musician poet, Brenn Hill in concert. See More Info... Remember When Classic Car Show & Toys for Tots Run - December 6 Over 600 classic cars come to historic downtown Wickenburg on Sunday, December 6 to show off their beautiful automobiles. While here they bring new toys for the Cops Who Care Christmas Gift Program. The location is the Wickenburg Community Center, located in the historic district - 160 N. Valentine Street. Christmas Chili Cookoff for Cops Who Care - December 6 Take time to taste delicious chili made from contestants entered in the certified program. Sponsored by Rancher Bar, enjoy the day with music, vendors and good food. All proceeds go toward programs for Cops Who Care. Bowfire - "Holiday Heart Strings" - December 9 & 10 Twelve violins string together one show stopping fiddling and step dancing hit after another. Concert held at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Parade of Lights – December 11 Gather on historic Frontier Street at 6:30 pm to watch the lighted wagons, automobiles, horse & riders, and floats in this 14th annual Christmas Parade of Lights, where each entry is decorated for the holiday season. A fun evening to celebrate the season with family and friends. Afterwards, cocoa and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus are happening at the Garcia "Little Red School House". The Great Christmas Cookie Hunt – December 12 Enjoy finding clues at various businesses, register for special basket and eat delicious cookies along the route. This 3rd annual event brings residents and visitors out to walk around historic downtown Wickenburg and enjoy shopping along the way. Santa Fest - December 12 Members of Cops Who Care provided an opportunity for children to visit with Santa Claus and have their photo's taken at the same time. Locaton is Town Hall, 155 N. Tegner Street, from 9am-11am. Christmas Concert - December 13 Wickenburg Community Chorus annual Christmas Concert, Presbytarian Church @ 4:00 p.m. Desert Caballeros Western Museum - Arizona's Most Western Museum No visit to Wickenburg would be complete without a tour of "Arizona's Most Western Museum", home to more than 400 works of Western art, including famous Remington's and Russell's. This 49-year old museum is also one of Arizona's finest. Visitors call it a jewel and a gem and invariably say they are amazed to find it so full of unexpected treasurers. Activities and Programs are held throughout the year, including their signature event in March, titled "Cowgirl Up!". For information contact 928-684-2272 www.westernmuseum.org Antiques and Specialty Shops- Unique Stores of Western Distinction Browsing Wickenburg you will find a variety of stores offering items such as antiques, western collectibles, furniture, bedding, boutique gifts, southwest artwork, jewelry, clothing and much more. From one end of the town to the other, and in between which is the historic district of Wickenburg, will bring you pleasant shopping! Pick-up the Shopping & Dining Guide and the Historica Walking Tour Guide from the Chamber's Visitor Center at 216 North Frontier Street. If it’s local art you’re after, visit the Wickenburg Art Club House throughout the year to see a variety artwork. The club sponsors the annual juried art show in February. For more information, contact Wickenburg Art Club, 928-684-5816 www.wickenburgartclub.org The Hassayampa River Preserve is a lovely oasis in the desert, and set along the Hassayampa River. The preserve is home to the rare willow flycathcher and many other species of birds. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, activities and programs are scheduled each month for adults and children. Stroll along meandering paths around the spring fed palm lake, see wildlife, butterflies, native plants, and set out on hiking trails surrounding the property. Open Wednesday - Sunday, (closed Mon-Tues), 8am - 5pm. For information call 928-684-2772 Performing Arts Season at the Del E. Webb Center Wickenburg boasts a full roster of entertainment from November - April. The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts features symphony, ballet, jazz, folk, country, and more. For tickets and more information contact the Webb Center at 928-684-6624. www.delewebbcenter.org The Friends of Music organization presents a variety of musical performances, free to the public from October - April. For more information on productions, call 928-684-2694. "Out Wickenburg Way" is a great place to be. For more information, call the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-942-5242, or visit our website www.outwickenburgway.com