One of my  favorite  holiday events here in the beautiful Sonoran Desert  is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s a beautiful Southwestern holiday tradition that’s been taking place for 37 years. The Garden’s lovely paths will be aglow with more than 8,000 lit luminaire bags and the trees will sparkle with thousands of tiny white lights. You can’t help but catch the holiday spirit while strolling along the garden’s glowing trails with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand on a crisp, clear night.

Adding to the festivities will be 10 music groups performing throughout the garden. From Dickens carolers to bell ringers to Flamenco to steel drums to Mariachi and more, there will be music everywhere. Favorite local musicians and bands, including Mariachi Pasión, The Sugar Thieves, Will Clipman, Duncan Family and several hand bell ensembles will perform every night with additional groups performing on select nights.

Make the evening even more special and include dinner at Gertrude’s, the Garden’s on site restaurant featuring local  or dine al fresco at the Patio Cafe or enjoy a sumptuous holiday buffet served in Dorrance Hall. Reservations are recommended for Gertrude’s and required for the holiday buffet.

Las Noches de las Luminarias takes place over 16 nights, November 28-29; and December 5-6, 12-13, 19-23, 26-30 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. To create the best guest experience you may choose a ticket for 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. or 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Be sure to reserve your time slot soon because tickets for each time period are limited. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s website or call 480-481-8188.

Tempe really knows how to get into the holiday spirit. for information on other holiday programs and events, visit the Tempe Tourism Office website.