Phoenix Lights Time Slots

Directed by Roy Knyrim. With Jason Connery, A.J. Cook, George Stults, Ashley Peldon. Five friends bound for Las Vegas accidentally hit a stalled truck belonging to an ex-soldier. There were two events that night: a 'vee pattern' of lights that flew across the state north-to-south, which crossed Phoenix around 8:30 p.m., and a second set of nine lights that seemed to hover. Buy tickets for Phoenix Lights 1969 at The Park at Wild Horse Pass in AZ, AZ on & 31, 1969 presented by Relentless Beats. Tickets on sale now. 'The Phoenix Lights is a compelling and thoroughly documented account of the most bizarre and widely observed UFO event in modern time.' - Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D Capt USN (ret), Apollo astronaut 'In her excellent book entitled 'The Phoenix Lights', Dr. Lynne takes the reader from what would be considered by skeptics as impossible and makes it.

Wondering whether your favorite holiday event or attraction is happening in metro Phoenix this year?

Us too.

We can tell you what's had to be canceled due to COVID-19: CitySkate, Chandler’s annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights, Tempe's Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, ice skating at Tempe Marketplace and Westgate Entertainment District, the Phoestivus holiday market and more.

WHAT'S CANCELED 2020-21: The biggest events that are on — and off — in metro Phoenix

But other favorite annual traditions will go on. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess' 6,000-square-foot ice skating rink will be open, and there will be meet-and-greets with Santa and a train ride through an LED-light tunnel that is now outfitted with plexiglass dividers between train cars.

MORE THINGS TO DO: For restaurant reviews, travel tips, concert picks and more, subscribe to azcentral.com.

Desert Botanical Garden has adapted Las Noches de las Luminarias by welcoming masked visitors to admire 8,000 lanterns lighting up the desert sky but forgoing live entertainment to allow for social distancing.

If you decide to partake in any of these activities, keep in mind safe practices such as social distancing, wearing a face covering in any public setting, washing or sanitizing hands regularly and staying home if you have any signs of illness.

From ice skating to holiday lights and shows, here are your outdoor entertainment options in metro Phoenix in 2020.

More: From the Polar Express train to luminarias, here are 10 Arizona holiday traditions

Holiday lights

Las Noches de las Luminarias: Eight thousand lanterns light the night sky in this Southwest tradition at Desert Botanical Garden. COVID-19 precautions include limited capacity and advance reservations by phone or online.

Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23 and 26-31. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. From $29.95, $10.95 for ages 3-17. 480-941-1225, https://dbg.org.

Glendale Glitters: Glendale Glitters will light up 16 blocks in downtown Glendale with 1.7 million lights for its 27th year, albeit without performances and street vendors in Murphy Park.

Details: 5-10 p.m. daily Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Jan. 9. Downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues. Free. https://www.glendaleaz.com.

World of Illumination: Admire almost 2 million lights from inside your car the the World of Illumination drive-through parks in Glendale and Tempe. The Glendale park's theme is “World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas.” In Tempe, enjoy “World of Illumination’s Arctic Adventure,” featuring the 32-foot tall Sunny the Snowman and his pals. Online reservations are required for both locations; no tickets will be sold at the gate.

Details: Both locations are open 6-10 p.m. daily through Sunday, Jan. 3. 6797 N. 93rd Ave., Glendale, and 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. Weekday tickets are $29 plus taxes and fees per vehicle; weekend and holiday tickets are $39 plus taxes and fees per vehicle. https://worldofillumination.com.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms: With the help of World of Illumination, the Illumination Express train takes visitors on a trip through an LED light tunnel at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. There also will be pinecone decorating, a Christmas carousel, ice skating, reindeer-feeding and mini golf. Capacity will be limited inside the shops, and staff will be wearing masks. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time and maintain social distancing.

Phoenix Lights Time Slots Free Play

Details: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 2; closed Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $15 online, $17 at the door; $5 with valid military ID; free for age 2 and younger. https://schnepfchristmas.com.

ZooLights: The Phoenix Zoo has two options for enjoying the millions of lights, animal sculptures and Wildlife Lantern Safari this year: Cruise ZooLights and ZooLights Walk-Thru. New sights and sounds are featured this year, kettle corn and cocoa are available for purchase. The ZooLights Walk-Thru option will be closed to foot traffic on the drive-through Cruise ZooLights nights; all tickets must be purchased in advance.

Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 31. Check website for which days are walk through and which are drive through. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. Cruise ZooLights is $75 per car; Zoo Lights Walk-Thru is $20 per person. 602-286-3800, https://www.phoenixzoo.org.

Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields: This twinkling 1.2-mile drive-through experience has more than 5 million lights that will dance to music you can enjoy from your car, thanks to a designated FM radio signal, or on an electric carriage. On Thursday, Dec. 10, a Hanukkah celebration will take place when the lights will turn blue and white during the 7 p.m. hour. Tickets are available at the gate; online reservations are encouraged.

Details: 5:45-10 p.m. daily through Thursday, Dec. 31. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. Ticket prices vary depending on day, type of vehicle and in-car or carriage option; check website for details. 480-656-9940, https://holidaylightssrf.com.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: The holiday lights are back with limited capacity and advance reservations. Get on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and enjoy the lights and displays, then take a spin on the Charros Carousel. Masks are required inside the holiday lights fenced area for ages 6 and up. Tickets must be purchased online.

Details: One-hour blocks at 6, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Jan. 3. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. $15, free for ages 2 and younger. 480-312-2312, https://www.therailroadpark.com.

SHOP LOCAL: 11 free holiday markets happening across metro Phoenix

Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show: Arizonans can watch 1,000 drones shape shift in the night sky to create holiday-inspired symbols such as snowflakes, snowmen and reindeer, to the tune of 'Frosty the Snowman,' 'Run Run Rudolph' and more. The live show at Phoenix Raceway is sold out, but you can stream it on Walmart's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.

Details: 5:40 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. https://www.facebook.com/walmart.

Lights at the Farm: Vertuccio Farms in Mesa says it boasts Arizona’s largest walk-through synchronized light show. You'll also find a 4,000-square-foot ice skating rink.

Details: 5:30-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 3. Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. $11 online, $13 at the gate; $10 at the gate on select days. 480-719-6520, https://www.lightsatthefarm.com.

Pollack Tempe Cinemas: The theater in Tempe is closed for now, but it's decorated with more than 650,000 holiday lights.

Details: Dusk to dawn through Jan. 5. 1825 E. Elliot Roa, Tempe. 480-897-0677, https://www.pollacktempecinemas.com.

Ice skating

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: COVID-19 considerations include timed entry for a 60-minute time slot, with reservations required. Face coverings are required when you pick up and return your skates.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Jan. 2. Mesa City Plaza, 20 E. Main St. $10. http://merrymainst.com/icerink.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Ice skating is still on at the resort's 6,000-square-foot rink this year. Find the full holiday schedule here. The cost is $35 per person, with a $7 discount if you bring your own skates. The Princess is also presenting a host of holiday lights, rides, visits with Santa and more. Day visitors can get self-parking and four wristbands for $60 per vehicle. People who arrive by ride share or walk-up can purchase a wristband for $15 each. Overnight guests get a VIP express pass. Those who spend at least $75 dining at the resort get half off admission. According to the hotel's website, masks are required indoors and out for everyone age 6 and older.

Details: 4-11 p.m. Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-31; 5-10 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. https://www.scottsdaleprincess.com.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Places in metro Phoenix to see and take pictures with Santa Claus

Holiday shows

'A Christmas Carol': The Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix will host an outdoor performance of 'A Christmas Carol,' starring longtime Valley actress Katie McFadzen. Seating for the one-woman show will be socially distanced, and masks are required.

Details: 7 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. $22.50-$35.50. 602-252-8497, https://www.herbergertheater.org.

'Nutcracker Suite': Ballet Arizona's holiday tradition moves online this year. Fans can stream the 'Nutcracker Suite' for 24 hours on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.

Details: 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. $20-$95. 602-381-1096, https://balletaz.org.

Arizona Storytellers: The annual Holiday Spectacular show is virtual this year. Celebrate everything you love about the holidays with five heartwarming stories. The show isn't appropriate for youngsters who believe in Christmas magic.

Details: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. Free; donations are welcome. https://www.storytellersproject.com.

Snow-play areas

Tempe Marketplace: Nightly in December, Tempe Marketplace turns into the inside of a snow globe. There will be no snowfall on Christmas Day, but hourly snow will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Details: 7 and 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, excluding Dec. 25. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Free. 480-966-9338, https://tempemarketplace.com.

Phoenix Lights Time Slots Slot Machines

Alison Stanton and Elizabeth Montgomery contributed to this article.

Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Storytelling, skating, holiday lights: Favorite Phoenix events that are happening this year

On March 13th 1997, residents of Phoenix, Arizona started reporting a formation of bright lights moving over their heads The cluster of lights was seen by as many as 20,000 people, making it one of the biggest mass UFO sightings of all time

The event was caught on video from multiple angles, and has been famous among UFOlogists and alien fanatics ever since Can these strange lights be explained? Or were they of alien origin? At 8:15 pm PST, Arizona police received a call from a man named John Kaiser He claimed he could see a cluster of lights moving in a V formation over his house in Prescott

Phoenix Lights Time Slots No Deposit

Only half an hour later, those same police were inundated with calls as thousands of people in Phoenix reported the same “v” of flying lights above them Early eyewitnesses saw the lights moving in unison over the city But at around 10 pm the reports changed

People stopped claiming to see the lights moving in a “v” formation, and reported nine of them hovering over the Sierra Estrella mountain range Shortly afterwards the lights disappeared behind the mountains The story was picked up by local media Many residents believed the lights were the front of a giant “v” shaped alien spaceship Arizona Governor Fife Symington even had to address the story at a press conference

He tried to make light of the situation by bringing an aide dressed as an alien onstage It wasn’t until four months later, in July, that the US military finally came forward with an explanation Local Army Captain Eileen Bienz claimed that a squadron of A-10 jets had been flying over Luke Air Force Base, a US air base southwest of Phoenix

The jets had been on a training exercise, Operation Snowbird, and had dropped a series of high-intensity flares, which people then mistook for the alien lights Three Maryland pilots, Lieutenant Colonel David Tanaka, Captain Drew Sullins, and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Jones came forward to confirm the official story They say they were flying that night But if this is true, it still only explains part of the mystery According to Captain Bienz, Operation Snowbird began at 10 p

m PST It cannot then explain all the sightings that occurred earlier that day, especially those seen in Prescott, far away from the area of the operation On top of this, the reports of early sightings don’t seem to fit the behaviour of flares As journalist Tony Ortega worked out, if the lights were above Prescott at 8:15 and Phoenix at 8:45, they must have moved at 400 miles an hour

That’s a pretty fast flare Surprising new witnesses have further complicated the story In April 2017, actor Kurt Russell told The One Show that he was flying his personal plane over Phoenix when he saw six orbs of light darting across the city He called them in to Air Traffic Control, who said that there was nothing in their flight plan Also, despite dismissing the incident in the press conference, in 2007 Governor Fife Symington claimed he had witnessed the event too, saying: 'As a pilot and a former Air Force Officer, I can definitively say that this craft did not resemble any man made object I'd ever seen

” Furthermore, he claimed that, as governor, he requested information from the commander of Luke Air Force Base, and the general of the National Guard; both of whom were just as confused as he was by the incident However, the rapid movement of these flares can be explained if you see them as two separate unrelated instances Reporter Janet Gonzalez says footage shows the lights seen over Prescott were just a formation of planes moving together Mitch Stanley, a witness who observed the lights through a telescope, confirmed this analysis that it was actually just a squadron of jets And while many witnesses in Phoenix claimed the “v” formation was silent, witnesses in quieter areas like Prescott recalled hearing a whooshing noise like a jet engine

The nine lights seen after 10 pm in Phoenix could be military flares from Operation Snowbird, which would also explain the change in the number of lights people claimed to see The Phoenix lights have since appeared again in 2007 and 2008, although this time the military were quick to explain these events as training exercises conducted by F-16 aircraft The explanation that the Phoenix Lights were not one but two separate events has some pretty compelling evidence behind it Yet there are plenty of unanswered questions

If the earlier lights were a formation of jets, what were they doing there? Why haven’t their pilots come forward to put the story to rest? And why did air traffic control not find any squadron flights in their schedule? Unfortunately, even amongst all the frantic phone calls and investigations about the sighting, no-one thought to request the radar tapes from the FAA Radar tapes are typically deleted after 11 days, meaning the best lead on the lights is gone forever We may never know the full truth behind the mystery of the Phoenix Lights