A little early? Maybe—but we're skipping your inbox tomorrow, Christmas Day. We hope your holiday is filled with fun, laughter, and maybe just a little leftover dessert. 🎁😋
💎 Desert Rundown's 2025 favorite Scottsdale gems
🚘Event of the day: The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction
🏠 There's a really charming home we want you to check out @ House Hunch
🗞️ On Local Buzz: Sphinx Date Co. opens at a new Scottsdale address
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When we started featuring Scottsdale local gems in our Wednesday newsletter, we had one small concern: What if we run out of places? Turns out, that worry was wildly unnecessary.
As 2025 wraps up, our list of insider favorites is still going strong—so here’s a look back at some of our top local spots, recommended by friends, neighbors, and even a few visitors who clearly did their homework.🧳😎
Desert Rundown's featured local gems
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market — Despite a tough year wrangling lease issues ahead of 2026, this market didn’t lose its flavor. Still one of Arizona’s top farmers' markets, it features 100+ vendors selling everything from organic produce and free-range eggs to artisan bread and unique handcrafts you won’t find anywhere else. Current location: 3806 N. Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Anticus — Tucked away in Old Town, this quiet little gem is full of pleasant surprises. Anticus blends fine art, rare books, and beautiful design in a way that feels very Scottsdale. Location: 3922 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
The Desert Botanical Garden — Just outside Scottsdale, this Sonoran Desert stunner has locals and visitors equally smitten. From sunset yoga and live music nights to a meal at Gertrude’s, it’s the kind of place that keeps popping up on our every list. Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
The Boulders Resort & Spa — Nestled at the base of 12-million-year-old boulders, this Scottsdale hideaway is worth a visit—though one of our team members may have pushed a little harder than necessary to make sure it made the list😄. Kidding aside, we can't blame him; this place offers Grand Canyon air tours and stargazing sessions led by a professional astronomer. Talk about rock-solid experiences! Location: 34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262.
Ravenscroft Jazzbird Lounge— Scottsdale has a soft spot for jazz, and our readers have made it clear. This intimate venue has rightfully earned its reputation as a go-to spot for top-notch jazz performances. Location: 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
A Scottsdale trademark event kicks off the car collector auction season, delivering a full-throttle automotive lifestyle experience from January 17–25, 2026.
The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction—proudly known as The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions—typically rolls out more than 2,000 vehicles. From rare collectibles and high-end head-turners to modern rides and driver-quality classics, every car crosses the block on a 100% No Reserve auction docket—meaning if it has wheels, it will sell (no backing out, no matter how shiny!)
Drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees every year, the event goes well beyond the auction block. The festivities kick off on January 16 with a concert by country superstar Cole Swindell, and the fun continues with plenty of indoor and outdoor dining, plus shopping galore in the massive Exhibitor Marketplace.
Venue: WestWorld of Scottsdale | 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | Ticket prices start at $10 | 12 years and under automatically receive complimentary admission with a ticketed adult each auction date | For the latest updates, schedules, and details, visit Barrett-Jackson.com.
Where to spend Christmas?..
You still have 5 more days to check out a real-life winter wonderland in Arizona! Ready your cozy socks and enjoy twinkling lights, glowing castles, and falling snow from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 8414 East Valley Vista Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 |
It’s not too late to lock in a cool family Christmas plan—literally! Christmas at the Princess is back for the 2025 season, lighting up the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with 16 million lights, cozy fire tables, magical igloos, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, and a real ice skating rink (yes, real ice in the desert!). Location: 7575 E Princess Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | Nov. 21 - Jan 3 | Admission starts at $32.
There's a sure way to soak up the holiday spirit: A festive dinner and, of course, lots of lights! So, visit Las Noches de las Luminarias through December 30 (but not on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—that's for the festive dinner!) It's definitely one of the brightest spots in the Valley this holiday season. Location: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.|$14.95-$41.
Not a fan of light displays?Electric Pickle is open on Dec. 25 from 1 pm to 10 pm, where you can enjoy holiday vibes, great food, $10 Peppermint Martinis, $20 Bottomless Sparkling Wine, and pickleball! Celebrate Christmas the Electric Pickle way! Admission is free. Location: 8688 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284.
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🏠House Hunch
Can you guess the price of this Paradise Valley home that blends French Country elegance with Santa Barbara and Montecito charm?
Listing courtesy of Joan Levinson | Paradise Valley Luxury Real Estate Expert
HINT: 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 5,899sq. ft. with extensive lawns and dramatic patios.
Sphinx Date Co.—the Scottsdale shop locals swear by and visitors “accidentally” discover—is settling into a new home as it heads toward its 75th anniversary. Now open at 3221 N. Hayden Road, the beloved spot is still run by mother-daughter duo Rebecca and Sharyn Seitz, still proudly old-school, and still serving Arizona-grown dates, simple date shakes, and curated local goodies. New address, same sweet roots—and yes, dates really do grow on palm trees😲.
As winter break hits, Scottsdale students and families can tap into TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) for free USDA food—no special cards, referrals, or magic spells required. Most local pantries help out anyone in need, and you can find nearby spots at azfoodhelp.org or azfoodbanks.org.
Scottsdale Stadium is swinging into action May 20–23, 2026, hosting the West Coast Conference Baseball Tournament. Six college teams will battle it out for a spot in the NCAA Championship at the Giants’ spring training home (7408 E. Osborn Road). Some insider tip: Tickets go on sale in March!🤫
Chapin House is now open at 6310 N. Scottsdale Road in Paradise Valley. The grand opening in November featured shopping, drinks, and bites, with 25% of sales supporting children’s medical research via PANDA. Inside, shoppers can hunt for antiques, art, home décor, and quirky treasures! (sounds like someone needs to run for a last-minute Christmas shopping🤭)
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Take care,
The Desert Rundown Team
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