Sedona, AZ: Whether it rains, snows or the sun shines—the cherished Tlaquepaque's Festival of Lights will take place on Saturday, December 8, with entertainment starting at 3 p.m. Some areas of Tlaquepaque will be tented in case the forecast for inclement weather rings true.
Of course, all the shops are indoors with wonderful, unique items to be purchased for the holidays. And restaurant reservations are highly recommended for this popular holiday tradition.
This year's festivities actually begin on Friday night, December 7. Lead singers from the River of Life Tabernacle Choir, Ron Tolson and Brian Pace, will kick off this year's Festival of Lights with a free performances in the Chapel from 3 to 7 p.m.
The non-denominational Chapel at Tlaquepaque is one of the most special venues in Northern Arizona and boasts great acoustics. Primarily used for weddings or other private gatherings, this is a rare opportunity for the public to attend an event in this memorable location. Stained glass windows and hand-carved leather pews, a stunning mural over the altar, and whitewashed adobe walls make for a beautifully intimate setting.
On Saturday, the critically acclaimed River of Life Tabernacle Choir, comprised of more than 100 young singers and musicians from diverse backgrounds and histories, will sing under a tent in the Plaza de la Fuente from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., following the lighting of the luminaries at 5 p.m.
Patio del Norte will have specially designated luminarias honoring cancer survivors, victims and families. The public can purchase and personalize luminaria for $10 in honor of a loved one. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research.
A full slate of other entertainment and carolers will perform in the plazas and courtyards of Tlaquepaque. Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Patio del Norte where he will be checking to see who has been naughty or nice.
The restaurants at Tlaquepaque – Secret Garden Cafe, Oak Creek Brewery and Grill, Rene, and El Rincon Mexican Restaurant – will be serving throughout the weekend and reservations are highly recommended. All of the shops and galleries will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday evening.
Sedona Trolley will provide free shuttle service every 15 minutes from 3 to 8 p.m. with pick-up and drop-off in the Uptown Municipal Parking Lot at Apple and Jordan, one block from Highway 89A.
For more information, please call us at (928) 282-4838 or go to our website at
www.tlaq.com.
Article courtesy of Jill Kyriakopulos,
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.
