Some Arizonans will be traveling far to see loved ones this holiday week. Others will be sticking close to home. Keep up to date with weather conditions, air travel delays and Arizona road closures and traffic incidents by checking back for the latest news.
We’ve got information on store and restaurant hours, as well as ideas to entertain your guests, from local lights displays to day trips around the state.
Here’s what you need to know to keep you up to date.
Follow coverage of the holiday week from Arizona Republic reporters.
Ray Stern
PBS’ NewsHour West program, produced in large part by Arizona State University students, broadcast its final episode on Dec. 19.
But why it went dark is in dispute, with differing stories from each side on what happened.
The show launched in 2019 from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, adding focused coverage on West Coast news to the popular PBS NewsHour show and bringing a new opportunity to ASU students who helped create its broadcast pieces. Over its six years, it was on the air weekdays at 6 p.m.
At the start of the Dec. 19 episode, Geoff Bennett, co-host of PBS NewsHour, said he would acknowledge a “difficult change” at PBS and that “with our partners at Arizona State University, budgeting realities brought about this change.”
The “realities” leading to the show’s cancellation, however, remain unclear.
PBS blames ASU in media reports for the end of NewsHour West. Mi-Ai Parrish of the Cronkite School told The Republic that officials at PBS “are the ones who pulled and said there were ‘changing priorities.'”
Presented with ASU’s side of the story, Nick Massella, spokesperson for PBS News, stated in a text message, “It was ASU’s decision not to renew its contract with PBS News based on its own revised priorities.”
Wren Smetana
Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, was expected to experience rain and snow showers through the evening of Dec. 27, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
The weather service said snow was likely in Flagstaff and in areas above 6,500 feet, as well as in nearby locations to the north and northeast later in the day.
While little to no accumulation was expected, precipitation was forecast to change over to all snow after 4 p.m.
The weather service said clouds were expected to clear overnight, leading to sunny conditions Dec. 28.
The weather service warned that slick, snow covered roads could create hazardous travel conditions. For real-time highway conditions are available at AZ511.gov, by calling 511 or downloading the az511 app.
Nathan Diller and Kathleen Wong
With 2025 winding down, travelers can still book a last-minute New Year’s trip and find flight deals to both U.S. and international destinations. Expedia data shows Florida is especially popular for New Year’s lodging, with Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Key West all ranking among the top U.S. markets.
Big-city celebrations are also drawing crowds, with New York, Paris and London listed as leading choices for fireworks and countdown events.
Hopper highlighted cheaper round-trip fares for travel between Dec. 29 and Jan. 7, including New York to West Palm Beach from $70, New York to Orlando from $90, and New York to San Juan from $234. Other examples include Chicago to Miami from $84, Dallas to Las Vegas from $87, and Boston to Orlando from $103, with some routes to Cancun and San Juan priced higher but still positioned as deals.
Expedia’s most-booked U.S. destinations for those dates include New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles. International favorites include Cancun, Punta Cana, Tokyo, Paris and London. For budget lodging, Expedia cited U.S. options under $150 per night such as Pensacola, Destin and Tallahassee, and international stays under $150 in places like Cebu, Phuket/Pattaya, Lima and Santo Domingo.
Reddit users also pointed to memorable New Year’s celebrations in destinations ranging from Sydney and Taipei to Scotland, Rio and Kauai.
Michael Salerno
Mesa Gateway Airport is heading into 2026 with new routes, new dining and upgrades meant to keep pace with growth. The airport logged more than 2 million passengers from July 2024 to June 2025.
Executive Director J. Brian O’Neill said Allegiant Air will launch three new routes in February to La Crosse, Wisconsin; Orange County, California; and Bloomington, Illinois. Sun Country Airlines is also increasing capacity on its seasonal Minneapolis flights through a longer season and more frequent service.
Food choices are expanding, too. The airport expects a Dunkin’ to open around April or May 2026, and plans to add Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers near Gate 5.
Behind the scenes, Mesa Gateway is finishing a $45 million runway reconstruction and planning taxiway improvements to help aircraft move more efficiently. Passenger-facing projects include a $46 million baggage screening system with higher throughput, plus a parking expansion adding about 200 covered spaces at the Ray Road Economy lot.
Air cargo is rising as well, which O’Neill linked to new tenant DSV.
Looking further ahead, new hotels are slated to open near the airport in late 2026. Leaders are still mapping out funding for a future terminal that could cost roughly $850 million to $1 billion.
Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Although Arizona is expected to be spared from snow and ice, a strong series of storms is forecast to impact major travel corridors across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, potentially disrupting out-of-state flights and road travel.
As 2025 draws to a close, forecasters are cautioning about blizzard conditions, dangerously cold temperatures, and the potential development of a rapidly intensifying system known as a bomb cyclone, according to USA TODAY.
Meanwhile, a cold front referred to as a “Blue Norther” is set to sweep through the central and southern Plains, sending temperatures sharply lower and increasing the risk of severe weather in parts of the South.
Heavy snow, ice and strong winds could make travel difficult or impossible in several regions.
Travelers heading east or north from Arizona should watch conditions closely before heading out.
Scott L. Hall
From rejuvenating in a mineral soak at a bathhouse in Arkansas to hiking a cactus grove in Arizona, the U.S. national parks have a lot to offer.
This time of year, though, many of them attract a lot of visitors. But USA Today has found five national parks where there’s plenty of winter adventure and beauty — and with fewer crowds.
Check out USA Today’s video on these national parks by clicking the link here.
Shawn Raymundo
As the oldest, largest and core city of the Valley, Phoenix spent decades reinventing its downtown corridor, largely by welcoming new sports arenas, college campuses and medical complexes and by investing in a light rail system.
That effectively started a ripple effect, creating opportunities for arts and culture, and spurring the need for new housing and public transportation. 
As a result, downtown Phoenix shed its reputation as a ghost town past 5 p.m. and is now one of the trendiest places for nightlife.
The Arizona Republic took a deep dive into how Phoenix has transformed its city center into the vibrant community it is today. This reporting is part of a series on how Valley communities are reshaping their downtowns for the future.
Every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights a select number of the many pets available for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, please contact the shelter directly.
Rocket is mellow, calm, very easy to walk on a leash and is proof that older dogs have so much love left to give. Rocket would do best with a family who enjoys calm companionship and affectionate dogs who will help him settle into his new forever home.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Roxy needs a Foster Hero after she was rescued as an injured stray earlier this month. Roxy survived being hit by a car, and is undergoing treatment for two broken legs in the Arizona Humane Society’s Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Thelma is sweet, shy, and thoughtful. She likes to take her time warming up, but once she’s comfortable, she’ll happily join in on adventures and snack time celebrations. Louise is more outgoing, confident, and always the first to say hello.
— Barb Savoy, Friends for Life
My name is Katina, and I’m a beautiful 8-year-old female with a heart full of love. I enjoy playing with toys, but what truly makes me happiest is feeling loved and cherished. Add in some treats and wet food, and I’m in heaven!
Ray Stern
Exploring Arizona is one resolution for the new year you’ll find easy to keep. This state has more wonders and amazing sites than most, all just a few highway hours away. We’ve got a few big ideas for you to get started. Check out writer Roger Naylor’s primer on the 10 best things to do in Arizona in 2026, pyrotechnics to petroglyphs.
If you’re fascinated by ancient Indigenous art, you’ll be astonished by the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site in the Verde Valley, where more than 1,000 separate images were etched onto rocks walls centuries ago. The Southern Sinagua people, hardy folk who lived in the area from about 1150 to around 1400, drew them to mark major happenings in their world, keep chronologies of celestial events or map out favorite Verde River hotspots.
Then move on to the Winter Blast by the Western Pyrotechnics Association in Lake Havasu City for explosive entertainment in February. Or check out the mining history in Jerome and sights in and around Winslow. If you want to head south, you can visit the reconstructed Fairbank Ghost Town in Tombstone, where you can walk in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday or scope out the birds at Patagonia Lake State Park.
OK, you can’t do all this in one day. But you’ve got all year and one great state. Get out there!
Maggie Tyner
Winter is officially here — though it doesn’t feel like it in metro Phoenix at the moment — and nothing pairs better with cozy throw blankets, fuzzy socks and a crackling fire than a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
Ready to give your cocoa a gourmet twist when it finally cools down at night?
USA Today’s 10Best has gathered 10 toppings and add-ins that will transform your cup. It even includes pairing notes, so you know exactly which chocolate base makes each flavor shine.
Click the link here to check out the list.
Tiffany Acosta
Grand Canyon National Park was named the top place to visit in the U.S. for 2026, topping U.S. News’ annual rankings of destinations across the country.
To build the list, U.S. News combined expert analysis with thousands of traveler votes, scoring places on what matters most to visitors: the quality of attractions, natural beauty and scenery, lodging options, dining and overall traveler satisfaction.
The Grand Canyon rose to the top for its iconic vistas, hiking opportunities, and the sheer range of experiences available in and around the park, from scenic viewpoints to culture and history tied to the region.
The rest of the top 10 reflects the variety of American travel, mixing tropical escapes with some of the country’s most famous national parks. After the Grand Canyon, the top picks are: Maui; Honolulu (Oahu); Glacier National Park; Zion National Park; Yosemite National Park; Yellowstone National Park; Grand Teton National Park; Lake Tahoe; and Kaua’i. Together, the rankings highlight destinations that tend to impress both first-time visitors and return travelers looking for memorable scenery and things to do.
Eddie Fontanez
The results are in: The winner of the Best New Restaurant pollfor 2025 is Golden Oak Barbecue + Taproom in downtown Phoenix.
“I mean, that’s the absolute best possible scenario,” said executive chef Grant McLennon upon receiving the news.
The restaurant is a collaboration between Nicky’s Barbecue founder Chris Figueroa and Oro Brewing founder Dave Valencia. The name Golden Oak comes from combining Oro, which is Spanish for gold, with oak, representing the wood that is used to smoke barbecue meat.
“Dave (Valencia) and I had an idea of what it was going to be, and then we opened the doors and now the restaurant is telling us what it wants to be. And so I consider it like it’s crawling,” Figueroa said. “It’s cool to see these awards so quickly, like we opened Oct. 24 and now we’re having interviews about winning an award.”
Golden Oak Barbecue + Taproom is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Reia Li
Lisa Vanderpump, the reality TV star who catapulted to fame as one of the original cast members of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” opened her first Arizona restaurant on Dec. 17, debuting Wolf by Vanderpump at the Caesars Republic Scottsdale hotel.
Located on the seventh floor of the hotel, the restaurant is the second location of Wolf by Vanderpump, which opened in April 2024 at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. The decor is dark and earthy, with leather chairs, faux fur and antler chandeliers all gesturing at the wolf theme. A private lounge area, which can be reserved for events, features views of Camelback Mountain.
“WOLF is unique, bold, filled with epic visual statements, and it will be the perfect addition to the stunning Caesars Republic Arizona hotel,” Lisa Vanderpump said in a news release announcing the restaurant.
Vanderpump runs a series of restaurants and bars across California and Nevada.
Wren Smetana
As Arizona heads into the final weekend of the year, forecasters predict a shift in the weather across the state.
While weather around the Valley may be mild, individuals heading north or returning to Arizona from out of state holiday travels this weekend should prepare for harsher weather conditions.
The National Weather Service expects heavy rain and flooding across California. Additionally, snow and thunderstorms were expected in parts of New York and Pennsylvania.
Around metro Phoenix, expect cooling to begin Dec. 27, with highs in the middle to upper 60s and lows in the lower 40s, according to Mark O’Malley, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
While the Valley braves for mild, dry conditions, northern Arizona could see a bit more activity.
Snow is expected to hit Flagstaff and elevations about 6,500 feet, and the surrounding areas to the north and northeast in the evening of Dec. 26.
On Saturday, Dec. 27, a cold front was forecast to move through the Flagstaff area, potentially accumulating snow by midday, according to Jacob Lewandowski, meteorologist for the Flagstaff National Weather Service.
However, according to the weather service, any accumulated snow was expected to clear by late afternoon Dec. 27.
John Leos
Traffic delays have eased on northbound Interstate 17 near Black Canyon City after a crash on the left shoulder and holiday traffic caused a 7-mile backup, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Drivers can check for traffic alerts and updates from the state agency at www.az511.com or the AZ511 app.
Roger Naylor
There’s nothing wrong with visiting Arizona’s iconic trails. They’re popular for good reason. But this diverse state has so much more to offer. How about taking a path that’s actually off the beaten path?
Traversing a large patch of swirling, swooping sandstone, the Beehive Trail in Page makes a family-friendly loop amid its enchanting terrain and offers a few glimpses of Lake Powell. 
The Lee Cly Trail in Monument Valley Tribal Park makes a 2.1-mile loop across rolling sandy hills with excellent views of Mitchell Butte, Mitchell Mesa and Grey Whiskers Butte.
Perched on the banks of the Colorado River, the Wedge Hill Trail in River Island State Park is a must-stop. The park is nestled in a small sloping bowl at the base of stark mountains that rise from the water’s edge.
Click on the link to read about 3 more trails in Yuman, Oro Valley and Flagstaff.
Ed Masley
A year after celebrating a Decade of Decadence, Arizona’s largest New Year’s Eve event returns to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale for a two-day EDM extravaganza packed with marquee talent, from Fisher and Zedd to Meduza, Mike Posner, Svdden Death presenting VOYD and a countdown set to ring in 2026 with Griz.
Decadence Arizona: The Portal of Illusions is presented by the Valley’s largest EDM promoter, Relentless Beats, in partnership with Global Dance.
They’re promising to welcome 2026 with “jaw-dropping production, mind-bending visuals, and the energy explosion that made previous editions — like the massive 10th anniversary return held at the same venue — so unforgettable.”
The festival is held at Phoenix Raceway, located at 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive in Avondale. 
Decadence AZ gates open at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 30-31. There are many performers, so early arrival is highly recommended. The event ends at 3 a.m. each day.
Two-day general admission passes are $400 in advance at decadencearizona.com. Single-day general admission passes are $210 for Tuesday. New Year’s Eve general admission passes are sold out.
John Leos
Heavy delays were reported along northbound Interstate-17 toward Flagstaff, just north of Black Canyon City caused by holiday traffic and an accident on the left shoulder near milepost 257, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Traffic was backed up about 7 miles.
The state agency was asking drivers to practice patience when traveling over the holidays.
Motorists can check for traffic alerts and updates from the Arizona Department of Transportation at www.az511.com or the AZ511 app.
Shawn Raymundo and Perry Vandell
Michael “Mike” Abatti, a wealthy 63-year-old Southern California farm owner and energy businessman, is accused of killing his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, in their northern Arizona home.
Detectives with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office arrested him Dec. 23 in El Centro, California, after a Navajo County grand jury indicted him on a first-degree murder charge.
The couple married in April 1992. Abatti ran business operations across farming, energy and real estate interests while his wife, who grew up in Arizona, cared for the family. Abatti’s family has been in Imperial Valley for more than 100 years and he owns an energy company that won a $35 million battery contract.
The two separated in August 2023. She moved to Pinetop into a $1.5 million home that the couple owned and received spousal support that started at $5,000 a month and later increased to $6,400.
Authorities said a relative found Kerri Ann unresponsive in the Pinetop home on Nov. 20 with a gunshot wound. The Sheriff’s Office said it believes Michael traveled from California to Pinetop on Nov. 20, shot her, and returned to California.
Bahar Anooshahr
Durant’s, one of Phoenix’s oldest and most storied restaurants, closed in February 2025 after 75 years. On Dec. 17, it launched its newest era with a grand reopening.
Since Jack Durant and Jack R. McElroy opened it in 1950 in Wayne’s Midway on Central Avenue, Durant’s has been one of the most iconic fine dining restaurants in Phoenix and part of the city’s fabric, welcoming politicians, celebrities, athletes, as well as locals and tourists celebrating special occasions.
Jack Jr. (McElroy’s son) and his wife, Carol, owned and ran the restaurant until Feb. 26, when they finalized a sale to longtime Valley restaurateurs Mike and Jeff Mastro in partnership with their father, Dennis Mastro, and business partner Scott Troilo.
Here’s a look at Durant’s under the three owners.
Wren Smetana
Arizona traded in a white Christmas for a wet Christmas this year as rainfall swept across the Valley and reached Flagstaff up north.
While parts of the country woke up to snow-covered streets, Arizona’s holiday weather created a different winter wonderland.
Rain totals were modest across metro Phoenix.
“There are a couple areas that saw up to .10 inches but those were few and far between,” said Mark O’Malley, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
“Most areas saw just a couple hundredths of an inch total.”
O’Malley said most of the rainfall concentrated in northeast Maricopa County, including areas in Fountain Hills and Apache Junction.
There’s a slight chance for light showers Dec. 26 in areas from Cave Creek to Fountain Hills and northeast Mesa, O’Malley added.
Northern Arizona saw slightly higher totals.
Flagstaff received about 0.2 inches, and the Grand Canyon saw .1 inches, according to Jacob Lewandowski, meteorologist for the Flagstaff weather service. Some localized spots approached 1 inch.
In northern Arizona, a slight chance of rain was forecast Dec. 26., Lewandowski said.
“Realistically, it is going to stay pretty dry with some low clouds that are dissipating throughout the day,” said Lewandowski.
Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Costco Wholesale is testing a new checkout strategy aimed at cutting wait times and speeding up the in-store shopping experience.
The company says a pre-scan process involves employees scanning items in shoppers’ carts before they reach the register. The approach has improved checkout speeds by as much as 20% at early-adopting locations, according to Costco CEO Ron Vachris.
Vachris highlighted the initiative Dec. 11 during Costco’s first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call, describing it as part of a broader push to make shopping faster and more efficient for members.
Under the system, Costco employees first check a shopper’s membership card and then scan small- to medium-sized orders in carts while customers wait in line.
By the time shoppers reach the cashier, the items have already been scanned, allowing them to complete their purchase more quickly.
“The warehouses that have been first to adopt this pre-scan technology have shown checkout speed improvements of up to 20%,” Vachris said.
Across U.S. locations, Costco reported record checkout productivity in the final weeks of the quarter. Company executives attributed the gains in part to new technology and workflow changes.
Costco did not say how many locations are using the pre-scan method or whether it plans to expand the practice to all warehouses.
David Ulloa Jr
Local immigration activists are rejecting the Department of Homeland Security’s new offer to pay undocumented people $3,000 to leave the United States and return to their countries of birth. Activists described the agency’s holiday-themed announcements and ads as “dystopian,” “disgusting” and a sign of “desperation.”
Salvador Reza, a longtime activist, said it suggests the administration’s promised “massive deportations” are not as large as expected.
Reza said most people will not self-deport for $3,000.
DHS announced that through the end of 2025, undocumented people who leave using the CBP Home app will receive $3,000 and a “free flight home,” triple the $1,000 offer DHS made in May 2025. In its announcement, DHS called self-deportation “the best gift” someone can give their family and said the government will arrange and pay for travel. DHS said 2.5 million undocumented immigrants have left the United States since January 2025, including tens of thousands using the app.
The Dec. 22 announcement followed other holiday posts from DHS, ICE, and the White House, including a reposted video captioned “GO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!” that used the sound of handcuffs and chains. Immigration attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado called a Santa-themed ICE ad “completely repulsive.”
Alexandra Hardle
If your holiday party guests can’t find parking because of your neighbor’s RV or boat being parked on the street, it might be time to call the city.
And if you have your own RV or boat, you probably don’t want to be that person.
There isn’t one overarching rule in Arizona on whether you can park your RV in the street, but many cities have their own city code. In some cities, you can’t leave your RV or boat parked on the street overnight. But in unincorporated Maricopa County, you can get a permit to park it on the street for a prolonged period.
You’ll need to check your own city’s rules to determine what is actually legal.
Here’s what to know before you get that citation in the mail.
Zach Wichter
As millions of Americans fly for the holidays, the Department of Transportation says travelers should still expect airlines to honor existing promises when flights go wrong. Although the Trump administration’s DOT drew attention this fall by saying it was reevaluating rules tied to refunds for “significantly delayed” flights, the agency told USA TODAY on Nov. 4 that no changes had been made and airlines must continue following their customer service plans.
The DOT considers a delay “significant” if a domestic flight is three hours late or more, or an international flight is six hours late or more. Refund and accommodation policies generally hinge on whether the delay is “controllable,” meaning it was caused by the airline, such as maintenance or crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, or fueling. Weather and air traffic control restrictions typically do not count.
If a significant, controllable delay happens and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a refund. If you do travel, you may qualify for rebooking at no extra cost and, for some delays, meal or lodging vouchers. No major U.S. airline offers cash compensation for delays, but American, Delta, Southwest, and United provide hotel and ground transportation vouchers for qualifying overnight delays. The DOT consumer dashboard lists each airline’s commitments.
Zach Wichter
With thousands of Americans flying, flight cancellations are inevitable. If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a refund if you decide not to travel, no matter why the cancellation happened.
If you choose to continue your trip, you may qualify for other help under airline commitments filed with the Department of Transportation, such as being rebooked on another flight, potentially even on a different airline, at no extra cost.
A DOT rule that took effect at the end of October is meant to make airlines more accountable for following the customer service promises they publish.
The DOT draws a key distinction between “controllable” and “uncontrollable” cancellations. Controllable cancellations are caused by the airline, including maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, or fueling. Weather and air traffic control programs generally do not count as controllable.
While U.S. airlines do not offer cash compensation for cancellations or delays, the four biggest carriers (American, Delta, Southwest and United) offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight disruptions tied to cancellations.
Travellers are advised to check their airline’s policies ahead of time, keep backup flight options in mind and contact the airline quickly through the app, social media, phone, or an airport help desk to request any refunds or accommodations they are owed.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Kwanzaa, arguably one of the most unique holidays on the calendar, begins on Dec. 26.
Rooted in African traditions, Kwanzaa is a time of reflection and celebration for those who observe it. Food, music and dance help illuminate the weeklong observance, which is celebrated annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
The relatively recent holiday was celebrated by about 3% of respondents in a December 2019 poll conducted of U.S. households by The Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The many colorful elements of Kwanzaa bring families and communities together between two other winter holidays.
Here are some of the most important facts to know about Kwanzaa, how it is celebrated and how it first took root.
Hannah Dreyfus
Two men died after being struck by an eastbound train in Flagstaff while attempting to cross the tracks, police report.
The accident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. Dec. 24 near Nestlé Purina Avenue and Industrial Drive, Flagstaff police said.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two men were attempting to cross the railroad tracks between Flagstaff Mall and Goodwill, police said.
A third individual who was with them reported that one of the men fell onto the tracks, and the second was trying to pull him to his feet when the train approached, police said.
Next-of-kin notifications were pending.
Hannah Dreyfus
Officers discovered a mortally wounded man in a north Phoenix residence Dec. 25 after being waved down by woman, Phoenix police said.
Police were notified about 1:10 p.m. They found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound in a house near 13th Avenue and Sequoia Drive, in a neighborhood just south of the Loop 101 North.
Fire Department paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.
The shooter left before officers arrived, police said. Officers were working to identify witnesses and locate surveillance footage.
Anyone with information was asked to call the police or Silent Witness at 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO).
Ray Stern
Flor Ivet Vargas-Loya, the wife of now-incarcerated El Taco Loko restaurant owner Blademir Angulo Audeves, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while shopping in Phoenix on Christmas Eve, her lawyer said.
Phoenix attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado said ICE agents picked her up Dec. 24 in front of a store, even though she had been released from custody in August, was wearing an ankle monitor and had a court date pending.
Maldonado said agents told her they would check the monitor, then said she would not be able to go home. He called the detention “cruel and reckless.” He said Vargas-Loya has two children, both in their late teens, living at home.
Audeves was arrested in July after federal authorities surveilled him for months and then raided his business and home. He was described by acquaintances, including state Rep. Cesar Aguilar, as a hard worker and a well-known community presence.
Authorities said Audeves, a previously deported undocumented immigrant, returned to the U.S. in 2021, hired other undocumented workers and was found with firearms and ammunition he was not allowed to possess because of his immigration status. He pleaded guilty to employing undocumented immigrants and illegally possessing firearms. In October, a federal judge sentenced him to 20 months in prison, with likely deportation after release.
Maldonado said Vargas-Loya has no criminal cases. He said she passed out during the detention and was taken to a hospital, and he expected she would be transferred to a detention center in Florence after discharge. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Nicole Fallert and Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Holiday gatherings can bring more than family and friends. They can also bring winter viruses. Health officials are tracking several illnesses that tend to spike this time of year, including influenza, COVID-19, and norovirus.
Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu”, is described as the leading cause of food-borne illness in the U.S. and can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Data cited from WasteWaterSCAN shows norovirus activity at a “medium” level nationally, trending down since Dec. 1.
Flu may be climbing. CDC data cited says 15% of flu tests were positive in the week of Dec. 13, and WasteWaterSCAN shows Influenza A at “high” levels nationally. As of Dec. 16, the CDC projected flu infections were growing or likely growing in 47 states.
COVID-19 is also rising. As of Dec. 16, CDC estimates said infections were growing or likely growing in 31 states.
To reduce risk, the CDC emphasizes handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask, careful food handling, and thorough cooking and disinfecting kitchen surfaces.
It also highlights flu and COVID vaccination as key protection, with flu shots recommended for most people six months and older and COVID vaccination framed as shared decision-making with a provider.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Christmastime for Joanne Smith’s family was filled with music, food and laughter.
Smith was the heart of her family’s holiday gatherings as she always cracked jokes, occasionally made sweet potato pies and often danced the electric slide. However, this Christmas is bleak for Smith’s family.
The beloved Phoenix great-grandmother’s family, who affectionately called her “Granny,” is in grief months after the 72-year-old was fatally shot the evening of Feb. 2. Smith was struck while on the porch of her house, in the area of 22nd Street and Mobile Lane.
The case remains without as much as an identified suspect, according to Smith’s family. As of Dec. 17, there were no updates from police on Smith’s homicide, her family said.
“Nothing at all for this Christmas,” said Smith’s older sister, Dianne Hinkle, as she remarked how the annual family get-together has been suspended this year. “These holidays bring really sad memories.”
David Ulloa Jr
Sonia Almaraz is facing her first Christmas in nearly 13 years without her partner Arbella “Yari” Rodríguez Márquez, who is being held in ICE custody at the Eloy Detention Center.
Almaraz said Rodríguez Márquez, previously a legal permanent resident, was detained Feb. 10 when the couple tried to re-enter the United States through the Nogales port of entry. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, permanent residency can be removed only if officials determine the person was not eligible for that status.
ICE did not respond to a request for comment on why Rodríguez Márquez was detained.
The separation has wiped out Almaraz’s holiday spirit. She said Rodríguez Márquez keeps asking whether their Christmas tree is up, but Almaraz hasn’t decorated—no lights, no presents, and no plans — because her partner is sick and in detention. Usually, Almaraz said, she is the “loud and festive” one, but this year she expects Christmas to feel like a regular day.
Almaraz spoke with The Arizona Republic at an Olive Garden in Maryvale, a restaurant she said is meaningful because it was the first place they ate together and a rare choice for date nights. Sitting there again, she fought back tears and said it made her miss Rodríguez Márquez even more.
Erick Trevino
Arizona drivers traveling home for the holidays will find a nice surprise at the pump.
According to the American Automobile Association, this December has seen the cheapest gas prices for the month since the end of 2020. While demand remains high around the holiday season, a strong supply and low prices for crude oil have allowed for the welcoming gas cost.
On average, Arizona drivers can expect an average price of $3.13, which is 7 cents lower than the previous week. 
Here are the average prices around these top four Arizona cities:
Still, Arizona remains among the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets in the country. The states with the highest gas prices are Hawaii ($4.43), California ($4.33), Washington ($3.96), Alaska ($3.59), Oregon ($3.57), Nevada ($3.46), Washington, DC ($3.17), Arizona ($3.13), Pennsylvania ($3.12), and New York ($3.08).
James Ward and Jeanine Santucci
After a stormy Christmas Eve in Southern California marked by rescues and evacuations, forecasters say the brief lull some areas saw on Christmas morning would not last.
Another surge of precipitation was expected later Dec. 25, with locally heavy rain and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has warned rainfall rates could reach about 0.50 to 0.75 inches per hour, and saturated ground means even moderate rain could trigger flooding, mudslides and rockslides, especially near recent burn-scar areas.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in multiple counties as crews responded to storm damage. Power outages have been widespread, with more than 165,000 homes and businesses without electricity early Dec. 25.
Travel is taking hits, too. Santa Barbara Airport closed on the morning of Dec. 25 because of flooding, grounding flights for a time, but has since reopened. Farther inland, the high desert is bracing for 40 to 55 mph winds and spotty showers that could kick up dust and reduce visibility.
Farther north, a warning was issued for a tornado and pea-sized hail in Santa Cruz County, in the Bay Area.
If you’re traveling in California, avoid flooded roads, watch for debris on canyon routes and check local alerts before you go.
Melissa Ruggieri
The music of the Christmas season can make you shift from having the feels to the flinches in the jingle of a bell.
But even bad songs are tough to whittle into a list and culling some of the worst offenders is highly subjective.
One popular contender is Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmas Time.” It should be impossible to smear such a well-intentioned tune that also possesses a marvelous McCartney melody, but some people can’t stomach its sappy leanings.
There are plenty of other lumps of audible Christmas coal to avoid, and USA TODAY has put together such a list of the 10 worst.
Check out the worst of the worst on the radio this holiday season.
Melissa Ruggieri
Some of us prefer our Christmas music on the pensive side, with wistful lyrics about dusky snowfalls and memories. We’re not looking for joy, but permission to wallow in nostalgia. 
Others relish the frisky sounds of sleigh bells and triumphant cascades of horns that embellish so many holiday classics. For those who lean toward festive, the season doesn’t go into effect until they’ve literally rocked around the Christmas tree.
There just might be a Christmas song for all tastes — jolly to melancholy — so corralling them into one list is not only futile, but impossible.
USA TODAY’s ultimate Christmas guide touches on classic and current artists with rock, country, R&B and straight-up pop thrown in. Maybe you’ll find something to add to your holiday cheer … or prompt a tear.
Check out our compilation of the 50 best Christmas songs.
The Arizona Republic
No more precipitation was expected on Christmas, with cloudy skies and intermittent sunshine forecast for metro Phoenix for rest of the day.
According to Maricopa County Flood Control District gauges, rainfall over the past day was heaviest across the northern tier of Maricopa County, with 0.55 recorded at Sycamore Creek, 0.51 recorded at Congress, 0.31 recorded at Rackensack Canyon and 0.20 recorded at New River.
Thick clouds and overnight rain kept the Phoenix area unusually mild again this morning. The National Weather Service in Phoenix said Phoenix, Yuma, and El Centro all set daily record warm low temperatures for the second day in a row.
For Christmas Day, expect variable cloudiness with a passing shower or two. High temperatures across the Valley should land in the mid-70s, with a much cooler feel once the sun dips.
Tonight looks mostly clear with lows in the mid-50s. Clouds increase again Friday, with highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid-50s.
The bigger shift arrives over the weekend. Highs will trend down into the upper 60s, and overnight lows will drop into the 40s by late weekend, especially in outlying areas, according to the National Weather Service.
If you’re heading out, watch for slick spots after showers and allow extra braking distance, especially on bridges and shaded stretches.
Caroline C. Boyle
Eggnog is one of the holiday season’s signature comfort drinks, and dietitians say making it at home is simpler than many people think. They point out that versions of eggnog go back to medieval times, when warm milk was mixed with spices and alcohol like wine or ale. Eggs were added centuries later. Today’s eggnog typically combines milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg and sometimes a splash of liquor.
Clinical dietitian Judy Simon shared a cooked-egg approach adapted from a Food Network Magazine recipe. She warms whole milk with vanilla, then whisks eggs with sugar and a little cornstarch until pale. The key step is adding the egg mixture gradually into the warmed milk while whisking so the eggs don’t scramble.
After several minutes on gentle heat, the mixture thickens. Off the heat, Simon stirs in cold half-and-half to stop the cooking, then finishes with freshly grated nutmeg. Chill it for a couple hours, then serve cold or gently warmed with another pinch of nutmeg.
For extra food-safety confidence, dietitians recommend pasteurized eggs or pasteurized liquid eggs. For dairy-free options, use lactose-free milk or swap to coconut milk for a coquito-like creaminess!
Michelle Peters
Holiday food is basically a passport you can eat. A USA TODAY 10Best roundup shows how different “festive” can look worldwide. In France, the bûche de Noël turns the old Yule log tradition into a chocolatey cake roll. In Japan, Christmas often means preordered Kentucky Fried Chicken, a habit sparked by a 1970s marketing campaign.
In Mexico, families gather for tamaladas, making masa-filled tamales for Las Posadas and Christmas Eve. The Philippines brings out lechon, a crackling roast pig that signals a big celebration. In China, unbroken longevity noodles are served as a wish for long life, while England’s mince pies keep the season sweet with spiced fruit filling.
Italy’s Feast of the Seven Fishes fills Christmas Eve with multiple seafood courses, a tradition popularized by Italian Americans. For Hanukkah, latkes recall the menorah’s oil lasting eight days. Australia’s summer holiday table leans into barbecue shrimp, with pavlova for dessert.
Spain welcomes the New Year by racing to eat 12 grapes at midnight. Poland serves clear red borscht at Wigilia, often with tiny mushroom pierogi called uszka. And in Ethiopia, Genna celebrations feature doro wat, a slow-cooked chicken stew served with injera.
Tom Viera
It’s become a staple of the holiday season to watch NFL games on Christmas. That tradition will continue for the sixth consecutive season with three games on the schedule for Dec. 25, Christmas Day.
All three matchups feature divisional rivals facing off.
The Dallas Cowboys will kick off the holiday action when they play the Washington Commanders in the first game. They’re followed by an NFC North showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, which features plenty of star power.
The Kansas City Chiefs will cap off the yuletide tripleheader when they host the Denver Broncos. The defending AFC champions have suffered some ill effects of being a Super Bowl runner-up. Meanwhile, the Broncos are inching closer to competing for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
You can find everything you need to know about this year’s Christmas NFL games in USA TODAY’s guide.
Reia Li
The tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas dates back to the early 20th Century, when Chinese immigrants were one of the largest non-Christian communities in the United States. The practice is still going strong — searches for Chinese food on Google and Yelp peak every year on Christmas Day, according to Axios.
Jewish families in particular have a long history of eating at Chinese restaurants on Christmas.
“Jews and Chinese food! It’s just something that has always been a tradition,” Ross Wolman, a cantor at Temple Chai in Phoenix, told The Arizona Republic in 2024.
Whether you’ve been enjoying Chinese food on the holiday for years or you’re new to the practice, here are 10 Chinese restaurants in metro Phoenix that are open on Christmas.
Alexandra Hardle
Looking to take a day trip out of metro Phoenix? There are plenty of things to do in Pinal County that you can add to your ultimate Arizona bucket list.  
If you’re interested in history, you can see a re-enactment of the 1862 Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War. The re-enactment is at Picacho Peak State Park.  
There is also Goldfield Ghost Town for history buffs that offers activities for the whole family. The historical town grew after the discovery of gold in 1892.  
From visiting the Queen Creek Olive Mill to the Biosphere in Tucson, here are the top things to do in Pinal County.
Michael Salerno
A mountain escape within a vast ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona was named one of the best Christmas towns in the United States.
HGTV released its list of the 50 best Christmas towns to visit in the U.S., selecting one from each state. The editors’ choice for Arizona was Flagstaff, about 140 miles north of metro Phoenix.
Each city selected on HGTV’s unranked list was picked for offering local holiday traditions and a feeling of Christmas that made them worth a trip with the family.
In its summary of Flagstaff as one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S., HGTV describes Flagstaff as “a picture-perfect pit stop for winter travelers” headed for the Grand Canyon.
HGTV highlighted Flagstaff’s historic downtown’s Christmas light displays and holiday events like the Holiday Parade of Lights, describing the downtown as a “winter wonderland lined by saloons, breweries and a blanket of stars best viewed at nearby Lowell Observatory.”
Arizona Snowbowl also received praise from HGTV for turning the San Francisco Peaks into “a wonderland of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and skating.” Flagstaff is a popular winter recreation spot as Arizona’s snowiest city, receiving about 90 inches of snow in an average year based on National Weather Service data.
Hayleigh Evans
Instead of a white Christmas, Phoenix was forecast to wake to gray skies and lingering rain. Showers that developed overnight were expected to continue into the morning hours of the holiday. 
“Lingering chances for showers around 30% to 40% are expected … then drying out in the afternoon and into the evening,” said Ted Whittock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. 
Rain accumulations should be light, with higher coverage northwest of the metro area. Roads may still be damp during morning travel.
Despite the rain, temperatures will remain unseasonably warm for Christmas. Morning lows were expected to stay in the upper 50s to lower 60s, with afternoon highs climbing into the low- to mid-70s.
Paula Soria
As Christmas Day approaches, there are several traditions deeply rooted in Latin culture that take place, and one of them is “pastorelas.”
Pastorelas are theatrical performances that combine dialogue, humor, popular culture references, and “villancicos” (Christmas Carols) to narrate the story of some shepherds (“pastores” in Spanish) who are on a journey to Bethlehem to meet Baby Jesus. 
These performances arose in Europe around the 12th century, although their original concept was not religious. Over time, the Church decided to adopt these with the intent of spreading a message centered on the birth of Jesus Christ.
After the evangelization of Native communities in Latin America, these artistic interpretations became an emblem of the Christmas season for many Latin communities and an important element in the list of customs and traditions during the season which includes others, such as posadas. 
What are pastorelas and where do they come from? Here’s what to know. 
Zach Wichter
Holiday travelers who check bags will usually get them back without issues, but the U.S. Department of Transportation says it’s worth knowing what you’re owed if luggage is damaged, delayed or lost. Airlines have specific duties, and passengers typically need to file claims with the carrier to start the process.
For damaged bags, airlines do not have to cover normal wear and tear. But if a suitcase is destroyed or items inside are damaged, you may qualify for compensation. Airlines can cap liability at $3,800 for domestic trips and about $1,700 for international itineraries, and they may exclude certain items on domestic flights such as fragile or perishable goods, electronics, cash, and other valuables if those limits are clearly disclosed. The government recommends buying extra insurance for higher-risk items.
For delayed luggage, airlines must try to locate and deliver your bag. Transportation officials say airlines must reimburse “reasonable, verifiable, and actual” expenses caused by the delay, like buying basic toiletries or underwear, and carriers cannot set an arbitrary daily limit for that reimbursement.
If a bag is declared lost, usually within five to 14 days depending on the airline, carriers must compensate you for the depreciated value of the contents up to the same liability caps and refund any checked-bag fees. If a mobility device like a wheelchair is damaged or lost, airlines must pay for repair or replacement up to the device’s original value.
Nate Trela
With the holidays here and gifts and goodies flying around the country, it’s useful to know what to do if someone else’s package is delivered to you.
An estimated 2.3 billion packages will be shipped in the 2025 holiday season, according to ShipMatrix.
Even if 99.99% of deliveries are done correctly, 2.3 million packages could still end up at the wrong address. So what should you do if a package you didn’t order ends up in your hands?
Receiving and taking possession of a misdelivered package are not illegal alone. But Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1802 says knowingly taking control of “lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property of another … without reasonable efforts to notify the true owner” can be considered theft and could lead to charges.
John Leos
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for Phoenix on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, because of smoke from increased wood burning. 
“Typically, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day see some of the highest air pollution levels in Phoenix,” air quality meteorologist Michael Graves said in a video posted to ADEQ’s X account. “This is because of the smoke from wood burning as people get into the holiday spirit.” 
Early rainfall forecasted on Christmas Day could help clear particulate matter in the air, but as the weather clears in the afternoon and evening, pollution levels could spike.  
Children, older adults, people exercising outdoors, and people with asthma, bronchitis, heart and lung disease are among the most vulnerable to high air pollution. The state agency suggests vulnerable people reduce exposure to pollution by limiting time spent outdoors when pollution levels are high and using HEPA filters to reduce particulate matter indoors. 
Maricopa County has prohibited wood burning in fireplaces, outdoor fire pits and igniting fireworks across the county on Christmas Day. Phoenix residents can help reduce pollution by carpooling or limiting driving.
Phoenix’s hourly air quality forecast can be found at https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix.
SAN DIEGO — A series of storms is threatening California with heavy rain and strong winds as weather forecasters warned that the major atmospheric river could cause life-threatening flash flooding and power outages in parts of the state.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on social media on Dec. 23 that he has ordered state agencies and emergency management officials to position crews, equipment, and resources before more rain and fierce winds batter the state. The National Weather Service said a “moderate to high risk” of flash flooding is expected for Southern California on Dec. 24.
Areas including the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Conejo Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Paula, Altadena, and Glendora are at the “highest risk” for life-threatening floods and rock or mud slides, according to the weather service’s office in Los Angeles/Oxnard.
― USA TODAY Network
Dina Kaur
Don’t forget to make sure everyone’s accounted for before you decide to leave for a family vacation, or you might end up with a “Home Alone” situation on your hands.
“Home Alone” came out in 1990 and is about bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who finds himself forced to sleep in the attic by his mother (Catherine O’Hara) on the night before a family trip to Paris.
He is then left at home after the McCallisters accidentally leave for the airport without him. He awakes to an empty house and is excited at first, until he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are trying to break in and rob the house. He goes on a mission to protect his home.
“Home Alone” is available to watch with a subscription to Disney+ and Hulu.
You can rent the movie for $3.79 on Amazon Prime Video or for $3.99 on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
A Disney+, Hulu bundle starts at $12.99 per month with ads and the Disney+, Hulu bundle premium with no ads costs $19.99 a month.
You can watch “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” with a subscription to Disney+ or Hulu. It is available to rent from $3.99 on Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
One way you can watch “Home Alone” for free is through checking it out from the Phoenix Public Library.
Tim Acosta
The holiday season is in full swing, and for many, that means it’s time to pile into the car with friends and family and cruise through dazzling Christmas light displays.
One of Arizona’s popular displays is World of Illumination, a massive drive-through Christmas light experience featuring millions of synchronized lights, theme displays and large holiday scenes.
The World of Illumination offers two locations with different themes. The Tempe location’s theme is “Rockin’ Christmas,” with a mile-long symphony of sight and sound and dancing to classic holiday beats and a retro Santa rocking around the Christmas tree.
The second location is in Glendale, which takes you out of this world with the theme “Cosmic Sleighride.” This mile-long course invites guests to blast off into a space-age holiday adventure.
Here is everything to know about World of Illumination.
Rachel Jordan
The history of Santa Claus may be different than what you’d expect.
Old Saint Nick’s origins date back to 280 A.D. At the time, he was known for being kind and was considered a protector of children and sailors.
Throughout history, his reputation for good deeds spread across the world, and his story and name evolved.
USA TODAY Reporter Rachel Jordan explains how Santa Claus became associated with Christmas. Click the link here to learn more.
Arlyssa D. Becenti
The drunken-driving suspect arrested who is accused of driving into a crowd of pedestrians Dec. 22 before the Kayenta Township Light Parade was identified as Stanley Begay Jr., according to the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor.
Begay, 67, of Kayenta, was charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with the fatal accident that killed 3-year-old Karson Apodaca. Begay has remained in custody and is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 13, 2026, the next available arraignment date.
In a GoFundMe set up for the young victim, his family described the boy as “a joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.”
“Tragically, his life was taken during a lighting show parade when a drunk driver struck the crowd. This unimaginable loss has left his family heartbroken and facing challenges no one should ever have to endure,” the GoFundMe text says. “Not only did they lose their precious boy, but Karson’s mom, her fiancé, and his grandpa were also injured in the accident and are now on the long road to recovery.”
John Leos
The left lane of northbound Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff has reopened near milepost 275 in Yavapai County.
The lane was closed after a two-vehicle collision shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 24, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The closure caused miles of Christmas Eve traffic delays along the busy roadway.
Motorists can check for traffic alerts and updates from the Arizona Department of Transportation at www.az511.com or the AZ511 app.
Kathleen Wong
AAA expects a record 122.4 million Americans to travel for the winter holidays from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1, topping last year’s 119.7 million.
Most travelers will drive, but about 8.03 million are projected to fly. Cruise demand is also up, with bookings 25% higher than in 2019. AAA says year-end trips range from family road travel to tropical vacations and friend getaways.
Holiday airfares are higher. AAA puts the average domestic round-trip at nearly $900, about 7% above last year. The priciest flying days are the ones just before Christmas and New Year’s Day. Cirium data suggests prices are steadier than in 2024, in part because budget airlines have fewer extra seats to sell.
For flying, airports are expected to be busiest on Dec. 26, with more than 3.1 million domestic seats scheduled. Other peak days include Dec. 21, 22, 28 and 29. The quietest travel days are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For driving, traffic is lightest on the holidays themselves. INRIX forecasts the worst congestion the weekend before Christmas and the day after, with heavy traffic generally from midday into early evening on key dates (Dec. 20–23 and Dec. 26–30).
Hayleigh Evans
If you’re heading out for holiday festivities around dusk on Christmas Eve, expect cloudy skies and lingering damp conditions across the Phoenix area. Accumulation will be minimal, but wet roads are possible in some areas. 
Rain chances will increase after sunset, with periods of light to moderate rain developing overnight. The best rain chances are focused northwest of Phoenix and into central Arizona. The metro area may see less precipitation, but showers are still possible. 
For those attending midnight Mass or late-night holiday services, plan for cool, cloudy weather with on-and-off rain. Temperatures will stay mild, dipping into the 50s.
Wrapping a present is fun, but tying the ribbon is where it starts to feel like a little holiday magic.
Start by choosing ribbons that work together. A simple trick is to pair complementary colors and mix one pattern with one solid so the gift looks festive but not busy. If you’re unsure, go a little wider with the ribbon. Wider ribbon is easier to shape and makes the bow look fuller.
For a classic wrap, measure enough ribbon to go around the box three times, plus a little extra for tying. Wrap it snugly, keeping the ribbon flat as you go, then tie a bow on top. Before you tighten everything down, slide the ribbon so the lines look centered, then pull tight and adjust the loops and tails until the bow sits neatly.
Want something fancier? Try a diagonal wrap. Loop the ribbon around the corners so it crosses the top on a diagonal, then tie your bow where the ribbon meets. It instantly looks more “special” with almost no extra effort.
For a real show-stopper, make a center ribbon bow. Place the ribbon at the center, set the gift on top, and pull the ribbon tight. Spread the loops apart slowly, tighten, and keep finessing the shape until it looks picture perfect. If the ribbon keeps slipping, use a small piece of double-sided tape to hold it in place.
John Leos
Officials at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are reporting normal operations during the holiday travel rush on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
People traveling to California may experience delays or cancellations throughout the day as severe weather hits much of the West Coast. Passengers can check the status of their flights at Sky Harbor through the airlines or at https://www.skyharbor.com/flights/delayed-canceled-and-diverted-flights/.
Airport officials are encouraging customers to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. Customers can also reserve parking at the airport in advance to help ease their travel stress.
More travel tips for Sky Harbor can be found at https://www.skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.
Dina Kaur
Don’t be a Grinch this Christmas and miss out on watching the holiday classic.
There are three film versions of Dr. Seuss’s book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, including the 1966 animated short “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, the 2000 live-action movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the animated 2018 “The Grinch.”
The 1966 animated short “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is 26 minutes long, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is an hour and 45 minutes and the animated 2018 “The Grinch” is an hour and 26 minutes long.
Whatever your preferred form of The Grinch is, all are available on streaming services such as Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, and will also be accessible on cable TV.
Here’s how you can watch all three versions of “The Grinch” in 2025.
Ray Stern
Five people and three dogs escaped a Christmas Eve house fire without injuries but they won’t be able to return anytime soon.
They’ll be displaced from the house, near 20th Street and Osborn Road, for some time because of smoke and fire damage, Phoenix Fire Department Capt. DJ Lee said. Fire crews were able to salvage “a lot of stuff for them,” he added.
“Our crews did a really good job and were able to pull out a lot of the Christmas presents,” he said. “It was the best-case scenario for them on Christmas Eve.”
Firefighters headed out at about 10:30 a.m. after reports of the fire, and everyone made it out of the single-family home before help arrived. Once there, crews “quickly pulled handlines into the house to fight the blaze,” according to Lee’s report.
The whole house was affected by smoke and the fire appeared to be located near a bedroom, he said, adding the cause is still under investigation.
Hayleigh Evans
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department issued a high pollution advisory for Christmas Day, with a no-burn day in effect across the county. Burning wood in fireplaces, outdoor fire pits and igniting fireworks is prohibited, as officials expect elevated levels of fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5.
The region experiences temperature inversions during the winter that trap cold air and pollution near the surface, with a layer of warm air above acting as a “lid” over the Valley. Pollution spikes around the holidays, endangering high-risk individuals including children, older adults and those with respiratory illness. 
“Our individual choices can have a positive impact on the reduction of air pollution and help the community breathe cleaner air this holiday season,” department director Philip McNeely said. 
Reia Li
Forgot to get a gift for your uncle? Need a last minute stock-up on alcohol or snacks or decorations for the holiday party? Want to get a few more games to entertain the kids?
To make shopping easier, The Arizona Republic put together a guide to the Christmas Eve and Christmas hours of major retailers.
John Leos
The Arizona Department of Transportation is reporting that a crash is blocking the left lane of northbound Interstate 17 near Flower Pot in Yavapai County.
Traffic is backed up approximately 2 miles as traffic is reduced to one lane.
Eddie Fontanez and Paula Soria
When Pauline Alvarado thinks about the Christmases of her childhood, she remembers the whole family packed in the kitchen making tamales. She remembers her little hands kneading masa dough, wiping them off on her mama’s well-loved apron. She remembers watching her take the tamales out of the pot, steam warming the kitchen air, creating a cozy haven.
For her, and many Mexican families, making tamales is the ultimate Christmas tradition.
“It wasn’t Christmas without tamales,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado and her family began selling tamales at farmers markets in 2009 and the business grew from year to year via word of mouth, until they were eventually able to open a restaurant and factory that ships nationwide.
She is now a co-owner of The Tamale Store in north Phoenix, providing families in Arizona with a piece of Mexican heritage each Christmas, regardless of their background.
Paige Moore
Christmas is here, and so is the season for opening presents, Christmas movies, and family dinners.
With all that being said, the holidays can be extremely busy. Whether you need caffeine pick up, a quick snack, or you just don’t feel like cooking this year, there are a couple fast food restaurants that will stay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas to make sure you get what you need.
Some chain restaurant hours vary by location so it’s important to check each specific store’s hours before heading out.
Meredith G. White
Hallmark has graced viewers with its final movie premieres for its 2025 “Countdown to Christmas” event.
Hallmark began festivities early with its “Countdown to Christmas” on Oct. 17 and released more new holiday movies every weekend since.
This year Hallmark premiered 24 brand-new Christmas movies along with a new series called “Mistletoe Murders” and the returns of “Finding Mr. Christmas” and more.
If you’ve pulled the plug on cable, you can catch the Countdown to Christmas programming the next day after airing on Hallmark+. Monthly subscriptions for Hallmark+ are $7.99 a month.
Laura Gersony
Traveling for the holidays? Here are some recommendations from the Arizona Humane Society to keep your pets safe and happy during your winter vacation.
First, make sure your pet’s identification tags and microchips are updated with correct contact information.
Bring plenty of your pet’s medication or any special food they might need.
Before your trip, take a moment to research animal clinics and hospitals in the area where you’re staying. It’ll help make sure you’re prepared in case of an emergency.
Once you get to your destination, the Humane Society recommends creating a safe, quiet space for your pet where they feel comfortable and at home, with fresh water, bedding, and toys.
Finally, never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. In the winter, cars can act as refrigerators, trapping the cold and putting your pet at risk. Pets that are very young, old, ill, or thin are particularly at risk, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, but it’s best to avoid the practice altogether.
Erick Trevino
The holiday season can be hectic, from last-minute Christmas present shopping to running to the grocery store for that last ingredient, even the day before Christmas.
Many places have specific holiday hours on Christmas Eve or may not be open at all. To clear up any confusion and make your last-minute Christmas Eve errands less stressful, here are some buildings that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as those that will be closed.
Highlights: The post office, along with delivery services such as FedEs and UPS, are open in Christmas Eve. Most banks are, too, but likely have shorter hours than normal.
Sean Holstege
Rain has arrived in metro Phoenix from the southwest, and with it, the record heat recorded earlier in the day and through Christmas week has abated.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for 80% chance of showers throughout the evening, tapering off overnight. Rainfall totals are expected to be light, less than a tenth of an inch. Wind gusts could reach 20 mph, and the overnight low is expected to fall to around 60.
The Weather Service expects less rain on Christmas Eve before the chances of wet weather pick up on Christmas Day.
John Leos
For young Arizonans wondering when Santa will come to their town, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has launched its 2025 Santa Tracker website.
Until Christmas, visitors can log onto the tracker to enjoy holiday music, read about Santa Claus and play Christmas-themed arcade games.
On Dec. 24, the website will display a live feed tracking Santa’s journey around the world.
NORAD’s regular duties involve monitoring and defending U.S. airspace, but ever since 1955, the defense command has used its technology to track Old Saint Nick as he delivers toys on Christmas Eve.
The tradition began after a child mistakenly called the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD’s predecessor, after seeing a misprinted ad in a Colorado Springs newspaper that invited children to call Santa.
Google also hosts a Santa tracking site for those wishing to know when the fabled sleigh will visit their home.
Hayleigh Evans
Phoenix broke another daily heat record Dec. 23, the third day in a row that unseasonably warm weather has toppled a high temperature mark.
The high reached 80 degrees shortly after 2:30 p.m., breaking the previous record of 79 degrees that had stood since 1950, according to the National Weather Service.
It was the fifth daily heat record Phoenix has set so far this month, continuing a stretch of unusually warm December weather across the Valley.
But after three consecutive record-breaking days, a shift in the weather pattern is underway. A storm system moving in from the West Coast is already producing showers in southwestern Arizona and is expected to push into the Phoenix area Tuesday night. Another round of rain is forecast for Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.
Meredith G. White
If you’re looking for a festive activity the whole family is sure to love, you can’t go wrong with an outing to enjoy Christmas lights.
In metro Phoenix, there are several major shows and a bunch of smaller residential shows that are just as stunning.
Here is your complete guide to all the best Christmas lights displays, drive throughs and shows around metro Phoenix, from beloved classics like Zoolights, which is the longest-running holiday light show in metro Phoenix, to newer additions like Valor Christmas Holiday Light Show.
Nearly 100 over-the-top displays will be on The Arizona Republic’s annual holiday lights map, which is used by individuals, bus tours, limo parties and others who have made cruising the Phoenix area in search of the biggest and brightest part of their holiday tradition.
If you’re ready to cruise around for some lights, Here’s the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com’s annual map of over-the-top holiday lights.
Perry Vandell
Are freeway closures planned for the Phoenix area during Christmas week?
Motorists in the Phoenix area can breathe a little easier as they make their holiday travel plans as no freeway closures are scheduled for the week of Christmas, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The agency issued a reminder that travelers can check for live traffic updates at az511.gov or call 511.
“Please drive with safety in mind,” the agency said. “Stay alert, buckle up, don’t speed and never drive while impaired.”
Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Shoppers looking to break from the traditional holiday dinners, or who can’t find them on the shelves, can find plenty of alternative options across the Valley.
Tamales are a holiday staple in many Arizona households and are widely available at grocery chains such as Food City, El Super and Ranch Market.
But for the 2025 holiday season, Costco Wholesale in Arizona also are offering tamales.
Costco carries Del Real Foods tamales in red chili pork and beef, sold in 15-count packages that average less than $1 per tamale.
Through online orders, Costco offers 72-count tamale packs from Texas Tamale Co. for $99, including red chili beef, pork or chicken, and Hatch green chili varieties.
Arizona-based Bashas’ also sells Dos Ranchitos tamales, available in six-count packages.
Lamb is another option for holiday meals, but availability is more limited than traditional meats.
Costco offers several Kirkland Signature lamb cuts, including leg of lamb for $7.37 per pound, Frenched racks for $18.15 per pound, and loin for $9.07 per pound, according to the Costco website.
Seafood offers a lighter holiday alternative, with Phoenix-area grocery stores such as Costco Wholesale, Fry’s Food Stores and Safeway stocking items like salmon fillets, shrimp and crab legs.
For $10 at Safeway, you can get a one-pound Dungeness crab, or a frozen raw lobster tail, both on sale.
Dina Kaur
It’s the season to get cozy on the couch with a holiday classic playing in the background.
Now your choice of Christmas movie is crucial, and there are many options. These include all three versions of “The Grinch,” “Home Alone,” “The Polar Express,” “Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Elf.”
Each brings a unique plot from a green creature with a heart “two sizes too small,” a child left home alone while his family goes on vacation, to a magical train heading to the North Pole. Whether you want to check out how Charlie Brown and the gang fare in the holiday play or Buddy the Elf reconnecting with his birth father, there are many options to get you in the holiday mood.
Here are five classic Christmas movies and where to watch in 2025.
John Leos
Officials at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are reporting normal operations on Dec. 23 as travelers begin making their journeys across the country for the holiday week.
As of noon on Dec. 23, the airport reported 80 flights affected by delays or cancellations through Dec. 24. Passengers can track their flights through their airline’s website or at Sky Harbor’s website.
Airport officials are also encouraging customers to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. Customers can also reserve parking at the airport in advance at https://www.skyharbor.com/parking/.
More travel tips for Sky Harbor can be found at https://www.skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.
Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Do you need last-minute groceries for Christmas? You still have options ahead of the holiday, but you’ll have to work around adjusted hours at major grocers.
Most grocery stores will operate on reduced hours on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, and virtually all will be closed on Christmas Day.
Walmart will be open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Fry’s Food Stores will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., with pharmacies closing at 5 p.m.
Safeway and Albertsons will operate under regular hours, open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Bashas’ will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Costco will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Aldi will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Trader Joe’s will open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
On Christmas Day, those major grocery chains are closed. Some specialty grocery stores may keep regular hours, such as Asiana Market in west Mesa, which is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
But before you head out, it’s always best to look up the store and call them to check.
Hayleigh Evans
If you’re hoping for a white Christmas in Arizona, it may be time to let it go. Record-breaking warmth is sticking around, and while rain chances are increasing, temperatures should stay far too warm for snow across the state.
A storm system off the West Coast is expected to push moisture into the Southwest later this week, bringing chances for rain around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across much of Arizona.
Phoenix is coming off back-to-back record highs. On Sunday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 22, the temperature at Sky Harbor reached into the 80s, breaking the previous daily record highs. But a pattern shift is on the way.
Forecasters are watching two windows for rain in Phoenix: late Tuesday into early Wednesday and again from Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. Highs should trend cooler by the weekend, dropping into the upper 60s and low 70s. Some areas across the Valley could see half an inch of rain.
Flagstaff will also see a warmer-than-normal holiday, with early precipitation falling mostly as rain. Snow chances may increase by the weekend, but confidence remains low.
“Most likely not a white Christmas,” said Jacob Lewandowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. “It’s just too warm.”
John Leos
Drivers at Phoenix’s airport may have one less thing to worry about this holiday travel season: finding a parking space.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport introduced a new parking system to the Terminal 3 garage to help guide drivers to open parking spots and improve traffic flow. The camera-based system uses sensors to track parking spaces in real time, allowing drivers to receive accurate garage occupancy on each parking level.
Drivers entering the garage will see green and red indicator lights, which will guide them toward open parking spaces on levels with availability. Green lights indicate open parking spaces, while the red lights indicate sections of the lot that are full.
Sky Harbor customers can also reserve a parking spot in advance at skyharbor.com/parking.
Arlyssa D. Becenti
A drunk driving suspect drove into bystanders at a Christmas parade in Kayenta on Dec. 22, where Navajo Nation police confirmed one death and multiple injuries.
At approximately 5:10 p.m., before the Christmas parade was scheduled to begin, Navajo Nation police reported receiving a call about a driver who entered the parade route where bystanders were waiting. The driver was allegedly intoxicated at the time, police said.
Navajo police confirmed that “life was lost” during the incident. Police said that four individuals were struck by the person who entered the parade route. The driver has not been identified.
The driver damaged several vehicles and nearby property, police said. The driver was arrested and transported to the local Department of Corrections. 
“One of the victims is a young person who remains in critical condition, and another is a pregnant woman,” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren posted on his Facebook page. “Please pray for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident. I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this evening during the Kayenta Township’s Christmas Night Parade.”
Hayleigh Evans
If you’re traveling to or from the West Coast this week, especially Southern California, you might want to build in extra time to make it to Christmas dinner.
A series of powerful Pacific storms fueled by atmospheric rivers (long plumes of moisture from the Pacific) are expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions to parts of California through the Christmas holiday.
“The atmospheric rivers are going to impact Southern California, particularly on Wednesday,” said Ted Whittock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. “This is an especially impactful system for people who are traveling to and from Southern California, especially coastal areas.”
Multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected from Tuesday, Dec. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 27, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. Up to 8 inches of rain is possible in some areas, and forecasters warn the prolonged rainfall could trigger flooding and debris flows, especially near burn scars and in foothill communities.
While Arizona won’t see as much rain, moisture from the same storm track is expected to bring rain chances to parts of the desert, including around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Wendy Killeen
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com’s annual map of over-the-top holiday lights is a tradition for many families in the Phoenix area. The Republic map also serves as a fundraiser for Season for Sharing, the newspaper’s annual campaign to help kids, families and the elderly.
Select the map icons to see more information about residential and commercial light displays.
Use the + and – buttons to zoom, map your current location by hitting the target button in the upper right and select addresses to open the location in Google Maps so you can get directions.

source