Sweet stroll satisfies holiday cravings at Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque has become the undisputed epicenter for holiday entertainment and festivities.

Those who enjoyed Tlaquepaque Tree Trail with the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree and the 45th annual Festival of Lights last weekend are invited one last time for even more holiday cheer and merriment. It all starts Saturday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. As always, the event is free and the trolley will be running from the Uptown municipal parking lot during the same time period for convenience.

Now in its fifth year, the Holiday Sweet Stroll is a musical and entertainment extravaganza sprinkled with special treats, gifts and sweet discounts to entice some holiday shopping. Gather family, friends and the young ones for a magical afternoon of fun. The participating Tlaquepaque boutique shops and galleries have gone all-out to make sure your holidays are the best ever.
The Grinch skulks around Tlaquepaque during the Holiday Sweet Stroll, this year on Saturday, Dec. 16. The day also features a viewing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at 7 p.m.
And for the kids, there is plenty to do and be thrilled by, including a chance to spend time with their favorite villain-turned-hero, the Grinch. Check out the crafts-making table in Patio las Campanas from 3 to 5 p.m. And, of course, Santa will be on hand for any last-minute wishes.

Speaking of the Grinch, plan to stick around for the classic film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” in Patio del Norte at 7 p.m. For those who get hungry before or after the film, there are five excellent restaurants to choose from on both sides of the property. Reservations are recommended.

To get in the receiving mood, here is a sampling of what the Tlaquepaque merchants have cooked up for those attending: Hot cocoa, cider and holiday cookies, raffling of six cactus cupcakes, organic nuts, dried fruit, handmade healthy chocolates, gourmet chocolates from around the world, homemade fudge and cookies, hot eggnog and mulled wine or lumps of coal for the naughty, holiday canolis, a free pair of post dichroic earrings with a $50 purchase, gifts with every purchase, generous discounts and more.

Look for the Sweet Stroll postcards in all the shops with a listing of the sweet treats and discounts from participating shops, galleries and the entertainment lineup.

Tlaquepaque is known far and wide for stunning handcrafted and artisan-made goods, not to mention hundreds of world-class artists who show in the galleries. Those who haven’t visited Tlaquepaque in a while will be amazed at what is in store. Looking for a special, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift for a loved one? The abundant array of specialty gift items and art treasures is all part of the distinctive Tlaquepaque shopping experience. Be sure to check out the shops in Tlaquepaque North, dazzling in their gorgeous, spacious, contemporary interiors.

As in years past, Tlaquepaque will come alive with the wonderful sounds of the season throughout the gorgeously decorated village. The whole family will be transported back in time as they are serenaded by the Dickens Carolers who will roam the property from 3 to 7 p.m.

And be sure to catch a glimpse of and spend some selfie time with the Grinch, who will also be slinking around the village. Home to more than 45 shops, world-class galleries and five restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the art and soul of Sedona, now in its 45th year, is at 336 State Route 179.

It is open daily at 10 a.m. Call 282-4838 or visit tlaq.com for more information.

Holiday Sweet Stroll
Entertainment Lineup

Tlaquepaque North
18-foot, gigantic snow-blowing Santa: 3 to 7 p.m.
Meadowlark: With musical compositions melding influences as diverse as Celtic, African and Mediterranean traditions. 3 to 5 p.m.
David Merino: Enjoy this gifted guitarist and his sultry sounds with a Mediterranean influence, 5 to 7 p.m.
Patio del Norte
Red RockApella: A Sedona favorite, 3 to 4 p.m.
Kregg Barentine Trio: A fun nostalgia pop band, 4 to 7 p.m.
Movie: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” 7 p.m.
Patio de la Fuente
Steve Sanders Trio: 3 to 6 p.m.
Tlaquepaque Chapel
Jonathan Levingston: Violinist and composer, 3 to 4 p.m.
Sherry Finzer Duo: Enjoy flustist Sherry Finzer and guitarist Darin Mahoney and their new fusion sound, blending New Age, Latin and classical music, 5 to 7 p.m.
Patio del las Campanas
Crafts for Kids: 3 to 5 p.m.
Santa Claus: 3 to 6 p.m.
Divom: Enjoy the eclectic sounds from keyboardist and composer from David Vincent Mills, 4 to 7 p.m.
Patio de las Rosas
Michael Kollwitz: With the phenomenal sounds of the Chapman Stick, 4 to 6 p.m.