Whether you're in Phoenix for a holiday weekend or you are a resident of the city, the holidays in Phoenix are a magical and beautiful time. It is not your typical winter wonderland, but the city's many unique events make up for the lack of snow with bursts of holiday cheer. There are several events for both adults and kids in Phoenix over the holidays. The lists below outlines just a few of the many local events happening in Phoenix this winter that will help you and your family celebrate the holidays and New Years Eve in Phoenix in style.

Christmas and the Holidays in Phoenix
Few cities in the southwest celebrate the holidays like Phoenix, and Christmas is no exception. With many notable Phoenix tourist locations like the Phoenix Zoo and the Ritz Cartlon getting involved, spending the holidays in Phoenix is a surefire way to make lasting holiday memories.

For the kids: Consider taking your little ones to meet Saint Nick himself at the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. On November 26 and 27, as well as December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, Santa Claus flies in on a helicopter to greet the kids in the Deer Valley Airport Restaurant for a few hours. This event is free and parents are encouraged to take their own pictures.

For the group: Each year for the holiday season, the Phoenix Zoo lights up its property with thousands of Christmas lights, putting on a beautiful and enormous display. This begins on November 24 and will go through January 8. The doors open at 6 PM each evening and close at 10 PM. This is an enjoyable event for both kids and adults. General admission is $10, while zoo

For the adults: If you're looking for an event that's a little more elegant for your Christmas outing, look no further than the Yuletide Tea event at the Ritz Carlton. This event is a bit pricey at $38 per person (an additional $15 dollars gets you the Royal Tea package with generously-flowing white wine throughout your whole experience). This traditional tea service is held in the majestically-decorated Lobby Lounge. Tea times are at noon and 3:00 pm and run Tuesday through Thursday, November 25 to December 15, and everyday December 20-30, excluding the 26th and 27th. Reservations are required.

New Years Eve in Phoenix
This is a city that knows how to have a good time, which is evidenced by the many celebrations that take place on New Years Eve in Phoenix. Ringing in the New Year in Arizona promises to be a memorable night. The following events are some of the best Phoenix has to offer and there's a New Years Eve bash for just about everyone.

For the party-goer: Many of the clubs in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area offer some kind of rocking NYE event with amazing music and dancing. One of the biggest parties happening in Phoenix this New Years Eve is Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party 2011. This event costs $35, which gets you access to three bars, six DJs, a concert and the outside block party. If you're looking to drink and dance in the New Year, this is the place to be. This event is for partiers age 21 and over.

For the comedy-enthusiast: If sitting down for a show and ringing in the New Year with laughter echoing in your ears is more your style, Clubzone is hosting Christopher Titus for the night, a prolific and just plain hilarious stand-up comedian. This show starts at 8 PM and will end at 2 AM New Years Eve. Tickets are limited and prices rise as the event nears, so be sure to get yours soon. This event is 21 and over.

For the romantic: Some people like a rowdy and rambunctious night out for the New Year and some prefer to do it quietly. Many area restaurants will provide just that. With special prices and events for the New Year, restaurants like the Bistro at the Kokopelli Winery (served outdoors) or the Cafe 24/6 at Lone Butte Casino will provide a relaxing night and a full belly. If you're looking for dinner with the family, the Crescent Moon at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has both a four-course meal for adults and a New Years Eve Children's celebration.

For the family: Though New Years Eve is a very adult holiday with its late night hours and parties, there is plenty for the kids to do on this holiday. New Years Eve in Phoenix can be a family event. If you are looking for a kid-friendly activity, consider attending the Castle 'n' Coasters New Years Eve Bash. With live music until 12:30 AM and unlimited rides from 9 PM until 5 AM, this event is perfect fun for the family.

For the adventurous: Most people enjoy a nice meal or a good party for New Years, but some prefer a little bit more adventure. Why not welcome a brand new year by doing something brand new yourself? If you’re looking for an atypical New Years Eve, Michael Jackson's The Immortal World Tour as performed by Cirque du Soleil is the event for you. Running from 8 PM to 2 AM, this event is taking place at the US Airways Center. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as this is sure to be a very popular event. This event is 21 and over.