Check out what there is to do in Cave Creek and Carefree in December!
Join us as we take a trip back in history and explore the Cave for which Cave Creek was named. From the prehistoric pecking of petroglyphs to Apache battles, so much history lives within its walls. This historic treasure has been preserved by Desert Foothills Land Trust through a conservation easement on private property. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit this historic landmark. Tours are very limited so advance registrations are required and only taken on a first-come, first-served, basis. Since the tours are wildly popular, and fill up immediately, they are released three at one time via email only. You can sign up on their website.
Carefree Farmer’s Market
Carefree Farmer’s Market Every Friday (Winter Hours - 9 AM to 1 PM October through May) (Summer Hours - 8 AM to 11 AM June through September) - Town of Carefree - 8 Sundial Circle, Carefree, AZ 85377.  Every Friday near the Sundial in Carefree! Vendors change weekly. Features may include fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs, and flowers; locally made jams, jellies, and salsas; and fresh baked breads. FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING! When it's hot, the market moves to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion stage area with shade and misters to cool the area.
Foothills Caring Corps 13th Annual Golf Classic
Monday, December 8,2025, at The Mirabel Golf Club in North Scottsdale. For more info, go to their website.
A Kiwanis Christmas for the Kids - Hosted by Kiwanis of Carefree
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 -Â 10 AM to 4 PM in downtown Carefree at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion 101 Easy St. Free family event with games & prizes, hayrides, vist with Santa & Mrs Claus, food and more including a Christmas Tree giveaway and raffle drawing for 50 bikes!
Carefree Lights Up Tree LIghting
Saturday, December 6 from 5 PM to 7 PM in downtown Carefree beside the Veterans Memorial in Carefree Desert Gardens.Â
Foothills Christmas Pageant Still Listed as Cancelled.
DECEMBER 7th and 8th 2018 AT 7 PM Spur Cross Ranch, 43993 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 THE DESERT FOOTHILLS CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will once again delight hundreds of spectators from Cave Creek, Carefree, and visitors from throughout the metro Phoenix area. Preparations are beginning for this traditional, free community event, which was started by the Cave Creek 4-H Club in 1952, as a re-enactment of the Christmas story showcasing the 4-H Club members’ animals. PLAN TO ARRIVE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EARLY. SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. PLEASE BRING BLANKETS AND/OR CHAIRS. COMPLIMENTARY HOT CHOCOLATE PROVIDED BY THE CACTUS SHADOWS DRAMA CLUB.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience
December 13th, 2025, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM @ the Cave Creek Museum located at 6140 E Skyline Dr, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. *** Due to the popularity of this event, pre-purchase of tickets is required. Tickets may be purchased on the EVENT page. *** SPECIAL 2ND SATURDAY TIME!!!! The museum opens at 8:30 am for event check-in, The AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE begins at 10 am! The Cave Creek Museum’s AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE is unique with its display of the complete hard rock ore extraction process, with the mine shaft, tramway, ore carts, crushing, and extraction, which are always on display but operated on 2nd Saturdays.
December 13, 2025 from 1 PM to 4:40 PM at Cave Creek Museum 6140 E Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, AZ.
This one-of-its-kind adventure tour is the perfect way to spend an exciting day learning about Arizona’s fascinating gold mining history while finding the "Gold Fever" within yourself. You'll interact with the knowledgeable guide and follow the same vein of gold that Old Rackensack chased in 1880. This mine was were instrumental in the founding of Cave Creek. Limited to 9 adult guests. Advance reservations are required.
Chanukah in Carefree - Nightly Menorah Lighting and Celebrations
December 14 -21, 2025, from 5:30 PM at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion at 101 Easy Street in Carefree. Celebrate 'Chanukah in Carefree' every evening at 5:30 PM during Chanukah. Enjoy presentations and the menorah lighting led by community leaders each night under the stars in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Each year, Chanukah in Carefree selects a local charity to support through charitable giving. Visit their website for more information.
Third Thursday Art Walks
December 18 from 4 PM to 7 PM in downtown Carefree. Â
Join Carefree Galleries on the Third Thursday of every month beginning October through May for our seasonal Art Night. Carefree’s Third Thursday event series invites visitors to stroll, shop, dine, and enjoy an evening celebrating the arts in downtown Carefree! These events help support local businesses and local creativity which make our Arizona culture a better place to live, work, and visit. The Art Evenings are FREE and self-guided, every month, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and offer FREE PARKING. Begin at any gallery, then continue to other participating galleries. Enjoy a diverse display of artistic styles and mediums, meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and engage in conversation about art and architecture. See the link for participating galleries on their website.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience
December 27th, 2025 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM @ the Cave Creek Museum located at 6140 E Skyline Dr, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. *** Due to the popularity of this event, pre-purchase of tickets is required. Tickets may be purchased on the EVENT page. *** SPECIAL 2ND SATURDAY TIME!!!! The museum opens at 8:30 am for event check-in, The AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE begins at 10 am! The Cave Creek Museum’s AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE is unique with its display of the complete hard rock ore extraction process, with the mine shaft, tramway, ore carts, crushing, and extraction, which are always on display but operated on 2nd Saturdays.
