Tickets for the 2026 San Francisco Giants Spring Training games at Scottsdale Stadium are now available. The stadium will open its doors to fans in February 2026, continuing a longstanding tradition in the city.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has approved a funding swap that secures $29.29 million for improvements on Scottsdale Road between Jomax Road and Dixileta Drive. The project was shifted from federal funding to regional Proposition 400 sales tax funds after design updates made it ineligible for the original grant criteria. According to city officials, “MAG and the city worked together to reassign the federal dollars to other eligible regional projects while replacing them with regional sales tax funds to keep Scottsdale’s project on track.” With this funding secured, planning and design efforts will continue for this key corridor.
Several public meetings are scheduled for the week of December 8, including sessions of the Human Relations Committee, Library Board, Planning Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission, Police Local Board, Development Review Board, Human Services Advisory Commission, and Audit Committee.
Residents can participate in a variety of community events. These include meeting Santa at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market on December 13; attending The Merchantile outdoor market at Scottsdale Civic Center; viewing student art at Via Linda Senior Center; learning chocolate-making skills during Chocolate Wonderland led by Sue Berliner of b Naked Chocolates; creating ornaments with professional artists at Holly Jolly DIY Decor; joining the Scottsdazzle Stroll & Shop along illuminated canal banks; taking part in a Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunt led by a police detective; riding trains through holiday lights displays at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park through December 30; and exploring local galleries during weekly ArtWalks.
Other ongoing programs include guided tours of Scottsdale’s Xeriscape Garden demonstrating desert-friendly landscaping practices. Registration is required due to limited space.
The city is also hosting open houses about proposed updates to fire-defensible space rules within Environmentally Sensitive Lands areas. Officials state that “the goal of the changes is to modernize the rules so they better reflect current environmental conditions and address issues identified in the existing ordinance.” The first session will be held on December 11 at Florence E. Nelson Desert Park Community Multi-Use Room.
Scottsdale Fire Department’s annual toy drive continues through December 22. Donations support more than 1,000 families each year via organizations such as Vista Del Camino and Family Promise. Donors are encouraged to provide gifts suitable for older children as these items are often needed most.
The city is hiring an Assistant City Attorney II who will provide legal services across departments and offer guidance on complex legal matters affecting municipal operations.
Recent activities highlighted online include an educational visit from Phoenix Zoo staff at the Family Resource Center and historical features about Scottsdale City Hall’s architecture since its opening in 1968 by Bennie Gonzales.
Holiday decorations have appeared throughout parks as maintenance teams place elf statues around public spaces as part of seasonal festivities.
