Things to Do in Maricopa - Winter 2025

Things to Do in Maricopa - Winter 2025 InMaricopa.com InMaricopa is Maricopa's premier local news source InMaricopa is your go-to source for hyper-local news and information about Maricopa, Arizona. Stay informed with the latest community updates, events, and stories that matter to our city. InMaricopa is the only dedicated news outlet focusing exclusively on the city of Maricopa, ensuring residents are always in the know.

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December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

Annual Events

Veterans Day Parade Maricopa’s 2025 Veterans Day Parade opened with a thunderous tribute as two rare World War II aircraft groups roared over Porter Road. At 9 a.m., the Arizona Stearman Squadron swept in first, flying restored Boeing Stearman biplanes once used to train U.S. Army Air Corps and Navy pilots. Minutes later, spectators looked skyward as the PB4Y-2 Privateer T121, the only airworthy aircraft of its kind, made a rare appearance. The four-engine Navy patrol bomber, later used by the Coast Guard and as a wildfire tanker, was meticulously restored in Phoenix through SAC Holdings and maintained by sponsor Joe Shoen. Below the flyover, hundreds lined the parade route from Bowlin Road to Honeycutt Avenue as veterans, youth groups and civic organizations marched past. Grand marshal Roman Benavente, a retired Army Finance Command Sergeant Major and Province resident, led the procession alongside honorees Steve Day, Craig Houk and Terry Oldfield.

Visit Maricopa Veterans Memorial Park across from Copper Sky Multigen Center. VMP-MaricopaAZ.org

InMaricopa.com | December 2025

DEC. 6

5-8 P.M.

• Tree Lighting Ceremony • Live Entertainment • Holiday Carolers • Ugly Sweater Contest • Free Hot Cocoa

• Photos with Santa • Holiday hayrides • Kids Zone • Food Trucks and treats • Local Vendors …and so much more holiday fun!

MERRYCOPA.COM

December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

Santa photos

friendly experience, here are a few places around Maricopa where you can get a photo with the big guy himself before Christmas Day. Dec. 6 Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience 9 a.m., Villages at Rancho El Dorado Clubhouse 20991 Butterfield Parkway Looking for a meet Santa experience that understands children and adults with special needs? This event offers a low-sensory setting by appointment only. This means they offer a quieter environment without huge crowds and staff are understanding of children and adults with sensory needs. Merry Copa 5 p.m., Copper Sky Regional Park 44345 W. Bowlin Road Get a free photo with Santa and Mrs.

Claus during Maricopa’s signature holiday event. While you’re there, don’t forget to get some free hot cocoa and don your best ugly Christmas sweater for a contest. Dec. 10

Photos with Santa 1 p.m., Central Arizona College 17945 N. Regent Drive

This four-hour all-ages event not only offers families a chance to get a free photo with Santa Claus, but they will also get their share of hot chocolate, cookies and coloring activities. Attendees will also be treated to a greeting from CAC’s K9 therapy dog, Hudson.

Where to get Santa photos this year BY MONICA D. SPENCER G et your family in the holiday spirit with a classic visit to sit on Santa’s lap and snap a pic with him. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal selfie, a pic of your pets or a special needs-

Dec. 13

Pet photos with Santa 11 a.m., Earthwise Pet

20924 N. John Wayne Parkway, Ste. D8 Our fuzzy family members shouldn’t feel left out of the holiday festivities. Let your pet know they’ve been a good boy or girl and snap a photo with Santa here. Photos are free, but they do accept human and pet food donations.

Maricopa Night Market 5 p.m., Central Arizona College 17945 N. Regent Drive

Between the vendors, petting zoo and live music, you can get a picture with Santa here as well. Just be sure to bring a new toy donation for free entrance.

InMaricopa.com | December 2025

Holiday Homes

T he 20th Annual Holiday Homes on Parade Presented by InMaricopa.com returns to spread cheer across Maricopa with bright lights and festive creativity. Following last year’s success, the 2025 contest again invites residents to compete for cash prizes, gift cards and hometown bragging rights. Sponsored by Maricopa Realtor Dayv Morgan of HomeSmart Premier, the celebration will feature an interactive map on InMaricopa.com and special “sleigh rides” from Ride 347 to tour the city’s most dazzling holiday displays. This year’s grand prize totals $500 in a festive mix of cash, gift cards and local vouchers. Last year’s contest brought festive cheer across Maricopa, Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms with 33 homes competing for top honors. Nearly 10,000 residents cast votes between Dec. 1 and Christmas morning, with Alterra residents Anamarie Sofia and Jeff McDonnell earning a whopping fifth of the popular vote for their “Santa’s Workshop” display. The McDonnells took home $300 in cash and gift cards. 20th Annual Holiday Homes on Parade Presented by InMaricopa.com

Jeff and Anamarie Sofia McDonnell pose with their son Remington in front of their Alterra home on Dec. 26, 2024. The family won the 19th Annual Holiday Homes on Parade.

TO EXPLORE THE MAP AND VOTE, SCAN THE QR CODE.

December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

Holiday Traditions

Asking Maricopa What’s your favorite holiday tradition? BY MONICA D. SPENCER W ith twinkling lights, the aroma of fresh baked cookies and jolly tunes filling the air, the holiday cheer is in full swing in Maricopa. To get into the holiday spirit, we asked some of our neighbors — and each Maricopa City Council member — what fills their holidays with joy and makes this season special.

Marcus & Judy Jefferson, 70 & 72 Province We enjoy eating and fellowshipping with family.

Luca Hernandez, 18 The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado I just enjoy spending time with family.

Joe Gomez, 33 Homestead South I like the feeling of winter and the holidays with family around, the lights and everything feeling a little bit more relaxed.

InMaricopa.com | December 2025

Maricopa City Council Councilmember Eric Goettl

Vice Mayor Henry Wade It’s pretty simple: I just enjoy spending time with my family. We all gather at my sister’s house on Christmas Eve. All the family

This special season is all about enjoying the light of our savior Jesus Christ. We enjoy looking at the lights, attending the many local concerts and recitals, spending time with family and finding ways to serve our community.

comes together; we play games and drink eggnog.

Councilmember Bob Marsh My wife and I have a holiday tradition looking back over our years together, traveling around the world. On each trip, on each adventure,

Councilmember Amber Liermann I love the tree lighting at Copper Sky. They make me think about family memories, our community celebrating the holiday and the wonder of Christmas. Councilmember Vincent Manfredi It might sound a little corny, but there’s nothing quite like Christmas morning with my family. Watching the girls and our dog Oreo under the glow of the tree

we collect an ornament or something we can turn into an ornament, and we hang them on a 5-foot-tall metal holiday tree we bought at the gift shop at Snoqualmie Falls, Wash. Some people reminisce over photos, and we do, too. But we also have ornaments that mean so much to the two of us.

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr One of my favorite holiday traditions in Maricopa is gathering with my two daughters, my friend and her daughter for a day of baking festive treats. Once our

while Tina and I snap photos is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Those moments capture everything that matters most. Mayor Nancy Smith My favorite tradition for any holiday, especially those where the city is holding an event such as Merry Copa, is to share my wonderful community with my family, especially my grandchildren.

kitchen is filled with the smell of cookies and laughter, we deliver them to our local friends, family, coaches and teachers. We love spreading cheer the old-fashioned way — singing Christmas carols as we go and celebrating the warmth of our wonderful community.

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December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

Events

DECEMBER

5 Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane

6 Merry Copa 5-8 p.m., Copper Sky Recreational Park 44345 W. Bowlin Road

6 Maricopa Amateur Radio Association 8 a.m., Maricopa Library & Cultural Center 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive Shamrock Farms Joy to the Herd 8 a.m., Shamrock Farms 40034 W. Clayton Road, Stanfield Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience 9 a.m., Villages at Rancho El Dorado Clubhouse 20991 Butterfield Parkway Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane

Copa Cultural Night Market FEB. 17

8 Christmas Pajama Potluck Party (55+) 11 a.m., Maricopa Community Center

10 Free photos with Santa 1 p.m., Central Arizona College 17945 N. Regent Drive 11 Northwest Pinal County Arizona Republican Assembly 7 p.m., Barro’s Pizza 21101 N. John Wayne Parkway 13 How to Read a Seed Packet 10 a.m., Maricopa Library & Cultural Center 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive

7 Copa Farmers Market 8:30 a.m., Central Arizona College 17945 N. Regent Drive

Merry Fitmas 9:30-11 a.m., Copper Sky Recreational Park

Northwest Pinal County Arizona Republican Assembly 7 p.m., Barros Pizza, 21101 N. John Wayne Parkway Pet photos with Santa 11 a.m., Earthwise Pet 20924 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite D8 Sugar Plum Tea 12 p.m. & 4 p.m., Maricopa High School Performing Arts Center 45138 W. Honeycutt Ave.

InMaricopa.com | December 2025

Maricopa Music Circle & Chorus: Grand Winter Holiday Concert 3 p.m., Maricopa Agricultural Center 37860 W. Smith-Enke Road $20 adults, $10 kids at the door or on BrownPapertTickets.com Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane 14 Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane 18 4th Annual Public Menorah Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m., Maricopa Library & Cultural Center 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive 20 Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane Living Nativity Maricopa 5 p.m., Community of Hope Church 45295 W. Honeycutt Ave. 21 Copa Farmers Market 8:30 a.m., Central Arizona College 17945 N. Regent Drive Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane 23 Meet Maricopa Santa 6 p.m., 44267 W. Cypress Lane

JAN. 17

Senior Info/Expo

25 Youth Flag Football Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park Youth Volleyball Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park JANUARY 17 Senior Info/Expo 26 Adult Men’s Basketball Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park Adult Women’s Basketball Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Maricopa Library & Cultural Center

Adult Softball (Men’s and Co-Ed) Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park Youth Soccer Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park 30 Keep Maricopa Beautiful Community Cleanup 8-10 a.m., Various FEBRUARY 11 State of the City 6-8 p.m., Desert Sunrise High School

21 Copa Cultural 5-8:30 p.m., Copper Sky Recreational Park

26 Youth Volleyball Registration Copper Sky Recreational Park

FEB. 11

State of the City

December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

Weekly Recurring Activities

Fitness

Ultimate Conditioning 12 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Cycle & Strength 6 p.m.. Copper Sky Fitness Center SHINE + UPLIFT 6 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Saturdays

Mondays Yoga 7:15 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Aquafit 8 a.m., Copper Sky Aquatics Center

F.a.m.ily Zumba 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center 2nd Saturday

Ultimate Conditioning 8:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center POUND Rocket Workout 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 10:45 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Yoga 11 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Ultimate Conditioning 6 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Yoga 7:15 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Wednesdays Aquafit 8 a.m., Copper Sky Aquatics Center

Cycle 6:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Aquafit 8 a.m., Copper Sky Aquatics Center Seated Zumba Toning 8:10 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Ultimate Conditioning 8:10 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center SHINE Dance Fitness 10:45 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Saturday Bootcamp 8 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center 3nd Saturday CurveCode 8:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Senior Activities Mondays Silver Sneakers Classic 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Ultimate Conditioning 12 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Cycle & Strength 6 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 6:30 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Tuesdays Power 30 5:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Ultimate Conditioning 8:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 10:45 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Chair Yoga 10:45 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

New Beginner Line Dancing 12-1 p.m., Maricopa Community Center Tuesdays Silver Sneakers Classic 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Coffee with Friends 1:30 p.m., Maricopa Community Center Wednesdays Creative Sisterhood with Stiches for Love 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Maricopa Community Center Silver Sneakers Classic 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Ultimate Conditioning 12 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Cycle 6 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Yoga 11 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Yoga 7:15 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Fridays Aquafit 8 a.m., Copper Sky Aquatics Center Ultimate Conditioning 8:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 10:45 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Cycle & Strength 6:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Zumba 6:30 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Yoga 7:30 p.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Thursdays Power 30 5:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

InMaricopa.com | December 2025

2nd and 4th Tuesday

Thursdays Fun Van supported by First Things First 9-10:30 a.m. Fun Van supported by First Things First 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Preschool Storytime 10-10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime 4-4:30 p.m.

Beginner Line Dancing 12-1 p.m., Maricopa Community Center Thursdays Silver Sneakers Classic 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center Bereavement Social Group Meeting 1-2 p.m., Maricopa Community Center Fridays Silver Sneakers Classic 9:30 a.m., Copper Sky Fitness Center

Writers Group 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays

Baby Time 9:30-10 a.m. Baby Time 10-10:30 a.m.

Baby Time 10-11 a.m.

LEGO Club 5-6 p.m. First Thursday Non-Fiction Addiction 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 4th Thursday (excl. Dec.) Novel Ideas Adult Book Club 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Last Thursday Novel Ideas Adult Book Club 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays 5UP Storytime 4-5 p.m.

Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 3:30-3:45 p.m. Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 3:45-4 p.m. Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 4-4:15 p.m. Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 4:15-4:30 p.m. Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 4:30-4:45 p.m. Tales & Tails: Read With A Therapy Dog 4:45-5 p.m.

Movie Matinee 1 p.m., Maricopa Community Center

Maricopa Library & Cultural Center Tuesdays Toddler Time 9:30-10 a.m.

Toddler Time 10-10:30 a.m.

Toddler Time 10:30-11 a.m. 1st and 3rd Tuesday

Friday Fibers 4-5:30 p.m.

Want ? Advertise your “thing to do” to every Maricopa family.

4th Wednesday (excl. Dec.) Novel Ideas Adult Book Club 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Other Friday APOP Anime for Teens 5-5:30 p.m. Every Other Saturday D&D Adventurers League 12-5 p.m. 2nd Saturday

Color Me Calm Adult Coloring 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime

Garden Gurus 10-11 a.m.

ALL EVENTS ARE TENTATIVE. NOT ALL EVENTS APPEAR IN PRINT.

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December 2025 | InMaricopa.com

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the American Medical Association have both cleared the plant of its oft-perceived reputation for being poisonous. Still, poinsettias aren’t edible — eating them can cause stomach irritation and discomfort. People sensitive to latex should handle them carefully, as the white sap that seeps from broken leaves or stems may cause mild skin irritation. It’s also mildly toxic for kids and pets. While many people treat poinsettias as disposable holiday décor, they can easily be kept alive and thriving well past the holiday season with proper care.

OINSETTIAS ARE AMONG THE most recognizable symbols of the holiday season. They’re so popular they account for about one-quarter Important updates that will help you make informed decisions - keeping you and your family safe! of all flowering potted plant sales each year. There are more than 100 varieties in a wide range of colors, though red remains the favorite. California leads the nation in poinsettia production. The plant is named for Joel Robert Poinsett, an amateur botanist from South Carolina and the first Festive favorite How to keep poinsettias vibrant all season long — and why they’re not actually poisonous The Maricopa Community Alert Network (MCAN) keeps you in the loop when it matters most. Unplanned or extended road closures Public safety activity impacting your neighborhood BY CHERYL PURVIS P

Cheryl Purvis is a Pinal County Master Gardener.

U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who introduced it to the U.S. in 1825. Native to Mexico, poinsettias naturally bloom in December as the days grow shorter. Unlike most flowering plants, we admire them not for their tiny yellow flowers but for their vibrant modified leaves, called bracts. In nature, these colorful bracts help attract pollinators to the plant’s modest central blooms. The National Poison Center in Atlanta and

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5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR POINSETTIA HEALTHY AND COLORFUL THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND 1. Give the plant 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily. 2. When buying, check the small flowers at the center of the bracts. The best plants have tight yellow, white or green buds. If you see yellow pollen, the bracts won’t stay bright for long. 3. Place the plant near a window but out of direct sun — about a foot away is ideal. Poinsettias thrive in temperatures in the 60s and can be damaged if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees. 4. Keep the soil evenly moist, but

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watering, set the plant in a sink, water thoroughly and let it drain completely. Never let it sit in standing water. 5. Poinsettias prefer a humid environment. Lightly misting the foliage can help preserve color and freshness.

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