Where to party on Christmas Eve and Christmas night in Phoenix

Think everything’s closed down on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day since it’s, you know, a holiday? Think again.

Despite what the writer Clement Clarke Moore led you to believe, some creatures will be stirring on the night before Christmas, not to mention during the holiday itself. They’ll also be in a mood to party or rock out.

While many local bars, clubs, and venues will go dark over the holidays, live music and nightlife events will be offered at spots across the Valley on both Sunday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25.

So if you're looking for somewhere to raise your spirits (or want to carouse with your weird relatives), check out the following spots that will be open or have music and nightlife events over the holiday weekend.

Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill

4747 E. Elliot Road

Merry meets Jerry during the Christmas Eve jam session by local Grateful Dead tribute act The Noodles on Sunday at Cactus Jack's in Ahwatukee. Who knows? They might even perform a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” like the Dead did back in ‘71. The start time is 5 p.m. and admission is $10 at the door.

The Loft Again

15002 N. Cave Creek Road

Local rock group Oliver Rage is scheduled to perform during The Loft Again’s annual Christmas Eve party on Sunday night starting at 8 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to wear their pajamas and ugly sweaters. Admission is free.

American Legion Post 65

1624 E. Broadway Road

Local cover band Vaughn Willis and Ear Candy will present a special Christmas Eve session of their weekly Legion Live Sundays event. DJ Outlaw, DJ T-Rell and DJ Paris Beuller will also perform. Doors are at 7 p.m. and admission is $10 for non-Legionnaires.

Kobalt

3110 N. Central Ave., #175

Feeling like singing? The folks at Kobalt will be hosting a Christmas Eve karaoke session hosted by Brad on Sunday night. The microphones go live at 8 p.m. and there’s no cover charge.

Rhythm Room

1019 E. Indian School Road

A jam session will ensue when renowned West Coast harmonica ace Billy Watson teams up with Bill Tarsha and the members of the Rocket 88s during the annual Christmas Eve Blues Spectacular on Sunday evening. Don’t be surprised if Santa stops by between houses to sit in with the band. Doors are at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door.

Giligin's

4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale

It’s safe to say the folks at off-kilter and island-themed dive bar Giligin’s get into the holidays, considering the interior and exterior are covered with thousands of festive lights and more than a dozen inflatables. They’ll also be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday during Christmas Eve and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Christmas night. Expect the usual amount of sass and debauchery from the staff.

Yucca Tap Room

29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe

Yucca regulars know the Tempe spot is open daily, including on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Such will be the case this year, as they’ll be serving beginning at 6 a.m. for the day-drinking crowd. There’s also their weekly open mic night at 8 p.m. on Monday. There’s no cover either night.

Natalie's

1520 W. Warner Road, Gilbert

Legendary local blues-rock guitarist Carvin Jones will spend Christmas night on Monday serving up riffs at this Gilbert billiards bar. His performance starts at 7 p.m.

Valley Bar

130 N. Central Ave.

DJ Pootiecat’s sessions at Valley Bar frequently feature a vibrant vibe and lively atmosphere. Expect her Christmas night DJ set on Monday in the Rose Room to be just as festive when she spins a blend of hip-hop, R&B, club hits and baile music. The jams start at 9 p.m. Admission is free, leaving you plenty of money for drinks.

George & Dragon

4240 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix's longest-running English pub will open at 7 p.m. on Monday during Christmas night. The staff aren’t aware if they’ll observe any U.K.-style traditions, such as showing the king’s speech or offering Christmas crackers. They’ll have a karaoke session, though. “You can sing Christmas songs, I guess,” one George & Dragon employee says. “That would be appropriate.”