Christmas Day is certain to be a busy time for anyone and everyone around the Valley. But once all the packages have all been unwrapped, the yule log has gone out, and the last of the eggnog has been quaffed, what's there to do? Plenty.
While most businesses will be taking the day off to allow employees to spend time with their kith and kin, a few bars and other nightlife establishments will be hosting events on Christmas night for those eager for some festive drinking and dancing fun during the most wonderful time of the year.
See also: - Seven Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Greater Phoenix
Bikini Lounge If you wind up being unsatisfied with what Santa left in your stocking and under the tree, the "Evil Elf" known as Djentrification will offer treats and gifts of the vinyl variety during the Christmas edition of his 602'sdays night at the Grand Avenue tiki dive. Rare platters and unique cuts will be dropped by the DJ and his guests over the course of the evening, as well as a variety of funk and hip-hop. The records roll at 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Sail Inn Some of the Tempe scene's favorite music acts will band together on Tuesday for a special evening of performances on Christmas night. The lineup includes the likes of Los Guys, The Persuaders, Quick Henry, Chocolate Fountain, and Sara Robinson and Midnight Special (the latter of which our sister blog Up on the Sun has described as one of the "13 Bands You Need to Hear in 2013.") The party starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $5.
Lux Central Maybe its just us, but the burly, bearded, and big-hearted Sean Watson kinda resembles Yukon Cornelius, the gruff arctic prospector from Rankin/Bass' renowned 1964 stop-motion holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. So it seems sorta appropriate that the local DJ will host the "Island of the Misfit Toys X-mas Lux Pow Wow" on Christmas night at the CenPho coffee bar. Fellow DJs Benni Beatnik, Deux Yeux, and Jared Alan will also be in the mix during the event, which also feature both special drinks, free high fives, and "kung fu dance moves." The Pow Wow begins at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Smashboxx "We will be open and partying," declares the Facebook event page for Smashboxx's Christmas Night celebration for service industry professionals (or anyone else that wants to party on X-Mas) that will take place Tuesday evening. DJ Jon Amaral is scheduled to perform and will drop plenty of Top 40 and electronic dance music hits. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Arizona Events Center Local DJ/rave promoter Matt Dunn has spent the last several holiday seasons throwing this annual Christmas night dance party Mary X-Mas at locations throughout the Valley, making it as much of a yuletide tradition as eggnog, fancily wrapped packages, and the tannenbaum. This year's event will offer just as many thrills as previous editions, featuring an array of local and visiting mixmasters, including headliner (and DMC turntablist champ) DJ Swamp. While more lights than your neighbors house illuminate multiple stages inside the Arizona Events Center, talents like Sam Groove, Reverse, C.L. McSpadden, and dozens more will spin. Gift giveaways and snowball fights are also planned. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $20.