Foothills Academy's Elementary Campus (K-6) in partnership with the Arizona Science Center and Kiwanis Club of Carefree will hold hands-on, minds-on STEAM learning activities for all ages. Free. 4720 E. Lone Mountain Rd., Cave Creek. 5-7 p.m. 480-292-9819

Kick off the holiday season with the SHOPS Gainey Village during their third annual Holiday Wine and Dine Christmas event. Enjoy acoustic music, horse and carriage rides, cookies, baked goods, coffee and hot chocolate, cookie decorating, raffles and wine tastings. Free. 5–8 p.m. 8777 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. theshopsatgaineyvillage.com

Visit Carefree’s fine art galleries, the beautiful Desert Gardens and the many great shops Carefree has to offer during the First Friday Art Walk. This month’s walk is full of holiday surprises! Free. Downtown Carefree. 4-7 p.m. carefree.org

Enjoy an opening artist reception Dec. 7, 5–8 p.m., for internationally recognized Navajo artist Alvin Yellowhorse and his museum-quality jewelry designs available through Dec. 16. Turquoise Tortoise, 431 SR 179, A3, at Hozho, Sedona. 928-282-2262; turquoisetortoisegallery.com

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch’s Center Stage Bar features some of the best live music in the Valley nearly every night. Join acoustic soul performer Obadiah Parker, who has built a strong following with strong vocals, impressive songwriting and unique, soulful style. Free. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale. 6–9:30 p.m....

Discover the lost art of hand-dipping chocolate at this class for ages 13 and up. Sponsored by CCUSD’s Education & Community Services. $150. Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Rd., Cave Creek. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 480-575-2440; ecsforall.org

The Magic Yarn Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to bring magic into the lives of children battling cancer. Join them to create a wig inspired by a Disney character that is warm and soft, providing a magical escape for these brave children. No experience is required. $60 includes lunch and supplies. RSVP....

Kids of all ages will enjoy this event starring local performer David Sharpe of Papa Hugs. Enjoy his original music as well as several holiday sing along songs. Free. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 1–2 p.m. 480-488-2286; desertfoothillslibrary.org

See Arizona's only fully operational 1,000-pound, 10-stamp ore crushing mill slam down in synchronized precision just as it did 100 years ago. This stamp mill was carried down from the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain. Free with museum admission. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek. 1:30 p.m. 480-488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

Join Gary the Singing Cowboy and Dusty, his trusty horse, for holiday caroling at Cave Creek Museum. Take photos and share cookies with Santa Claus. Free with museum admission. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek. 2–4 p.m. 480-488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org