Christmas at the Princess Brings Holiday Magic to the Arizona Desert

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Valerie Lee, Director of Public Relations Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Photography and video is available ICE SKATING, DAZZLING LIGHTS AND A MAGICAL SNOWFALL TURN FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS INTO WINTER WONDERLAND Christmas at the Princess Brings Holiday Magic to the Arizona Desert SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (September 23, 2013) Snow is in the forecast at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, as this AAA Five Diamond resort transforms into a winter wonderland in the desert during its annual Christmas at the Princess festival, November 21, 2013 January 5, The enchanting hotel will glisten with holiday splendor featuring a four-story musical tree, the Desert Ice Holiday Rink, Princess Express Train, dazzling Lagoon Lights, a magical snowfall, hot cocoa, carolers - and best of all fireside with Santa. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Grand Opening of Desert Ice Holiday Rink Thursday, November 21 The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess invites the public to its 4th Annual Christmas at the Princess Holiday Tree Lighting 6 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2013 in Princess Plaza. The evening includes entertainment by Radio Disney starting at 5:30 pm, plus carolers, complimentary sugar cookies and spiced cider on the Plaza. Following the ceremony, the Desert Ice Holiday Rink is christened with a glittery ice skating performance and then opens to all. Plus, for the first time, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will bring a magical snowfall to the resort, adding a new touch to this winter wonderland. The resort s Holiday Shoppe will have a "Sparkle event where kids dip and paint their own sparkle ornament for $5. The event also kicks-off the resort s annual Toy for Tots Drive, where guests may bring an unwrapped toy and drop it in the box near the lobby.

2 Lagoon Lights & the Princess Express Train With more than a million lights illuminating the resort s majestic lagoons, visitors can stroll through a lit fantasy land to see graceful swans floating on the water, a buccaneer pirate ship, 14-foot poinsettias, a rocking horse, toy soldiers, Santa fishing and many other whimsical displays. Throughout the resort, 75 trees will be wrapped in lights, many draped with icicles and snowflakes, along with a 10-foot lighted menorah and dreidels, the Three Wise Men and a candy cane forest. Or guests can hitch a ride on the Princess Express, an electric train sponsored by Waste Management Phoenix Open, which offers complimentary rides on Friday and Saturday nights around the lagoons to spectators of all ages. Desert Ice Skating Rink Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Desert Ice Holiday Rink, made with real ice and set in the picturesque Cactus Garden, will be open daily November 21, 2013 January 5, Skating prices for adults and children may vary according to session times. A portion of the skating proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children s Hospital. The Ice Den presents Magical Moments on Ice Guests will enjoy watching skaters of all ages from the Ice Den showcasing their talents to the sounds of the season. The shows will also feature members of the Coyotes Skating Club of Arizona who are currently competing at Regional, Sectional, National and International levels. The production is choreographed by the Ice Den Skating staff and is sanctioned by the Coyotes Skating Club of AZ and U.S. Figure Skating. Performances at the resort s Desert Ice Rink will be on the evenings of November 21 & 23; December 7, 11 & 21. More About the Four-Story Musical Tree Specially-designed for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the resort s holiday tree has 65,000 LED lights that twinkle and dance to ten holiday songs in Princess Plaza. This synchronized lighting and music show runs 6 10 p.m. nightly throughout the season, playing approximately every ten minutes. During the day, this stunning four-story tree is a visual experience, with dozens of glistening snowflakes and a five-foot snowflake tree topper. More Holiday Decor Inside the main lobby, guests can enjoy the beauty of four natural green trees, embellished with vibrant colors that capture the heritage of the Southwest. Angel statues of delicately hammered silver, wreaths, swags and candles give the lobby a warm glow. A 25-foot fiesta tree will also adorn La Hacienda Plaza near Willow Stream Spa, with music filling the air with the sounds of the season. Toys for Tots The tree lighting ceremony kicks off the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess toy drive for Toys for Tots. The resort will be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots through December 20, Local residents can pull right up to the Toys for Tots box at the front drive/porte-cochere, where a bellman is happy to assist with their donation.

3 Holiday Shoppe The Holiday Shoppe is a charming boutique that will offer wintery wear such as hats, scarves and mittens, along with seasonal décor, ornaments, blinking novelty items and gourmet chocolates. The Shoppe will also sell holiday cards designed by Phoenix Children s Hospital patients, supporting their Annual Card Project fund-raiser. Shipping is free in the U.S. for all purchases over $250 and gift wrapping is complimentary at all of the resort s retail outlets. Fireside Photos with Santa Friday and Saturday nights are spent fireside with Santa in La Hacienda Plaza, 5:30-8:30 p.m., November 29 - December 21, where the young and young-at-heart can have their photo taken with Kris Kringle for just $10, or the photo is complimentary after dining in any of the restaurants that evening, including Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, The Grill or Ironwood American Kitchen. Photos are available for immediate pick-up in the resort s adjacent Holiday Shoppe. More Holiday Activities Carolers stroll the grounds singing holiday favorites from 6 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights November 27 through Christmas Eve. A nightly menorah lighting with applesauce and latkes takes place in the resort lobby through Hanukkah, November 27 through December 5. Other holiday activities include marshmallow roasts, stocking decorating and dreidel-making for the kids at Trailblazers Family Adventure Center. Holiday resort activities for locals and hotel guests vary throughout the season. Culinary Delights The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a number of unique food and beverage experiences from Michael Mina s Bourbon Steak to La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and Ironwood American Kitchen, The Grill at the TPC, and The Plaza Bar. Each offer special holiday menus, featuring winter cocktails and wine selections, and will join together for one spectacular Christmas Day brunch. HOLIDAY VACATION PACKAGES: Christmas at the Princess Family Package Santa s elves stocked a lot of treats in this package that includes: Fairmont accommodations Second room at 50 percent discount (package inclusions for the first room only) Desert Ice skating for two adults and two children, valid for one skating session per day Four Grande beverages at the Princess Coffee Shop, including hot cocoa Family s mores package for four for use at the resort fire pits $5 donation to Phoenix Children s Hospital The Christmas at the Princess Family Package is based on availability, November 21, 2013 January 4, 2014 and prices start from $239 per room, per night.

4 Sip, Savor & Skate Package Perfect for couples, this package is perfectly romantic: Commemorative holiday ornament Two adult passes for one skating session at Desert Ice Holiday Rink per night $50 food and beverage credit per night, which can be applied to any restaurant including Michael Mina s Bourbon Steak or La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval $5 donation to Phoenix Children s Hospital The Sip, Savor & Skate Package is based on availability, November 21, 2013 January 4, 2014 and prices start from $234 per room, per night. 24-Hour Drive-Thru Spa Gift Certificates How s this for convenient? Husbands will be heroes (without leaving the comfort of their car) with 24-hour curbside pick-up of a Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa gift certificate. Fast, easy, pre-wrapped and best of all, luxurious Well & Being at Willow Stream gift orders can be placed daily from 6 a.m. 10 p.m. by telephone and the certificate can either be mailed to the recipient or picked up curbside at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 24-hours-a-day, with a minimum three-hour notice. These gift cards can be made in any dollar amount and are valid in the Community Market, which offers a wide selection of quality skincare and aromatherapy products, stylish active wear, hand-crafted jewelry, books, candles, plush robes and more. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale. For information, please call (480) , toll-free (866) or visit scottsdaleprincess.com. ABOUT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS: Set against the backdrop of Arizona s McDowell Mountains, the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess reflects its Southwestern setting with Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens. The resort features 649 oversized guest rooms, including 69 Fairmont Gold rooms and suites, five heated swimming pools, the luxurious 44,000 square-foot Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, world-class tennis center and championship golf at the adjacent TPC of Scottsdale. Dining options include Bourbon Steak, a AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse by the acclaimed Michael Mina; modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval; Ironwood American Kitchen, serving favorites for the whole family and gastro-pub fare at The Grill, with stunning views overlooking the 18th green at the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course. The Plaza Bar, a contemporary bar and lounge is the spot for cocktails in Princess Plaza. Become a fan and follow Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Join our online communities at and The resort is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale. For more information, please call (866)

5 ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS AND RESORTS: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 65 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand's distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. Fairmont balances the company s economic, environmental and social priorities and provides the framework for responsible hotel operations through the Sustainability Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call or visit fairmont.com. Become a fan of Fairmont. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and EveryonesAnOriginal.